But what I can do, in my very limited time, is to show you how much progress I have achieved with the braces. In six months. If you remember my lower arch, I had the most crooked teeth you could get. And if you see the photo above, my teeth are almost straight! I am quite proud of the fact that I NEVER eat anything my orthodontist says I can’t eat (anything hard to bite like an apple). My nieces and nephews who have braces (and who are rather amused that their uncle has braces) eat everything. I am very wary of doing anything that could jeopardize my teeth’s straightening progression.

I can’t tell you how happy I am. Having straight teeth really will do wonders for my self-esteem and my diet. And everyone who has seen me with braces, from Air, to JT, to my former professors, to my former students, all think that the braces look cute. So who am I to disagree

Related posts:

1. Braces are my new reality. And a demonstration of self-care.
2. At the 6 months mark, I feel integrated again
3. Car-Free Festival: Reporting back on Main Street

Admittedly, what I loved about Star Trek (beyond the stunning visuals, action-packed sequences and eye candy) was the progression of Chris Pine from gorgeous-eyes, “hey-look-at-me-all-handsome-and-a-born-leader” James T. Kirk to a more subtle, nuanced James T. Kirk. I saw Chris Pine actually showcasing a broader range of emotions, something that demonstrates that the actor himself has grown. I saw James Tiberius Kirk about to shed tears twice (one of them while being given a stern pep talk) and that was moving. Plus, who can fault those beautiful blue eyes… ok, fine. I digress.

While feminists may feel a bit let-down by the lack of involvement of female crew members in the action-packed sequences, Uhura and Carol Wallace (Alice Eve, in a very convincing role) do actually get to do some some butt-kicking. Not as much as I would have liked, to be quite honest, but at least that’s a start.

I enjoyed Star Trek: Into Darkness because it gave me a better look of a more human Mr. Spock and a more human James T. Kirk. Their friendship is tested (and yes, we all know that it survives and thrives). Witty quips, snarky remarks and comebacks are a dime a dozen in this movie, but that’s to be expected of *any* Star Trek. I loved the action sequences, and I wanted to see more and more.

Of course, it was stunning to see Benedict Cumberbatch being a superpowered human with an amazing superbrain. I also liked seeing Spock touching more on his human side. All in all, I would recommend seeing it if for nothing else, for two and a half hours of action-packed fun.

Disclosure: I paid for my ticket to the movies on my own, and I have absolutely no financial or material ties to the producers/actors/director of this movie. I am just reviewing it for fun. As always, I retain full editorial control over anything I publish on my site.

Related posts:

1. Movie review – Star Trek (2009)
2. Academic studies of popular culture: The cases of Star Trek and Buffy The Vampire Slayer
3. Movie review – Spiderman 3

Not expensive (any dish is anywhere between $90 pesos and $170 pesos, close to $9-17 USD), and really abundant, I went there with my colleagues for lunch to celebrate our day. I ordered a couple of Tacos Bonita (soft flour tortillas filled with spicy shrimp cut in pieces, $30 pesos), and a Salmon a la Diabla (which was $170 pesos, and amazing if I may say so myself).

Oh, and who can discount the most excellent tamarind Margaritas ($50 pesos)?

The decor is cute, with a Mexican coastal flavour, and there’s plenty of space of kids.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend it and come back again. And desserts were just as amazing. The service? Top notch.

Disclosure: My institution treated us to lunch. As always I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my blog.

Related posts:

1. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
2. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)
3. Mamatango (Aguascalientes)

Related posts:

1. Freedom 90 (Back to Reality Mix) by George Michael
2. Hard Day by George Michael #MusicMonday
3. George Wainborn Park (Yaletown)

There are a lot of activities in Aguascalientes during the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, although the problem for me is that because it’s so crowded, it becomes really overwhelming. Nevertheless, I think it’s worth visiting.

Related posts:

1. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday
2. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
3. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)

* Lyrics in Spanish in case you’re interested (Source: Music dot Com)*

Pasa y siéntate, tranquilízate
al fin ya estás aquí, qué más te da
Imagínate, que yo no soy yo
que soy el otro hombre que esperabas ver

Un desconocido que te ha escrito verso
y te dibujó la luna, en un trozo de papel
Un amante improvisado,
misterioso, apasionado
que te dió una cita, en este hotel

Desnúdate ahora
y apaga la luz un instante
y hazme el amor, como lo haces
con esos amantes
Te juro que hoy es la última vez
que te burlas de mí
que me engañas

Y fueron mis manos
las que te escribieron la carta
Han sido mis celos
los que te pusieron la trampa
y es mi corazón
el que llora de pena por dentro
Pero te dejo y me marcho, para siempre

Imagínate, que yo no soy yo
que soy el otro hombre que esperabas ver

Un desconocido que te ha escrito verso
y te dibujó la luna, en un trozo de papel
Un amante improvisado,
misterioso, apasionado
que te dió una cita, en este hotel

Desnúdate ahora
y apaga la luz un instante
y hazme el amor, como lo haces
con esos amantes
Te juro que hoy es la última vez
que te burlas de mí
que me engañas

Y fueron mis manos
las que te escribieron la carta
Han sido mis celos
los que te pusieron la trampa
y es mi corazón
el que llora de pena por dentro
Pero te dejo y me marcho, para siempre

Desnudate ahora y apaga la luz un instante
y hazme el amor como lo haces con esos amantes
Te juro que hoy es la última vez
que te burlas de mí
que me engañas y me hieres
Y fueron mis manos
las que te escribieron la carta
Han sido mis celos
los que te pusieron la trampa
Fue sorpresa para ti,
hallarme en el cuarto
en lugar de tu amante
palideciste y te pusiste muy nerviosa
Desnudate ahora y apaga la luz un instante
y hazme el amor como lo haces con esos amantes
Es mi corazón el que llora
de pena por dentro,
pero me marcho para siempre, para siempre
Y fueron mis manos
las que te escribieron la carta
Han sido mis celos
los que te pusieron la trampa
Imagina que soy tu mejor amante
hazme el amor y luego adios

Related posts:

2. Te Quiero Asi by Jose Jose and Lani Hall
3. Feliz Día de las Madres, Mamá

One of the things that I was told was a must-see was to travel north-west of the city of Aguascalientes to a little town called San Jose de Gracia, which is the home to the largest dam in central Mexico (the Presa Plutarco Elias Calles). From the outset, when you arrive to San Jose de Gracia (you need to drive north towards Zacatecas and turn left once you arrive to Pabellon de Arteaga and drive towards San Jose de Gracia), you would think that the dam is actually a reservoir or a lake. But once you are almost in the midst of it, you can totally see the wall of the dam. It is within this dam that the island of the Broken Christ (el Cristo Roto) is located.

The Broken Christ has an associated legend with it (notes in Spanish from the Wikipedia page) and a poem as well. Legend says that around the independence of Mexico time, when the image arrived into the church in San Jose de Gracia, it arrived broken, and that it spoke told the would-be seller to leave him broken so that he would always have a reminder to think about his brothers and sisters without opportunities, without limbs. While I’m not really religious anymore, I found the inscription incredibly motivating and humbling.

To get to the Broken Christ island, you need to take a little boat (I took Airdrie when she visited me and JT when he came down just a couple of weeks ago as well as my Mom, so in total I’ve visited 3 times).

The area is well staffed and transportation is really inexpensive ($28 Mexican pesos or less than $2.50 USD per person per trip). Obviously you can also rent cabins, and a longer ferry trip which costs about $200 pesos per person or so. There is a restaurant (Las Playas) and several smaller places for food. There is also a little bit of an artificial beach, and the Island of the Broken Christ is considered a must-visit in Mexico when visiting Aguascalientes.

Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Broken Christ Island, and so did every single one of my guests. So I would strongly recommend that if you visit the city of Aguascalientes you take a chance to come visit. You can also get to San Jose de Gracia by small van or “pesera” as they are called in Mexico.

Related posts:

1. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday
2. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
3. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)

Related posts:

1. Remembering Derek K. Miller @penmachine on his birthday
2. Remembering Derek K. Miller (@penmachine) #WeLoveDerek
3. Remembering @penmachine Derek K. Miller on his birthday #welovederek

For many years, I’ve had the same conversation with many Mexicans who either want to immigrate to Canada or simply want to leave Mexico. Some of them, live in Canada in conditions that I would call below the poverty line. The housing situation in Vancouver is absolutely insane (read my friend Melissa’s blog, The Thirties Grind, just to read more absurdity of real estate prices in Vancouver). Why would some people choose to stay in Vancouver as opposed to move elsewhere to make a better life is NOT beyond me. I loved Vancouver. I lived there for more than a decade, and I was happy. VERY HAPPY.

But my life here is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, and I feel that my standards of living are much higher here than there. For one, I can’t stand the rain. I tolerated it for more than 10 years, but I suffered extremely profound SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which affected my productivity. Here, I have sunshine. I have family, friends. Obviously I miss Vancouver, and as I blogged before, I have always lived grand wherever I’ve been. For two, I can’t stand Vancouver’s incredibly expensive status, and terribly low salaries. For three, I now can offer visitors who come and visit me a much nicer experience than I could offer when folks visited me in Canada.

I do feel a substantial increase in my standard of living since moving back to Mexico. Of course, I miss my friends. I miss the water. I miss my social life and some times (not often, though) the status I had as a “social media celebrity”. But overall, I am pretty happy here and I feel that I have moved up, instead of moving down. I am happy I moved.

Related posts:

1. On photo credits, disclosure statements and higher-standards in blogging
2. Canada isn’t better than Mexico. You make your own paradise, or your own hell…
3. Earth Hour Canada and living green

Generally speaking, I love the food, and while it’s on the higher end of the scale in terms of pricing, it’s not unaffordable (probably $150-$200 Mexican pesos per entree). This time I played it safe and had a pasta Diavolo Duo, fetuccine with shrimp and salmon, and a touch of pomodoro sauce.

The restaurant is very spacious and the service is very solid, although it took them a really long time to bring us the bill. It also has a separate room for when you have a larger group, although it’s not very private as it is like a fishbowl, everyone can see into the room (it has glass all over). Mamatango also has a small area for children to play in.

Overall, I would definitely come back to Mamatango, whenever I have a lunch that is more or less official or when I have to treat a friend to a nice lunch.

Disclosure: My friend treated the both of us to lunch and he paid on his own dime. As always I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my blog.

Related posts:

1. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
2. Los Arcos Restaurant (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)
3. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)

Even though I tried really hard, I’m not 100% certain that my photos do justice to the gorgeous decor of Cafe Casa Vieja. The coffee is great, don’t get me wrong, but I think it’s the atmosphere and absolutely beautiful decoration that makes the place.

This is the kind of place where I would very happily bring a foreigner (and so far I’ve brought 2, one Canadian and one American) to have a coffee and just chill.

My frozen capuccino was delicious, although it was also super sweet. But overall, the one thing I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere and ambience. It’s an old house, certainly, but the owners have done their job in maintaining it.

Disclosure: I paid for both my coffee and that of my friends who have visited Cafe Casa Vieja with me.

Related posts:

1. La Casa Gelato (Clark and Venables, East Vancouver)
2. Los Bagels Cafe y Restaurante (Aguascalientes)
3. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday

What makes Grandmas Tea House and Crochet very unique is that it’s not only a tea room. It also sells knitting supplies and they offer lessons. Yes, literally. Like you were asking your grandma for advice on knitting. Or as though you wanted to bring your grandma here to have tea and knit.

I found the rooms spacious, was delighted at the quirky display of knitting supplies (yarn, needles, everything). I also found out my colleague does know how to knit (several men I know DO know how to knit, now that I come to think about it).

I just couldn’t get over the yarn supplies. Seriously, this is a fantastic place to learn how to knit (something I don’t know how to do to this day).

There is a number of quirky mementos here all related to knitting.

Overall, a nice place where to bring people for tea and cookies, and maybe learn to knit. I had a juice and my friend had a coffee, and overall, the experience was super sweet. Next time I come I need to check out the knitting lessons.

Disclosure:As always, I paid my dinner off of my own pocket. I did not get any special treatment nor any freebies

Related posts:

1. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
2. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday
3. Yotsuba (Aguascalientes)

You’d probably be right to think “why would Raul decide to eat bagels if he’s pretty much unable to chew because of his braces?“. Yeah, you were right. And I wasn’t thinking straight. The mere thought of eating a bagel the way I used to do in Vancouver just got the best of me. And the fact that this lovely “New American” restaurant, Los Bagels, is located very near to my house (a 2-3 minutes drive).

So yeah, I ordered a bagel and I proceeded to destroy it. But at least I took pretty pictures of it! Pretty inexpensive (maybe on the higher end of pricing for a Mexican place, about $55 pesos), and filled with delicious chicken, I was thrilled to find out that, had I not had braces, Los Bagels would be my new favorite place for lunch. The bagel was cooked to perfection, the chicken was well seasoned, and it was an abundant portion.

Overall, a lovely place. I will have to come back in well, about a couple of years when I get the braces off.

Disclosure:As always, I paid my dinner off of my own pocket. I did not get any special treatment nor any freebies

Related posts:

1. Cafe Casa Vieja (Aguascalientes)
2. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)
3. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday

(The actual address is: Prolongación Zaragoza 210 in Plaza Privilege, Col. Fatima. I recently went there with 3 colleagues and we ordered a few sushi dishes. As I normally do with anything that is sushi-specific, I went for California rolls and spicy tuna rolls. The latter were disappointing not because of the flavor but because they are not done the way Canadian ones are. I am heading to Tokyo later this year so I’ll compare. The California rolls were very flavourful and I loved them almost as much as Momo Sushi in Vancouver (which is high praise!)

I ordered an additional roll with an external cover of cucumber, which although was nice, I wasn’t completely sold on. But still, this is perhaps the best sushi place in the entire Aguascalientes. I am totally becoming a fan. It’s also relatively close (5-7 minutes drive) from my house.

Disclosure:As always, I paid my dinner off of my own pocket. I did not get any special treatment nor any freebies

Related posts:

1. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
2. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday
3. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)

So why do I make such a big deal of having braces? After all, most teenagers had them at one point (though it’s deeply refreshing to read friends of mine who got braces installed after they became 40!). Well, because to me, having braces is a daily reminder that I MATTER. That I care about myself. That I am my own priority. And I live a transparent life. If my braces hurt, I’m going to tell you if you’re riding with me while I drive us somewhere. I am going to tweet about it, I’m going to post about it on Facebook.

Getting braces will improve my physical appearance, will fix problems with my eating habits, and will make me feel way more self-confident when I smile. So, as painful as they are, and as much cutting I’m getting inside my mouth (OUCH) and as much as I am not able to eat just about anything (the list of things I can’t eat is way longer than the list of things I CAN eat), every time I spend 20 minutes brushing my teeth, using all sorts of contraptions to clean up each bracket, etc., I remind myself of the fact that I love myself enough to force myself to go through the process of getting braces. I am also paying for my braces on my own.

So, please forgive the frequent Facebook, Twitter and blog posts about braces. Braces are my new reality, and a demonstration of self-care. A daily reminder that I matter, and that I am my own priority.

Related posts:

1. My life with braces: Reporting back at the 6 months mark
2. Take care of yourselves
3. On taking care of myself in 2011

We walked through the property and visited the vineyard. Obviously we didn’t see actual blooming vineyards (and couldn’t taste the grapes), but when the time comes, I’ll probably come back to check it out.

We did walk around the property and enjoyed a quick walking tour of the facilities for wine production.

You can purchase a full tour and a 3 glasses-flight tasting for $200 Mexican pesos (less than $20 USD) or a 6 glasses’ flight for $100 Mexican pesos (you can then add on top the tour). We only got a 3 courses’ flight (which was $75 Mexican pesos) as I was driving and I really couldn’t drink that much.

The architecture was absolutely lovely, typical of the colonial Mexico I have known and adored. The Hacienda de Letras even has a chapel!

I can’t recommend visiting Hacienda de Letras enough. It was fun, entertaining and something out of the ordinary. And really not expensive nor time consuming, gas included. You do need to check and look closely for the entry to San Luis de Letras, the little community where Hacienda de Letras sits.

Disclosure:I paid for both of our tastings. The owners did not know I blog, nor did we receive any special treatment. As always, I retain full editorial control over everything I publish on my site.

Related posts:

1. La Parra (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #FoodFriday
2. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
3. La Estacion (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)

A few days ago I noted on my Facebook personal page that I was terribly bored of social media. No offense to anyone I follow or with whom I’m friends with. It just doesn’t have the same appeal to me as it once did. I’m specifically talking about my personal outlets, not the professional ones (which I have religiously maintained up until this point). I have also had zero interest in blogging (although admittedly that has been the case because I am incredibly busy and have no time to blog personal stuff).

I suppose that the best way to get words out is to just get them out, and while some people criticize other bloggers for blogging about blogging, this time I had to blog about NOT blogging. Will I ever resume my regularly scheduled writeups? I seriously doubt it. I don’t have the time to put any effort into my personal blog, although a part of me never gets tired of the idea of blogging. But that’s because I am in love with the idea of having time to blog. I don’t particularly have the time to do so!

One thing that may actually get me to write more and to carve some time to blog is something I commented with my friend Air: I want to continue doing travel writing. My professional activity makes me travel a lot, so therefore I have an incentive to write about the places I travel to. We’ll see how I manage to maintain a professional life while travel writing on the side, on occasion!

Related posts:

1. Raul’s 2010 in review: Social Media and Blogging (January to June)
2. Northern Voice 2009 – Social Media Mores for the Blogging Couple
3. Blogging, socialization and social media

The Jay-Z influence is completely recognizable and you can tell Timberlake was having a lot of fun with this song. Another reason why I identify with this song. I’m having a lot of fun only blogging when I feel like it and when I want to, not when I feel obligated to. Hope you enjoy the ride along the way.

[Intro: Justin Timberlake]
I be on my suit & tie, shit tied, shit tied
I be on my suit & tie, shit tied, shit
Can I show you a few things?
A few things, a few things, little baby, cause
I be on my suit & tie, shit tied, shit
I be on my suit & tie, shit tied, shit
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things

[Timbaland]
Wait a minute. You ready, JT?

[Verse 1: Justin Timberlake]
I can’t wait ’til I get you on the floor, good looking
Going hot so hot, just like an oven
And owww, burned myself I just had to touch it
But it’s so fire and it’s all mine
Hey baby, we don’t mind all the watching
Cause if they study close, real close, they might learn somethin’
She ain’t nothin’ but a little doozie when she does it
She’s so fire tonight

[Hook: Justin Timberlake]
And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie
I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the nines
Let me show you a few things
All pressed up in black and white
And you dressed in that dress I like
Love is swinging in the air tonight
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love
Now we’re in the swing of love
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love
Hey

[Verse 2: Justin Timberlake]
Stop
Let me get a good look at it
Oooh so thick, I know why they call it a fatty
And awww, shit’s so sick, got a hit and picked up a habit
But that’s all right, cause you’re all mine
Awww, go on and show ‘em who you call daddy
I guess they’re just mad cause girl they wish they had it
Oooh my killer, my thriller, yeah you’re a classic
And you’re all mine tonight

[Hook: Justin Timberlake]
And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie
I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the nines
Let me show you a few things
All pressed up in black and white
And you dressed in that dress I like
Love is swinging in the air tonight
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love
Now we’re in the swing of love
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love
Hey

[Justin Timberlake]
Get out your seat Hov

[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
All black at the white shows
White shoes at the black shows
Green card for the Cuban links
Y’all sit back and enjoy the light show
Nothing exceeds like excess
Stoute got gout from having the best of the best
Is this what it’s all about?
I’m at the restaurant, my rant disturbing the guests
Years of distress, tears on the dress
Try to hide her face with some make up sex
This is Truffle season
Tom Ford tuxedos for no reason
All saints for my angel
Alexander Wang too
Ass tight denim and some dunks
I show you how to do this young
No papers, catch vapors
Get high, out Vegas
Dussess on doubles, ain’t looking for trouble
You just got good jeans so a nigga trying to cuff you
Tell your mother that I love her cause I love you
Tell your father we go farther as a couple
They ain’t lose a daughter, got a son
I show you how to do this huh

[Hook: Justin Timberlake]
And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie
I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the nines
Let me show you a few things
All pressed up in black and white
And you dressed in that dress I like
Love is swinging in the air tonight
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love love-love
Let me show you a few things
Show you a few things about love

Related posts:

1. Rock Your Body (Paul Oakenfold Remix) by Justin Timberlake
2. Restaurant review – Yaletown Brewing Co. [plus Justin Trudeau sighting]
3. Music review – In This Life by Kaskade (Justin Micheal Remix)

The 2013 PEP Talks Series brings an exciting mix of world-class speakers to Vancouver. Four thought-provoking evenings featuring some of the top thinkers on the issues every parent faces today. PEP Talks is bringing to Vancouver four compelling speakers over four consecutive months (March through June 2013) to delve into the challenging and sometimes messy world of parenting today’s millennial child.

All shows are 7:30-9pm at the Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. You can buy tickets here. Ticket prices are $130 for the entire series or $35 per speaker, with net proceeds to benefit the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Call 604 708 5655 for more information.

Other speakers include Sheryl Feinstein (April 10) “The Adolescent Brain”, Deborah MacNamara (May 15) “The Lost Art of Play: Helping Children Grow Up”, and Lisa Bloom (June 12) “Raising Smart Kids in the New Millenium”

I am giving away a pair of tickets to the PEP series speaker of your choice. The first speaker, slated for March 7th looks like a really fun one, Lenore Skenazy, the author of Free-Range Kids: Why Does an Old-Fashioned Childhood Sound So Radical? You can check a Big Think interview with Lenore Skenazy here:

The media labeled Lenore Skenazy “America’s Worst Mom” when she let her 9-year-old ride the subway alone. She wore the badge with pride and went on to found Free-Range Kids: the book, blog and movement dedicated to the idea that our kids are SAFER and SMARTER than our culture gives them credit for. In this funny lecture (she used to write for Mad Magazine) Lenore discusses how today’s parents became so afraid about everything from predators to non-organic grapes (even if cut into quarters!), and how we can regain the perspective that allows us to trust our kids, our community and our own good-enough parenting.

I know several of my good friends are free-range parents (mine were, at least!). And I predict that there will be interest in attending the PEP Talks. Thus to enter my giveaway, I have (as usual) several modes of entry. The first (comment on this blog), I’d love you to give me your best parenting advice (whatever you’ve heard, if you are a parent, or if you have some wisdom to share with other parents). The following modes of entry include Twitter and Pinterest.

Entry # 1) Comment on this blog with a piece of your best parenting advice.

Entry # 2) Post the following on Twitter:

Share w/ @hummingbird604 a parenting advice tip to enter to win tickets to #ParentingPEPTalks I shared mine here http://is.gd/PE9O0V

Entry # 3) Re-pin my Pin of this blog entry.

Entry # 4) Comment on my Pin of this blog entry telling me what item of Q4′s menu you’d like to try.

As always, I’ll draw a winner from the randomized pool of entries on March 4th, at 2pm. (if you do all 4 you have 4 entries into my contest), and each mode of entry you use I will include in my contest (up to 4). Hopefully you will have a chance to enjoy the PEP Talks!

Related posts:

1. The hard task of parenting
2. Upcoming event – Climate change talks organized by VTACC (Vancouver)
3. Ten suggestions on how to give good talks

EDIT – One additional thing that makes Joyce Cooling even cooler is that she supports mental health initiatives. Read from her wikipedia entry:

Although Cooling had been a long-time member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Revolving Door signaled Cooling’s official involvement with NAMI as a national advocate for the organization. Joyce has performed at NAMI national and regional events across the country and Cooling and Wagner donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their CDs to NAMI.

Related posts:

1. The darkest hour is just before the dawn
2. Win a Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 gift pack via @hummingbird604
3. Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct 2-8th, 2011)

Located in the Barrio de la Estacion, close to where the old train station used to be in Aguascalientes, this unassuming (yet large) restaurant is beautifully decorated and offers excellent food and service. It’s the kind of place I am going to bring foreigners and guests from other cities and states for lunch.

I went there with my friend KNG for lunch, as we were both exploring the city (given that I really haven’t still gotten to know much of it). We were promptly seated and our food was served really fast. I ordered meatballs with rice chipotle style (albondigas al chipotle con arroz) and K ordered enchiladas, which were served almost Guanajuato-style (enchiladas mineras). Our lunch combined wasn’t even $30 USD (less than $300 pesos), tip included.

My meat balls were perfectly cooked and the spicy sauce they were covered in wasn’t overwhelming. Flavourful and filling, I could have gone for an additional food item but I was a bit too full.

I love how the decor is typically Mexican and filled with references to things from Aguascalientes. While there isn’t one particular dish that is considered “from” Aguascalientes, La Estacion offers a very broad variety of dishes that are at the same time delicious AND inexpensive. I couldn’t try many of the delicacies because of my braces, but I think that they cook great food as I’ve read other reviews, and from my own experience here. A gourmet restaurant at very reasonable prices, in my view.

I’d definitely recommend a visit to La Estacion for lunch. I still have to come down for dinner and see what else do they have in store for me.

Disclosure: KNG paid for both of our lunches on her own dime. I have no relationship with La Estacion whatsoever, nor did we receive any complimentary food. We just enjoyed our experience, very much.

Related posts:

1. Camperoni (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) #TravelTuesday
2. Los Arcos Restaurant (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes)
3. Mamatango (Aguascalientes)

Related posts:

1. Congratulations to Tris Hussey and Sheila Christie on their engagement
2. In between the corporate and the academic life
3. Colour My Life by M People

A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often – just to save it from drying out completely.
– Pam Brown

I have always celebrated Valentine’s Day as the day when I thank my friends for being there. In Mexico, February 14th is celebrated as the Day of Love and Friendship (el Dia del Amor y la Amistad). For me, romantic Valentines were few and far between. Valentine’s Day is always a day when I remember how blessed I am for having the friends I do.

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
– Charles R. Swindoll

As time has gone by, I think the thing that made me realize my success online was (as my friend Robert Ballantyne aptly put it, my capacity to show myself vulnerable). I strongly believe this is the case. Much as a few people may see the Hummingbird604 persona as conceited and self-absorbed, the reality is that I am an intensely sensitive man. I don’t let anyone hurt me easily, but the people who can hurt me the easiest are my friends. It takes me a very long while to trust people and call them friends. I don’t overuse the term easily, and that’s why I hate that Facebook calls people “your Facebook friends”, to the point where the meaning of Facebook friend has been translating to “I know you and I need to be connected to you online”. So when a friend betrays my trust, it hurts me deeply.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.
– Henri Nouwen

But at the end of the day, I can’t live any other way. I love intensely and thus I suffer intensely. I do what Brene Brown calls “wholehearted living” (although I’ve always done that without knowing that the term was called that – Brown arrives to that definition after doing research on shame and vulnerability). I live without fear of being heartbroken. I’ve been heartbroken once before, and I absolutely thought my life was ending. I felt pain like I had never felt before. In fact, I felt physical pain from so much emotional pain. But I survived, and here I am.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
– George Washington

On Valentine’s Day I celebrate my friends. Those who have stood with me even when they disagreed with my views. Those who have always had my back. Those who can subtly but firmly tell me when I am wrong and why I am wrong. Those who have always time for me, no matter how busy their agendas are.

It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.
– Marlene Dietrich

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my friends. You know how much I love you.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
- Jim Rohn

Related posts:

1. Celebrating 5 years of blogging: Happy blogiversary, Hummingbird604.com
2. On friendship, Singles Awareness Day (SAD), Valentine’s Day
3. Friendship in the context of social networking sites

Events such as outdoor concerts, ballet and dance exhibitions, are often held at the Foro del Lago.

I’ve often gone to Explora for a walk with my parents. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful park. Explora has also a science museum, much like Vancouver’s Science World (or TELUS World of Science, if you want).

Explora has 5 science halls (Salas). Obviously, the Sala del Agua (Water Hall) is my absolute favoritest, although there are a number of other halls that are intended to impart knowledge on visitors. Explora hires high school or undergraduate students to work providing smart commentary on each one of the apparatuses shown in each one of the halls.

I had my faith renewed in Mexican youth when I visited Explora, Museo de Ciencias (Explora, Science Museum) because every single kid who worked there was very well versed in the scientific facts that they were supposed to share with their audience.

Admission to Explora isn’t all that expensive (I think I paid $60 pesos, about $4.50 USD for myself and for my Mom).

There’s also a number of transportation exhibitions in the outskirts of the museum. These include a helicopter and an aircraft.

Overall, I would strongly recommend that people come visit Explora. It’s totally woorth the visit, particularly for parents with children.

Disclosure: I paid for both my Mom and my own entry fee out of my own pocket. I have no financial nor otherwise ties to Explora. I just wanted to share my experience with my readers and potential visitors to Guanajuato.

Related posts:

1. Sanborn’s (Hotsson Hotel, Plaza Leon, Leon, Guanajuato)
2. Almuerzos y Comidas Del Portal (Leon, Guanajuato) #FoodFriday
3. Guanajuato International Film Festival 2012 (Guanajuato, Guanajuato) #MexMonday #WeVisitMexico

Today is Dia de la Candelaria, but unfortunately none of the people I know who got the little plastic child actually are having a party. Which is too bad, because I wanted tamales!

Related posts:

1. Dia de Reyes (Epiphany)
2. Standing Armed Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Presentation
3. De chile, de dulce y de manteca

And yes, as indicated on the Wikipedia entry, it does have the vibe of The Romantics’ Talking in Your Sleep. I can’t find anything Roxanne-ish (as the entry says) but I definitely can see Talking In Your Sleep, and The Police’s Don’t Stand So Close To Me. Awesome song nonetheless.

Related posts:

1. So Down by Yuksek featuring Chromeo (Bruno Neto Remix)
2. Movie – Lightning: Bolts of Destruction (aka Heaven’s Fury)
3. Why Does The Wind? (Tracey Thorn)

This is what Raul’s Manifesto has looked like in the past 3 years:

- In 2010, I promised myself that I would focus on my personal growth.
- In 2011, I promised myself that I would prioritize myself before anyone else.
- In 2012, I promised myself that I would embrace change.

In 2013, my Manifesto and my promise to myself is that I will maintain focus. I will not deviate from my goals and objectives. You may think “well, didn’t you get back to personal blogging just now? Isn’t that going to deviate you from your objectives?”. No, in fact no. My blog was first and foremost a diary where I noted my thoughts. A diary that grew so powerful and broadly read that it became a tool to help people, whenever I could. But it’s still mine, and it’s still my notebook, where I jot down whatever I am learning along the way, so it helps me in documenting the growth process.

I know the prize, I have an objective, and all I need to do is keep laser-focus. And I hope you, my dear readers (and social media followers) will hold me accountable and tell me when you think I’m spreading too think and forgetting the focus I promised to maintain.

Welcome to 2013, everyone.

Related posts:

1. Raul’s 2010 manifesto, one year later…
2. My 2012 Manifesto: Embracing Change
3. Focus… focus!

But this fall, many things happened. Newtown, the fiscal cliff, the Instagram Terms of Service debacle, Delhi’s unspeakable gang rape, all of them a number of debates that I normally would engage with on my blog. And each time I stopped myself because I felt that I would betray my promise to myself to stop blogging. I also traveled and experienced a number of restaurants, hotels, airline companies, etc. and I stopped myself from writing about them, because “I had promised I would stop blogging“.

But in an extremely enlightening conversation with my Dad a couple of days ago (my Dad has a TV show, very well seen by the way), I told him that I missed the superpowers that came with having an extremely widely read blog and a large following on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Using social media for good is not something I’m new to doing. In fact, in the past few months I have seen a number of local (Vancouver) bloggers take up the projects I left behind and run with them, and support the charities I used to, and do the kind of social media for social good I used to do.

And that’s fantastic. Because it leaves me with this, with the canvas where I continue to paint my life: my own blog. This time, a painting that will occur on my time, and on my terms. No more being stressed about publishing a blog post on a certain date, because otherwise X, Y or Z artistic production might be endangered, or ticket sales may be low, or a charitable event may not get exposure. Yes, I am resurrecting my blog. But I am doing so on my own terms, and on my own time. I may write a blog post here, or none at all.

As Monique and Arieanna said, this is MY blog. This is where I am supposed to tell my stories. And somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I lost view of what this blog was about and why I had it. Yes, I had it to support the arts and non-profits in Vancouver. I had it to tell the stories of my travels. But more than anything, this blog is MINE. And it’s for me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am back!

No related posts.

This week, I’m doing good on my promise. And this time, it’s not going to be like the previous times I’ve announced a hiatus. This one is going to be pretty much for good. I have reached the breaking point. I fret over deadlines. I feel bad when I have to tell folks who pitch me that I can’t either help them out writing, or when I miss a deadline. This is not way to lead a life.

Contrary to many other folks who are on the top of the Vancouver blogging world, I don’t work in a professional activity that enables my blogging. Much to the contrary. Writing this blog (which is also unpaid) actually takes my time and focus off of my professional activities. And yes, it’s a very professional-looking blog, because I have always taken my blogging very seriously. I’m a professional in everything I do. And everything I do, I do it well.

I have achieved pretty much everything I wanted in the blogging world. I reached the top of Vancouver’s, BC’s and Canada’s blogosphere. I became well respected and mastered social media tools to the extent I wanted. I became one of very few Canadian international travel writers who is pitched from all over the world for travel writing projects. I put Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada in the global arena, through my writing about food, travel, dance and theatre. I helped countless non-profit organizations and charitable causes.

I authored a book on social media with one of my best friends and one of the best bloggers in Canada, Arieanna Schweber. I gave numerous talks and keynotes on social media topics for numerous organizations (including WorkSafe BC, the Canadian Public Relations Society Vancouver Chapter, the International Association for Business Communicators BC Chapter).

I also spoke at numerous social media and blogging conferences (including Northern Voice, Social Media Week Vancouver, Social Media Camp Victoria, WordCamp Victoria, to name a few). I participated in the design and implementation of social media strategies for The City of Surrey and The Community Against Preventable Injuries, to name just a couple of clients.

And I did this all the while maintaining a highly-productive research programme, mentoring students and teaching a 2-1-2 course-load. While sitting on the Executive Board of The Network Hub, Canada’s premiere coworking launch pad (and the one in Vancouver that has demonstrated leadership year after year). While playing competitive volleyball. While maintaining my friendships. I have no reason to be modest, I’m incredibly proud of what I have achieved.

I co-organized Mental Health Camp Vancouver with my dear friend Isabella Mori, and helped launch Mental Health Camp Toronto. I volunteered my time with numerous Vancouver-based startup events. I contributed to the organization of Freelance Camp Vancouver. I was part of the process that saw The Network Hub New Westminster Campus be borne to help Lower Mainland’s freelancers.

I did A LOT for Vancouver, for British Columbia and for Canada. And I think it’s now time for me to take time for myself, for my own goals, for my own health.

It’s about time that the Hummingbird takes a break.

I do have a few guest blog posts due this week, but this is my last blog post on Hummingbird604.com for a very long while, possibly ever. For those people whom I committed coverage, and whose posts will be written by guest bloggers, I will fulfil my promises.

But, what about travel writing? What about other types of writing, like a personal diary? Will you write ever again, Raul?

The answer is not as definite as I would like it to be. Travel writing is perhaps the one that I feel I’m most suited to, and I may take on the odd project on the side. I do not know yet what the future will hold. But I know for a fact that I am not going to pressure myself to help cover events, causes and projects anymore. If I do anything, it will be because I have the time (and right now, I’m pretty sure I will not have the time until possibly 2014). I will decide on a case-by-case basis.

As for a diary, there is another problem. My loyal readers will probably want to know how I’m doing in my new life in Mexico. But I’m not sure if I’ll have the time to write those details. All I can say is that, for now, I am going to take a break. Because I have not counted how many guest blog posts are due, I have no idea when will be the date for Hummingbird604.com’s last blog post. But I expect that the last day a blog post will be published on my site will be Friday September 21st.

To my loyal readers: THANK YOU. It was a great ride. And to everyone who guest-blogged for me, thank you too.

Related posts:

1. One month after the hiatus: on friendships, blogging and the future
2. A short hiatus
3. This blog is going on hiatus for a while

World Premiere: Thursday to Saturday October 4-6 @ 8 pm & Sunday October 7 @ 2 pm matinee
The Roundhouse Community Arts Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, on Davie and Pacific

Tickets: $25/$18 students, seniors from Tickets Tonight: 604 684 2787 www.ticketstonight.ca

Conception: Alvin Erasga Tolentino and Dennis Gupa
Choreography and Performance: Alvin Erasga Tolentino
Dramaturgy: Dennis Gupa
Lighting: Jonathan Chang
Video: Jon Lazam
Music: Angelica Dayao
Costume: John Carlo Pagunaling

More information below:

Alvin Erasga Tolentino dances Colonial, his 6th full-length solo work and the latest visionary creation for his 12th season as director, creator and performer of Co.ERASGA. A critically acclaimed solo performer described as “a serious tour de force, stretching our understanding of what dance can be”, Tolentino’s new work is as trans-continental Canada-Philippines initiative conceived and spearheaded by Tolentino and Filipino theatre director from the Philippines, Dennis Gupa.

Responding to the intense longing for self-determination and freedom, five Filipino artists of this generation unite to redress and dig deep to the complex, bitter and sweet account of Colonialism. In a tapestry of music, video, costuming and dance sourced from the Filipino culture and life, creativity transport the artist’s hope and voice to bring Colonial as a multi-sensorial and trans-cultural piece whose language speaks to a global audience.

Colonized, the artists choose to reveal fearlessly the hidden memories that yearn to resurrect. Forceful and transformative, these memories became the fulcrum for recuperating the subjugated body, has gone berserk, controlled and manipulated for centuries past.

Drawing from indigenous performative forms, Tolentino’s choreography enters historical, mythical, personal and political themes with past histories and present contemplation collide in his own umbilicus. His body transforms in a tripartite portraits of that of a primordial Babaylan, a healer cum priestess, the Katipunero/Katipunan, a bloodied warrior and finally Sinag, a light personified, who invites us, ceremonially to enlightenment. In this new work, Tolentino’s body encounters the real and the imagined past, dissenting the colonist and recovering from the yoke of domination. The dramaturgical and choreographic vigor lies from the premise that the remnants of colonial past can be re-created as a metaphor of light that can guide one to a journey in a country where bodies and souls are free, sacred and pure.

Vancouver’s very own, Alvin Erasga Tolentino’s work has spanned close to three decades interpreting, creating and contributing contemporary dance for Vancouver. He founded Co.ERASGA in 2000 and since then has brought full-length memorable works as; SOLA, Bato/Stone, OrienTik/Portrait, Field, Paradise/Paradis, ADAMEVE-Man/Woman, Shadow Machine and recently EXpose to name a few. An accomplished international dance artist whose body works has reflected identity, gender, interculturalism and cross-cultural collaboration that have reached four continents. His touring engagements and cross cultural collaboration has taken him and Co.ERASGA to over 50 diverse cities and in countries as France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and across Canada. In 2010 he received the Vancouver’s Mayor Arts Award for his contribution to the performing arts in Dance. Tolentino was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 1983.

Dennis Gupa is a theatre director who received his MA Theatre Arts degree from University of the Philippines. He attended directing classes with directors from Israel (Nil Alon), Germany (Christoph Gosepath), France (Alain Timar) Philippines (Jose Estrealla and Anton Juan) and the NY Theatre Movement Inc.’s Leqoc’s technique on ensemble directing. His collaboration with scientists in his home based, University of the Philippines Los Banos where he is also a tenured Assistant Professor of theatre arts and communication gave birth to some of the most cutting edge, site specific performances ever created.

His works are an investigation of cruelty, veneration and redemption among the hidden and unknown characters of our society. Some of these works are: Frank Wedekind’s ‘Spring Awakening’, John Millington Synge’s ‘Riders to the Sea’, August Strindberg’s ‘A Dream Play’, and Jose Rizal’s ‘Junto al Pasig’, these classic texts found its morphing into a Filipino-Asian culture based interpretation.

Co.ERASGA would like to gratefully acknowledge its members, the generous individuals, business and following funding bodies for their support: The Canada Council for the Arts, The City of Vancouver, BC Arts Council, BC Gaming, The Vancouver Foundation, Hamber Foundation, The Georgia Straight, EastVan Graphics, The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, MAI (Montreal Arts Interculturel) and UPLB, University of The Philippines Los Banos.

Related posts:

1. Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House
2. International Dance Day (win tickets to Around The Block)
3. The Chutzpah! 2011 Festival in Vancouver (win tickets to a show)

These events will take place in Calgary, Montreal and my own hometown, Vancouver, for the 3rd Annual CBC Sports Day in Canada.

For its third year celebrating CBC’s Sports Day in Canada, Fast and Female will be running three events across the country. Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver invite participants to four events running concurrently in their cities from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 29th and will feature dancing, fitness stations, yoga and inspiration for women of all abilities between the ages of 8 to 88 years old.

The last two events were held successfully in Canmore and had 115 ladies in attendance. Now that Fast and Female is expanding nationally with their youth programming, they wanted to expand with this as well to Spread the Love! Dominate the World!

Still living on the high of the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver’s participants will have the opportunity to meet sailor and 2016 Olympic hopeful Isabella Bertold, triathlete Kristen Sweetland, and road cyclist Leah Kirchmann. The three Fast and Female ambassadors will be leading their activity at the Robert F. Osborne Centre at the University of British Columbia.

Founded in 2005, Fast and Female is a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment through sport of young women. By partnering with inspiring female Olympians, Fast and Female travels across North America to host camps for girls ages 9 to 19. Since its inception, Fast and Female has inspired girls involved in sports including cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, cycling, and triathlon.

It is said that girls are six times more likely to drop out of sports than boys. Fast and Female aims to counter this phenomenon by leveraging the presence of inspiring female Olympians at all of its events.

“Most Fast and Female’s programming targets young women on their journey to athletic excellence,” said Marie-Hélène Thibeault, Executive Director for the program. “Keeping girls in sports offers many societal benefits and this is why CBC’s Sports Day in Canada is a great platform for our growing organization to reach a broader audience of moms and women as we strive to increase awareness for our programs as well as spread the values of wellness we cherish.”

All proceeds from the events will go directly towards supporting Fast and Female’s ambitious plans for 2013 including reaching more than 1,500 girls ages 9 to 19 all across Canada, the United States and Australia.

This 2012 Fast and Female Sports Day in Canada for Women event hopes to draw more than 150 lucky female fitness enthusiasts. In addition to featuring fun fitness activities, each venue will also offer silent auction items featuring many great products from local and national sponsors and donors.

Early bird registration for each event is $15 for youth and $35 for adults. All participants will receive a goody bag with product samples from Fast and Female’s partners. Participants can register by visiting their Eventbrite. More information can also be found on their website. Fast and Female would like to thank its national sponsors Best Buy Canada, Clarins, Cold-FX, Buff, Champion System, Karbon, SportChek, lululemon athletica, LUNA bars, and SAUCE Headwear.

Related posts:

1. Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Society (VASSS) Annual Fundraiser
2. Canada Day 2011 Celebrations in Vancouver at Canada Place and around Vancouver
3. International Women’s Day and Watchmen’s female superheroes

We are currently reaching out through our dedicated team to celebrities, philanthropists, spiritual leaders/mentors, talk show hosts and bloggers globally; Those empowered men, women and organizations that are focused on creating much-needed change through their music, art, blogs and life paths. I wrote a song called ‘Angel of the Sea’ after watching “The Cove”, directed by Louie Psihoyos, last year. I’m sure you’re aware of the film so you’ll know it spotlights the horrific capture and mass killing of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. It was a really hard watch but directly after, I was given ‘Angel of the Sea’.

And I knew it was part of my musical life path to start a new wave.. One that would reach the ears and hearts of my brothers and sisters worldwide. I’ve pledged to donate 100 % of all ‘Angel of the Sea’ single sales when released, to the Oceanic Preservation Society(O.P.S) timelessly. My vision is to create a huge movement first though, so when the song’s officially released, it will be really beneficial for them as an organization and the Cause.

I’m pleased and happy to say that O.P.S. got wind of what we were doing and after discussing my proposal, have officially allied with us. We are currently drawing up the necessary legal paperwork through my attorney and can count on their support. There’s a much bigger picture to this than just ending the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji though.. I want to create such massive awareness through the ‘Angel of the Sea’ Movement that we are able, as a global community, to put pressure on the International Whaling Commission(IWC) to ban cetacean harming/hunting once and for all. And furthermore, open people’s eyes to the fact that these highly evolved Beings, should not be in captivity either; Educating them to stop frequenting resorts or sea worlds/amusement parks that promise swimming with captive dolphins etc. If there is no demand, there will be no trade.

This is not just something that is close to my heart, it has become a part of who I am.

Check out the song below, it’s lovely

You can learn more about CC Cox here on her Facebook page:

Related posts:

1. Umeboshi in Japan, Chamoy in Mexico
2. Charlie’s Angels (2011: Angel with a Broken Wing. Episode 1 review)
3. A 90 second interview with @miss604 (Rebecca Bollwitt)

Known for creating ground-breaking theatre that incorporates a technological twist, The Virtual Stage brings an interactive, site-specific theatre adventure to the streets of Vancouver. Running from October 13 to 31, “The Zombie Syndrome” takes the audience on a high-stakes mission to save the world from a deadly zombie invasion. A message from Canada’s Department of National Defence regarding the outbreak of a deadly virus explains how the virus ”reanimates” the dead in this public service announcement.

The exact starting point of the show (somewhere in downtown Vancouver) remains undisclosed until the day before, when the audience receives a phone call from a character in the story with instructions on where to meet. Once they are assembled at the top secret rendezvous point, a team of specialists (You!) are taken on a very public and unique theatre adventure. Attendees are encouraged to wear walking shoes, dress for the weather and be prepared to move. As the stars of the show, the audience travels from site to site, gathers clues from sudden allies and faces challenges they must overcome in order to proceed to the next scene. You’ll never know what’s coming next on this exhilarating tour where zombies could be looming around any corner.

This highly interactive theatrical scavenger-hunt features technical elements requiring each audience group to use their smartphones to navigate through the show and find clues leading to a renegade scientist’s secret mobile laboratory. Use your phone’s GPS to elude zombies and locate the next scene right on the streets of Vancouver, while racing to uncover the cure to a pandemic that threatens the entire human race! This may be the only theatre event where phones are not only allowed, but encouraged!

Don’t have a smartphone? Don’t worry! Only one smartphone per audience group is required for everyone to enjoy the show! One in three adults in Canada now has a smartphone and each audience group is up to thirteen people, so you’ll be fine! Trust us. According to statistics from the Canadian Heritage Information Network as of October 2011 there was a 36 per cent smartphone penetration in Canada. If you have more questions about the show, check out the FAQ section.

Written and directed by The Virtual Stage’s Andy Thompson, “The Zombie Syndrome” runs October 13 to 31 with five shows a day beginning in a secret location in downtown Vancouver. The cast and crew of this production feature a myriad of Studio 58 graduates including Jay Clift, Leslie Dos Remedios, Stephanie Elgersma, Raphael Kepiniski, Adele Noronha, Kris Novak, Caitlin McCarthy, Graeme McComb, Ryan McDonald, and Gili Roskies. Leading the makeup team for Zombie visual effects is Elizabeth McLeod supported by Production Manager Jordan Watkins and Designer Jessica Oostergo.

Tickets are $25 (plus service charges) and can be purchased online only here! Friday, October 12th is a 2-for1 preview performance. Shows run every night (Tuesday to Friday) at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. Special matinees on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are at 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. Select MEDIA are invited to a special opening performance on Saturday, October 13th at 2:30, 3:00 or 3:30 p.m.

About The Virtual Stage

Founded in the year 2000, The Virtual Stage is a Vancouver-based theatre company with a unique mandate to investigate emerging technologies in theatre. In its eleven years, The Virtual Stage has produced three short films, four short one-act plays and six mainstage productions, garnering fourteen Jessie nominations and winning four. Recent productions include “No Exit” (co-produced with Electric Company Theatre; winner of “Outstanding Production” and “Critics’ Choice Innovation” Jessie Awards) and the sold out hit “1984” at The Cultch. Like The Virtual Stage on Facebook and follow on Twitter @TheVirtualStage

No related posts.

We are raising money for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. We understand that breast cancer is a disease that has negatively impacted many Canadian women. We would like to support and celebrate women whom have experienced breast cancer through our fun filled fundraiser. We are giving away lots of neat prices such as a hockey stick signed by Manny Malhotra and a wall of wine.

Time: 5-7:30
Date: Thursday September 20th
Place: Subeez restaurant, 891 Homer Street Vancouver
Tickets: $15 Online
Website: http://flavors.me/runwimvan

About Women in Mining
The Women in Mining network is an informal organization connecting women involved in or affiliated with the mining resources sector. The primary goal is to share knowledge, experiences and relationships that encourage growth and diversity. A secondary, but equally important goal is to encourage men and women from the mining industry to participate in the community by raising funds for breast cancer research, to promote Career Prep for high school students and to take part in networking evenings for university students. For more information about Women in Mining, please visit our website: http://www.amebc.ca/wim-vancouver

Related posts:

1. International Women’s Day (Vancouver and woldwide) is March 8th, 2012
2. National Wear Pink Day 2011 Events in Vancouver
3. October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I’m incredibly proud to be Mexican, and at the same time, I’m incredibly proud of being Canadian. I owe both countries a lot, and both are amazing in their own ways. But strangely enough, Mexico keeps being looked at by some foreigners (luckily not a lot) as a country of mariachis who travel on burros and only live in shanty towns. Just travel to some of the Mexican cities and you’ll see the difference.

My goal in writing about Mexico has always been not to reminisce or long for where I wasn’t (when I lived in Canada) but to showcase that there is another Mexico. The one the mainstream media doesn’t tell you about it. A Mexico I’ve been recently living, with people who work hard, party hard and who have an incredible sense of love, friendship and family. A country with great history and culture. A country I’m proud to call my own.

Feliz Dia de la Independencia, Mexico!

Related posts:

1. Happy belated Independence Day, Mexico!
2. Viva Mexico! Mexican Independence Day (worldwide and Vancouver)
3. Feliz Dia del Maestro (Happy Teacher’s and Professors’ Day in Mexico)

Related posts:

1. Red Dress by Sugababes (Yahoo Sessions version)
2. Music Review – Uptown by Aya (Original Version)
3. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys (1984 original version) #MusicMonday

I never thought that Fraiche, one of my favorite restaurants, would ever host a fashion show, but they are, and this promises to be a fantastic event. You may have read my review of Fraiche and yes, I raved about it because it’s amazing. Check out below on what else is on the deck for this fun event. I’m really sorry to miss it. And I’m ever sorrier to miss it because my friend Phil Reigh, the GM of Fraiche, has even coordinated transportation (which was one of my complaints about Fraiche’s location given that I don’t own a car).

Fraiche restaurants’ Chef, Jefferson Alvarez, and General Manager Philippe Reigh have joined forces with local fashion designer Kim Cathers to host a fashion show showcasing her 2012 Fall/Winter line.

Enjoy the exclusive launch of the Kdon Fall/Winter line while overlooking the beautiful panoramic views of Vancouver and savouring seasonally inspired delicacies from Michelin trained Chef Jefferson Alvarez.

Kim Cathers first shot to fame was as a finalist on the hit TV series Project Runway Canada. Cathers is a Vancouver based designer and one of the more recognizable personas in Canadian fashion.

There will be organized transportation to and from Fraiche restaurant from the West End and Kitsilano departing at 6:00pm sharp and returning around 10:30pm. Tickets are $65 including transportation. Call Fraiche restaurant for full details: 604-925-7595. Transportation is limited to 22 people per location, so book early.

Related posts:

1. Standing Armed Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Presentation
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If you haven’t been to Stanley Park to just hang out this summer (or if you have) this coming weekend could be your last chance! Not only will it technically be the last weekend of summer, but it will be beautiful out, and there is an amazing event that you are not going to want to miss! Voices In the Park is basically a big end-of-summer fundraiser party concert. With Hey Ocean!, Hedley, The Boom Booms, Bryan Adams and more opening for Sarah, its a chance to catch the best that BC has to offer. Not to mention the scenery and view at Brockton Oval is a true BC treat. Gates open at 2 so you can come down early and bask in the sun, bring your family, have a picnic and enjoy. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on (not chairs) and there will be everybody’s favourite meal option — food trucks!

There are loads of General Seating tickets left but the reserved best seats are selling fast! You can find ticket info here, remember that your ticket purchase gives money to the Sarah McLachlan foundation. This money ensures that at-risk youth can relieve free music education, which benefits them in so many ways throughout life. From exploring talent and having fun to the therapeutic benefits, this program touches the lives of the youth who need it most. If you really understand this personally or have a story about how music impacted your life, enter the video contest to explain “What Music Means to Me” – your video could get aired at the concert!

If you can’t make it, you can still go online and vote for your favourite Sarah McLachlan song. This is a “Vote to Give” setup in partnership with Telus, where 5$ is donated to the Sarah McLachlan foundation for every person that votes! There are 3 songs to choose from, and its as easy as clicking a button and hitting “Vote!” It will be the easiest donation to make in your life, so please consider taking a moment to do it.

For all further details and info, here’s a guide to help plan your day. Everything from free bike valet to shuttle service and all other details are there to make it a fun and smooth experience for everyone. This coming Saturday, September 15th at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park.

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The director, Kenya Marquez, the only female director to have a film at the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, said that when she first started trying to get funding for the film, in 2000, its themes were not specifically intended to be political. But in an unfortunate twist of fate, as the years progressed until she finally got funding 10 years later, the Mexican political landscape had changed and her film did acquire a political aspect.

The film begins with the mysterious disappearance of a man who is clearly a “mama’s boy”. The mother Ramona, who is stunningly well-acted by Ofelia Murguía, displays a calm, dignified desperation as she grasps at small leads to find out what happened to her son Osvaldo. A young woman moves into her building, and Ramona becomes convinced she is somehow connected to her son. Ramona repeatedly visits a forensic unit, to determine if her son has shown up in the morgue, and the receptionist attempts to assist her quest to find her son. A somewhat disreputable handyman who hangs around the morgue finds himself enmeshed in the case to a degree he never would have thought possible.

The film plays with perspectives and viewpoints, looking at the same events through the eyes of different characters. The film ends with a twist that may or may not be expected. The background scenes look very much like everyday Mexico, even as surreal events occur within these scenes, causing a jarring juxtaposition of the mundane and the extraordinary.

In the post-film talkback, Marquez discussed how differently the film was received in different cities. In Mexico, the film had particular political overtones. In most cities, they related strongly to the grief of the mother for her missing son, but the reaction in New York was shocking to her, as the audience laughed at particular violent scenes.

Although I am not an expert on Spanish art and cinema, I felt there were overtones of both Almodóvar and Dali in this film. There is humour and pathos and human dignity. I suspect some viewers might be put off by the themes and content of this film, but I feel confident in recommending it to those who appreciate an intriguing, well-acted, and thoughtful film.

Disclaimer: Lois Patterson reviewed Fecha de Caducidad as an exclusive for Hummingbird604.com. There was no expectation of a review, nor in the case of a review being written, was there any expectation that it would be positive. Raul always has editorial control on the blog’s content. Read more about Lois below.

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1. 5x Favela: Agora por nós mesmos (Vancouver Latin American Film Festival 2011 #VLAFF2011) [Movie Review]
2. Hermano at the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival 2011 (review)
3. Operacion Diablo at the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (review)

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