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John Lee

@johnleewriter.bsky.social
258 followers 145 following 1.8K posts

Independent feature writer, content creator and copywriter (www.JohnLeeWriter.com). Huge Christmas fan (www.VancouverChristmasGuide.com) and co-author of the brand new book "Freecouver: 101 Free Things To Do In And Around Vancouver" (www.freecouver.com)

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Dannyboy wildlife @dannyboywildlife.bsky.social · 15h
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 9h
Travel + Leisure says these are the best #Christmas markets to visit in #Europe www.travelandleisure.com/best-christm...
travelandleisure.com
These Are the 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2026—From Centuries-old Traditions to Medieval Town Squares
Travel experts and locals share the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2026, from Vienna’s elegant Christkindlmarkt to Prague’s medieval square.
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Viz Comic @vizcomic.bsky.social · 8h
subscriptions >>> shop.viz.co.uk/viz359bs
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 8h
Vancouver's Island's 40 Knots Winery to become BC's second indigenous-owned winery www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
K'ómoks First Nation buys Vancouver Island's 40 Knots Winery | CBC News
The K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) says the purchase strengthens its position in the tourism and hospitality sector. This will make 40 Knots B.C's second Indigenous-owned winery, acco...
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@Above96th @above96th.bsky.social · 17h
I was just about to leave Central Park's Grassy Knoll this morning, when I heard a Northern Flicker calling to me. Of course, I turned around and there he was! 🥰🥰🥰 #Flicker #CentralPark #birdsseenin2026
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simmcewen.bsky.social @simmcewen.bsky.social · 17h
Golden-crowned sparrow #BirdSupermodel #BirdOfTheDay #Wildlife #NaturePhotography
A close-up photograph of a golden-crowned sparrow. The background is out of focus, grayish green.
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 16h
Is this the end of the line for this historic BC attraction? www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
O'Keefe Ranch's future uncertain as City of Vernon rejects lease extension | CBC News
The historic O'Keefe Ranch faces an uncertain future after the City of Vernon has rejected extending its lease.
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 05/10/2026
Good times at the White Rock South Surrey Culture Crawl! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat and purchase books. A thrill to finally meet @evelazarus.bsky.social IRL, and see @theaaronchapman.bsky.social, of course @johnleewriter.bsky.social, along with authors Susan Cormier & Peter Holloway
In a mall concourse, a group of authors standing behind tables holding books with a big “culture crawl” sign on the ground in frontIn front of a bookstore with a sign above the entrance that says Black Bond Books, some copies of the book FREECOUVER are stacked on a tableA man in plaid shirt smiling holding a copy of the book FREECOUVER in front of the store Black Bond Books in a mallTwo women holding each other’s book: on the left is Beneath Dark Waters and on the right is Freecouver. They’re standing in a mall outside Black Bond Books
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Jocelyn Anderson Photography @jocelynanderson.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
An Eastern Chipmunk giving the "there's danger on the ground" alarm. There were several other chippies giving the same call. I couldn't see what was causing the alarm, but I bet there was a mink romping around.
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Oh yes! www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
cbc.ca
Growers battle it out at giant pumpkin weigh-off in Langley
A fall tradition in Langley, B.C., has growers bring their largest produce for a giant pumpkin competition. Organizers say multiple B.C. records could be challenged this year following an exceptiona...
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 03/10/2026
Underrated thrill: Riding on the double decker bus through the tunnel 🫨 Off to sign copies of FREECOUVER at Black Bond Books in Semiahmoo Mall today. Did you know? We took transit to do our research for the book and its 101 locations. #transit #booksky #books #book #bus #vancouver
A hand holding a book called FREECOUVER with a cover that looks like a fridge with magnets holding souvenir photos. From a top deck passenger seat of a transit bus going through a tunnel
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
#ChristmasCatMax is fully prepared to wait until the holidays arrive. #caturday
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
See you all in White Rock today!
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Check out these vintage #Christmas photos from old #Vancouver www.vancouverchristmasguide.com/old-vancouve...
vancouverchristmasguide.com
Vintage Christmas photos from Vancouver.
Check out these cool vintage photographs of the holidays in Vancouver.
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Images: the Nikon Comedy Wildlife photography awards are back! www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Comedy wildlife photography award finalists 2026 – in pictures
A selection of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 finalists – from a shortlist featuring a caiman wearing a wig, a leopard doing a handstand, a strutting white-tailed eagle and a polar bear appeari...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Looking for a great #Christmas stocking stuffer gift? Our pocket-sized new book FREECOUVER (available wherever you buy your books) is just $16.95!
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Interesting story about a cool #QPR player. Good luck to him! www.nytimes.com/athletic/730...
nytimes.com
Karamoko Dembele interview: What happened to the prodigy who was up there with Bellingham and Musiala?
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Why not drop by and pick up a signed copy or two of our FREECOUVER book on Saturday!
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
What a great idea! www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Like caring for a pet’: the app that lets you know if your neighbourhood tree is thirsty
Gieß den Kiez app shows trees in critical need of watering and can be adopted by other heat-stressed cities around the world
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 01/10/2026
10 free events around Metro #Vancouver in October, via our book website's "Freecouver Tips" section 📖
freecouver.com
10 Free Events in Vancouver - October 2026 - Freecouver
The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and the Vancouver events calendar is packed! Best of all, there’s a lineup of free and fun things to do this October that will keep you in great spir...
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explore.org @explore.org · 01/10/2026
Looking good, 908!
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 01/10/2026
Events around Vancouver this month:
miss604.com
October Events in Vancouver » 2026 Guide to Fun Things To Do
Best events in Vancouver this month - October edition! Enjoy harvest, Halloween, music, and more around Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A #Vogue magazine #Christmas cover from 1914...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
COVID wasn't all bad. Check out this amazing Peter Mullan piece, created during lockdown: www.facebook.com/NationalThea...
facebook.com
46K views · 763 reactions | 'Fill yer beaks' After switching the food in his back-garden bird feeder, an idyllic lockdown experience is threatened after the birds make it clear they’re none too happy with the change. A showdown ensues, and as the fight escalates beyond his control the lines between man and beast begin to blur. Peter Mullan directs and stars in a surreal and hilarious new short from writer Douglas Maxwell. Filmed in isolation in Glasgow Scenes for Survival is a National Theatre of Scotland project in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland, BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project and Scotland’s leading theatre venues and companies, with support from Hopscotch Films UK | National Theatre of Scotland
'Fill yer beaks' After switching the food in his back-garden bird feeder, an idyllic lockdown experience is threatened after the birds make it clear they’re none too happy with the change. A...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
And the winner is.... www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Backpack edges past Dancing Queen to win the Fat Bear Week title
Bear known for sitting in solitude won tournament celebrating the animals’ ability to eat large amounts of fish
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The wonder of insects: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Insects play critical role in ecosystems beyond just providing food, new research shows
Insects provide protection, sanitation and even shelter to vertebrates, making them a priority for conservation efforts
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Tim Thomas @timofnewbury.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Won an auction for an Olivetti lettera 32 typewriter on eBay. Arrived safely and it works well (needs a new ribbon). Happy to discover from typewriterdatabase.com that it was manufactured in 1967 in Italy. Happy also that the money will go to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. each.org.uk
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
See you all there!
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 29/09/2026
Hope to see you at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre on Saturday. I’ll be at Black Bond Books for their author extravaganza with @theaaronchapman.bsky.social @evelazarus.bsky.social @johnleewriter.bsky.social Susan Cormier, Christy K. Lee, and many more local authors 📚 #booksky
miss604.com
Book Signing at the White Rock and South Surrey Culture Crawl
We join a roster of talented local authors at Black Bond Books for the White Rock and South Surrey Culture Crawl on October 3rd, signing copies of FREECOUVER.
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A vintage #London Underground #Christmas advert
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Hope to see you all in White Rock on Saturday!
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Jocelyn Anderson Photography @jocelynanderson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A Sandhill Crane calls at other Sandhill Cranes that are passing by overhead. I can tell this a male as they throw their head back 90 degrees while calling, while the females throw their heads back 45 degrees.
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New 'genetic conservation area' in #Cambodia aims to save the Siamese crocodile from the brink of extinction www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Saving the Siamese crocodile: Cambodia moves to protect one of the world’s last wild populations
Indigenous communities play crucial role, as ‘genetic bank’ area of wetland offers hope for critically endangered reptile
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Guardian photo essay covers the critically endangered native ponies of a remote Hebridean island -- and the locals who look after them: www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
The endangered native ponies of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides – a photo essay
Fewer than 400 Eriskay ponies remain. One of the rarest native breeds in the world, their plight is unique because the community living on their tiny Hebridean island are fighting for them. The ponies...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Behold B.C.'s annual hot pepper eating contest: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Similkameen Sizzle festival shows off bountiful produce from Interior growers, has contestants sweating | CBC News
People from across B.C. and around the world arrived in Keremeos, B.C., Saturday afternoon to compete in the Similkameen Sizzle's annual hot pepper eating contest. The annual Similkameen Sizzle festiv...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is really sad: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Crows are being given naloxone after suspected drug overdoses in Prince George | CBC News
The increased toxicity of the illicit drug supply has prompted public warnings in the north-central B.C. city.
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Images from this year's #Porthcawl Elvis festival www.theguardian.com/music/galler...
theguardian.com
All hail the King: the Porthcawl Elvis festival – in pictures
The largest gathering of Elvis fans in Europe is held annually every September in the seaside town in south Wales
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Among my favourite FREECOUVER discoveries was the brilliant BC Golf Museum. One of the museum's co-founders is about to give a Tea & Talk event at the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum (also in our book) on the topic of Vancouver's Lost Golf Courses. Check it out:
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Bird banders scramble to deal with surge in migrating saw-whet owls in Northern B.C. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Record-breaking owl migration in northern B.C. leaves researchers scrambling | CBC News
A boom in mice and voles may have helped produce an unusually large wave of young saw-whet owls near Mackenzie, north of Prince George.
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
#ChristmasCatMax pronounces it "fra-gee-lay"
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Todd Temkin @toddtemkin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Lukka & Eldfara. If these two knock on your door and insist you come out and play in the rain, what are you answering? Patagonia problems.
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explore.org @explore.org · 26/09/2026
Sit down Saturday.
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Looking for the perfect #Christmas gift? Check out this satirical Canadian board game: www.e-upgames.com
e-upgames.com
Making Board Games Great Again!
Take control of the Pentagon! Twenty American cities are up for grabs. Send in the National Guard. Put your opponents On ICE. The last one standing is the winner!
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Dannyboy wildlife @dannyboywildlife.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
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Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 25/09/2026
By donation day + free admission night at the Vancouver Art Gallery next week for its 95th anniversary. Online/advance registration required.
miss604.com
Vancouver Art Gallery Celebrates 95 Years
The Vancouver Art Gallery is celebrating its 95th anniversary this October, marking nearly a century as an integral part of Vancouver's cultural life.
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Mr Natural @neilmatheson66.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
George Callaghan (b.N.Ireland, 1941) Autumn Road through the Glens. oil and acrylic on canvas.
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Vancouver Christmas Guide @vanchristmasguide.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#ChristmasCatMax is always daydreaming about the holidays...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Many of #Vancouver's paid attractions have monthly admission-free days. Check out this handy #FREECOUVER round-up of our favourites: freecouver.com/2026/06/free...
freecouver.com
Free or Pay-What-You-Can Days at Top Local Attractions - Freecouver
A great selection of museums, galleries and more in Vancouver and beyond offer designated special days where you don’t have to pay the regular price for admission. These are a great way to visit some ...
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John Lee @johnleewriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Looking for another reason to love Margaret Atwood? Here you go: www.theguardian.com/books/ng-int...
theguardian.com
‘Birdwatching is close to rapture’: Margaret Atwood on why she has given C$1m to avian research
Award-winning novelist celebrates late partner’s love of birds with gift to establish the Graeme Gibson chair in avian biology
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@Above96th @above96th.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I realized when I saw this stunning Red-bellied Woodpecker that I hadn't seen many recently. Curious what other Central Park birders have experienced. 🥰🥰🥰 #Woodpeckers #CentralPark #birdsseenin2026
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