http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6355285.stm

Utter big hanging bulls bollocks - "The area is known as the city's "dirty little secret" - a "hidden ghetto" where drug deals take place openly on the streets".

Hardly a secret when it's littered all over the front pages of the Vancouver media.

The Lower Eastside is well known, nay notorious, and has high profile debate amongst people who have links with the community there. Lots of people and dollars are invested in dealing with the propblems. As usual, drug/mental health problems, prostitution, homelessness, poverty, and general social decay are not easy to fix. LE has the lowest income population in the whole of Canada (AFAIK based on a recent article).

And anyone new to Vancouver or visiting that gets a "shock" at the LE area must have their eyes locked tightly shut or be wearing those rose tinted shades I keep hearing about. Do some basic research, ya frickin morons This is North America dude. Even the Elysian Paradise has its social problems.

"Ooh I went to Vancouver once, I didn't realise they had poor people, terrible place, yah". Mwah. Dumb monkeys uncles.

Rich.

That was quite restrained for you Rich mate.

Not enough coffee yet and I'm feeling it already.



Rich.

I am sure the Picton coverage has helped here. I like the area and is a good antidote to some of the more sterile areas in the Lower Mainland.
I've walked along Hastings & quite frankly these poor sods are more a danger to themselves than anyone else.
Friday/ Saturday nights back home were far more disturbing

Love the east side, at least its got character, most of Vancouver is soooooooooooo sterile/dull.

I was going to say that...

Rich, I realise that "Utter big hanging bulls bollocks" may be one of your trade phrases and I did nick your flag and changed it for my own use, and I apologise for that. BUT any chance I could use that phrase somewhere else on this site? Please?

That's a new phrase specially invented this week aimed at the tiresome media snatch-darlings & permission granted squire.

Pleased to hear your apology. I noticed the cheap crib, bad move. I created a curse and sequestered the assistance of the mighty Haida gods of the ponderosa pine trees to deliver a mighty strong impotence spell upon you. It's now been removed, specially as it's Valentines. To leave it would be unfair, Valentines should not be a flaccid affair. Anyway, I've moved on bro, keep on moving / never stand still innit.

Rich.

mwah double post dribble

I will use it sparingly and wisely...

As for the flag, it was a moment of sheer desperation on my part to show my inner confusion on the US political system, a cheap stunt granted, but the Bonanza curse!!