Awesome Shit Club

Subnivean Snuff – a movie

awesomer — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:45:36 +0000

I am making a movie using "camerless animation" techniques- which basically means hand drawn on film. In 1958 the creators of the Disney documentary "White Wilderness" threw hundreds of lemmings off of a cliff in Alberta in an effort to illustrate a common but untrue myth about the animals’ natural instinct towards mass suicide. "Subnivean Snuff" is my response to this film. I will reflect the permanent consequences of the filmmakers’ actions on the animals and landscapes they filmed, by permanently altering the materials which make up the film.I will scratch, draw and dye the celluloid material. This process will transform the film into a more truthful version of itself, revealing the drastic efforts we often make in an effort to impose predetermined ideas on the natural world. I am poor, so I need money for some basic art supplies like ink, etching tools, 16mm projector rental etc. Because the film is altered it won't last for very many viewings and will eventually need be converted into a DVD format, which will cost money. It will also need some editing via computer at some point, which is expensive.

Hundred-Mile Science

awesomer — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:27:07 +0000

Hundred-Mile Science

awesomer — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:59:17 +0000

Maker Faire Needs You! (to be said with big pointy finger)

awesomer — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:56:47 +0000

The inaugural Vancouver Island Mini Maker Faire will explode onto the island on 28th-29th July 2012 at the Panorama Rec Centre. It's the greatest show (and tell) on Earth, where DIYers, crafters and creatives of all sorts will gather to share, showcase and discuss their creations. Vancouver started their Maker Faire last year and had over 5000 visitors and have moved to a larger venue this year. But why let Vancouver have all the fun? It's hard to get started but it becomes self-sustaining after the first year and we have a great venue at Panorama. So what will we use the money for? We need to get the word out, get makers to sign up, get sponsors, and get interest building! We will use the money for advertising - print posters, tickets, etc. - and to buy materials for a creative publicity campaign (e.g. Vancouver built and decorated bikes). We shall endeavour to use the money in the best way possible to make the Maker Faire a great success, but if we don't use it all, it will get invested back into the Victoria Makerspace as the Maker Faire is a fundraiser for the Makerspace. So it's a double bonus - help make the Maker Faire a success and support Makerspace at the same time! Oh and we'll give all the Awesomites an individual mention on our website in the Maker Faire 'Supporters Hall of Fame' :) Go to vi.makerfaire.ca for more information. What can you do at the Maker Faire? Build. Play. Hack. Craft. Learn. Think. Invent. Interact. Create. Make. What can you find at the Maker Faire? Electronics. Robots. Rockets. Urban Farming. DIY. Toys. Gadgets. Makerspace. 3D Printing. Art. Biology. Alternative Energy. Food. Arduino. Bicycles. Kinetic Sculpture. Design. Sewing. Lego. Lasers. Ceramics. Music. Young makers. Interactive. Workshops. DIY. CNC...and much more!

Tastebud Guides: field guides to great food

awesomer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:22:27 +0000

Tastebud Guides is about to launch in Victoria. The short-term vision is to create & promote an eBook highlighting great local restaurants. The long-term vision is to develop a database-driven publishing platform for food bloggers to monetize their existing content by releasing guides in their own regions. AWESOME #1 Collecting the information relating to each restaurant into a standardize database it can then be output into pretty much any digital format easily and consistently. AWESOME #2 Although the first guide is an overview, there is huge potential for focused niche guides like "coffee" or "poutine" or "gluten free" guides. AWESOME #3 Like that 99¢ iPhone app or the chocolate bar in the grocery store checkout line, when you see a Tastebud Guide show up next to that Frommers guide it will be hard to resist. AWESOME #4 The aesthetic of the guides will help to set them apart from the stuffy, boring guides by including cross-referenced information, fabulous food pornography and handy infographics.

Before I Die – Victoria

awesomer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:54:50 +0000

Hi there - I understand that you are low on participants for your upcoming event. I just stumbled across this today and am wondering if there is an opportunity here. We have a passionate spokesperson, although I am not sure if she's available. Our is to create a 'Before I Die' installation on the side of Citizens' Counselling Centre in the Quadra Village. Please let me know if we should go crazy this weekend preparing for your Monday event, or apply next time around. Thanks!!! Michele

Tetla Economy

awesomer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:32:02 +0000

My wife and I are offering collateralized microloans to various entrepreneurs. So far it's primarily to natives who create traditional arts and crafts and need more tools or raw materials. This is part of a larger effort to build a whole new economy from scratch. This is already underway and beginning to succeed. This new economy incorporates important principles from native traditions as well as the best ideas from modern economics. It's hard to explain in such a short space, but this project could profoundly change the world. It would be very helpful to have more funds for the microloans because we have far more applicants than funds right now. These microloans are part cash and part tetla gift certificates, so the interest rate to the borrower can be low or even zero. The cash is only needed while the tetlas are new. If this succeeds, larger and larger amounts of additional financing for all sorts of projects would be possible through advanced forms of barter without recourse to government funding or banks or even money. I know this may sound odd, but the parts that are hardest to believe are things that the multibillion dollar barter industry has already been doing for decades. There are also parallels to other projects that have been successful. More information on tetla gift certificates is available at www.tetla.org, but the microloan program and the alternate economy are not mentioned there.

Making The Scruffy Dog Barkery More Efficient

awesomer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:56:03 +0000

(Bio reads first!) We work out of our two-bedroom apartment, and fortunately, now have a standard-sized regular oven. We could really use a convection oven to bake 6 trays of cookies at once, instead of the current two. We sell our cookies in six stores as well as our market booth, but want to be able to supply more pet stores, grocery stores and even coffee shops with our cookies. With a convection oven, we would be able to reduce the baking time for one batch from five hours plus drying time, to approximately two hours baking time, plus drying time. That batch only takes two hours to make, cut out, and put on trays, but the five hours of baking, currently holds us up considerably. With your help, we could make four batches of healthy dog treats per day, instead of the current one to one and a half that we can manage now, making us far more efficient. Thank you for listening! Ursula

Society for Organic Urban Land Care Social Enterprise Study

awesomer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:42:27 +0000

I'm the new Admin Coordinator for the Society for Organic Urban Land Care. We are the developers and holders of the SOUL Organic Land Care Standard, and we certify land care professionals (landscapers, landscape architects, so on) in the application of that standard. Here's our website: http://www.organiclandcare.org Ok, I know, that sounds pretty dry and institutional. Not especially "awesome." The means may not be exciting, but SOUL has some pretty awesome goals, and, with some help, can have some awesome results. WHY From our website: "Organic Land Care is the design, construction and maintenance of landscapes according to the practices prescribed in this document. Organic Land Care excludes the commercial production of food and fiber, and focuses predominantly on ornamental and recreational landscapes, and predominantly in urban areas. Organic Land Care aims to achieve its overall landscape goals through the use of practices and products that preserve and enhance the health of complete ecosystems, and the quality of life within urban environments." I think it's pretty clear that we're due for a new way of relating to our environment. The old ways are having adverse environmental effects, and are basing our economy on shaky resources. We also feel alienated from the natural processes that keep us alive. SOUL envisions a new relationship to the land, one in which we work with natural cycles and processes to provide for human needs while strengthening our ecosystems. “Organic Land Care fundamentally differs from conventional ornamental horticulture in its underlying philosophy: to work with natural systems, rather than seeking to dominate them.” SOUL believes a standard for organic land care is an important tool in changing our relationship to the land. There is a huge and growing demand for organic food, products, and practices, but a lot of confusion as to what “organic” means. Too much so-called “organic” horticulture is simple replacement of chemical fertilizer and pesticides with non-chemical equivalents. These so-called “organic” products still kill beneficial insect, they still throw the nutrient balance out of whack, and they still use a lot of resources if applied regularly. It may be chemical-free, but it's not truly organic – it still works against nature, not with it. A standard bring certainty. A consumer knows that when they hire a SOUL Certified professional for Organic services, they know they've hired someone who will work with the natural systems in their landscape to build a healthy, thriving urban mini-ecosystem. SOUL's Organic Land Care Standard, and its certification, are unique in Canada. There is no other similar standard and certification. We believe we're in the position to draw a lot of attention to organic practices in land care. It's a big project. SOUL was founded by land care professionals, so they started with what they knew -- ornamental and recreational land care. SOUL run on an all-volunteer model for a decade, but it's time to change. I'm the first employee, and it's my job to build SOUL's ability to promote and administer the Organic Land Care Standard. WHAT Therefore, we're asking the Awesome Shit Club to fund our initial marketing materials. SOUL has many relationships and connections, and they're invaluable. But by adding a modest marketing campaign, we can expand our reach, and become a voice in the organic movement. The money you grant us may be used for the development of rack cards, business cards, media releases, a press kit, print or online advertising, and other similar materials. It maybe be used for graphic design, printing, and marketing consultations. We believe we're doing important work with a big audacious goal. I hope you agree. If you do, your help will give give us a big strong push in the direction of changing our relationship to the earth, as expressed through land care practices. Thank you for your consideration, Ryan Organic Land Care aims to achieve its overall landscape goals through the use of practices and products that preserve and enhance the health of complete ecosystems, and the quality of life within urban environments." I think it's pretty clear that we're due for a new way of relating to our environment. The old ways are having adverse environmental effects, and are basing our economy on shaky resources. We also feel alienated from the natural processes that keep us alive. SOUL envisions a new relationship to the land, one in which we work with natural cycles and processes to provide for human needs while strengthening our ecosystems. It's a big project. SOUL was founded by land care professionals, so they started with what they knew -- ornamental and recreational land care. Our next project is to firm up the organization's operations, and to review the standard for broader application and adoption.

Improving and Expanding the “Genie”!

awesomer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:14:23 +0000

I represent "Genie in a Bottle", a small "cottage" business that was started some 12 years ago, dedicated to supply locally, pure essential oils and a variety of natural products (creams, topical pain reliever, perfumes, blends...) made without the use of any type of animal product/bi-product and /or petroleum product/bi-product. Even though these products have been supplied on a very small scale, they were extremely well received. At this point in time, Genie In a Bottle" offers ~More than 80 different pure essential oils. ~8 original and unique blends offered in various forms (Perfume, Roll-Ons, Myst, Fragrantz and in Pure) ~2 "Healing" creams for damaged or dry skin (thick night creams) ~1 Topical pain relief offered in a salve, massage oil, natural alcohol base and in a pure form to accommodate every need.

Recycle Art

awesomer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:19:03 +0000

I started doing recycle art about 8 months ago. It then progressed to making upcycled dresses. I was just featured at eco-fashion week in Vancouver with Bitru Fariel. My website is www.discardedcouture.org to see portfolio Facebook page: discardedcouture Esty store: discardcouture This will give you an idea of my passion... I hope to inspire generations to consume less and find their individual style. I think window displays is the best medium for this. Thanks Jen

Documentary Photo Project of Aboriginal Language Champions

awesomer — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:35:57 +0000

er... Sorry, in my earlier submission, the idea name was cut off. Complete title is in this submission.

Documentary Photo Project of Aboriginal

awesomer — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:30:52 +0000

A documentary photo project to capture a representative elder from each of BC's 34 language-communities. The photography will mark each elder in situations that define his or her character. In addition, there will be photographic capture of the flora, fauna and settings that are important to each elder. The resulting body of work will highlight each elder's unique understanding of his or her community and way of life. My work is not done alone. In each community I will train a small group of Aboriginal youth to complete this documentary work for their respective elder. Youth will be instructed in listening, interviewing and photography skills. I will then guide them in the actual photography of their Language-elder and assist them in assembling a written and visual summary. In addition to mini-books provided to each community, there will be a large-scale volume when all 34 communities are completed. Talk, exhibits and will also be an outcome. This project is urgent. Many communities have only a few remaining elders who still retain their original language. Most are older and are in the last years of their lives. With language loss comes cultural loss and a unique understanding of the world. A loss for all of us. www.legacybyphotography.com/lang_champs www.legacybyphotography.com

ASC VII

Ernie — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:44:28 +0000

Heads up, the next round of AwesomeShit Club is on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 7pm! Fort St Cafe is welcoming us back to pack the house and put some more money into the community through funding that next grass roots idea.

Awesomites (the judges) can secure their spot with $50 before Friday, April 20 by emailing banker@aewsomeshitclub.com and letting him know when you can drop off the CASH.

Awesomers (the idea people) please email your ideas to awesomeshit@awesomeshitclub.com before Monday, April 23. They'll be reviewed by the Awesomites and the top 10 Awesomers get to present at the event for cash on the spot!

Everyone else, we need you to make this event happen! Please post to your social networks, friends, anyone you see in the next couple weeks to attend. Door is $10 to see this all happen, and be in a room full of investor types, idea types, and people like yourselves!

Sasquatch: Redefining the Finite

awesomer — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:31:19 +0000

My awesome shit is a short film a friend and colleague and I have been working on for a few months and are ready to start shooting. We need funding for an elaborate costume design, some basic equipment to add to our quiver and to help with our travel, promotion, and production costs. PLOT: A young man desperate for a professional career in conservation takes a job deep in the Pacific Rainforest searching for a rare flower in a particularly sacred and powerful place and consequently enters a higher plain of consciousness on which he encounters a Sasquatch. Malcolm Maclean, through studying the strange and gentle beast, is revealed a theory on extinction that pits his duty as a scientist against his duty as a human being. Filmed throughout locations on Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, and Haida Gwaii. Entirely 'organic' and 'grass root' film with local artists contributing to the design of the Sasquatch costume, local bands playing the soundtrack and local cast, writers, producers, cinematographers, and directors. Currently relevant to local destruction of old growth and ecologically integral areas that are rich in flora and fauna. Ultimately a film about the importance of biodiversity and the role humans play as stewards of the natural environment and the role the environment plays in shaping us as a species. Monkstump.com/projects/Sasquatch

Cowabunga Meditations Product

awesomer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:48:45 +0000

THE PRODUCT: I have created a 40 Day Meditation Journey that guides participants through the process of developing a super sweet and fun meditation practice in their life everyday through audio and video tutorials. Product URL: http://cowabungalife.com/meditation/ HOW WILL I PULL IT OFF? I already am. Since January 1st 2012 I've enrolled 75 people from 7+ different countries around the world. So far people are LOVING it. But in order for this product to reach it's FULL potential I need to rent a studio space and re-shoot, edit and launch 15 videos and also have the 10 audio meditation journeys re-mastered by an professional so the sound epically rocks. HOW WILL IT CHANGE THE WORLD? I believe that by breathing, laughing, chanting, singing and being present within ourselves we directly impact the whole world around us. Before the end of 2012 my goal is to impact 5000 people by taking them through this 40 day journey and by the end of 2013 more than 25,000 will have gone through the process...... HOW I WILL USE THE MONEY: This money will go towards renting the studio space and equipment, remastering the audio and awesome-fying this product to help all future meditators take their lives to the next level!! The budget for all this will be about $2000...so this'll REALLY help!! Thank you :-D BradiDude TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: "Thank you, thank you, thank you! This week I have been greeting each morning with the Activation Meditation which has been great." - Christie from Victoria BC "Love Vibrations are penetrating & healing my body- I've been hit with a "wrath of the intestinal fairy" and some allergies with sinus & congestion the past 2 days. This SWEET sound meditation is pure medicine." - Clay from Arizona "It feels so awesome to have 8 days of a daily practice behind me...can't wait to see what it feels like to have 40 days!! I'm enjoying the process immensely!" - Aimee from USA "I am grateful just to give myself 11 minutes a morning, but to feel this good as a result is a bonus! Just imagine if we could get everyone to start their day this way what a beautiful world it would be! Thanks for starting with one of us at a time! So much gratitude!" - Gina from Chicago "Awesome this first week of breathing with a state of awareness! I am breathing slower and deeper and my mind is quieting down because of it." - Arne from Australia "Love this 11 min quickie...It just keeps getting better, now the chakras are like balls, I am reshaping them as I wish and the most awesome part, when chanting and focusing on the chakra, I can actually feel the vibration in the chakra." - Rutger from Amsterdam

———– this is the start of ASC VII ———–

awesomer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:22:42 +0000

I'm testing the form, to see who it gets delivered to, and what the response to the user looks like.

ASC VI Finalists

awesomekris — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:59:21 +0000

Congratulations to the three finalists of Awesome Shit Club VI, Round I:

Things'll be great when we're downtown - Vanessa Pattison of http://Makerspace.ca
Self publishing, zine-making and colour print station at the Olio Cooperative - Joey MacDonald of http://oliocooperative.ca/
Mesh-Mesh Community Wifi - Liam McLachlan of http://openwifi.ca/

Don't miss the final round this Thursday at 7pm just before the documentary "Something Ventured". Tickets are still available from the Victoria Film Festival.

Final 10 for ASC VI announced

awesomekris — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:44:56 +0000

We're excited to announce the top 10 finalists for ASC VI. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. $10 to attend.

If you're not in Victoria, watch for us on our livestream channel

Mean green kinetic
Things'll be great downtown
Savoury lunches
Mesh mesh
First annual creatively
Eagle and the Frog
Convoy of Awesome
Self Publishing
Inspiring wonder

Thanks to all those that submitted. You're all awesome

100-mile Science

awesomer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:25:00 +0000

I want to launch a regular webcast about local science. I call it 100-mile Science. By creating upbeat and informal segments that explore nearby research and the ‘why’ of natural occurrences, I aim to stir viewers’ senses of wonder and curiosity and encourage them to join in DIY science projects. The series will foster science literacy, an informed public, and a healthy can-do attitude about venturing into the unknown. Plus, I just want to share how fun and useful science can be. Like how the 100-mile diet turned attention to local food production and inspired people to try it themselves, 100-mile Science will cover local knowledge production and inspire people to explore it—and even get their hands and kitchen floors dirty in trying projects at home. The scope is massive: Greater Victoria has the University of Victoria, the Royal BC Museum, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, an aquarium, a forestry lab, and lots of wineries and breweries to learn about the science and craft of, let’s face it, a major part of the economy. We’ve got earthquakes, storms, wacky urban ecology (major players are rabbits, hawks, raccoons, deer and cougar), and dead whales washing up. Accordingly, segments vary tremendously. Stories will explore cadmium levels in local oysters, how to tell the age of clams, what’s in a giant kelp ball that washes ashore after a storm, and why we saw the recent lunar eclipse but other parts of the world couldn’t. There will be a section of ongoing projects, too, such as a family-friendly DIY project of burying orange peels, eggshells, and a biodegradable fork in the compost and checking every month to see how their rotting is coming along. A section profiling local scientists will show the younger viewers that scientists are regular people and the remarkable breadth of scientific inquiry. The neat thing is that 100-mile Science is scalable. Anyone can create their own node, leading to a network of inquisitive folk turning their attention locally. People all over North America tried 100-mile diets, where they learned about the strengths and constraints of nearby food production and connected to local farmers. Now, 100-mile Science will let viewers learn what’s happening in their region and give them a means to explore it meaningfully themselves. I need to hone a few tools to do this. I’m asking for a financial boost to get this off the ground. Costs will cover memberships to local organizations that offer inexpensive access to quality video production equipment and expertise, skill-building workshops and courses, and other tools to make this a spectacular project. I intend to have the site running beautifully smoothly after an intensive course on science communication this summer, so by October 1 I will be able to show you a functioning website with articles and videos about great science in this great neck of the woods.

Self Made Celebrity

awesomer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:19:54 +0000

Once upon a time, in the quaint Distillery District of Toronto, a struggling actress by the name of Lisa wondered into an art gallery one day and as a beam of white light appeared before her, she stubled upon "An astonishgly brilliant work of art." An original creation that she had never seen, stood before her; like a handsome prince atop a white horse, during a beautiful sunrise. As overwhelmed with joy as she was, she contacted the artist and they decided to meet the next day. After much discussion, they concluded that with a little perserverance and the assistance of the ASC, a self made celebrity would be born! As an awesomer, my idea is to have a masterpiece created from scratch, specifically for me. The dress will be showcased at the 85th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California for the world to see. With millions upon millions of viewers, my life has changed from struggling Toronto actress to brand new "Hollywood Starlet". Can you say PUBLICITY? YES! Dreams really can come true.

Self made movie star

awesomer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:36:26 +0000

Once upon a time, a struggling artiste by the name of Lisa finds her way into an art gallery that will forever change her life... And like a beam of white light appearing before her, she is introduced to a splendid work of art. Seconds later, she is on the telephone with the artist who created this mastrpiece and the reality of a dream come true is at it's ultimate peak. Could this be the break I have been longing for? YES! As an awesomer, I plan to assit the artist in crafting an exclusive masterpiece tailored to me specifically, so I may be a self made celebrity at the 85th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California. I'll receive an abundance of publicity, as I am the only individual in the entire universe who will be wearing said dress. Acting as a celebrity reporter for the event, I will be approaching A-List celebrities; showcasing this one of a kind garment. "All this attention has changed me from an average struggling actress, to a brand new Hollywood Starlet".

New Asian Museum at the Lou Poy Site in Chinatown

awesomer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:07:56 +0000

Importance of Tourism to Victoria - Community too reliant on public sector for jobs and spending - Tourism is the largest private sector employer - Lost tourist attractions in last two decades include Crystal Gardens, Fable Cottage, SeaLand, Wax Museum, Classic Car Museum, Ann Hathaway Cottage - Tourist attractions Under potential stress include whale watching, Maritime Museum,Chinatown,and Antique Row - Victoria tourism is too reliant on Butchart Gardens - Victoria lacks of a second, really significant attraction - The five year outlook for tourism to Victoria is not strong due to the economic problems in the rest of North America and OECD countries Potential Growth of Tourism from China - Canada now has China-approved travel status - There will be a huge Chinese tourist surge - Victoria needs to plan appropriately and sufficiently so it obtains its maximum share - Done properly, a new Asian Museum, with heavy emphasis on the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's Chinese collection, could draw huge numbers of Chinese (as well as other Asian) tourists THE ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA'S (AGGV) ASIAN COLLECTION - It is a hidden jewel and something Victorians should be proud of - it ranks first or second in Canada, depending upon the type of object - It ranks very high in North America - The world should see this collection LARGE DEVELOPMENT SITES IN OR CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN VICTORIA - There are few remaining large sites available - Large sites rarely come on the market - When a large site comes on the marekt there is strong competition for it WHY THE LOU POY SITE IS EXCITING FOR A NEW ASIAN MUSEUM - Size - Linkage to the people in Chinatown - Within walking distance of downtown - Potential to make Chinatown a stronger tourist attraction ADVANTAGES OF BUYING THE LOU POY SITE - Starts the AGGV toward building a new Asian Museum - Purchasing the land now eliminates now that future fund-raising requirement - Demonstrates AGGV’s seriousness when seeking building funding - AGGV no longer dependent upon the willingness of a developer to provide sufficient space - Allows the AGGV to dictate the amount of space it needs and wants - The purchased land becomes a tradable asset should a better opportunity come available in the future - The AGGV could potentially realize a better financial return than investing Its surplus funds at the Victoria Foundation in other financial assets FUND RAISING TO BUY THE LOU POY SITE -The AGGV Needs Confirmation from Tourism Victoria that the Concept of a New Asian Museum Would Have -- A Dramatic Impact on Victoria Tourism - $7.75 Million is NOT an insurmountable amount - Barry Till’s current exhibit is a perfect sales tool to convince potential donors NEW ASIAN MUSEUM BUILDING ON THE LOU POY SITE - The AGGV would no longer need to think small -Lots of building options suddenly become open to the AGGV -Capital costs will vary widely depending upon final development design chosen - Wide Variety of potential partners if any site development density is not required by AGGV - A new Asian Museum could lead to more significant Asian art donations FUNDING FOR A NEW ASIAN MUSEUM BUILDING ON THE LOU POY SITE - Challenging - It could take 3 to 5 years to raise the necessary financing for the building - Sources of funding for the building could include local people and organizations (e.g., Victoria Foundation) , the Provincial Government, the Federal Government, wealthy Chinese in China looking to immigrate, major Chinese art collectors, other Asian collectors, etc. SUMMARY Purchasing the Lou Poy Site is: - A interesting challenge - A huge opportunity to excite AGGV’s management, Board, staff and membership - An opportunity to put AGGV on the world museum map - A chance to make a huge difference to tourism in Victoria - The AGGV needs to move quickly and decisively. - Strong encouragement from Victoria citizens can kick start this exciting project - Please contact Jon Tupper, Director of the AGGV, and tell him know that you support this idea.

Tree Husbandry Homes

awesomer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:47:07 +0000

I'm promoting the concept of forming living tree canopies into inhabitable spaces for humans using tree husbandry and pruning techniques. The goal is to promote patience and forsight in intimacy with the environment, cultivating elightenment. Trees interweave in any shape a human could want, and gardens can hang down from their tops, so that the forest floors could be free for wildlife and freeflowing creeks again. What I thought to do is make a movie about getting this project started, and the accompanying intelligence that goes along with realising this dream or 'fantasy'. I have some lands availiable to use for this looong term project, but the funds would be mostly used for buying the trees and getting the documentary made professionally, as well as promoting it later. This could be the beginning of a great return to Eden that so many have been longing for. I have some more great photos that prove the concept, but I will have to send more later or save them for the presentation since I'm not sending this application for my home computer.

ASC VI – Venturing in… to something awesome.

awesomekris — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:59:45 +0000

We're excited to announced partnering with our friends at the Victoria Film Festival as well as Tectoria, for this exciting 2 round version of ASC, where we're going to give away over $3,500 cash!

Instead of our regular single event at the Fort Street Cafe, instead of picking one winner, this time we'll be picking the top three finalists on Feb 6th. These finalists will move to round II at the Odeon Theatre II for the showing of the documentary "Something Ventured" on Feb 9th. All awesomites will be provided entry into the documentary as well, no extra charge!

Before the showing, our three finalists will present and the entire audience will vote for the winner! At the end of the show, we will announce the winner and provide them with over $3,500!

STORM SURGE: Stories of Resiliency and Recovery

Ernie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:26:19 +0000

Email: stacy.noland@gmail.com Phone number: 425-830-4083 Your Location: Seattle/Victoria Company or Affiliation: STORM SURGE The Movie is a Moontown Foundation Project Website: STORM SURGE THE MOVIE ( http://stormsurgeproject.wordpress.com/ ) Other contact info: 206-201-2314 Your Awesome Shit: STORM SURGE is a documentary film that follows a serial entrepreneur, a social media maven, and a team of college students from Seattle and Victoria, BC as they travel on a 35-day expedition to discover how the residents of Joplin, Missouri, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the Greater New Orleans Area are rebuilding their lives and communities after a chain of disasters negatively impact them, killing hundreds and destroying billions of dollars in infrastructure, homes and businesses. Armed with video cameras, laptops, and a robust sense of hope and optimism, the STORM SURGE Team uses Facebook and Twitter to connect with people whose lives have been ripped apart by tornadoes, hurricanes, oil spills and an economic depression. Contrary to the title, STORM SURGE is a not a disaster story, but a film that celebrates the emerging wave of environmental stewardship and social and economic sustainability that is sweeping through the region. It is a compelling and relevant film that illustrates how SOLUTIONS used to accelerate disaster recovery can also solve long-standing social, economic and environmental stewardship issues. Bio: Stacy Noland is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years experience developing innovative programs and solutions that promote environmental, social and economic sustainability. In 2006, he launched the Moontown Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates experiential education and leadership development opportunities for youth and young adults. The goal of Moontown is to work with its participants to incubate promising social innovations which are in turn spun out as for-profit enterprises if there are replicable, scalable and profitable business model driving the solution. Prior to launching Moontown, Stacy spent 15 years working in the information communication technology sector, serving in strategic marketing, project management, business development roles for leading media and software companies. He sits on the board of directors for the Northwest Energy Coalition, Washington Lawyers for Sustainability, and is an advisor for the Urban Enterprise Center, Next 50 Seattle, and EnviroSpeak.tv. He holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Montevallo and the University of Washington. Anything else you think we should know: My good friend Nicole Sorochan advised me to apply to the Awesome Shit Club because my shit is awesome and she thinks my shit is a good fit for the Club.

Ross Bay Villa could really use an Awesome Oilcloth!

Ernie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:20:19 +0000

Email: klpreston@telus.net Phone number: (250) 634-2524 Your Location: Victoria - Fairfield Company or Affiliation: Ross Bay Villa Restoration Project - a TLC The Land Conservancy of BC heritage property Website: about the Oilcloth Project... http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2011/09/mark-your-name-in-history-tlc’s-oilcloth-project/ Other contact info: presenters - Lisa Preston and Angie Pass Your Awesome Shit: Ross Bay Villa, one of the oldest homes in Victoria, sits tucked away on Fairfield Road across from the Ross Bay cemetery - a beautiful Gothic Revival style house from the 1860’s, with an intriguing history. A group of dedicated volunteers has been working to restore Ross Bay Villa to its original charm since TLC saved it from demolition in 1999. The newest project involves creating a 13’ x 7’ handcrafted oilcloth for the front entrance hall. The oilcloth is based on an actual 1860’s oilcloth design and boasts six colours and intricate patterns. Simone Vogel-Horridge, an expert in art conservation and restoration, leads the oilcloth project with the utmost care. Researching the 1860’s era and the history of the original family of Ross Bay Villa has been crucial for designing an appropriate piece. The manufacturing of the oilcloth involves several extensive processes including: silk screening, stencilling, graining, and painting details by hand. We estimate that $500 will be required to purchase all the necessary paint and materials to complete the oilcloth. We are off to a great start and have secured a donated workspace and volunteers are at the ready but are short of funds to complete this project. Your Bio: Lisa Preston is one of the p/t Site Operations team at St. Ann's Academy (a National Historic Site) and has a background in Interior Design. She has been volunteering on the Ross Bay Villa restoration project since 2006 and can be found at Gonzales Observatory and the Villa on most Saturdays willfully neglecting unfinished renovation work on her own home. Angelica Pass is a Project Officer for TLC's Craigflower and Ross Bay Villa heritage properties and is currently writing her Masters thesis on Latin satire. There have been over a hundred volunteers who have spent thousands of hours over the last 10 years on research and restoration of the Villa. Our current core group of volunteers comprises: students, public servants, historians, conservators, homemakers, gardeners, carpenters, and many others passionate about keeping the past alive. Anything else you think we should know: more about Ross Bay Villa here... http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/properties/vancouver-island-region/ross-bay-villa/ thanks! Lisa Preston

Ministry Of Casual Living – Down Town INVASION!

Ernie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:16:20 +0000

e-mail: ministryofcasualliving@gmail.com Phone: 250 886 4506 Location: 768 Yates street (Odeon Alley/ white bird window), 625 Johnson Street – Games Workshop Window, 1407 Douglas Street –Decade Clothing window. Company Affiliation: Ministry Of Casual Living Awesome shit: The Ministry Of Casual Living is going threw transitions as a gallery space and needs monetary support. We have recently changed locations and gallery formats from a gallery front in Fernwood – to decentralized storefront windows around Victoria. We need funds to refurbish these windows (lights, paint, vinyl letters, ext) as well as to invest in a Film Booth that will play experimental art video’s down town Victoria 24/7 (TV screen, DVD player and sound system needed) Additional funds will be needed for promotions, posters, and developing a market strategy that includes the production of Ministry Of Casual Living t-shirts, stickers, and zines. This project aims to reinvigorate down town public space with accessible art to the masses. It also functions as spaces for establishing artists and young curators to work together and fine tune their skills – with an opportunity to exhibit their work. Shows will be 1 or 2 weeks long and spread between three window fronts in close proximity. Openings for the work will be held on Fridays – this will create a small circuit between each of the windows for people to go on a tour. Further projects include beach art shows and the development of OFF THE GRID art Crawl 2012 (The sixth annual Victoria based art show and open house – including more then 28 local galleries) Bio: The Ministry Of Casual Living is a non-profit artist run center established in 2002. It has been a local oddity and social space where art and ideas merge and can be exhibited. We have a mandate to show weekly shows – which creates a high turn over of art and ideas within the space. We predominately cater to developing artists – many of whom show at the Ministry as there first “gallery show”. It is a safe zone for experimental works that push the limits of contemporary art and culture. The Ministry has recently taken on larger community roles such as the organization and direction of Off The Grid Arty Crawl 2011 in Victoria BC. This is Victoria’s main Visual arts event of the year and hosts a growing number of commercial and non-profit gallery’s as well as public works and art displays. This year we had 26 gallery’s participate – which is growing year by year. ( http://www.offthegridart.ca/ ). Attached is references and press… http://mondaymag.com/articles/entry/closing-of-two-fernwood-galleries-opens-up-new-possibilities/ http://whitehotmagazine.com/articles/march-2009-ministry-casual-living/1796 Thank You For Your Consideration Aubrey Burke -- Ministry of Casual Living 1442 Haultain Victoria BC V8R2J9 ministryofcasualliving.ca

Organized Good (Gen Why)

Ernie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:15:51 +0000

Email: frayher@me.com Phone number: 778 861 7374 Your Location: Gastown, Vancouver Company or Affiliation: Gen Why Media Website: www.genwhymedia.ca Other contact info: tara@genwhymedia.ca (Tara Mahoney) Your Awesome Shit: see attachment Fiona Rayher, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Gen Why Media ( http://www.genwhymedia.ca/ ), is inspired by democracy through collaborative and community based media. Gen Why Media is a progressive media, documentary film and events production company. The Gen Why Media Project ( http://genwhymediaproject.com/ ) is an interdisciplinary creative endeavor that uses media, dialogue, art, workshops and events in public space to tactically engage young people in new forms of civic participation. Our aim is to adjust, annotate, and re-imagine the potential for community engagement in the post-industrial urban landscape. The project (and production company) is based in the hypothesis that forming community networks around creative collaboration will generate a willingness among young people to become more involved in shaping the fabric and direction of their city, province, country and planet. Inspired by the pessimism that plagues mainstream media, Fiona and her colleague, Tara Mahoney, aspire to use media as a positive cultural unifier. They are determined to engage their generation in peer-production in order to build a narrative that is illustrative of the amazing and underrepresented zeitgeist of global youth culture. Fiona is also very involved with TEDx events - once a speaker at TEDxVancouver & TEDxMileZero, and once a core organizer of TEDxGeorgiaStrait - which focused on new energy technologies. In addition, she sits on the advisory committee for Fresh Media, an organization that re-imagines media and journalism in Canada. She loves being on the organizing team for Remixology events - and overall collaboration with Open Media. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications from Simon Fraser University, Fiona has been involved with social justice activism for several years - working in orphanages in Mexico City and living with communities affected by Canadian Mining Companies in Guatemala. She has also studied at Focal Point Photography School and Pull Focus Documentary Film School. Most recently, Fiona has worked with Development and Peace (CCODP) in Toronto and the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) in Vancouver. She has made three documentaries and hopes to pursue new media production as a means to create community and positive changes in the world today. She is currently working on a documentary called Fractured Land, a film about the natural gas industry in northern BC, following the life of a First Nations law student.

Introducing… The World’s First Psychedelic Talk Opera

Ernie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:10:16 +0000

Email: vegabard@gmail.com Phone number: 250.475.0477 (work) Your Location: Victoria, B.C. Company or Affiliation: 2 Dope Boys in a Cadillac / Achievers Agency Website: http://johnnymacrae.com/2-dope-boys-in-a-cadillac/ Other contact info: Twitter: @avecigrec / Facebook: Shayne Avec I Grec Your Awesome Shit: The Anthropocalypse is Nigh... and 2 Dope Boys in a Cadillac are out to spread the word in the form of what we understand to be the world's first psychedelic talk opera – blending together elements of improv, theatre and spoken word to create a dynamic interactive experience for the advertised End Times. Presented from a patented mix of clinical observations, half truths and semi-fictions, The Anthropocalypse will tell of humanity's wildly destructive tendencies seen through the eyes of two young men who've only just begun to experience it, having been forced to flee their idyllic rural community in British Columbia's fabled Cadillac Mountains – from which they still carry armloads of hope and compassion. The Anthropocalypse is a 60-minute show drawing from 120 minutes of material, allowing the show to maintain a live performance dynamic, while still fitting into the structure set forth by the theatrical narrative – creating an ever-evolving show that works with its audience to reach a collective endpoint – climaxing with feelings of community and hope. Material for The Anthropocalypse will be complete by spring of 2012, allowing for a summer of workshopping, and a debut at the 2012 Victoria Fringe Festival. Your Bio: I am a spoken word performer and community arts organizer who has lived in Victoria for the past seven years and have worked extensively within the poetry and music communities. In addition to multiple local performances and national tours I've been an independent promoter ( pedestrian ! productions / Achievers Agency ), a venue booking agent ( solstice café ), an artistic director ( Tongues of Fire / Solstice Festival for the Folk ), a vice-chair of Spoken Word Canada (SPOCAN), a member of the 2005 Victoria Poetry Slam Team, and the coach of the 2007 Victoria Poetry Slam Team. Since attending the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre in spring of 2010, I have been working closely with Vancouver-based poet Johnny MacRae, as 2 Dope Boys in a Cadillac, toward our shared vision of creating the world's first psychedelic talk opera. In the past year, we've toured a preview show, called The Anthropocalypse is Nigh... (Prelude to a Psychedelic Talk Opera) , across Canada and select U.S. locations – a show which has provided the backbone to a more fully envisioned finished product. Anything else you think we should know: Our present operational budget to see The Anthropocalypse onstage at the 2012 Victoria Fringe Festival is approximately $1800, which breaks down as follows:

$550 – Application fee for Victoria Fringe Festival
$750 – Accommodations for a 10-day writing retreat on Mayne Island
$300 – Print promotion for The Anthropocalypse during it's run at the Victoria Fringe Festival
$200 – Website registration and creation

At present we have $500 earmarked toward our application fee to ensure our entrance in next year's Fringe, while the writing retreat on Mayne Island should prove a critical junction in the project's creation, as we both presently live in different cities. The ability to hold 10 days of intensive creation and rehearsal time on an island located in the geographic centre between us will facilitate the fullest potential of the show being actualized as early as possible, which in turn will allow us to workshop it toward being one of the most memorable poetic/theatrical experiences the audience will have experienced. Print promotion for the show will begin in late spring, or early summer, through the dissemination of collectable informational cards featuring characters and other aspects of the play. These cards will feature a full-bleed photo or art piece on the front, with information and poetry excerpts specific to that card on the back – as well as a link to the website (being built over the spring), which will feature further information, video and art relevant to The Anthropocalypse . Any profits made during the show's debut run will be directly put back into the show, seeding our finances to tour the show through the North American Fringe circuit in 2013 – less our buy-in to be judges during a future Awesome Shit Club session.