I first met Michael-James Pennie at a Tazzu networking even a few years back. I know him as a remarkable, upbeat and positive man.
I read for the first time today that his family has been coping with a debilitating disease which has afflicted his father, Jim, over the past several years… in 2003 he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Pennie writes: “Our personal lives have never been the same. I never wanted to burden those close to me with my challenges, although there was a nagging instinct inside of me that refused to go away. I had to do something. I became inspired to share my story. I became inspired to be proactive to help not only my father, but those other families affected. “
Continue reading ‘Michael-James Pennie & Tweet to Remember’
This month’s Tazzu Spotlight member is Peter, known as pkthree at Tazzu.
Typically a man of few words in the Tazzu Forums, I was delighted to his colorful responses to the questions I asked him.
Rather than rework the ‘interview’ I’ve simply copy and pasted it so we get the full meal deal – Peter Keung is in the house!!
1) Where were you born and – how did you find your way to Vancouver?
I was born in Mississauga, Ontario but I only think about it as the place where Kleenex tissue paper was or is made. My dad worked in banking, so he took the family along as he got transferred to Burnaby, then to Vancouver Island, then to Quesnel, and finally back to the Lower Mainland, where we settled. I attended the last few years of elementary school here, then also high school and university. So I don’t have many memories from before I moved here. Now that I’m old enough to decide where I want to live, I’ve already been spoiled by Vancouver, which will be hard to top.
2) Tell us briefly about your family (parents? number of siblings?)
My dad was born in Hong Kong and my mom is from Singapore, but interestingly enough, they met in Wales. By now they’ve spent more than half of their lives in Canada. I have an older brother and I used to always want to do everything he was doing. He always beat me in basketball and tennis. I figure I now have the upper edge in hockey, but he doesn’t play hockey…
Continue reading ‘pkthree – aka Peter of Mugo Web & eZ Systems’
There is a saying that goes like this… “what you see is what you get”.
This is true if you don’t take the time to look closer at what you see. Today, as I begin taking a closer look at our next Tazzu spotlight member: fractal – I realize there is much more to him than meets the eye.
I was curious to see just when exactly fractal had joined Tazzu, so before writing this article I clicked on Tazzu’s membership list link. Did you know that fractal is officially Tazzu’s very first Charter Member? I admit I’m embarrassed because I didn’t really notice this before, I’m also greatly honored. It is with much pleasure that I introduce to you Paul Dwyer – aka fractal.
Continue reading ‘fractal – creating the artistic patterns of his own life’
If you’ve known Steve Bougerolle (SteveB in the Tazzu Forums) for any length of time you’ll know this of him: that he has a wealth of knowledge on many topics. Discussions with him are most often rich, and full of insight.
Frequently, you’ll find Bougerolle helping members with questions, shedding light in debates, or giving assistance with Moderating and important Administrative decisions for the Forum. As a Moderator and Charter member of Tazzu, his contributions have been invaluable.
Continue reading ‘SteveB – king of the imperial realms’
I’ve known Liesa Billings (Liesa in the Tazzu Forums) for many years… since the 1900′s – when Karaoke was THE thing to do and line-dancing was becoming the latest craze… not that we ever got caught up in one or the other. 
It was at that time that Liesa was making a name for herself as the ‘local chef to keep an eye on’. She started this journey by working in several trendy restaurants in and around Lonsdale, North Vancouver. At the age of 20 she landed a job at the award-winning restaurant “Beachside Café” as a line cook (pre-apprentice) where her passion in cooking grew.
Continue reading ‘Liesa – a culinary graphic designer a la mode!’
At the age of 25, Steven Stark – known as sstark in the Tazzu Forums – is as ambitious as they get!
Stark’s interest in computers and the internet started when he was just a kid. As Steve puts it “I was navigating MS DOS before I could read, using sticky notes my mom made for me.�
Continue reading ‘sstark – one ambitious pup!’
This week I had the privilege of joining Vivien Anayian – known as VG Universe in the Tazzu Forums – for coffee.
Right from the moment we met, I felt like I’d known Vivien forever. She had this ease about her that comes only from knowing one’s self. Our conversation was as rich and full-bodied as the java I was enjoying!
Vivien, born in Georgia (at that time part of the Soviet Union) came to Canada on her own in 2000. Now, married to the love of her life and best friend Garry (a local musician), the two of them with their lovely 2 1/4 year old daughter Veronica call the beautiful North Shore home.
Continue reading ‘VG Universe – Vivien’s world!’
Recent Comments