Morning Brew: May 7

The Canadian Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for cyclone-swept Myanmar. Go to redcross.ca or dial 1-800-418-1111 to make a donation.

Apparently, Canada is preventing the use of Canadian-made low-speed electric vehicles that have been approved in 44 states, because their maximum speed is under 50kph. I didn't realize that speed was even possible on Vancouver streets. Seriously, how good would these things be? After some searching, this news has been around for awhile... but that new Economist article is the only one that brings up the obvious role of oil-rich Alberta.

Radiohead have announced that they're gonna give it their all to make the upcoming tour as eco-friendly as possible. Check out their new page where you can calculate the carbon impact of your trip to the show, as well as view updates on how the band itself is managing their environmental footprint. Or you could just go see an act who don't have to make a trans-Atlantic flight to get here, as Wolf Parade tickets go on sale Friday morning.

I always half-sarcastically gripe that a good portion of Vancouver's bike riders are all about the image. The Tyee's new competition definitely capitalizes: in anticipation of bike to work week; snap a photo of yourself and your bike, then win a new one. I say no Polaroids or one-speeders allowed.

Want to know if you're a hipster? Someone needs to write a better, Vancouver version of this. Tangentially related: an audio sideshow of Bolivian coca growing, via the Walrus.

The Tyee & 24 will sponsor a debate on May 21 between the three candidates for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination. Learn about Vision and take a look at the history of issues they've fought for.

BC is failing our aboriginal children, while everyones ga-ga over the new Bill Reid gallery.

The Britannia community stands strong in the face of Olympic money.

Kitsilano Workout caught ripping off customers. Now that we're more than four months past New Years, make sure you've properly canceled your gym membership.

Santana is coming to Vancouver. How sad is it that the song that'll get the most reaction will be that duet he did with Rob Thomas... and why does no one ever use Santana as an example for the negative effects of drug use? However, everyone must see this mind blowing performance from Woodstock, before the man became the Surreal Life of the music biz.

perfect photo of unknown hipsters with bikes by JMaddox of the Vancouver flickr group