What do U2 and forests have in common?

I was going to say "nothing" but upon further investigation I have found that U2 has an interest with the world's forests through their long standing relationship with Greenpeace and their campaign for zero deforestation. In April, U2 helped Greenpeace to educate Brazilians about the need to preserve the country’s forests. What piqued my interest was this stat displayed at yesterday's U2 concert in the photo above; Net Forest Lost This Year: 2,051,746 hectares

What I wanted to see was how accurate this count was. I can tell you that it is difficult to nail down an exact number from which I came up empty handed for a global total. Feel free to do your own research as you will find some of the numbers staggering. You can start here Un-REDD Programme

On the subject of U2, I was one of the lucky 50,000ish people who saw them last night in Winnipeg! My evening started off by seeing a beautifully trimmed Chinese Elm tree while briefly visiting family friends prior to the concert. Completely random but cool nonetheless. What would also be cool is having more people prune their trees like the one in the photo. I may have to try it out for myself!

A Chinese Elm Tree looking very Banzaiish!

U2 doing what they do best! 

Rethink. Reclaim. Reuse. - Ray

Do get the feeling you're being watched?

Here's a peek at some carvings that are to be added to the new Assiniboine Park Children's Garden & Nature Playground. The artistic faces have been carved out of the reclaimed Manitoba Oak from the site. These will be carefully placed among the trees where they will be watching you hang out!

Rethink. Reclaim. Reuse. - Ray

Cabinet made from a shed? How ugly would that be?

Without a doubt, this cabinet is definitely not ugly! I'm lovin' this cabinet from Liqui Design dubbed the "Shed - Cyril Side Board" anchors (no pun intended) the idea of reclamation in design can be fruitful.

The beautiful cabinet boasts satin white doors contrasted against the dark walnut wood to add an element of nature to the most contemporary designed rooms!

Below is a write up from the website about the founder:

 Liquidesign was initially started by designer maker Cameron Fry after graduating in 2007 with a degree in three-dimensional craft from Brighton University.  Initially he did some work for a London based lighting company which fuelled his ambition to create his own brand and to try and create something different. To date Cameron's work has been featured in major broadsheets and design magazines around the world and has even been featured on television.

While continuing to design furniture and lighting for liqui he is also building the services side to the practice designing environmentally friendly trade show stands for large corporate companies through to concepting shop designs for niche boutiques.

Rethink. Reclaim. Reuse. - Ray

Bell Hotel quietly under construction.

Reclaimed Fir treads finished with OSMO Polyx Hardwax Oil

Its been just over a full year since the iconic Bell Hotel made present day news with the green light to transform it into housing for an estimated 40 homeless Winnipeggers.

The 105 year old hotel is one of the last remaining heritage buildings on Main Street. Here are some interesting facts below.

BUILDING ADDRESS:  MAIN STREET, 662
BUILDING NAME:
Original-  BELL HOTEL
Present-  BELL HOTEL
ORIGINAL BUILDING TYPE:  HOTEL
YEAR BUILT:  1906
ORIGINAL PERMIT #:  1437/1906
ORIGINAL/LONG-TERM OWNER:  JOSEPH BERNHART (1853-1923) BUILT
THIS MIDDLE-CLASS HOTEL, ITS EARLY MANAGERS WERE
BROTHERS HARRY AND THOMAS BELL.  THE PROPERTY WAS SOLD
TO THE BRONFMAN FAMILY IN 1913, THEN CONSIDERED ONE OF THE
CITY’S FINEST SMALL HOTELS.

We were happy to hear that there was usable fir which we reclaimed for the the use of stair treads. These treads will cover 12 sets of stairs! I'll new photos as the project progress's. To read more on the development click here Bell to become homeless haven

Rethink. Reclaim. Reuse. - RayBell Hotel Winnipeg

Winnipeg Wonderland now open for kids...and adults!

If you we're at the cottage or away on holidays over the long weekend you may have missed the grand opening of the brand new Children's Garden and Nature Playground at the Assiniboine Park.
Have a look at what you've missed!

Large Adirondack chair that will fit any human!

Anyone wanna race?

Musical frogs.

Better watch out for the hidden serpent!

Even the benches are playful!

A fun way to walk arounb the playground!

Support.

I wouldn't want to run into the bird that laid those eggs!

Sea shell fountain.

Duncan the shetland cow! Mooo!

Don't get in the way of those walking ladders.

Climbing hills covered in rubber for tonnes of traction!

Despite the rainy day on its Saturday official opening, the Children's Garden & Nature Playground was a huge success! Its been all over the local news and will continue to be big attraction over many years to come.

Rethink, Reclaim. Reuse. - Ray 

The New Children's Garden and Nature Playground Opening this Saturday!

Some delightful news for Winnipeggers and Manitoba's tourism industry. The grand opening of the new Assiniboine Parks Children's Garden and Nature Playground is set for this Saturday, May 21st!

There will be a family fun day from 10:00am - 2:00pm where there will be prize draws, giveaways, balloons, mascots, games and FREE Drinks for the kids!

Here is an excerpt from the Assiniboine Park's website...

Another highlight is the Children’s Garden inspired by the classic childhood board game of Snakes and Ladders. Natural materials have been used wherever possible, from a larger-than-life bird’s nest constructed of reclaimed, naturally-felled oak to a troupe of topiary frog musicians and a living checker-board guarded by a fearsome or friendly-looking wooden snake (depending on how you feel about snakes). See the complete page here Children's Garden & Nature Playground

Snake of snakes and ladders theme. Watch for it on your way in!

The benches from my last post will be a part of the playground, hence the fun colors!

So if you're stuck in the city this long weekend, I highly recommend that you take the time to visit the new Children's Garden and Nature Playground. And if you have kids, it'll be a great place for them to blow off some excess energy!

Rethink. Reclaim. Reuse. - Ray