Author Archives: Kurt Heinrich

About Kurt Heinrich

Who are you? I work as a storyteller. In my spare time I like to volunteer on a variety of environmental and political initiatives as well as help coordinate a soccer team based in the Downtown Eastside. What do you do for fun? I like to cook, cycle, read, chillax, eat French and Japanese food, play with my friends, shoot the breeze with my mom, dad and sisters, explore new and interesting communities, sip the Bump and Grind's delicious Clover brew, and spend time with my lovely red headed partner Theo. What’s your favorite community and why? Right now my favorite community is the Drive. It's hip, happening and varied hosting people as diverse as a Deloitte consultant (you know who you are...) to a stick twirling, leather-homemade-clothes-wearing dude known as "Cloud Man".

Dispatches from Silverstar (Part 1)

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On Sunday afternoon, Theodora and I were very concerned that we’d made a horrible mistake in deciding to make an impromptu visit to Vernon’s premier ski area, Silverstar. We were high-up on the Coquihalla Highway and were crawling along at 20 km an hour as a blizzard turned the slushy highway from hazardous to downright terrible. On our right, we crawled by half a dozen cars and buses who were stuck spinning their tires in the hard pack snow. Pretty soon the entire car was enveloped in foggy snow. Visibility was down to 10 meters. My white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel could have cracked a walnut.

Half an hour later we were cruising along the highway under blue skies at 110 km. We joked that we felt like a party of hobbits who’d successfully dodged Saruman’s curse and made it over the Misty Mountains. After a brief bathroom stop in Kamloops (we decided to take the northern route to Vernon following Highway 5 to Merritt and then Kamloops) we headed along Hwy 1 then along a meandering small 97 into Vernon.

Courtesy of okanaganvacationguide.com

The next day we woke early in our Vernon hotel to motor up to Silverstar. It was a hop, skip and a jump up the Mountain (nothing like the Misty Mountain experience).

That morning I was convinced by the Australian ski renter guy (is there a per-capita rule on mountains to hire a certain number of Aussies) to spring for the high level skis costing an extra $10 a day.

Over the next six hours, I skied like I’d never skied before. Clothed thanks to the thoughtful lending of my friends John Horn (long-johns – pun intended! and gloves) and Julian Christians (ski-pants). Thank goodness for the winter-wear as without it, I’d still be an icicle. Despite the phenomenal powder, the wind made skiing without a fully covered face an act of masochism.

Throughout the day, we enjoyed Silverstar’s 12 lifts. Highlights was tree-skiing off of blue runs. Dodging trees is like dodging balls (or wrenches) – very fun and very rewarding. I also loved the Whistler-like variety and the very non-Whistler like lack of crowds. That plus the cute little ski-village at the base of the mountain. Talk about quaint.

There’s a lot more to say, but I’ll leave it at that today. Stay tuned for a new dispatch in the coming days.

Header image courtesy of Visions of Domino

Octopi Regains Momentum with 3-1 Win

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After a unsatisfying victory last week, the Octopi squad were hungry for a cleaner and more decisive win this Wednesday when they took the field against Right Back on the Bench (RBOTB). It was a cool evening at Thunderbird. Although the Octopi was missing star defender Brenton Walters (who was rumoured to be contemplating a trade to a South Vancouver team), the team felt confident.

Their confidence was reinforced when within the first two minutes, the team flew into RBOTB’s half and set up a gorgeous goal by star striker Erin Loxam. The crowd on the sideline went wild with chants of “Loxy, Loxy!” After a few more dangerous thrusts into their opponents goal area, momentum of the game gradually turned against Octopi. RBOTB players turned on the afterburners and consistently managed to win 50/50 balls. Gradually the game shifted against the boys and girls in pink. After a throw in from the far side of the field, RBOTB’s long haired star managed to streak past the Octopi defence and sneak a goal past all-star keeper David Willinsky to bring the score back to 1-1.

Commentators aren’t sure what sort of pep talk happened during the break, but at the second half, a whole new pink team came on the field. More talking and a fiercer determination to make the ball their own paid off. Passes were as crisp as you’d see in an MLS game. Quick passes back and forth kept the RBOTB’s team running circles. Then a foul in the box allowed striker John Horn to nail a penalty kick putting Octopi ahead 2-1. Later in the second half of the game, one of RBOTB’s dirtiest players turned over the ball in the box and star striker Erin Loxam was able to capitalize hammering a goal in at close range and making it 3-1 Octopi.

Late in the game things started to get chippy. Both sides were going hard in and tempers started to flair. When the final whistle was blown, there was a collective sigh of relief among the non “type A” personality players. The win puts Octopi in the top four of the league and sets them on a course to take on Nomads FC – the team of British whipper-snappers who destroyed them in their inaugural game of the season.

Octopi manager Kurt Heinrich says the team isn’t intimidated in the slightest.

“We’re actually looking forward to a rematch with Nomads FC,” says Heinrich. “This time, it’ll be different.”

Mike Worth – Man of a Dozen Communities

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Editor’s Note: This profile was done over beers at Vancouver’s Alibi Room. Anything inaccurate is entirely Gumboot Editor Kurt Heinrich’s fault!

Who are you?

Mike Worth. Software Developer for ATIMI, a local Vancouver company.

What do you do for fun?

I love to spend time with my son, play the guitar, listen to interesting music and read about the latest tech gadgets.

What is your favorite community?

Oh boy. That’s hard to say. I’m a cinephine and love movies. I love BBQ and how tasty sauce and dry roasted ribs binds together enthusiasts from across the province. I’m just as crazy about the craft brewery scene and the wide range of adherents. I love to partake in all of these things with my friends and family.  I guess you could say that I am a man of a dozen communities.

What’s your superpower?

The super power that pops into my mind is my super-pallet for identifying the best BBQ and craft beer around. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

How do you use it to build community?

By taking one for the team and exploring the best that various communities have to offer (as aided and abetted by my super BBQ pallet) I’m able to share with my close family and friends a tasty home-style (cornbread, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, roasted chicken) culinary experience. It’s wonderful to take something that’s near and dear to one’s heart and to share it with one’s loved ones who may never have experienced it before.

My three favorite things about Mike Worth are:

1. His drive to find the best in all of his diversity of interests. Mike isn’t one to shrug his shoulders and settle for something that’s just “ok”. He wants to find the best the world (or at least the region) has to offer. Because he’s programmed to track down the best types of beer, music, BBQ, etc. his friends and family also reap significant benefits. That might be exposure to new songs (ie. Jonsi and Sigur Ros), phenomenal BBQ (best BBQ pork ribs in Whistler) and or new tech know-how (not sure how to properly pimp out your android phone? Ask Mike).

2. His devotion to his son. Mike’s always looking out for his young son. He’s always thinking of him. He’s proud of him and you can see the love and complete and utter commitment burned into his face whenever his son is nearby. Talk about a lucky kid (and a lucky dad!)

3. You’ll always learn something new about beer. Each time I spend an afternoon or evening with Mike, I learn about a new craft brewery. Maybe it’s Deschutes Brewery. Maybe it’s Rogue Brewery. Maybe its some random small craft brewery based in Fort St. John that you’ve never heard of. The best part of it all is with Mike, you don’t just learn about the beer, you also get to sample some of the best tasting brews in the Pacific Northwest. Over and over again…

Octopi Destroys Team Keggers with 4-1 Win

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It was a big night for Octopi Vancouver. After a disappointing tie game the week before, the team was raring to snatch back some momentum. Indeed, Octopi’s  Facebook page said it all: attendees were there to win, not tie. With that it mind, it wasn’t surprising to see the team’s amped up enthusiasm on full display at Thunderbird Stadium last Wednesday.

Despite missing its promised calisthenics pre-warm up warm up, the team wasn’t rusty at the start. After loosing the rock-paper-scissors game for the ball due to misplaced confidence in “rock”, the team settle back to defend where possible. Though Keggers was missing a woman and playing short handed, the Octopi squad decided not to show mercy. Like a terminator, they’d be going in for the kill.

The game was quick paced, but relatively clean. It quickly became clear to both sides that owing to impressive skills, strong team cohesion and superior team espirt de corp, Octopi’s would be dominating. The passes were crisp and the flow of the game favoured the good guys (ie. us). Here are a few highlights:

  • A gorgeous header by striker Erin Loxam from a long ball from the left wing by striker John Horn. The play has been labelled henceforth as “Cobra”. Urban Rec teams beware.
  • Fantastic goal-tending by stand-in Obi, who had some terrific saves during both halfs and did a fine job of standing in for all-star Octopi keeper David Willinsky (sources close to the keeper say he’s likely to be back on the pitch next Wednesday)
  • Terrific defensive play by Matt Kieltyka, Brenton Walters and Roger Hosking. Their  strong play on the back line ensured loose balls (or loose balls with players attached) were quickly shut down and cleared well out of bounds (sometimes so well that Kegger players had to go rooting through bushes).
  • Fantastic pressure by Octopi left winger Kyla Kieltyka and new winger Nicole Seguin on the opposing team. The persistent pressure and constant play-making helped shore up the midfield and keep the ball distribution from defense to offense steady.\
  • Great ball distribution by mid-fielder/defenseman/forward Stew Burgess. His moves were, at times, Pele-esque.

Unlike the previous game, communications among Octopi’s squad continued throughout the game and the end result meant lots of back pats and laughter when the final whistle was blow. The win puts Octopi solidly in the middle of the pack and within striking distance of the top couple spots.

Analysts say that as the team increasingly starts to gel, amazing things will likely start to happen on the pitch – if not during this season, certainly the next one when the team will move to a new league and new challenge at Trillium field.

Portland FC to Take on Vancouver Police this Friday

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A big soccer game is on the horizon and it isn’t the Vancouver Whitecaps or Octopi Vancouver that are playing. This Friday, the Portland FC and Portland Phoenix, two of Vancouver’s top Street Soccer teams, will be locking horns with the Vancouver police department. Both sides are confident and they should be. Last year’s tournament at Andy Livingstone was a neck and neck game. The cops were big and (contrary to popular perception) clad in red, not blue. They were also as fast as roadrunners and in the end, despite a fierce game, the speed and skills paid off with a 4 – 2 win for the cops on a VERY rainy Friday night.

This year’s game will be Friday, February 24 at Trillium field at 4 PM sharp. Both teams are gearing up for a fun game. Portland FC and Phoenix in particular are looking for supporters to come out and support the team. If that’s you, make sure you show up and help cheer us to victory. If you’re cheering for the cops – that’s ok too. We’re not THAT competitive (wink).

Octopi Stalls in Second Half with 3-3 Draw

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Photo courtesy of stevendepolo

Fresh off a one-one tie the game before, Octopi came away last Wednesday with yet another draw, despite leading the scoreboard and dominating the field for most of the game.

Most commentators and critics agree that Octopi’s control of the ball and superiority in both passing and skills should have won the day. It certainly helped them dominate the first half. With a quick goal 5 minutes into the first half by defender Kurt Heinrich, the wind was certainly in the pink team’s sails.

When late-arriving striker John Horn hit the pitch, the Octopi offense went into overdrive. After a later goal by Right Back on the Bench (RBOTB), the team continued to pressure finishing with a beautiful triangle of passing between Horn, defender Matt Kieltyka and midfielder Brenton Walters. The triangle allowed for an opening on left side of RBOTB’s box, which Horn was able to easily exploit for a late goal. The score at the end of the half was 2-1 Octopi. Things were looking good.

In the second half, left and right wingers Kyla Kieltyka and Jessica Pautsch probed effectively against the RBOTB’s weak defence. But the team’s momentum was halted when early in the second half an awkward hand ball in the box gave the RBOTB a free kick that they cranked well into the bottom right corner of keeper David Willinsky’s goal.

Later in the half the team would add another goal from a long ways, but the goal was answered by RBOTB after a spate of miscommunication in Octopi’s box.

Then Octopi’s communication continued to deteriorate as the second half wore on. Passes went to far or not far enough. A indirect kick was muppeted up by Heinrich.

Despite kick moves by midfielder Jenn Tailor and a last minute drive by Heinrich, Horn and Pautsch, the game was not to be won, but only tied.

Photo courtesy of guy schmidt

Octopi Ends 2 Game Losing Streak… Decisively

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It was a cool day on Wednesday out at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium. Octopi was taking on Multiple Sportosis in its third Urban Rec soccer game this season. The stakes were high. The past two games had been crushing defeats. The first game against top-ranked Nomads FC had been a devastating 6-2 loss.

“They broke our back early on in the first half,” said striker John Horn. “After that we just didn’t have a chance.”

The next game was equally grim. Out-manned (not to mentioned out-womaned), Octopi was again able to score early on only to get out run by Turf Stains. The ol’ “no sub cause we be mad skilled strategy” the team was forced to deploy due to a shortened roster meant by the second half, many of the team were lumbering about the field like dinosaurs. The end result, a 4-1 loss, was a bitter pill to swallow for the new expansion team.

Despite two tough games, Octopi came roaring out of the gate this Wednesday displaying a mix of hard strikes and rock solid defense that the team’s manager Kurt Heinrich says he’d always expected.

“From the get go, I always new there was something special about this team. The defense is almost impossible to breach, especially when we’ve got Walters and Hogkins anchoring the line,” says Heinrich. “This is the Octopi the fans were promised and with a little luck, this is the Octopi we’ll be seeing in the future.”

The game started with a series of terrific goals from Octopi strikers Erin Loxam and John Horn. Mid fielder Kristina Pikksalu made beautiful plays happen. Keeper David Willinsky ensured nothing slipped through and into the net.

After the team identified Multiple Scorosis’ primary danger (the tall blue shirted guy), they were quickly able to neutralize the opposing side’s offense.

The end result, a 5-0 shutout for Octopi, put the team on the scoreboard and was a signal to the rest of the league that the pink shirted crew would not be fodder for an easy victory.

The next game will be Wednesday, February 8 against Totti Hots Purr.

John Connor – Our Last Best Hope in the face of the Apocalypse

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Who are you?

I’m John Connor. Voice and leader of the resistance. If you’re reading this, you are part of my cabal of human freedom fighters. My mom was Sarah Connor. She was a great woman. I used to think she was a complete psycho and a “total loser”. Now I understand. She understood the computers were going to take over the world. She taught me how to be tough, how to fight and how to lead people in a military operation. Without her, I would not exist. Without me, the resistance to the machines would have been crushed years ago.

What do you do for fun?

Kill terminators. When I was young, I used to like to play video games and cruise around on my little scooter bike with my buddy Tim. Today, Tim’s dead – killed in the nuclear holocaust that was Judgement Day. In fact, they’re almost all dead. In fact, don’t take this the wrong way, but in the future, when we’re constantly evading hunter-killer terminators and planning offensives against the Skynet, fun just doesn’t seem to exist.

What is your favourite community? Why?

The human communities around the world. The survivors who refuse to go silently into the night. Who chose to find a way to survive and to resist the terrible future of the machines. I love this community and will die fighting to defend it. Why? If you don’t know, then you’re probably a machine and you’ll likely never be able to really understand.

What is your superpower?

An innate ability to kill terminators. I’ve been fighting terminators since I was a kid. Hell, I was at war with them before I was even born. I know what they’re thinking, what they’re planning and I know how to terminate them using everything from MIG fighters to laser rifles to machine guns. In a world overrun by the bastards, my superpower is the best thing our species has got. That may sound a bit arrogant. If you think so, you can go to hell. What are you doing to save the human race?

How do you use it to build community?

It’s simple. The more terminators I kill correspondents directly with the more human communities that will survive. If I can kill them all and destroy Skynet, mankind may once again become the top dog on the planet Earth.

My Three Favourite Things About John Are…

1. He’s scrappy and has a lot of pluck. You see it throughout his life. Be it when he’s a young teen racing through the waterways of LA while being chased by a giant mac truck, dodging military drones when in his late 20s on the eve of Judgement Day or even jumping into the middle of the Pacific Ocean during a horrible storm to swim to submarine in his 40s.

2. His relationship with a machine made me cry when I was a kid. Yup, I don’t get too emotional most of the time. But John’s special relationship with his terminator guardian in T2 is pretty special. That sort of depth of character demonstrates that while he may seem like a arrogant badass based on his comments above, he’s also the same guy that as a kid, taught a machine how to be more human.

3. His pure doggedness. It’s gotta be tough fighting terminators your entire life, especially in the face of such horrible odds. It’s gotta be even tougher knowing you have a destiny and that destiny will likely keep you alone and in danger through your entire life. But John doesn’t give up. His single minded commitment to fighting for our future has made the game of WWJCD (What would John Connor Do?) a popular one in our household.

The Many Horsemen of the Apocalypse

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Terminators and the Apocalypse (vs. Zombies and the Apocalypse)

Scary or awesome or both?

How’s it all going to end? My guess is we’re more likely to end up fighting terminators/computers than we are zombies. Here are my top reasons why we’re more likely to face off against killing machines than the walking dead.

1)      You need only to chart the exponential growth of computer chips or data storage (remember when 1 megabyte was the space for your entire hard-drive?) to get a sense of how quickly computers are being improved. How many more years of exponential growth until AI exists and then becomes “Skynetish” in its intelligence?

2)      The internet, while amazing for humans, is even MORE amazing for computers. It’s like having a mind-meld to all your buddies allowing you to share information and solve problems instantaneously. All the sudden you don’t need to build bigger and bigger computers to get the raw scheming, Machiavellian mind of a super-computer a la Terminator; you can network a whole bunch of little computers and get way more bang for your buck

3)      Our entire society is pretty much reliant on computers. Unlike zombies, which I think we’d all agree we can do without, computers and their accompanying software is pretty much the foundation of the modern information economy. Even if we saw Skynet coming (which we probably won’t) and tried to “turn off” our computers or the internet, it’d be like ripping out your heart to save yourself from a heart attack. Raw deal, no matter what way you cut it.

4)      The US government has already probably built Terminators in some high-tech lab buried under Colorado’s mountains. Yeah, they probably also have developed some sort of killer zombiesque virus too, but that’s a lot less socially acceptable than high-tech “drone” weapons systems that have already made their appearances on the battlefield.

World Enders In Their Own Words

Regardless of what the other gumbooteers here say about the end of the world, I’m convinced it’s going to be triggered by a super villain or evil-doer of note. What’s the best defense against an evil-doer?

Well, some might say a good offence. Fair enough.

How do you build a good offence? Beyond pouring trillions into a military-industrial complex you start with a foundation of intelligence. You paint a picture of your enemy’s motives and monitor their every move. Infiltrate their communications.

Get a leg up on the coming apocalypse by tapping into the thoughts of our some prime suspects.

Victor Von Doom
Why? DOOM – duh – It’s in his name. And while his tweets don’t reveal a lot of detail about his plans for world destruction they do offer a great glimpse into the twisted mind of this super villain.

Cobra Commander
Why? Cobra shares exactly what he’s up to. Half the time it’s destabilizing governmnets and working to undermine society, the other half it’s chasing ladies. Meaning this intel is about 50% gold when it comes to heading off hell-on-earth.

Darth Vader
Why? Literally a world ender. Alderaan was a peaceful planet, so just think of what he might do to a planet like ours if he gets his hands on another fully-functional battle station.

And to follow on that note, @Deathstarpr is working the spin on spinning planets out of orbit

The Terminator
Why? If we’re worried about technology taking over the best place to start is with technology from the possible-future where it already has… that makes sense right?

Editors note – I agree with Michael on this observation that Terminators will likely end the world…

Digital Fill – Our Communities from Space

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Sometimes there’s stuff that’s just too cool not to share. I feel that way particularly about space based images. Here’s a terrific new video that I discovered thanks to Gumboot correspondent Theodora Lamb.

It’s a time lapse sequence of photographs taken by the crew of expeditions
28 & 29 on board the International Space Station from August to October,
2011. And it is just stunning.

 Banner photo courtesy of Universe Today.