Bios
David Beers
David Beers is founding editor of The Tyee. He was senior editor at Mother Jones magazine before moving to Vancouver in 1991. Since then, he has won national awards for his journalism in Canada and the United States, writing for The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Harper's, National Geographic and many other publications. During a three years stint at the Vancouver Sun he edited the “Fate of the Strait” environmental series, recipient of Canada’s National Newspaper Award for Special Projects; invented and edited the cultural section Mix; served as Chief Features Editor and wrote a weekly essay on social and political issues.
He is author of Blue Sky Dream, a memoir of growing up in Cold War California suburbia. He is a founding member of IMPACS, a Vancouver non-profit firm providing media help to non-profit groups, former vice chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, and a lecturer at the UBC School of Journalism.
Stories by David Beers
Ten Great Films About Newspapers Kick off Friday
'Stop the Presses' fest had lots of cinematic gems to choose from. What made the final edition?
Tyee Mobile and Video: Crazy Risks Pay off
Decision to join the 21st century seems to be working out.
Tyee's Comments Go on Holiday
But we'll keep posting stories right into the new year. Oh, and here's what you liked in 2011.
Harper Team 'Lousy' Managers of Canada: Mulcair
NDP leadership candidate Thomas Mulcair on his 'cap and trade' climate plan, economic 'realism,' playing to win, and more.
Canada's Oil Sands Kill Africans, Says Greenpeace Leader
Rich nations owe 'climate debt' to poorer countries hit by drought, wars: Naidoo.
Carbon Series Reporters Unravel Complex Knot
Tyee Solutions Society project probes real results of BC's stated climate policies.
Paul Hawken Saw Wave of Change Coming: Now What?
Eco-entrepreneur wrote book portending Tahrir Square and Occupiers. He'll speak on new opportunities in Vancouver Tuesday. Here's a taste.
A Bohemian Vancouver, Lost and Found
Claudia Cornwall’s bio of Curt Lang retrieves a past much friendlier to creative vagabonds.
Tyee's New Writer in Residence Is Kai Nagata
After quitting CTV in a blaze of attention, he'll be exploring how to help repair Canada's 'public conversation'.
Six More Myths About Jobs
Rounding out our even dozen, reality checks on youth employment, corporate tax cuts, and more. Second of two.
Renegade Page Brigette DePape on Her New Series for Tyee
Where she's been since her 'Stop Harper' eye grabber, and where she's going.
Amazing! Readers Give $14,762 for Election Reporting
Final tally could go thousands higher, as many have pledged but not yet paid.
Needless Pain, a Global Scourge
Morphine can't be had in much of world; film by UBC students shows terrible toll.
BC's Big Election Is Coming, Help Tyee Cover It Best
What's your key issue? Tell us. Donate. And we'll send a skilled reporter to get the stories.
A Riot of Crazy Scenes
Photos from Tyee readers and a sampling of what's being said online about last night's riot.
Tyee Election Coverage Tonight
We'll give you breaking news. On the spot reports. Tweets. You're invited to join in.
Your Guide to How Tyee Covered the 2011 Election
Here's what we published and why. We'd like to know what you think of our work.
The Worst of All Anti-Iggy Ads
Going negative is one thing, but where did they dig up this stuff?
Cool Election Web Stuff
Join a vote mob! Break up with Harper! Pore over Parliamentary law! See Layton with hair! And much more.
Revised Funding Model for Tyee
Last one didn't go as expected; high hopes for this one.
Tweet Against Poverty: #bcwantsaplan
Join the conversation on Twitter to send a message to the premier. Finish this sentence: "I would be proud of my premier if..." and tag it #bcwantsaplan.
Top Online US Education Reporter to Speak
Louis Freedberg covers schools for a new arm of California's Center for Investigative Reporting. He'll share what he's learning tonight at UBC.
Why Is The Tyee in the Vancouver Art Gallery?
We were selected to be part of the 'WE: Vancouver' exhibit. And to explain our idea for better journalism.
Regulators of Our Digital Future Have Lost Public's Trust
Oligopoly friendly policies have taken Canada to the bad place we're at now.
Canadians Just Became World's Biggest Internet Losers
Only here, big telecoms get to say you use 'too much' internet and whack on more charges, the CRTC affirmed yesterday.
Arizona Shooting: Americans Must Face This Reckoning
Steady poisoning of US political culture led here. Can that culture now take responsibility?
A New Round of Tyee Fellowship Winners
Thanks to you who gave, five ambitious reporting projects are coming soon to The Tyee's pages.
Top Tyee Stories of 2010
Protests, politics, sliding mud, Alberta crude, porn, a preacher and of course the Olympics. The pieces that most grabbed you, based on page views.
Hungry for Tart Food Writing? This Event's For You
This Wednesday at the Museum of Vancouver, one last "Food and Beers."
Top Local Food Ideas, From 100-Mile Diet's Creators
Join James MacKinnon and Alisa Smith Nov. 25 at MOV for next 'Food and Beers' event.
Tweet! Recommend! Help Tyee Stories Ripple Out
We've made it easier to Twitter and Facebook our stuff. It's a great way to help build our Tyee community.
Tweet! Help Tyee Stories Ripple Out
We've made it easier to Twitter and Facebook our stuff. It's a great way to help independent journalism swim far and wide.
'Kickstarter' Gives You a Way to Invest in Arts Projects
Chris Cannon wants to make a mockumentary, so he's pitching the idea online to potential backers.
Can Vancouver Feed Itself? Find Out Thursday
Come to the next 'Food & Beers' discussion at the Museum of Vancouver. Plus: Who won September's 100-Mile Chef contest?
Rick Salutin's Last Words
Why did The Globe fire its popular columnist? Do his last pieces offer clues?
Tar Sands Expert Nikiforuk to Speak at UBC
Tyee writer-in residence will reveal 'Who Regulates Canada's Oil Patch, and for Whom?'
Andrew Nikiforuk Is Tyee's First Writer in Residence
An interview with the expert tar sands journalist who will be writing here about 'Energy and Equity.'
Attention Journalists: Call for $5,000 Tyee Fellowships
Thanks to our generous readers who gave $14,906, you are invited to apply.
You Did It!
Tyee Fellowships Fund drive sails well past magic $10,000 mark.
Deepak Chopra's Appeal
The rich New Age guru claims he can fly and halt aging. Why do people listen? What does he say to a skeptic?
Guess Who Won a Night at the Opera?
Congrats Michael Bean, you're joining our Opera buff David Tracey at 'Madama Butterfly.'
Help Us Fund More Great In-Depth Reporting
The Tyee Fellowships, thanks to you, give independent journalists what they need to do their best work.
'Share Tactics': A Series Funded by Tyee Readers
Chris Cannon discovered the benefits of sharing clothes, transport and shelter, a journey enabled by you who gave to the Tyee Fellowship Funds.
Thanks to You, the Tyee's Best Year Ever
However you wish to measure our success, the credit goes to you and all our supporters.
Eroding Pensions, Political Flashpoints
Expect more strikes and other battles over pensions if ministers can't craft real reform in Whitehorse this week.
Ignatieff's Path to Pension Reform
UT prof Keith Ambachtsheer crafted idea for safer, voluntary alternative to RRSPs.
How Your Canadian Pension Benefit Could Double
Plan's backers, including labour, see a safe, easy way to change the retirement horizon for younger Canadians.
The RRSP Mirage
Too many personal plans are coming up way short. The push is on to reinvent Canada's deal with retirees.
Andrew Struthers Creates a First in Film
His 'Americanface' is 64 YouTube clips that add up to a feature film. Watch his experiment unfold on The Tyee, starting today.
'Ending Homelessness': Paulsen to Speak at Museum of Vancouver
Tyee's investigative editor has spent three years digging deep for solutions.
Good to Grow: A Series Funded by Tyee Readers
David Tracey says the time is ripe for an urban farming revolution in BC.
Helping Homeless by Hosting 2010 Visitors
New non-profit’s bright Olympics idea to be unveiled tomorrow.
Eat Your History
While creating the 100-Mile Diet, James MacKinnon realized local foods have amazing pasts. Result: a new Tyee series.
'Toxics: Your Right to Know'
Amanda Euringer found out how to fight for health safety, thanks to you who funded her journey.
Your Guide to the New Tyee
A changed look. A number of new features. Please tell us what you think.
On Monday, a New Tyee
We're changing our design and adding features readers wanted.
Michael Pollan, Garden Fresh
The 'In Defense of Food' author on picky-eating kids, Obama's menu for America, the 100-Mile Diet and more.
Tyee's Kimmett Will Dive into Marine Science
Reporter wins Metcalf fellowship to study coastal ecologies in Rhode Island.
Int'l Prize for Tyee Article
Sean Condon's portrait of Vancouver homeless man's last weeks wins global award.
What Now?
After bringing the NDP far in 2005, this time Carole James couldn't seal the deal.
Follow Election Results on Tyee's Twitter and The Hook
Breaking news and analysis, up to the minute.
Guide to Tyee Election Reporting
You gave. We reported. A round-up of our coverage so far.
Your Issues, Your Donations
Tyee readers gave four times (!) our original goal to boost election coverage.
Tyee Ramps up Election Coverage
Issues. Analysis. Spin unspun. How we're helping to inform your decision.
Tyee Donors Are Telling Us Their Top Election Issues
Contributions zoom past $5,000 as drive continues four more days.
Want Great Election Reporting? Please Donate
We're asking you to tell us your biggest issue, and help fund a Tyee reporter to nail it.
Want One Port Mann Bridge, or a Light Rail Metropolis?
UBC team says region could be transformed for $3.1 billion cost of span.
Leiren-Young and His 'Green Chain'
Filmmaker discusses BC premiere of his movie on love of forests. A Trees and Us podcast.
Design the Next Vancouver
'FormShift Vancouver' contest invites new ideas for a vibrant, greener, denser city.
Campbell's Global Warming Game
While eagerly enabling tar sands and freeways, he's cooled out green foes.
Give Us Your Big Idea for 2009
Let's do some group problem solving. Post a comment, or send your article.
Irony to Plummet in 2009?
Hard times and a popular president could be bad for smart alecks.
A Prius for Every Student
That's what you could do at UBC, for the price of its new Skytrain line.
Our Gift to You: Geist Magazine
Great reading. It's our holiday present when you sign up for our free Tyee e-zine.
Three Wins, Thanks Tyee Fans!
You voted us several Best of 604 online awards.
'Change' Wins in Vancouver
Now the hard part. What will 'change' mean? Notes from last night's landslide.
Election's Big Winners and Losers
These get our votes. Please add your own.
What Did Voters Say Today?
Catch our fresh election night analysis on The Hook.
Help Us Make The Tyee Better
Do you have a few minutes to complete our readership survey?
Welcome to Tonight's Debate Blog-O-Rama
Please join our pundits in posting a comment below.
Get on The Hook!
The Tyee's new politics superblog launches today. Nice timing, eh?
'So Help Me, Jesus, This Is Dangerous Work'
Gary Geddes' brilliant ode to ironworkers who risked all to raise a bridge.
Green Your Campbell Cash: The Big Winners
Five projects proved most popular, but all of us won.
Top Five 'Campbell Cash' Projects to Share $2,500 Prize
Vote now so your favourite climate action project gets piece of increased prize money.
SkyTrain Billions Better Spent on Trams: Study
Money for single UBC subway line could pay for region laced by light rail.
Music to His Eyes
Mark Mushet's portraits of musicians bend the usual notes.
Tyee to Sponsor Vancouver Mayoral Race Debate
Teams with 24 Hours to let three Vision candidates spar.
New Funding Model for Tyee
Bold tactic could redefine independent media.
Special Offer: Geist for Free!
Just subscribe here to Tyee's e-mailed headlines.
Tyee Fellowship Winners
Five in-depth series coming soon to our pages.
Apology
Mair column contained errors.
Correction and Apology
Clearing up confusion over Province newspaper cartoonists.
Wow! Thanks So Much
Surge of donations will support fresh round of in-depth reporting.
Comment Threads Will Close for Holidays
Thanks for a great year! Time for a short break.
Fellowships Drive Nearing Goal
Almost there! Help us get over the top.
Tyee's Reporting Team Grows
Added: Victoria bureau chief, investigative editor.
Help Us Fund More Tyee Fellowships
Build on the success you've made: independent reports, reader funded.
Vancouver Eats Its Young
City risks driving away its up and comers.
William Gibson Hates Futurists
The author of 'Spook Country' on how Osama Bin Laden was handed victory, how to really fight terrorists, the appeal of retro-virtual reality, and why Vancouver is like a video game.
New Round of Tyee Fellowships
Journalists invited to apply for $5000 grants.
Honours for Tyee Reporters
Salcito, Barrett finalists for Webster award.
Rafe Mair Back on Air
New live Internet radio show launches tomorrow.
Strike Is All About Olympics
But maybe not in the way you've heard.
Selling Doomsday Debits
In BC's wasteful forest biz, carbon credits don't grow on trees.
Tyee's New Daily Delivery
Get the 'Daily Catch' mornings in your e-mail for free.
No Fares! A Reader-funded Solutions Series
Is it crazy to imagine free public transit? Or crazy not to? You made possible Dave Olsen's inquiry.
Support the Media You Want
Tyee's drive for new readers (last chance to help!) is part of a grassroots push for news diversity.
Five Minutes, Please, to Help the Tyee Grow
We need more regular readers to stay strong. Please subscribe free to our weekly e-zine.
A City's Fragile Soul
The push to slick up Vancouver, and the price.
Help Us Find New Friends
We're launching a fun new way to reach new readers. Please help!
MLAs Sitting Pretty
Panel recommends 29 percent pay hike.
Oiling up the Coast
Harper shrugs off 35-year ban on risky tanker traffic.
Reconciling with First Nations: A Reader-funded Solutions Series
You made possible Sandra Shields' hopeful look at the 'New Relationship' in her community.
Tyee Reporter Lands Prize
Mining expose garners top honour for young journos in North America.
Farm Workers' Deaths: A Tragedy Foretold
BC Libs long criticized for gutting worker safety.
Budget 2007: Cracked Foundation?
Critics take crowbars to 'Building a Housing Legacy'
Maher Arar, Free to Speak
Tomorrow at UBC, he shares his harrowing story.
Campbell's Emissions
He appears to endorse firm targets on global warming gasses.
Ethanol to the Rescue?
Energy from corn! says Bush. What could go wrong?
Pickton: Reader Beware?
Vancouver's paper of record sends mixed signals.
Oh Sh%#!!
Year's Big Story #2: Iraq, the climate, and the big reckoning.
This Just In! Lots of Homeless!
Year's Big Story #5. Housing activists spark action.
NDP Corners Coroner's Defenders
James accuses Campbell, Les of 'misleading' the public.
Depravity.com
Cop forced to watch child abuse live on net.
New Feature: 'Today's Big Story'
Check daily for quick briefings on the day's hot news story.
9/11's Power to Change
After the attack came the question: will this make us better, or worse?
'Rough Weather Ahead': A Reader-funded Exposé
You who gave made possible Chris Wood's powerful series on global warming and BC.
Douglas Coupland's Mid-life Circus
The restless, prolific artist on why guns make him feel safe, how buses impede cars and whether the blogging bubble will burst.
'You Can't Spin Mother Nature'
PR pro Jim Hoggan picks a fight with the climate change deniers.
Tyee Fellowships Launched
Journalists please apply. Donors, many thanks!
The Leader the Libs Need?
Liberal insiders want UN's top human rights fighter to clean up the party.
Coroner Whistleblowers Rebuffed by Les
Solicitor General rejects concerns by Committee for Competent Death Reviews.
Our Election Night Forum
You're invited. Join pundits, readers in adding comments to this story.
Please Support The Tyee's Two New Fellowship Funds
Your opportunity to create the best independent journalism in BC.
Sullivan Draws New Fire for Supporting Addicts' Habits
Mayor, police union head call candidate a bad fit to chair Police Board.
School Stalemate: How We Got Here
Verbatim, nearly two decades of politicians' wrangling in the Legislature.
The Peter Newman Tapes
The power profiler on Gordon Campbell, Stephen Harper, David Radler, voting NDP and more.
Dee Hon Named a Webster Finalist for Tyee Series
Stories offer a personal and scientific account of Attention Deficit Disorder.
How Did 9/11 Change US Culture?
Four years ago, I saw Americans' 'sense of immunity' assaulted, and predicted a mental shift. Where did it lead?
Tyee Commenter Posed as Editor
Hoax perpetrated after being blocked from site for remarks.
A Clear View of Vancouver
Author Lance Berelowitz on the city’s shiny dreams and scruffy potential. A Tyee interview.
Poll: BC's Rush to the Centre
Tyee survey finds nearly half would have voted for 'middle' party had it existed.
Beat Will McMartin at His Own Game!
Your chance to outwit The Tyee’s election prognosticator – and win a book.
Watching Last Night's Debate
Running commentary from Tyee editors and readers.
Tyee Launches ‘Superblog’ for Election
Original Tyee reporting. Takes from other media and blogs. Visit early and often for your politics fix.
The Ridings that Will Decide Battleground BC
Tyee’s new daily feature projects seats up for grabs for NDP and Liberals. And updates as fortunes shift.
New Look. New Book. And More Spring Growth at The Tyee.
Encouraged by your interest and support, we’ve redesigned and launched new initiatives.
An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo
The B.C. Liberals intend to close the legislature five weeks early on Thursday, denying serious scrutiny of $13 billion in expenditures of taxpayers' money. Your Honour, you have the power to prevent this abuse of democracy.
Creating Counterweights to Big Media
How to open up Canada's news media in an era of corporate concentration.
Tyee Published Article with Fabricated Details
Double check reveals 'Confessions of a Speed Demon' was a largely fictional account.
What now for the Democrats?
The party did a lot with a lousy candidate. Some advice, second guesses, and opinions from elsewhere on the net.
Ready for Take-Offs
Meet Paul Myers, The Tyee's new digital cartoonist with a '24-track mind'.
Ready for Take-Offs
Meet Paul Myers, The Tyee's new digital cartoonist with a '24-track mind'.
The Silence on Sex Candidate
Mary Polak effectively stymied sex ed in Surrey schools. Now she has Liberal ambitions.
Read The Tyee's New Novel!
Brand new, funny and fresh, Too Many Georges is a serialized romp from B.C. to American's surreal heartland
Why The Tyee Blinked Off
A server malfunction threw us off-line for several days. We're back.
After the Deal
Foes of the Liberal government weigh the pain, costs and opportunities created by a bruising labour dispute and a general strike that wasn't
CanWest Editor Fears for Your Mind
It's timidly closed if you read The Tyee, says the boss of the Times-Colonist. Huh? Think again.
When Musician and Photographer Improvise
Mark Mushet's portraits push beyond pre-packaged images that musicians' handlers want to see.
The Tyee's First 100 Days
A report from the editor. And a request: Please subscribe free to our weekly email edition.
The Jesus Mel Missed
The maker of CNN documentary on Jesus fills in what's lacking in Gibson's 'Passion': the politics, the appeal, even a realistic face for the hero.
All About Psychopath, Inc.
Makers of hot doc 'The Corporation' talk about soulless power, 'socially responsible' business, unions, and trying to know what's real anymore.
Carole James Drummed into Power
The NDP's new leader vows to hit the road again to build her party "one person at a time."
Oh, Joy!
Outgoing New Democrat Leader Joy MacPhail lets fly on Gordon Campbell, the Greens, reinventing the NDP, and "Barbie doll political coverage in this province."
Looking for Some Good, Clean Troublemaking?
The kind we're talking about makes the world a better place. Here's where you'll find the pointers, and inspiration you need.
- Attawapiskat third party manager will stay: Federal Court judge
- No independent agency, but increased monitoring in oilsands
- Caterpillar shuts Electro-Motive plant in London, Ont., where workers locked out
- Alberta, Ottawa to release plan for oilsands environmental monitoring
- Youth reps: Canada needs national strategy for Aboriginal children
- Report says science, not minister should rule Canada's fisheries
- Rural reporters can't make a living, says former Nelson Post editor
- Federal bureaucrats pose as 'new Canadians' on Sun News citizenship ceremony
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Bad Apple
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bow Down Canadians, Corporations Are King
- UK urges quick completion of Canada-EU free trade agreement
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- No Way, YVR!
- My Kodak Moment
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- We'll Frack Alberta's Next Election, Vow Landowners
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- View from the Reichstag
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Bow Down Canadians, Corporations Are King
- Reality Check for Europe Bashing Republicans
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Turning Turtle in Bangkok
- My Kodak Moment
- Where Can You Go for a Real Movie Experience Anymore?
- Bad Apple
- Libs Threaten Hard Won Logging Agreements: Simpson
- Catalyst Paper says one union at Crofton mill voted down new labour agreement
- Market for Enbridge's Gateway Pipeline Remains Murky
- A Tour of Duty in BC's Poverty 'War Zone'
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- New rules for radicals: 10 ways to spark change in a post-Occupy world
- ‘Free-for-all’ decimates fish stocks in the southern Pacific
- Saudi oil minister calls global warming ‘humanity’s most pressing concern’
- Deutsche Bank chief fears ‘social time bomb’
- ‘Yoga body’: the conspiracy
- U.S. Air Force’s ‘big penetrator’ needs to be harder
- How to make a web series and the future of social media (podcast)
- The artful dodgers of Melbourne’s graffiti revolution
