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blog post Tonight on Tariq-a-rama: Your City - Love It Or Hate It?

posted by Tariq Hussain on Jun 12, 2008

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Yes, it's your pal Tariq here once again filling in for Lana Gay.

Say, did anyone read Radio 3's John Paolozzi's fiery comments on the blog a few days ago? He expressed, with these words, some frustrations for the cultural losses to recently hit our fair city on the west coast: Vancouver...I'm telling you this for your own good. You're on the path to sucking, and it's time to give your head a shake."

What had him all fired up you ask? Well, for one, the annual lantern festival is going to be canceled this year because of lack of funding (not such a bright idea if you ask me...). Secondly, an internationally recognized piece of public art known as "Device for Rooting out Evil" is heading to Calgary's Glenbow Museum soon because apparently it's blocking certain peoples views, both physical and religious.

Let me say for the record that despite all of that bad news, John tells me he still loves Vancouver and that he's not planning to pack up the car and move the family back to Ontario any time soon. I think a "love / hate" relationship is often the kind that people have with the cities they live in; let's face it, no one city can boast to have it all and in that, there has to be something to complain about.

Funny that John's comment appeared on the blog on the very same day I had a chat with hip hop artist Tarik (yes, same name as me, but with a "k", not a "q") from the Calgary band Dragon Fli Empire. He's recently written a second musical anthem for the "Stampede City" called CGY. You'll hear what he had to say about that song on the show.

But now I put this question to you: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CITY (OR TOWN) YOU LIVE IN?

Is it a love / hate thing or is it all love? Or all hate?

Do you feel stuck; like you want to move, but you're scared to? Or are you totally in love with your city in that you were born there, have lived there all your life and would never leave? If you could move, what city would you choose to go to? Considering the cost of living downtown, would you ever consider living in...yikes...the suburbs?

Tonight on Tariq-a-rama, Royal City, Forest City Lovers and of course the Canadian classic "One Great City"...and more!

posted by Tariq Hussain on Jun 12, 2008

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#1 posted by
John Paolozzi
on Jun 12, 2008

Yeah... I know I sounded bitter, and I am sorta. In part this is because we're currently in the month of Junuary, and it won't stop effing raining. But I am definitely unhappy with Vancouver's current direction. I certainly don't hate it, but lately I've been re-thinking how great I use to think the city was when we moved here ten years ago. A lot has changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Would I leave? I doubt it. But there is something about St. John's NF that's gets me thinking I might want a piece of The Rock.

Re the burbs... never. I grew up in the burbs. It was okay, because there were lots of forested areas for me to mess around in as a kid, but I think things have changed for the worse, but hey... if that's what you dig, then go for it.

#2 posted by
Doppelganger
on Jun 12, 2008

What I love most about Vancouver are the assorted freaks and weirdos, and what I hate most about this city is the fear that rising housing prices might be squeezing them out. I'll tell you what: the day I can no longer sit on my porch and watch a stilt-walking saxophonist casually stroll by is the day I'll start thinking about packing up.

#3 posted by
Lana Gay
on Jun 12, 2008

I saw a stilt walker/ saxaphone combo last Sunday on Commercial Drive. No jokes. Doppelganger, if your stilt walker wasn't wearing striped pants and your saxophone guy didn't a burgundy umbrella...well... then I'm even more impressed with Vancouver.

#4 posted by
Jill Angel Stafford
on Jun 12, 2008

I Recommend Toronto Ontario Canada!!!!
In April-November the weathers quite good.
Local Forecast : (Source see below link)
http://www.findlocalweather.com/forecast/toronto_on_ca.html
Toronto, Ontario Weather Forecast:

Dated: 1930 UTC JUN 12 2008
Tonight...A few clouds. Wind southeast 20 km/h becoming light this evening. Low 17.

Friday...A mix of sun and cloud. 30 percent chance of showers in the afternoon with the risk of a thunderstorm. Wind becoming south 20 km/h late in the morning. High 31 except 22 near lake Ontario. Uv index 9 or very high.

Friday Night...Cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers early in the evening. Showers beginning in the evening. Risk of a thunderstorm. Wind south 20 km/h becoming light in the evening. Low 19.

Saturday...Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 24.

Sunday...A mix of sun and cloud with 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low 15. High 25.

Monday...Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 16. High 21.

I must admit a lot of people lack manners, and are self-absorbed however it is the 9th largest city in North America. Not to mention the downtown has more to offer than YVR!!!!

Cheers for Now!!!!

AMANDA SAINT (The Real Deal!!!!)

#5 posted by
Doppelganger
on Jun 12, 2008

Sounds like the same guys, Lana, but I bet they have friends. Crazy, fire-juggling, creative-anachronizing friends.

#6 posted by
Saint Peter
on Jun 12, 2008

I grew up and lived the first 25 years of my life in Lethbridge, AB, which is just about as small as a city can be and still be called a city, rather than a town. My feelings toward the city can be characterized by boredom - ranging from "good" boredom (enjoying the peace and quiet) to "I'm going insane with boredom" boredom.

For the last couple years I've lived on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. My feelings toward Seoul are the exact opposite of boredom. On any given day, I either love the place or I can't stand it - sometimes both at the same time. When you have that many people crammed into the same space, both the best and the worst things about human beings are always right there in your face.

My point is this - I think living in a big city is always going to evoke extreme feelings, both good and bad. But at least it's rarely boring.

Though I do wish they had sax players on stilts here ... I do see clowns on stilts sometimes, but they're usually just selling face cream or something.

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