Since the end of May 2009 the beat cops have become a fixture in downtown Calgary. And a very welcome fixture at that. Recently Torie and I got the chance to sit down with Constable Sinclair and Constable Karimwabo to talk to them about some of their experiences as beat cops in the downtown core.
Author Archive
About Derrick Plotsky
In addition to working for the Downtown Calgary Association I am also a Master's student at the University of Calgary. I also just recently created my own blog/website called The Atomic Brain (found at http://www.theatomicbrain.com). I have a love of all forms of entertainment and most kinds of food. Which is one reason why I love Downtown so much. There's tons of great restaurants and pubs (Murrieta's and The Unicorn anyone?). There's also 3 theatres, two of which are cheaper and play some great smaller movies that not enough people see. Those are the things I love about Downtown Calgary.
FIFA World Cup in Downtown Calgary Pubs
June 28th, 2010 by Derrick PlotskyIf you’re anything like me, you’ve gotten swept up in the World Cup fever that is making its way around the world. As far as I can tell, the only way to alleviate the symptoms is to watch more soccer. And unlike other diseases having other people around is the best course of action. If my time as a Canadian (whole life) has taught me anything it is that the best place to go watch sports with other people is at a pub. Big TVs, drinks, good food and lots of intense fans. The perfect environment for sports watching. One kink in trying to go out and watch the World Cup is that many of the good matches are happening at 8:00am. So if you want to catch them live then you need to find a place that is open early enough (and coffee shops usually frown on excessive fist pumping and loud cheering, so they’re out). Thankfully, a couple downtown pubs have you covered. (more…)
Stephen Avenue Art Stall
June 10th, 2010 by Derrick PlotskyStephen Avenue is always fun to walk down once the different stalls start setting up. My favourite stalls are all of the amazing art stalls that are out there. Whether it’s the sculptors, painters or craftspeople they’re all incredibly talented. And this summer there will be a new art stall joining the fray on Stephen Ave. As a co-operative The Mustard Seed, CUPS, Inn From the Cold, and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre will be opening up a stall on Stephen Avenue Walk where they will be selling some of the art that the people who use their services have created.
What are they selling you ask? (more…)
Dine Out Calgary Picks: Derrick Plotsky
March 5th, 2010 by Derrick PlotskyDine Out Calgary starts this Friday, March 5th and runs until Sunday, March 14th. There’s over 90 restaurants participating this year and that means a lot of great dining choices. To help you with your decision our blog writers have chosen their top picks for the 10 days. First up Derrick Plotsky
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Life is full of decisions. And the most recent life-changing decision that I have to deal with? Where to go for Dine Out Calgary. I know, my life is so difficult. But there are just so many amazing places to choose from with so many different types of food; no matter what you like you’ll be able to find someplace to go. (more…)
Geo-what now?
January 22nd, 2010 by Derrick PlotskyLocation-based games are becoming more and more popular as smartphones with GPS get in more and more people’s pockets. Foursquare (written about by Wil Knoll very recently) is one of these location based games. Another is geocaching.
Geocaching started in May of 2000 around the time the locks came off of handheld GPS units and their accuracy became increased. Today the accuracy (and relatively low cost) of a handheld GPS unit makes it so this game can be played by almost anyone. You don’t even need to have a smartphone to play this game, it can be played with any handheld GPS device. (more…)
High Performance Rodeo - Tubular Bells
January 11th, 2010 by Derrick PlotskyThis was my first time in the Theatre Junction Grand. The theatre, as well as the upstairs lounge, made enough of an impression on me that I am anticipating any chance I get to go there again. The seats are comfortable, the acoustics are good and it’s not too big and not too small. It’s a great little theatre that’s really easy to get to.
The High Performance Rodeo is now 24 years old. That means it has almost been around as long as I have. This unfortunately was my first year attending. I really wish I had gone other years because it was a great night. (more…)