Friday, April 23, 2010

$500 Feels GOOD to Give Away!



MORE CONTEST WINNERS

I have been running a couple of contests with Darkhorse Athletics and Boarwalk Men's Wear and gave away a total of $500. today in clothing! I want to thank the local Sunshine Coast businesses who generously provided the prizes for my facebook friends, everyone who participated, posted the contests to their profiles, and of course the winners too!

The contests are not only fun for my facebook friends and kewl prizes but they also help out local businesses by creating a social network buzz and increasing their facebook fan page base.

I have just recently started Duane's Mother of A Contest to give away 15 prizes from local businesses ranging from massages to prime rib dinners on May 9th!


Please contact me if you have a prize contest idea!

Christina Foster, Manager of Darkhorse Athletics said "Thank you Duane for making our contest and everyone's contest a huge success! We really appreciate all your hard work. and Congrats to all the winners! hugs :)"

Jill-Marie Wilson, one of our big winners said "Wowwza! That is so exciting! Thanks so much for making things a little brighter one day at atime Duane, you rock! And thanks also to your wondeful sponsors, they are great! This is sooo cool! It will be a fabulous Father's Day giftie!"

Penny Berdahl said "Thank you ! Thank you Duane ..Thats awesome!!! My son is going to love this :) Big Hugssssssss... I bet your Momma is very proud of the wonderful Son she has 2 in you Duane....I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful Son ... I Have been blessed :) Big Hugsssss my friend :) & God Bless!


AND THE WINNERS ARE:

WIN $200 from Darkhorse Athletics "fight" wear in Gibsons!

We had a draw every Friday with escalating amounts plus if you posted the contest to your profile you could win an extra $50 prize.

$25 <>> Fri, April 9th
$50 <>> Fri, April 16th
$75 <>> Fri, April 23rd, 2010


WINNERS! Congrats Brynn Moss wins a $75 gift card and Ecko Aleck wins the bonus $50 prize for posting contest to her profile. Previous Winners were Allyscia Reimer $50. & Marcy Solis de Ovando $25. THANK YOU everyone and best wishes from Darkhorse Athletics in Molly's Lane and Duane Burnett.


DARKHORSE ATHLETICS is the #1 place to shop for fight apparel.

Darkhorse has the Biggest selection on the Sunshine Coast!
Silver Star, TapouT, Hostility, Cage Fighter, Kill-It, Jaco, Dethrone, Punishment, Tokyo Five, Warrior, UFC. Mens and Womens shirts, hoodies, shorts and more.

+ JOIN Darkhorse Athletic's FAN page at Molly's Lane in Gibsons, BC
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Darkhorse-Athletics/379740313297




WIN $300 at Boardwalk Men's Wear in Sechelt.
Boardwalk and Duane Burnett gave away a $200. gift card PLUS 2 additional random $50 gift cards just for posting the contest to their facebook profiles.

CONGRATS! $200 Winner is Jill-Marie Wilson; $50 Winner is Jeremy Gray & Penny Berdahl. Thank you everone on behalf of the fabulous BOARDWALK clothing store in Trail Bay Mall and Duane Burnett.

Boardwalk fb FAN page
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Sechelt-BC/BOARDWALK/189680016517?ref=ts


Thank you so much to Darkhorse Athletics and Boardwalk for adding some fun to facebook for all of us and congrats to all our amazing winners! Thank you everyone who participated.

Congrats to all our winners. Hope everyone enjoyed the contests and had fun. We have some amazing local businesses who made this possible, and helped make facebook a little bit more fun for all of us!

Best Wishes. Support your local businesses and shop local.


+ JOIN Duane Burnett's fb PROFILE
Duane is hubbing and blogging Sunshine Coast News, Events, and Contests.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=570266071


Duane Burnett fb FAN page
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts


PHOTOS/STORY/CONTEST (C) Duane Burnett http://www.duaneburnett.com

Check out Duane's Blogspot at
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com

It's Always a Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Peace and Best Wishes! Duane

+

Bullycide! Suicide by Bullying!



SUICIDE BY BULLYING

Seems bullying and depression are 2 common factors throughout my life. So I went crazy promoting Pink Shirt Anti-bullying Day on the Sunshine Coast this year. One young man sent me a note not to "harass" him about pink shirt day next year!

Maybe I got a little to exuberant? We did have almost 600 people join the event page I created on facebook though and the local newspapers and businesses picked up on press releases I sent expressing the important of promoting tolerance and kindness. Just the other night a couple of drunk teen boys chatted with me on facebook using some pretty cruel and threatening comments.

When I saw the post and video about Bullycide it struck a nerve so I shared it with my facebook friends. I am still struggling with years of an emotional abusive bullying relationship, and worse, how many people still stand by the bully!

Secretly I have been feeling that at least one of them will have an EXCLUSIVE headline that their actions killed Duane.

Here is the text, comments and posts from the facebook conversation:

Duane Burnett
Suicide by bullying. Pink Shirt Day Anti-Bullying Sunshine Coast, BC
I know these kids pain. I have lost decades of my life from severe depression caused by bullying in school, from my former employer, the work place, society and here on facebook too. "Studies show that youth who are bullied are five times more likely to be depressed and to report suicidal thoughts. LGBT children and those who are perceived to be gay, lesbian or challenge traditional gender roles are among those most
likely to be targeted by bullies. In this look at the most tragic outcome for kids tormented by kids, we meet heartbroken families fighting for federal legislation to protect their children."

SEE VIDEO from In The Life >>
http://www.inthelifetv.org/html/episodes/99.html
"Studies show that youth who are bullied are five times more likely to be depressed and to report suicidal thoughts. LGBT children and those who are perceived to be gay, lesbian or challenge traditional gender roles are among those most likely to be targeted by bullies. In this look at the most tragic outcome for kids tormented by kids, we meet heartbroken families fighting for federal legislation to protect their children."


11 "likes" 22 Comments

Ian MacLeod
thanks for posting Duane.

Kristina Civitarese
i don't even understand bullying - who are these kids' parents? what are we teaching our kids? how sad!!

Duane Burnett
If you watch MuchMusic for example, they have entire shows based solely on trashing people. A fine example of gladiator entertainment 4 the kids.

Christina Foster
That is one of the reasons why I dont watch tv anymore! Its complete trash!!

Joy Thomson
Don't watch shows like Springer or Maury and a host of other ones like them 'cause they are toxic.

Ian MacLeod
bullies and abusers - both usually have had it done to them - bravo to those that 'break the chain'.

Melanie Rose
you are awsome Duane...I love how you have turned your past into the present...in a good way! Using your voice helps everyone! xo

Julia Hill
Huge percentage of abusers are people in our communities in positions of authority and trust which makes the victim more vulnerable and un-believed. These bullies are actually showing future perpetrators the "how-to's" of bullying. A terrible vicious circle.

Cheryl McNevin Baron
Now who would want to bully you? Lucky for them I wasn't around....

Darlene L Nelson
well I was bully by kids in school and I know what it feel like to be bully kids in Schools I think it should be stop mean kids to bully more kids in School and it is not right for bully kids in School at all

PinkSaphire BlackDiamond
I was bullied in school... :/

Terri Bissett-Page
here here baby...

Heather DorΓ©
It often starts in the schoolyard, then once your self-confidence is totally stripped, it enters your relationships, then as an adult, you find it, once again in the workplace ...only the victims understand how devastating bullying truly is to all aspects of your life.
It makes me sick thinking about the lack of parenting and discipline - what kind... See More of parents could possibly breed such hatred ?
You can forgive, but you never forget the taunting words, the insults, the physical abuse ... and you feel as though you may never look in the mirror in your whole life and like what you see. People may compliment you, but you can't believe them - it's very sad.

Duane Burnett
thanks for everyone's comments. just the other night a few drunk teen boys took some cruel verbal swipes at me on fb. The years of bullying and emotional abuse just seems to make me more compassionate, more forgiving, giving, caring, and understanding of people and to see through to their hearts and past their ego's. But I can't lie that my days ... See Moreare often filled with depression that I try to fill with the light of the universe and balance through helping the community and being of service and purpose. Wishing all of you Love, Peace, Joy and Abundance in every moment of your being.

PinkSaphire BlackDiamond
Duane, you're both sweet and strong for sharing your own personal experiences.


Marcy Solis de Ovando
True that!
Bullying is a curse handed down by broken people to breaking people. I suffered much bullying at the hands of my brother and cousin in a Latin country where boys could do no wrong, till this day there's been no apology or even acknowledgment of any of it... It was terrible and took a lot of work on my behalf to get over it and learn from... See More it but that process has made me all the things you mention above Duane and much more. I don't wish it on anyone but in the end it's sad but true to say that in my case it turned out to be a gift in knowledge and strength.

Carole Sauve
Wow! All this info is quite impressive to me. I used to be bullied in elementary school (Gr. 1 to be in fact) by my husband's cousin. Nowadays, it's way worse than in those days. I've had one of my kids being bulllied throughout school both elementary and secondary. My child used to be bullied by people who were being bullied. In August, ... See More1999, he attended this retreat on Gambier Island that helped him a lot. He would tell me that the kids weren't bulllying him anymore, they were just bugging him. After they were gone to university and away from home, I started studying why young people act the way they act and it gave me a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem. What we need to do is to build up self-esteem in the victims of bullying so it could hopefully stop the bullying. Would be great if we could start a pilot project that would help those young people since the parents don't know what to do to help them. There is so much information in this world that can really help them, but most people are unaware. I love this kind of stuff. How would you feel if we can save those youngsters? Are they worth our attention? Frankly, they are the people of tomorrow who will be taking care of us when we're seniors. Let me know what you think. Take care, love you's all. ♥

Allen Snowdon
The sad truth is that "bullies" are themselves driven by fear.

Marcy Solis de Ovando
Education is the answer for sure.

Marianthi Cassidy
Education must sometimes be in the form of TOUGH punishment. Those that drive others to despair should be made accountable for it and the message of never-do-it-again has to be driven deep.

Rob Thomson
More than just education is needed. The message is only as effective as is the reception.We need a societal overhaul to eliminate gender prejudice in any form.

Marcy Solis de Ovando
Practiced education.

Sandy Sjollema
very important issues raised here....people who are mean and degrading are seen as "cool" somehow in the popular culture....bullies have a way of persuading others to side with them... and other people who witness bullying don't interfere because they want to protect themselves....

Rob Thomson
Duane - exuberance is you. Keep it so my friend.

Tom Talarico
a good read! thanks for sharing!

Jill-Marie Wilson
If everyone stayed silent then how would anything change? We have a problem right here in regards to this very issue, many of the kids you support have suffered at the hands of others... staying silent is only a way for people to turn their backs and pretend it isn't happening. SPEAK OUT AND SPEAK UP, don't ever let anyone make you feel like you shouldn't stand up for what is right Duane. You are an angel... keep your wings spread!


Terra Daniels
My daughter is bullied everyday and it breaks my heart. We have been left feeling like we don't have support in the schools even though we have had countless meetings with them. What can we do? It is a major issue here on the coast, seemingly more so than anywhere else we have lived. It's so frustrating to feel like we do.

Jill-Marie Wilson
People have no idea how true this is and how close to home it happens...

Christine Moore
At least he is now aware of pink shirt day!I think you do a great job!!!Thanks!

Jill-Marie Wilson
I am with you all the way Terra... been there and I agree, there is no support, even with all of the so-called 'no bulling' policies they say they have in place. It is all crap and they turn a blind eye for some stupid reason. I feel like I am supposed to start some sort of coalition of some kind...

Alicia Chandler
What a great idea! Bullying hurts so many people, it really frustrates me when parents encourage their kids to bully others!

Feral Sage
People are bullied for so many different reasons. Any difference can make you a target. I was bullied in school, oddly because I had different idea about how the world should be. Because I started reading when I was three years old and was reading books with "big ideas" at a very early age, I perceived the world differently than most other people ... See Morein school, and even than my teachers. (I had a bigger vocabulary than most of them, and loved the power of words to convey complex and nuanced ideas.) In grade eight, a girl started bullying me. It started with "little" things, like throwing my gym clothes out the window. It hurt a lot to be targeted, but I couldn't change who I was. I didn't hate her, and couldn't understand why she hated me

The following year I went to another school in my city, and had a pretty good year. Then, when I was 14, I went to a private school in a neighbouring city. Later in the year, that same girl was sent there because of what school administrators termed "adjustment problems." Because she needed help with reading, my teacher asked me to help her to catch up. I thought it might be a chance to make things right with her; but she resented me, and one day she and her gang (four girls and a boy) dragged me out of a store and beat me severely. She told me that if I told anyone, I would get an even worse beating.

My parents wanted to phone the police. I begged them not to. Instead I spoke to the boyfriend of a girl I had known in the previous school. He was already considered a "delinquent" (and is now serving a life sentence, with no possibility of parole until 2017, because of the infamous "three strikes" law in the States); but he liked me and had considerable influence among the crowd that the bully belonged to. He put out the word that anyone who bothered me would have to answer to him.

It worked, but school had become such an unpleasant thing for me that I ended up quitting school before graduation. I got married at 17 and had my first child seven months later. :-) I got my GED (without studying) and wished I could have taken the test when I was 14. It was only when I went to university (when I was 30) that I felt comfortable in an educational environment.

I think that school environments can be good for children who fit within the norms and expectations of those who set educational policy and the teachers who implement them. But they can be emotionally devastating for the "outliers," those who are different in certain ways ("too small," "too big," "too smart," "not smart enough," "shy or just perceiving the world differently). For some, home-schooling can be the answer. For others, perhaps an alternative school can provide a more supportive environment.

Ultimately, though, I think the solution lies in teaching children from the very start to respect everyone and to appreciate our differences. This will not happen in the context of "dog-eat-dog" competitiveness. No child should feel the need to prove himself or herself better or more powerful than others; but in today's world "excelling" is the underlying theme. If you're not the "best," you'll end up with a crappy, poorly-paid job and be disrespected. If you don't suck up to those with power, and look down of those "beneath" you in the hierarchy, you'll be pushed to the outside (and end up with a crappy, poorly-paid job and be disrespected). We need to get our priorities straight and work together to make the kind of world we want to live in.




THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Duane Burnett
Much appreciate everyone for participating in this discussion. I struggled hard with the message of Pink Shirt Day, in particular the "anti-bullying" part. I think its far better to be for something then against it. That is the best way for us to learn and society to grow.


PHOTO/STORY (C) Duane Burnett
http://www.duaneburnett.com

VISIT Duane's Blogspot!
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com


It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Peace... Duane

++

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Time For A New BC Political Party?



NEW PARTY OR BETTER POLITICAL SYSTEM?

A recent poll has found that almost 1/2 of British Colombians think its time for a new party. I posted the results from the Angus Reid Poll from April 17th, 2010 to my facebook profile for some feedback. Below are some comments on the story which highlight the frustration with a disenfranchised public it seems tired of modern politics. I think it really underscores that the very system itself has to be overhauled before it collapses into anarchy and people rise up with a horrific revolt, or worse governments turn into military states as their solution to solving the system. I thought the comments and feedback are worthy of saving and sharing and welcome your comments to the discussion.


Reid Public Opinion poll has found.
Voting Intention: BC NDP: 47%, BC Libs 29%, Green 15%, BC Con. 5% 49% think it is time for a new provincial political party in BC A new centre-left party would have six- point lead over the NDP, a new centre-right party would be in second place, well ahead of the BC Liberals 81% ...would “definitely” or “probably” sign a petition to repeal the HST

The online survey of a representative sample of 800 adults in British Columbia also shows that half of respondents would like to have a new option in provincial politics, and that four-in-five British Columbians would sign a petition to repeal the harmonized sales tax (HST).

COMMENTS, RESPONSES AND FEEDBACK
Duane Burnett
1/2 of BC wants a new political party. During my Political Science BA studies at UBC we saw that the majority of BC voters are middle of the road but served by a right wing and left wing party that polarized the centre line voters. Maybe its time for a party for the middle child?

Allen Snowdon
New party, huh? May work for a while then the rats jump off their sinking ship and history repeats. B.C. Political History is a fascinating study of futility.

Duane Burnett
@Allen that's the other thing I learned, doesn't matter the party label, in this system its the same crap different day. ha ha

David Short
You have to be kidding! We don't need a new political party - just one that stays the course! What we need is the present parties to have a stance and philosophy and stick to it. Did you notice the last part? Stick to it! What does a party believe in? Does it stay true? That's the question and decider.

Rob Thomson
We already have a centre/centre option - The Green Party of BC. Read the party platform if you have not and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Carole Carlton
I agree with you David.

Duane Burnett
Good discussion, comments and likes! @David... sounds like you are saying the right wing and left wing party should "stick" to their policies. But what this poll seems to say is people want a middle moderate party that reflects the truer demographic of the voters themselves. @Rob says that party is the Green party.

David Short
Huh?! Where did you get that? I didn't say anything about left wing or right wing. I talked about ethical standards and beliefs. In standing up for what you believe and not bending to the drifts and wafts of "let's see what will get us elected"! How can anyone honestly vote for any party or individual when you cannot define or rely on what they say they believe in. I can understand "recent information" has caused us to re-evaluate, but I can't understand then a completely volte face change which goes against the basic premises of a party's or an individual's credo. Our political system has become one in which the process of "negotiation" wins the day so that politicians feel that they will gain something by giving away something. So where does an ethical politician (or party) draw the line and say, "I will not give up an item which is a sacrosanct part my faith/(read "belief/credo/stance)!"? Is there such a thing as anything being sacrosanct today?

David Short
Addendum: I think the poll also shows that people have no faith in what the "right" and "left" say or believe in. "Middle moderate" is guff. People either feel strongly or don't know - hence the "middle moderate", but when it comes to voting they'll lean one way or the other depending on many national and local factors. The Greens should do a lot better than they do - they seem to stay pretty well on course with their policies and beliefs - but they won't get anywhere until the other parties show their true colours (which ain't going to happen, is it?). Right now everyone is playing green (when it suits them - and just enough to keep Joe Public convinced he's right in sticking with his "party of choice").

Marcy Solis de Ovando
I've worked the elections office and pools for the past 8 years and the one thing I see again and again, is ignorance.... people show up at the polls with out a clue as to why they should vote for any particular party... they're totally disillusioned with all parties, therefore don't even try to get informed as most of the information out there is... See More full of miss leading lies and as you said David, contradictory information of the day do to the lack of conviction on the politicians behalf. No one stands up for anything at all cost any more, not that they ever did... just look at our political history, it repeats the same tricks, lies and manipulation over and over again, it's all smoke and mirrors.

Feral Sage
Right on analysis, Marcy.

Marcy Solis de Ovando
Sadly.

Duane Burnett
Amazing discussion everyone on the state of democracy and voting and the state of opinion, I think this applies to a lot of places, just not BC. I know I feel very disenfranchised from the system and it's good to see I am not alone. What can we do to change it so governing is more responsive? I feel that are current system is now archaic.


VOTE Duane's World! Excellent!!!!

LINK opens as a PDF format for full story.
http://bc2013.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2010.04.17_Politics_BC.pdf

Story/PHOTOS (C) Duane Burnett

Duane's Blogspot
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com

+++++++

Monday, April 12, 2010

Duane's MOTHER of a Contest! OVER 10 Prizes! One WINNER! ends Sun May 9th





JOIN me in Congratulating Krystal Duncalfe WINNER of over 15 PRIZES!!! from Loumidees, Sundance Massage, Gel-ous Essentials Salon and Spa, Carole Cares Mobile Massage and Healing Services, Benjamin's International Cafe, Sunstar Astrology, Grass Roots Wellness, Wild Bistro, Myoga Om, Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge, Majik Moments Healing - Products & Services, Yoga by the Sea, Bodacious Lifestyles, Sunshine Coast Spring Water, & Muse Art Supplies. Congrats! HUGE Thanks to our local businesses!
Duane Burnett, Sunshine Coast BC Canada
http://www.twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's MOTHER of a Contest! Over 10 Prizes! One WINNER! ends Sun May 9th


CLICK >> HERE TO GO TO FACEBOOK CONTEST PAGE AND ENTER!

RULES:
1) Click "Attending" on facebook contest to Enter!
2) POST to your facebook profile
3) Check the PRIZES and facebook FAN PAGES below!
4) INVITE people to come. (optional)

+ ADD Duane Burnett as a friend on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=570266071


PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! FAN PAGES!

1) + $50 gift card from Loumidees Consignment Store & Lynette Legault
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Loumidees/15966397579?ref=ts

2) + Massage from Sundance Massage & Melinda Cassidy
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sundance-Massage/88799297834?ref=ts

3) + A Chocolate Ganache Cake from The Sweet Chef and April Querishi
JOIN The Sweet Chef fan page to WIN an additional cake and prizes!!!
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/The-Sweet-Chef/120439028633?ref=ts

4) + $100. Amethyst Crystal Biomat (which produces the farinfrared rays and negative ions to promote healing and well being) and Massage (or Reiki) from Carole Cares Mobile Massage and Healing Services & Carole Carlton
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carole-Cares-Mobile-Massage-and-Healing-Services/60909195817?ref=ts

5) + Manicure Gift Certificate from Gel-Ous Salon and Kimm Belisle
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sechelt-BC/Gel-ous-Essentials-Salon-and-Spa/124936771305?ref=ts

6)+ Prime Rib Dinner for 2 from the newly renovated Benjamin's International Cafe in Gibsons (formally Pack Ratt's) and Nicole Josh
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Benjamins-International-Cafe/370798844585?ref=ts

7) + 45 minute Astrology Reading from much loved local Astrologer Michael O'Connor & Sunstar Astrology
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Sunstar-Astrology/93638040831?ref=ts

8) + 1 hr of pampering, Foot TLC & Stress release massage combo, from Grass Roots Wellness Studio, Mosaic Market, Davis Bay, BC & Cindy-lee Mann.
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=683271038

9) + 1/2 a year of bread card - good for 26 loaves of bread (basically 1 per week for 6 months), value up to $130. from the Wild Bistro in Gibsons & Kera Mchugh and Ian Backs
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Wild-Bistro/8697978115?ref=ts

10) + FREE Wednesday evening yoga class for mother and daughter from Myoga Om in Gibsons and Mary Shaw
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1341829018&ref=ts

11) + A knitting kit from Unwind Knit and Fibre, contains yarn, needles and a pattern to make a summer sweater.
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/Unwind-Knit-and-Fibre-Lounge/312831082343

12) + $30.00 mini Afrikan Divination Bone & Tarot Reading from Embers Moore and Majik Moments Healing - Products & Services
FAN PAGE > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Majik-Moments-Healing-Products-Services/494204880647?ref=ts

13) + Reiki Treatment from Marney Coulter and Yoga By The Sea
FAN PAGE >> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roberts-Creek-BC/Yoga-by-the-Sea/335364536584?ref=ts

14) + 2 X $50 Gift Certificates from Bodacious Lifestyles in Molly's Lane and Lorna Ketler
FAN PAGE >> http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1650697492


15) + 4 x 5 gallon jugs of pure crystal clear Sunshine Coast Spring Water from Zayla Weeds
FAN PAGE >> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roberts-Creek-BC/Sunshine-Coast-Spring-Water/109131105781081?ref=ts


+ ADD Duane Burnett as a friend on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=570266071

16) Muse Art Supplies: Eco-gift journaling pack Ecojot journal & Pilot Begreen pen set
FAN PAGE > > http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Gibsons-BC/Muse-Art-Supplies/117426284940477


****
+ Contest Created by Duane Burnett
http://www.duaneburnett.com
http://www.twitter.com/duaneburnett

It's Always a Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane
*****
PHOTOS (C) Duane Burnett
All Rights Reserved

BLOGSPOT
http://www.DuaneBurnett.blogspot.com

*******

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Earth Hour Favourites Sechelt Photo




Earth Hour 2010 favourites photo from the Sechelt, BC celebration on their flickr site showcasing Earth Hour around the world!

The local Earth Hour 2010 Celebrations were put on my the District of Sechelt and Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club aka The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Sunshine Coast Centre

Sunshine Coast celebrations included the Community Celebration in Sechelt, Candelight Meditation at St.Hilda's Anglican Church, and a Neighbourhood Gathering in Gibsons, BC

Sechelt went all out with a Lantern procession, music by Lynne and Reg Dickson and friends, Dance performance by Jean Pierre Makossa and the Sunshine Coast Dance Society, astronomy & displays by Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club, and more.

Earth Hour encourages people around the world on the third Saturday of March to turn their power off or down for an hour to show solidarity and reduce energy consumption. Hopefully it will encourage corporations and governments to actually support and invest in meaningful clean energies!


LINK: "favourite"
Duane Burnett with the giant "Turn it Off" breaker switch. http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/4469081966/

LINK:
Photos from Sechelt Celebrations by Duane Burnett

LINK: "Official"
Earth Hour photos around the world
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48230950@N03/favorites/


LINK: FAN PAGE
You can also JOIN the Earth Hour Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast event page on facebook and click "attending" to add it to your profile event listings.



Its always a good day on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Yours for the planet, Duane Burnett

BLOGSPOT
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com

Photos (C) Duane Burnett
All rights reserved
http://www.duaneburnett.com

Friday, April 2, 2010

Best April Fools Prank and Hoax ever on the Sunshine Coast?




SHARE full size PHOTO on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/4480484379/

Best April Fools Prank and Hoax ever on the Sunshine Coast?
story, fools press release, reader comments, photo.
http://www.twitter.com/duaneburnett

NEW FERRY TERMINAL FOOLS PRANK
Facebook lit up April 1st, 2010 with news a ferry terminal was being built at the Roberts Creek Pier by Georgia Link Ferries to provide a service to Nanaimo. The story quoting Captain Aprif Houles quickly spread and was re-posted and shared with friends.

SHARE on Facebook www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3908274&id=132243609016

The announcement was met with shock, horror, praise, disbelief and April Fools! Dozens of people commented and clicked “like” to show their approval of the prank by actor, television host, social networker and community spirit award winning photojournalist Duane Burnett on his facebook profile and twitter feed. http://www.twitter.com/duaneburnett

Several thousand people skimmed the story headline on facebook and over 430 went to read the full article and see the photo on Duane’s Flickr site in just one day alone. http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/4480484379/

The hoax was widely heralded and enjoyed by all.


See the fools press release and comments below.
Photo is an aerial view of Roberts Creek taken by Duane Burnett when he was invited to join the Fraser Blues during Gibsons Sea Cavalcade. Rest… well… April Fools!


APRIL FOOLS PRANK (fools press release)

Roberts Creek to Nanaimo Ferry Service Approved
For Immediate Release
Georgia Link Ferries announced today that their new green ferry service has been approved on the Sunshine Coast, BC, utilizing an existing pier in the small community of Roberts Creek.

The ferry, to be named the "Queen of the Sunshine Coast," has remarkable new "green technology" said Captain Aprif Houles, that will allow the engines to run on seaweed and driftwood washed up on the local beach and the waste by-product can be used as a nutrient rich compost for local gardens.

Recently installed traffic lights on Highway 101 are part of region wide infrastructure plans to ensure safe vehicle traffic access to and from the new terminal.

A company spokesperson said while it's true they are buying up all the land around the Roberts Creek Pier area for their environmentally friendly parking lot and terminal compound, local residents should not be alarmed.

Georgia Link Ferries plan to donate the compost by-product from the ferry fuel burning process to area residents free of charge. Construction blueprints show a beautiful new depot for people to load up their trucks with the compost.

Roberts Creek was not their first choice. Originally Georgia Link Ferries had plans developed for Gospel Rock in Gibsons, but the company owners felt that area was of more value as a natural area.

The new green ferry service is expected to begin in the summer of 2012, with its inaugural sailing on June 21st. It will run between Roberts Creek, on the Sunshine Coast and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Construction of wharf and docking facilities begin immediately once a final environmental impact study is approved.

A local resident said the area is the same location where the community has tried for years to purchase vacant lands around a popular park and meeting place for many community events.

Officials at Georgia Link Ferries are looking at swapping land near Highway 101 to donate to the community who will loose access to the waterfront facilities, which will be behind security fencing.

The new terminal loading compound and parking lot is designed to hold 200 cars. The new green ferry will run 2 sailings daily at 9am and 5pm, with a passenger license for 525 people, 4 crew and 127 cars.

"We are excited," said Captain Aprif Houles, "this is the missing link!"

He said they are also planning a ferry service between Squamish and Langdale by 2013, to open up a new circle route to boost green tourism on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and Northern Vancouver Island, which will also take the traffic congestion pressure off of Horseshoe Bay terminal. They already have 15 bus tour companies wanting to book.

- 30 -

© Copyright (c) Cannwest News Service


SOME OF THE COMMENTS:

heatherinbc
@DuaneBurnett April Fools! Lol - thanks for the wakeup smile :)

EToday_Province
@DuaneBurnett nice!

Caitlin Douchet
Ferry through Roberts Creek = kinda lame. Roberts creek is going to get a lot a lot of traffic. roberts creek beach will get destroyed with cars and garbage. it's not going to be a calm peaceful haven to go to. everyone is going to have to find somewhere else...

Fred Rink
You had both of us going over here. I only began having question marks when I tried to google the issue! GOOD ONE!

Marlene Toth
it was extremely creative wasnt it, one of the better ones me thinks

Kera Mchugh
you'll be an international celebrity sooner than you think!! congrats on the province follow! :D

Lois Vader
You are gaining some notoriety Mr. Burnett. Great April Fool's joke :-)

Mike Warren
I heard they were going to build a bridge, but this will do.

Diana Halter
Seaweed and driftwood fuel? RC parking compounds?

Teresa Eckford
Duane is very clever - if I ddin't know better, I'd have believed it too.

Marc Buzzell
lol, this is great i posted it thak goodness for capitan fhoules

April Qureshi
Is this for real? We spent 8 hours yesterday and then 7 hours today getting to Nanaimo to visit family. I hope it sticks!

Lani Murphy Ingram
Aprif Houles does sound alot like, April Fools!!

Lisa Houle
ugh...do you know how many calls Im gonna get at work about this!

Kera Mchugh
bahahhaa... brilliant.... and if only.

Amanda Saigeon
That Captain Houles will getcha every time!
Awesome Sauce!

Rhys Amber
almost had me

Sam Zimmerman
I was just wondering, is the new ferry for the coast going too be green? I saw one of your photos and it looked like the ferry was greeeen!

Sam Zimmerman
ohhh duane!
it was all a lie? I mean, It was an april fools prank! :O me and my friend were so stoked that there was a greeen ferrrry.

Teyjah Xaveriss
That's good! I can see the uproar now! Good one!

Melina Cassidy
i wish

Bee Jackson
So cool ! anyone know the formula they are using for the fuel....driftwood & seaweed pulp? just trying to wrap my head around it...

Tracey Burk Klein
Shopping!!!!!!

Rhoberta Shaler
Yippee! Bring it on...quickly!

June Poulsen
You really want to get Creekers going this would do it. My late husband and I spent alot of time getting those tanks off the pier..... good April fools gag

David Barbarash
HA HA HA!!! nice one duane! ;)

Debra Taylor
this is great news. Thank you for getting the word out Duane.

Heather Botsis
Hahahahahahahah

Cindy MacInnes
I know the Captain...super funny guy...big time! H.A.F.!

John Tenbear Thompson
HAA ha ha he HEEE !!!

Vicky Forest
Good one Duane. Thanks for the laugh.

Dave Cottrell
Now that is way too cool.

Michael Lacoste
There is a protest developing for March 27th....spread the word.

Rick Negus
Tickets for the inaugural run are sell fast, available at the Loto 649 booth in Trail Bay Mall, got mine can hardly wait, only problem is it is a one way ticket.

Stacey Sequoiawade
Holy Crapamoly!!!
Thinking of all the friends I'll be visiting

Stacey Sequoiawade
shit.....you got me :-)

Kelly Arnold
Is this true, or April Fool's???? April fools ends at 12pm, doncha know??? Please tell me this isn't true....

James Shaw
the ferry is entirely green in that picture... that was a first indicator for me lol.

Rick Negus
Sorry you are all out of luck the inaugural run tickets are a sellout just like the iPad

Laura Byrne Paquet
That's cool!
Teresa Eckford
Did you note the date on which it was posted??
Laura Byrne Paquet
Aargh, no! That's what I get for just reading the headline. LOL! :-)


Shad Light
....and then I realized that it's April 1st.....Lol!

Patrick Muncaster
Good one! :-)))))

Cory Highfield
Nice !!

Carole Carlton
Yay

Desiree Lockhart
LOL. Wouldn't that be nice though...Especially since I'm on the Island. :-P

Carli Morgan Thomson
Way too cool!

Raquel Jor-For
Bahahah!

Trish Thompson
it was a good one
way better than the bacon jokes

Heather Pearce Lyons
ha ha ha ha ha

Carli Morgan Thomson
NO way that was awesome

gibsonsgolfer
Always wanted to get a direct connection to Nanaimo. Well done Aprif Houles and company.

BC Book Prizes
Yeah, when Aprilf Houles gets on the shtick, things happen! Creekrider 64

Sandy Prekratic
Is this a joke? I hope so......


Thanks everyone who re-posted the story and had a good laugh with me...

It's always a good day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane


LINK: Duane's Blogspot http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com


photos (C) Duane Burnett
All rights reserved
http://www.duaneburnett.com

__

Thursday, April 1, 2010

New Sunshine Coast Ferry Terminal Announced




For Immediate Release

Roberts Creek to Nanaimo Ferry Service Ready to Set Sail

Georgia Link Ferries announced today that their new green ferry service has been approved on the Sunshine Coast, BC, utilizing an existing pier in the small community of Roberts Creek.

The ferry, to be named the "Queen of the Sunshine Coast," has remarkable new "green technology" said Captain Aprif Houles, that will allow the engines to run on seaweed and driftwood washed up on the local beach and the waste by-product can be used as a nutrient rich compost for local gardens.

Recently installed traffic lights on Highway 101 are part of region wide infrastructure plans to ensure safe vehicle traffic access to and from the new terminal.

A company spokesperson said while it's true they are buying up all the land around the Roberts Creek Pier area for their environmentally friendly parking lot and terminal compound, local residents should not be alarmed.

Georgia Link Ferries plan to donate the compost by-product from the ferry fuel burning process to area residents free of charge. Construction blueprints show a beautiful new depot for people to load up their trucks with the compost.

Roberts Creek was not their first choice. Originally Georgia Link Ferries had plans developed for Gospel Rock in Gibsons, but the company owners felt that area was of more value as a natural area.

The new green ferry service is expected to begin in the Summer of 2012, with its inaugural sailing on June 21st. It will run between Roberts Creek, on the Sunshine Coast and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Construction of wharf and docking facilities begin immediately once a final environmental impact study is approved.

A local resident said the area is the same location where the community has tried for years to purchase vacant lands around a popular park and meeting place for many community events.

Officials at Georgia Link Ferries are looking at swapping land near Highway 101 to donate to the community who will loose access to the waterfront facilities which will be behind security fencing.

The new terminal loading compound and parking lot is designed to hold 200 cars. The new green ferry will run 2 sailings daily at 9am and 5pm, with a passenger license for 525 people, 4 crew and 127 cars.

"We are excited," said Captain Aprif Houles, "this is the missing link!"

He said they are also planning a ferry service between Squamish and Langdale by 2013, to open up a new circle route to boost green tourism on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and Northern Vancouver Island, which will also take the traffic congestion pressure off of Horseshoe Bay terminal. They already have 15 bus tour companies wanting to book.

- 30 -

© Copyright (c) Cannwest News Service

SHARE on
Facebook www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3908274&id=132243609016

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/4480484379/

Duane Burnett Blogspot
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com


Photos (C) Duane Burnett
All Rights Reserved

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