Hummingbird604.com

Pinsanity: The dark side of Pinterest, via @ComeDiva

Raul — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:10:54 +0000

I admit that I love Pinterest, particularly because it enables me to earn more traction in some blog posts and increases my traffic. It also gives me an opportunity to present a complete overview of who I am, both in the academic and the social media realm. But Pinterest can also create crazy people like the ones depicted by Comediva in the video above!

I have taken an interest on Pinterest
Developing Robust Online Communities with Pinterest, Foursquare and Instagram @IABCBC Talk Slides
Building Robust Online Communities: Exploring Instagram, Foursquare and Pinterest (my upcoming IABC/BC Media Lunch Hour Talk)

Team In Training at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)

Raul — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:59 +0000

I knew about Team in Training (an initiative of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada) because one of my good friends, Greg Mitchell, recently completed a Triathlon in Hawaii to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Given my (losing, to this moment) history with cancer (I have lost many family members and dear friends to various forms of cancer), I am always keen to profile non-profits that work to raise funds for cancer research/work. Thus my post on Team in Training at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (in this case I’m profiling the British Columbia and Yukon chapter)

Photo credit: Matt Runkle on Flickr

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) has:
* Trained over a half a million runners, walkers, triathletes, cyclists and hikers
* Raised over $1.2 billion to fund lifesaving cancer research
* Two 4-5 month training options:
* In-person program from our gigantic network of certified coaches
* On-line option – same great coaches, “virtually”
* More than 200 exciting endurance events to choose from.

There are some remarkable stories. One of them is Tony, a leukemia survivor, who with TnT LLSC has trained for a marathon and a triathlon, and this fall will be training with us and mentoring participants who train for the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Tony’s story is extremely inspiring. And I hope you can support the work of Team in Training. I’ve grown fond of this initiative since Greg did it (it’s been his second year in a row, and he’s amazing).

Photo credit: Tony di Giovanni

I encourage you to explore the links on my blog post and read Tony’s story, and if you are so inclined, please support this worthy initiative.

14th Annual A World of Smiles Telethon in Support of BC Children’s Hospital

Raul — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:38:17 +0000

There are some people in your life that you don’t need to be physically in touch with all the time to feel close to them. One of them is my dear friend Mana Mansour, the host of Shaw Multicultural Channel. Mana will be hosting this coming Sunday May 27th, 2012 the 14th Annual “A World of Smiles” Telethon in Support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Hello! Sat sri akal! Namaste!

BC’s South Asian community is a long-time supporter of BC Children’s Hospital, raising awareness and funds for more than a decade. Throughout the year, community members show their support for child health care by organizing and donating at radiothons, dances, dinners, walk-a-thons, and other fundraising initiatives.

The generosity of the community is celebrated on the A World of Smiles telethon each spring.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please tune in on May 27th and make a donation to BC Children’s Hospital. Shaw Multicultural Channel Cable 116, Shaw Direct channel 299 and Shaw TV Channels in BC.

Thank you.

I hope you can support A World of Smiles Telethon this coming Sunday. And please remember that your donations to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation help this worthy foundation strengthen their programs and provide children in need of medical attention with care.

Sola Nero Vena 2011 Rosé #WineWednesday

Raul — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Despite the fact that I write a lifestyle blog, I actually don’t drink that much. In fact, I have discovered that I drink much less than people think. But because of the fact that on Wednesdays I write a feature on wines, and particularly British Columbia wines when I can, I am often “forced” to have to at least drink one glass of wine before Wednesday. Because, you know, my readers are my priority, and I can’t let you a Wednesday without YOU knowing about another wine.

So tonight, I’ll fully admit that I am writing about Sola Nero Vena (a very sweet, bright pink rosé wine) because it’s what it is in my fridge, and it is what I drink when I am writing, and a little bit of wine always helps the words flow, and I have 3 books to edit, so there you go. AND my readers are expecting a Wine Wednesday post. So here it is.

Vena is the Roman goddess of beauty and love. The planet named for her has been known since antiquity as the evening star and appears just as the last blush of sunset fades into twilight. Vena is a delightful blush wine with vibrant strawberry and cherry flavours and a refreshing finish. Enjoy Vena on its own or share it with friends as you watch the sun go down.

I serve my Sola Nero Vena very cold (you may notice I use my large wine glass from Tastes of April Point 2011 in Quadra Island, one of my most favorite travel events of the year). I drink it while I write (when I have to write for an extended period of time) as it is sweet and fresh. But remember my tastes: Gewurtrzaminer, Riesling or sweet Pinot Grigios. Or sweet rosés. So make sure you are ready for at least a 1 in the sweetness scale.

I know people will think this is dirt-cheap wine at $7 in the BC Liquor stores, and hey, let me tell you – it does the trick. So, I don’t want to pay $30 for a bottle of rosé when I can pay this little and while Sola Nero Vena may not be the elixir of gods, it’s a good wine and I enjoy it quite a lot. With 11.5% alcohol and presented in 750 ml bottles, I definitely recommend Sola Nero Vena if you need something fresh, cold and sweet to accompany your writing.

Disclosure: I bought several bottles of Sola Nero wine one time when I was running out of time to get some wine, and I paid out of my own pocket for them. I don’t have any personal connections with Sola Nero Wines nor is a review expected, nor paid for, not a positive review in the cards. As always I retain full editorial control of what I publish on my site.

No related posts.

Feliz Dia del Estudiante (Happy Students’ Day in Mexico)

Raul — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:59:21 +0000

The University of Guanajuato, where I did my undergraduate, and where I celebrated many Students’ Days. Photo credit: Jose Ramon Vega

While I teach in a Canadian university and here we don’t celebrate Students’ Day, I do recall fondly my undergraduate years when I celebrated Mexican Students’ Day (May 23rd). So, to all Mexican students (my previous ones) and to my own students here in Canada, even if you don’t celebrate this holiday, Happy Students’ Day!

Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants (Mount Pleasant)

Raul — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:14:58 +0000

While I knew about the City of Vancouver Neighbourhood Small Grants, I do not think I had heard about the Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants until a friend (who, like me, lives in Mount Pleasant) sent me this information, which I am reproducing below. [UPDATE - After doing a little research, and realizing that I should know more about this program since the folks at the Vancouver Foundation are actually my friends and I have sat on advisory committees for the Foundation itself, here is some more information that I garnered about the programme].

The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Foundation have teamed up to help make Vancouver the greenest city by 2020. We’ve created the Greenest City Fund – a four-year, $2 million fund that will support community-led green projects. We want to go right into the heart of the community for ideas, and that’s why we’ve dedicated a portion of the Fund to support Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) that have a green focus. Our aim is to encourage local initiatives, designed and undertaken by residents, right in their community. We’re looking for fabulous ideas from you, Vancouver residents, which will make your neighbourhood greener. Your proposal needs to meet the criteria on the left and must benefit your Vancouver neighbourhood.

This project offers up to $1000 to groups of people living in Mount Pleasant and Little Mountain, who want to work together on a small event, program or project that enhances their neighbourhood through a green focus. We’re looking for fabulous ideas from you, Vancouver residents, which will make your neighbourhood greener. Your proposal needs to meet the criteria and must benefit your Vancouver neighbourhood.

What Kinds of Projects Receive Funding?

All kinds of projects! Here are some other Greenest City NSG ideas you could develop:

1. Making businesses greener or creating green jobs.
2. Growing and eating local food.
3. Making buildings more energy efficient.
4. Promoting greener forms of transportation.
5. Creating zero waste.
6. Mitigating climate change and breathing clean air.
7. Improving access to nature and planting trees.
8. Conserving drinking water.
9. Reducing our ecological footprint.

Where can I get Information about City Guidelines?

Links to relevant City of Vancouver guidelines visit their website.

Who can apply for a Grant?

Applicants must live in the Mount Pleasant and Little Mountain Neighbourhoods, see map here. The grants are for projects by neighbours or small groups of residents only; organizations cannot apply. All projects must take place in Vancouver.

Application Deadline

The Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grant application deadline is May 25, 2012, and if your grant is approved the Steering Committee will inform you in June. The projects, events and programs will take place in 2012, followed by a celebration in November which gives grant recipients the opportunity to display photographs, tell stories, mingle with other project organizers, and meet the NSGP Steering Committee.

Please Submit Your Application:

Online and click on “Apply for a Grant”.

In person or by mail at:
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
800 East Broadway, Vancouver BC V5T 1Y1

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
3981 Main Street, Vancouver BC V5V 3P3

For More Information:
Please visit this website or here.

Hopefully residents of Mount Pleasant will be able and willing to submit an application for a Neighbourhood Small Grant.

Run for Water 2012 (Abbottsford and Calgary)

Raul — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:32:39 +0000

It’s quite obvious from my scholarly research profile that I am very interested in water, but not only from the research standpoint but also from the activist side of things. I had written before about Run for Water but I realize that I haven’t written about it this year (and this year it takes place in Calgary, AB and Abbottsford, BC so even more important to highlight it)

Photo credit: Staff of Hope on Flickr

Run For Water is an Abbotsford based nonprofit society dedicated to staging a high-calibre running event. The members of Run For Water Society share the goal of promoting healthy physical activity and community spirit as well as raising funds for clean water development in under-privileged communities.

You can register for the Abbottsford run here and for the Calgary one here. You can also donate directly to HOPE International here.

You can help HOPE International Development Agency provide families in southern Ethiopia with clean water by participating in this year’s Run For Water events be organized by friends of HOPE International Development Agency in British Columbia and Calgary.

There are two events to choose from in 2012:
- Abbotsford, British Columbia, May 27, 2012
- Calgary, Alberta, September 8, 2012

Your participation will transform lives! By participating as a runner or walker in the Abbotsford Run For Water or Calgary Run For Water event, you can radically change the future of thousands of people in southern Ethiopia who live without access to clean, safe drinking water. Without clean water, these families remain trapped in poverty – the hallmarks of which are disease and malnutrition.

This is a very worthy event and if I could run it myself I would but unfortunately I won’t be able to. But hopefully many of you will! Help improve the lives of people in Southern Ethiopia and enable them to access water. Given how much clean water we have in BC, hopefully that will encourage British Columbians (and Albertans!) to participate in Run for Water.

Remember to Breathe: Travel Alberta’s newest campaign

Raul — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:16:46 +0000

I am in love with my home province, British Columbia, and I have been a faithful promoter of its wonders and beauties. I have written about the small regions in BC (like Harrison Mills) and the large ones (like Victoria), I have explored many wonderful things that we have to do and places to see in British Columbia. However, I have to be honest and say that every time I visit Alberta (most recently I went to Calgary and Edmonton – my brother lives in Calgary and many of my friends live in Edmonton), I am always amazed at all the things that Alberta has to offer. I recently attended Travel Alberta’s campaign unveiling: Remember to Breathe. And yes, the views of Alberta, the things that one can do and places one can see are definitely breathtaking. Check them out for yourselves.

Win a #TravelTuesday Chefs Across The Water #CAW Grand Prize with @Hastings_House @SaltSpringAir and @hummingbird604

Raul — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:45:01 +0000

If you have followed my blog closely you probably have realized how much I travel writing I do, and how many wonderful events in Canada I promote and highlight. Travel Tuesday is usually one of my favorite days of the week because it usually gives me the chance to write about fantastic travel-focused events that happen in Canada, and especially my home province, British Columbia. One of the destinations I have more proudly highlighted on my travel writings (and where I feel most at home) is Salt Spring Island. Once you reach Salt Spring Island, you are on island time and you really have a chance to relax. And one of my absolute favorite food and wine events happens every year precisely on Salt Spring Island. It’s one of those amazing opportunities that you ABSOLUTELY MUST enjoy at least once in your lifetime: Chefs Across The Water. I recently announced on my Twitter stream the dates for Chefs Across The Water 2012, hosted by Hastings House on Salt Spring Island. You can tell how much I loved it that I highlighted Salt Spring Island as one of my top travel experiences and destinations in 2011.

Hastings House Country House Hotel and Dining Room on Salt Spring Island is pleased to announce our guest chef program is returning for 2012 — top BC chefs have been invited to prepare multiple-course dinners in the Hastings House kitchen, incorporating Salt Spring Island’s produce, seafood, and meats. Wine pairings featuring BC wines will be offered to complement the extraordinary menus.

Salt Spring Island is a food-lover’s paradise, blessed with a mild Mediterranean-like climate and devoted growers and producers renowned for their organic fruits and vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Fresh-caught, wild seafood rounds out nature’s local pantry. In recent years, island wineries have further added to the diversity of the local harvest. Diners can look forward to amazing experiences as the celebrated guest chefs each put their own personal spin on Salt Spring Island flavours.

Chefs Across The Water is, without a doubt, one of the premiere wine and food events in the entire province of British Columbia, and certainly would rank up high there in Canada. The 2012 programme sounds simply amazing:

The new guest chef line-up builds on the tradition of connecting British Columbia’s fine dining establishments while highlighting the incredible bounty of the region’s produce. This year Chefs Across the Water invites distinguished chefs from three Relais & Châteaux luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants to participate in a series of gastronomic island adventures in the months of June, September and October.

Chefs Across the Water participants and dates are as follows:

Chef Nicholas Nutting
The Wickaninnish Inn
Monday, June 11th

Chef Lee Parsons
The Wedgewood Hotel
Monday, September 17th

Chef Terry Pichor
Sonora Resort
Tuesday, October 16th

Each one of the dinners is $100.00 per person, wine pairings $40.00. This is really affordable, even more so if you think about the kind of exclusive and one-of-a-kind experience it is, and each person gets to enjoy a delicious five course dinner prepared with local ingredients by some of the most amazing chefs in the province of British Columbia.

I am super excited to announce that Salt Spring Air and Hastings House have again partenered with me (as they usually do, because they are amazing and they always have been incredibly kind to me) to offer a lucky reader of mine (and a guest of theirs) a Chefs Across The Water 2012 Grand Prize. The Grand Pack elements are as follows:

My Chefs Across The Water/Hastings House/Salt Spring Air Grand Prize package will include two return (Vancouver-Salt Spring Island-Vancouver) seats on the flight to Salt Spring Island that is most appropriate for Chefs Across The Water (June 11th afternoon to return June 12th morning). If you know anything about Salt Spring Air, you’ll know that they are absolutely wonderful and that they provide top-notch service (as well as dozens of Twitter deal, you should follow them at @SaltSpringAir). Beyond their fantastic service and amazing customer service quality, another thing that I love about Salt Spring Air is how eager their owner (Phillip) is willing to experiment with social media (check out Salt Spring Air Pinterest, for example). I always have entrusted my travel to and from Salt Spring (and sometimes to Victoria too) to Salt Spring Air.

SaltSpring Air is the islanders’ airline. We are a locally owned airline based out of Ganges on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada. Now offering free parking at Vancouver Airport. We offer scheduled seaplane service between Saltspring Island, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Downtown Vancouver/ Vancouver Harbour, and Maple Bay on Vancouver Island. Saltspring Air also provides seaplane flights to the many Gulf Islands.

Charter flights and scenic sightseeing flights are available to any destination throughout the west coast of British Columbia including Victoria Harbour, Nanaimo Harbour, Tofino, Sunshine Coast, Canada’s Southern Gulf Islands and most points reachable by floatplane on Vancouver Island. Our scheduled service serves the following communities; Ganges, Fulford Harbour, Duncan, North Saanich, Pat Bay, Mill Bay, Chemainus, Crofton, Ladysmith, Cowichan, Saturna, Poets Cove and Port Washington of Pender Island, Lyall Harbour on Saturna Island, Miners Bay on Mayne Island, Montague Harbour on Galiano Island, Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island, Brentwood and Sidney by the Sea.

My Grand Prize Package also includes dinner for two at the June 11th Chefs Across The Water dinner. You REALLY should try, regardless of whether you win (or not) my Grand Prize, to visit Salt Spring Island for Chefs Across The Water. You can read my experience at the August 2011 Chefs Across The Water here. And a couple of photos just to entice your appetite.

Not only do you get to experience the scenic flight over to Salt Spring Island, courtesy of Salt Spring Air, and a fantastic dinner for two in the dining room of Hastings House at Salt Spring, but Hastings House has kindly upped the ante on my Grand Prize and is offering accommodation for two for an overnight stay at the amazing Hastings House. You can read my experiences at Hastings House (which have always been wonderful, both for Chefs Across The Water and for the Salt Spring Island Documentary Film Festival) here. Just a couple of photos of my previous visits to show you how cozy and comfortable the accommodations are.

Hastings House Country House Hotel is a small waterfront luxury country resort, spa and restaurant – sits on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Explore British Columbia’s natural beauty, Salt Spring’s mild climate and the warmth and creativity of its people.

The heart of the seaside resort is a magnificent 11th century Sussex-style Manor House overlooking peaceful Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island, BC. The Manor House is where guests gather for cocktails and conversation, before dinner. Eighteen unique guest rooms and suites, each with its own décor and history, are situated in seven lovingly maintained buildings around the estate.

So, what do you need to do to enter to win my Chefs Across The Water/Salt Spring Air/Hastings House Grand Prize contest? Well, that is actually pretty easy. You can earn one entry by dropping a comment on this post telling me about your best travel experience in British Columbia. Bonus points if said travel experience has been to Salt Spring Island, or a stay at Hastings House, or flying with Salt Spring Air! I just think it is important to highlight how much of a fantastic travel destination Salt Spring Island is, and while I love all of British Columbia, I think it would be neat if your travel experience had a Salt Spring Island component (this is not mandatory, however!).

If you want to earn a second entry on top of your comment (for a total of two), you can post the following on Twitter:

Shared BC travels w/ @Hummingbird604 http://is.gd/U9nQoH 2 enter 2 win #CAW @saltspringair @hastings_house Chefs Across The Water prize

I will count the second entry (Twitter) only after you drop a comment on this post. I will void entries that just drop a one liner, though. My goal with Grand Prize contests like this is to enrich the experiences of my readers by having my readers share their own travel experiences, so a one liner or a two word phrase just telling me where it was where you travelled and had the most fun doesn’t really inform the other contest participants and commenters on the post. Share about the wonders that Salt Spring Island and the province of British Columbia have!

The fine print:

This contest is open to 19 years of age and older. Please drink responsibly if you consume any alcohol during your dinner. Travel to-and-from Vancouver (if you are out of the Metro Vancouver area) is on your own, as the flight will leave downtown Vancouver and drop you off in Ganges, Salt Spring Island.

I will draw a winner from all entries on the second Travel Tuesday of June, June 5th, at 4pm Pacific Standard Time. Good luck everyone, and thanks Salt Spring Air and Hastings House for, as always, partnering with me to offer amazing Grand Prizes to my readers.

Wonder Woman 2011 Pilot (fan-made opening credits)

Raul — Tue, 22 May 2012 06:42:22 +0000

I wish I had PVR’d the pilot of Wonder Woman (with Adrienne Palicki). Frankly, even though I hated the uniform, I absolutely loved the idea of reinventing Wonder Woman. Unfortunately I have NEVER been able to find the actual pilot. A fan created these opening credits with fragments of the pilot (which was never launched formally), so I have relied on this video to imagine what having a new TV series focused on the Princess Amazon would look like. For your viewing pleasure.

Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery (New Westminster)

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:09:28 +0000

There are about a dozen or more reasons why I promote local businesses, and even more so, I love promoting local shops that are in New Westminster (where The Network Hub has their New Westminster campus). But the other element that drew me to promoting Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery was not the fact that they sent me a box of goodies, but the fact that they are focused on gluten-free goodies.

Photo credit: Melanie McDermott on Flickr

Both my friends Jonny Staub (on-air DJ for The Beat 94.5) and Janni Aragon (professor at University of Victoria) eat gluten-free stuff. My friend LMcT also requires consuming gluten free stuff, as does Justin Long, an entrepreneur at The Network Hub and a friend of mine as well. So, slowly but surely many more of my friends are increasing consumption of gluten-free goodies and thus it’s nice to know that Cloud 9 will carry them.

With everything in his childhood home freshly baked, Ray Porcellato, founder of Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery acquired his love for baking at a young age from his mother Pixie. When he saw the demand for gluten-free products going largely unfulfilled, Ray decided to continue that family tradition and launched a bakery that would create gluten-free baked goods that had the same taste and quality he grew up with.

After creating a specially formulated gluten-free flour, he began to produce a complete range of baked goods and confections that are firstly of the highest standards, and also fulfilled a need for uncompromising gluten-free products.

The goodies I was sent were promptly distributed amongst everyone whom I bumped into at my office at The Network Hub. The one item I kept was the salty pastry (in Spanish we call those hojaldre but I have no clue how to say it in English). The prices (I did check Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery’s prices) are pretty much on-par with any other store/bakery. I found the chocolate biscotti a bit dry but then again, it’s probably the best way because I dip it in my coffee.

Overall, I’ll have to visit Cloud 9 Specialty Baker in New Westminster and I encourage you to do so as well. After all, I’m in New Westminster at least once a week!

Disclosure: I was sent a box of goodies (including cookies, gluten-free flour, biscottis and other small items), but while the box of goodies was free, a review was neither expected nor a positive review, in the case of writing one was expected either. I did not visit the store as the box was mailed to me, so this does not count as a review of the bakery itself. As always, I retain full editorial control of what is published on my site.

Set Fire To The Rain by Adele

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:39 +0000

My dear friend Minna identified the song that is one of my favorite of Adele: Set Fire To The Rain. One of the most gut-wrenching songs I have heard in my entire life. For your listening pleasure.

Vancouver Spring Sprint 2012 in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation (May 27th)

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:34:51 +0000

As cancer is one of the key topics I write about (I have lost too many loved ones to cancer), and thanks to the lovely folks of Breakfast Television for reminding me, I figured I should highlight next Sunday’s Vancouver Spring Sprint 2012 (May 27th) in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation.

Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012
Location: Burnaby Lake, Rugby Club, 3760 Sperling Ave
Registration: 10am
Start: 11am
Distance: 2.5km or 5km walk/fun run

Who We Are: A dedicated team of volunteers, patients, survivors, family members, health care professionals and staff, determined to make the journey with a brain tumour one full of hope and support. We work collaboratively to serve the needs of those Canadians affected by all types of brain tumours.

What We Do: Information, education and support is available and research continues into the cause of and a cure for brain tumours.

Every year, thousands of Canadians affected by brain tumours find emotional support and comfort while gaining a better understanding and knowledge of their disease through a range of programs and services available across the country. This includes: up-to-date brain tumour information material, numerous education events and support groups. Important brain tumour research is also supported through annual grants, a fellowship and the brain tumour tissue bank. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is funded entirely through generous donations from individuals, corporations, and employee groups as well as through memorial gifts, planned giving and special events.

No related posts.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival 2012 on Granville Island

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:22 +0000

While my blog is normally a lifestyle and travel blog (dining out, fine and performing arts, dance, theatre, travel features, history), most of my readers know that I am an uncle several times now, and that my nephews and nieces are one of my top priorities. So when my nephews are in town, particularly L who is now four years old, I’m always keen to bring them to do children’s-focused activities. And slowly but surely I’m learning about all that the kidlets and youngins have available for activities. Like the Vancouver International Children’s Festival 2012 on Granville Island.

You can check more on the Vancouver International Children’s Festival 2012 Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter at @VICF.

A world-renowned festival of performing arts for young audiences, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival has been educating, entertaining and inspiring young audiences since 1978.

As someone who grew up trained in the arts (I’m a competitive dancer and a former theatre actor, and like my four brothers, I play classical piano), I love festivals like the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. The schedule of events is here. Tickets to the event start I think at $18 per single event, and you can find the prizing bundles and packages here. I love the fact that there will be a number of shows in French.

I thought it’d be important to show the Age Policy, something that is often debated in the arts. Personally I love children but I know they can be disruptive in some performances. Note the age policy for VICF here.

The Festival is family-friendly. All ages, including babies, are admitted to the following Festival SoundStage shows: Élage Dioiuf, Kutapira, Journey Through Sound, Will Stroet, along wiith age-appropriate activities. Babies under 12 months are admitted at no charge to the Festival SoundStage.

For all other venues, all patrons require a ticket. The age ratings for each show have been developed to ensure a positive and enriching theatrical experience for everyone. Children younger than the ages listed on the individual shows and babes in arms (children under 12 mos.) are not permitted in the theatre venues as they may become frightened or disruptive.

~~I didn’t have the time to talk to the organizers so at this point I don’t know if I will have any tickets to give away yet, but stay tuned and check back!~~ UPDATE: The organizers have given me stuff to give away, so check out my contest:

Win a Family 4-Pack of Site Activity Passes to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, taking place May 29 to June 3 on Granville Island. The passes are good for 1 day and allow your family to access the world of art & music in their 3 activity zones. If you win, you’ll be able to enjoy these activities by picking your tickets up at VICF Box Office on Granville Island.

All you need to do to enter my giveaway is tell me your favorite family activity, be it on Granville Island or elsewhere in Vancouver. I found out when I last babysat L and E, my nephews (1 and 4) that we had an amazing time at Stanley Park, where the train is. What about you? What do you do with your family? When we were little, my parents and I and my brothers we all used to go to the movies on Sunday night and then have dinner as a family. Even as I’ve grown older, I do that still.

An additional entry can be earned by posting on Pinterest (if you have a Pinterest account) a photo of your favorite family activity, and pinging me back either on Pinterest, or on Twitter. My Pinterest account is here. Or you can just repin the pin originated from this blog post.

A third entry can be earned by posting the following text on your Twitter account:

Shared w/ @hummingbird604 my favorite family activity http://is.gd/1IMGyO 2 enter 2 win a Family On-Site Pack for @VICF – what’s yours?

I will draw a winner on Sunday May 27th at 2pm.

In Memoriam: Robin Gibb (1949-2012)

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:35:33 +0000

When we would have parties at my grandparents, my aunts and I would dance to The Bee Gees’ music. I grew up listening to their music even if I was too young to be “of that era” (my parents were of that era, however. Which is what makes it all the more shocking, as my parents are, very happily, still alive). I just found out that Robin Gibb just passed away of cancer, a couple of days after Donna Summer (read my tribute to Donna Summer here). I wish cancer would simply stop taking valuable people from this world. Rest in peace, Robin Gibb. You and your brothers brought much joy to me and many other thousand folks.

Stayin’ Alive

A Fifth of Beethoven

More Than A Woman

What was your favorite Bee Gees’ song? (and yes, so sad that we lost Andy Gibb so young!)

Via Tevere Pizzeria Napoletana (Victoria Drive)

Raul — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:22:48 +0000

Napoletana pizza has become quite a popular item in the 2011-2012 Vancouver food scene, with the emergence of several pizzerias, including Nicli Antica Pizzeria, NOVO Pizzeria, Verace Pizzeria, Pizzeria Farina, Famoso, Pizzeria Prima Strada in Victoria and a few others. Interestingly enough, I have tried many of these recently in the last little while, and thus I am able to form an opinion of my favorite (and least favorite). Via Tevere Pizzeria on Victoria Drive, located one block away from Commercial Drive, and in the residential area is one of those non-pretentious, unassuming, relatively small spaces that provide nutritious, substantive, tasty and flavourful thin-crust Neapolitan pizza.

And one of the best I have tried in recent years. Moreover, the fact that it is located on Victoria Drive in the residential neighbourhood rather than on Commercial Drive is something that makes Via Tevere Pizzeria more appealing, and you will understand my reasoning if you read my posts on the economic geography of the lower West End. By doing some of this reading you’ll know the reason why I am so keen on being a customer of restaurants/grocery stores who are located within the residential area: – I am a bit fixated with urban/industrial/residential transformation.

Lorraine and I visited Via Tevere Pizzeria last week and ordered just one pizza (Vesuvio, $15) and a glass of wine ($6) and sharing one pizza was more than enough for both of us as we were just having a snack. I suspect that one pizza would be enough for a single person if you are hungry enough (which to be honest, I wasn’t really very hungry, and neither was Lorraine). What I found very surprising is that Via Tevere Pizzeria was so unassuming and the pizza was so delightful and filling. The crust was not doughy and the amount of food that covered my pasta was more than enough to make it worth the price I was paying.

Overall, Via Tevere Pizzeria ranks as one of my favorite pizza places, and one that is not just “Uncle Fatih” kind of pizza. Definitely up there to compete with Famoso, Nicli and Prima Strada, at the very least. And in such a secluded location that it’s not so mainstream. I’ll definitely be back to Via Tevere Pizzeria.

Disclosure: I paid for both of our dinners on my dime. As always I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my site.

Bike to Work Week 2012 (Vancouver and British Columbia) May 28th – June 2nd

Raul — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:27 +0000

I wish I could say I feel safe enough with the insane drivers in Vancouver to bike to work during British Columbia and Metro Vancouver’s Bike To Work Week 2012. The reality is, I have NEVER felt safe enough to bike within the confines of the city of Vancouver. My feelings of safety increased (a little) when Mayor Gregor Robertson decided to build dedicated (and separated) bike lanes on some of the major arteries downtown, particularly those that go near my office on West Hastings and Richards (the bike lanes were set up on Dunsmuir and Howe).

Regardless, there are many a brave soul in Vancouver (and by Vancouver I mean, Metro Vancouver and in British Columbia in general) who use bicycles as a main mode of sustainable transportation (I use Skytrain and bus transit, and walk), so to those brave souls, just a quick reminder that it’s Bike To Work Week on May 28th through June 2nd (I won’t be here, I will be in Waterloo at Congress 2012).

Cycling to work is a great way to add activity to your day, saving time by combining a work out with your travel needs. We want to help you arrive at work energized and full of endorphins year round.

Bike to Work uses events and friendly competition to encourage avid cyclists and new riders alike to try the trip to work on bike. Our website offers year round tips on safe cycling, along with workplace and individual workshops on skills and bike maintenance.

The Bike to Work Week events happen once in the spring and once in the fall, with an interactive online tool to map and track your trips, enter prize draws, compete with other organizations, and win fabulous prizes and awards, all for free! Chart the benefits: kilometres, calories, carbon savings. Challenge a friend or co-worker; challenge yourself and discover how fun it is.

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria (Commercial Drive)

Raul — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:09:52 +0000

One of the most fun nights out that I have had in recent months was having dinner after my panel at Science Online Vancouver this past Tuesday. The reality is, there are few people who understand me well enough like science communicators (and of course my dear friend Minna Van). So, I was thrilled to be joined by Eric M. Johnson, Andrew Torr, Carin Bondar and Tyson Jerry (and Minna) for dinner at Famoso Neapoletan Pizzeria.

First off, I was kind of surprised that Famoso asked us to fill out an order pad. But our server, Charlotte (fiancee of the owner/franchiser of Famoso) was such a good sport, so lovely and so energetic and full of life and focused on our enjoyment, that I had absolutely no problem doing the weird “fill out your table’s order and bring it down and we’ll go from there“. I ordered a Pollo Pizzeta with a Tomato Bisque soup ($11 for the combo, which I find absolutely super inexpensive).

I not only don’t have any complaints about the Tomato Bisque, but I have to say it was the best bisque I have had this side of French bistros. The pizzetta is, to my surprise, a little bit thicker in dough than I have experienced at other Napoletana pizza joints, including Nicli, Via Tevere and Verace. While extremely flavourful, and rich in cheese, I found it heavy to digest. The above said, I absolutely loved the service, both offline and online. The response from the management team to our praising tweets was really solid and warm.

My feeling is that Famoso is still working out the kinks to their pizzas. Frankly I’d like to see thinner, less doughy crusts next time. Or maybe I just chose the wrong pizzetta (because I saw what Carin, Andrew, Eric, Tyson and Minna ordered and they looked sort of richer in ingredients). Overall an extremely nice experience (not only because of the company we kept but also because Charlotte made us feel so much at home – she even gave us gelato samples to share). I mean, seriously. That woman alone made the visit worth it (in addition to my beloved friends).

I will be coming back to Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, if for nothing else, to try new pizzettas and to have that delicious tomato bisque.

Disclosure: Minna invited me for dinner so my tab was on her dime. As always I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my blog.

Walk for Rape Relief 2012 (Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter) May 26th

Raul — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:33:16 +0000

One of the most taboo topics and one that folks tend to overlook when promoting non-profit organizations is that of sexual abuse, particular of women. The Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter is one of several organizations that focus on helping women who have suffered abuse, particularly sexual abuse, and many of their clients come from the Downtown East Side. Thus I wanted to promote their forthcoming event, the Vancouver Walk for Rape Relief 2012, to take place on Sunday May 26th.

It’s time to get ready and excited for the Walk for Rape Relief! This year it’s happening on the last Sunday in May and we’re looking forward to walking, pedaling, rollerblading, and wheeling around the beautiful Stanley Park seawall with you! When it comes to ending violence against women, it’s easy to talk the talk, but let’s walk the walk together! Come out and show your support for your local women’s shelter!

The Walk for Rape Relief has been an annual community event for over 30 years. We will meet again this year at Ceperley Park in Stanley Park. The Walk is an opportunity for men and women to actively change their world. Walkers collect pledges, and these proceeds provide the means to operate a transition house for battered women and their children, and a 24 hour crisis line for women escaping male violence.

This sounds like a relevant project and hopefully some of you will be able to participate.

10th Annual DiverseCity Multicultural Festival (New Westminster)

Raul — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:58:46 +0000

For obvious reasons (I sit on the executive board of The Network Hub and we have a campus in New Westminster at the renovated Westminster Quay, now River Market), I promote New Westminster relentlessly. I have a stake in New Westminster’s regional development and I’m in love with the Royal City as is. So I’m excited about the 10th Annual DiverseCity Multicultural Festival 2012 happening RIGHT NOW (Saturday May 19th) in New Westminster.

Uptown New Westminster. Photo credit: Dennis Sylvester Hurd

Since its inception ten years ago, the Multicultural Festival has grown into a signature event for the City of New Westminster and an integral part of Hyack Festival Week. Saturday, May 19th, 2012.

The 2012 Multicultural Festival will take place on Saturday May 19th at the New Westminster Quay boardwalk (between Fraser River Discovery Centre and the River Market).

The festival is a celebration of the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community today. This family event celebrates the beginning of summer and all that Canada has to offer. Cultural groups representing lands of near and far, bring their unique traditions of celebration through world music, dance, interpretation and taste.

The Downtown New Westminster BIA has proudly partnered up with the City of New Westminster, Scotiabank, River Market, Fraser River Discovery Centre, OMNI TV and Astral Media to bring you this milestone 10th Annual Event!

Jumpstart Day at Vancouver Canadian Tire (May 26th)

Raul — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:59:57 +0000

Stories of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy often capture my attention, and the Jumpstart Day at the Vancouver Canadian Tire (one of my favorite big-box stores, to be quite honest) did catch my interest.

What made it relevant for me (the Jumpstart Day campaign) is as it’s focused on kids and play.

On May 26, the Fourth Annual Jumpstart Day will take place at the Vancouver Canadian Tire, located at 2220 Kingsway in Vancouver and 1350 Main Street in North Vancouver. The day-long fundraising event is the celebration of Jumpstart’s One Million Red Balls campaign, which, through themonth of May, encourages customers to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball – a national symbol for child’s play.

On Jumpstart Day, most Canadian Tire stores across the country will celebrate and raise additional funds for Jumpstart with special events and activities for customers. At the Vancouver Canadian Tire, customers will be asked for a donation to participatein the GoClean car wash, balloon pop and table top games. All money raised will be donated to Jumpstart, helping Canadian kids get involved in organized sport.

Donations to Jumpstart help the one in three Canadian families that cannot afford to enrol their children in organized sports and recreation. All funds raised through the One Million Red Balls campaign and on Jumpstart Day stay within the local communityto help local children. To date over 8,000 children in Vancouver have been able to participate in sports and recreation because of Jumpstart. Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped 439,383 kids across Canada by removing the financial barriers that prevent children from participating.

Canadian Tire invites the Vancouver community to get involved and make a difference in the lives of local kids.

WHAT: Jumpstart Day celebrations: GoClean car wash, balloon pop and table top games
WHEN: Saturday, May 26, 2012
WHERE: Canadian Tire
In Vancouver: 2220 Kingsway, V5N 2T7
In North Vancouver: 1350 Main Street Street, V7J 1C6

Vancouver Craft Beer Week 2012

Raul — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:41:46 +0000

Normally, I would be all over checking out Vancouver Craft Beer Week 2012, and finding ways to give you my dear and loyal readers a chance to enjoy the paired dinners and/or other events. I am, however, overwhelmed with work and the academic conference speaking circuit so I can’t, but you should know that there’s a tonne of events that just kicked off at Vancouver Craft Beer Week 2012.

As always, all events are for 19 and over and please drink responsibly.

It’s been 365 days since VCBW 2011 shook the core of British Columbia’s craft beer scene with our second annual nine-day celebration of fermentation. For year three we’re turning up the volume to 11 by bringing you 9 Headliner events, 6 Opening Acts, 36 Neighbourhood Gigs, and 12+ week-long specials dedicated to all things craft beer. Ticket sales and full details for all these rockstar worthy gatherings can be found in the Events and Specials pages on this very website. Make sure to check out our 60+ participating Breweries, and show a little love to the Sponsors who help make this whole thing possible.
As always please drink responsibly, serving-it-right rules apply, and whatever you do, Do NOT drink and drive!

Vancouver Craft Beer Week 2012 takes place from May 18th through May 26th, 2012. Check out their day-by-day event schedule. Some of the events for tonight (Saturday May 19th) sound a lot of fun, like the Beerlesque at Hyde on Main Street (one of my neigbhourhood pubs). If you happen to attend a VCBW event, I’d love to hear from you.

Celebrity Cooking Classes with The Arts Club

Raul — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:53:33 +0000

It is a fact that I write a lot about food, and while I don’t often have the time to cook, I sometimes wish I could take cooking classes. I really had thought about doing stuff with The Dirty Apron, but always ran out of time. But you can now take Celebrity Cooking Classes with The Arts Club!

Celebrity Chef Cooking Class. Photography by WorldExposure.com

Learn how to create haute cuisine at home! The Arts Club Theatre Company announces its spring 2012 lineup ofCelebrity Chef Cooking Classes, running fromMay 28 to July 18. These intimate four-course dinners held at private residences throughout Vancouver give guests the opportunity to discover the latest trends in food and wine, and ways to incorporate in-vogue ingredients into the home cook’s arsenal. Not only are these popular events fun and engaging, but they also raise funds for the not-for-profit theatre company.

The highly sociable evenings begin with a glass of wine and an amuse bouche to whet the appetite. Then the chef gets down to the task in hand: a three-hour interactive master class demonstrating professional techniques from the simple to the ingenious. Guests have one-on-one access to some of the most skilled and innovative chefs in Vancouver, who will present dishes that highlight the best bounty of the season. Each class will showcase the finest vintages from a B.C. winery with wines from the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, includingGanton & Larsen Prospect Winery, and Rigamarole Wines. This series features a special spotlight on Mission Hill Family Estate—named Winery of the Year in 2011 by InterVin International Wine Competition.

The spring lineup of classes welcomes new chef instructors: David Robertson, owner of The Dirty Apron Cooking School; TV personality Anthony Sedlak, who recently opened The American Cheesesteak Co. in Yaletown (and whom I’ve hung out with a few times); Tim Evans at Siena Restaurant; and Tom Lee, chef de cuisine at Edible Canada at the Market. Ned Bell, Quang Dang, and Jefferson Alvarez from the amazing Fraiche in West Vancouver (you can read my review of Fraiche here) return to present classes to celebrate good food, inspire, and educate.

All classes start at 6 PM. Full schedule of Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes:

Wednesday, May 23
David Robertson, The Dirty Apron Cooking School
Wine pairings from Rigamarole Wines

Monday, May 28
Ned Bell, YEW restaurant + bar
Wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 4
Tim Evans, Siena Restaurant
Wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 11
Quang Dang, West Restaurant
Wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 19
Jefferson Alvarez, Fraîche Restaurant
Wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 26
Anthony Sedlak, The American Cheesesteak Co.
Food Network chef and host of The Main
Wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Wednesday, July 18
Tom Lee, Edible Canada at the Market
Wine pairings fromGanton & Larsen Prospect Winery

IN BRIEF: The Arts Club Theatre Company’s Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes run May 23–July 18 in exclusive private homes in Vancouver. Tickets for each of these fundraising events to benefit the Arts Club are $125 and include a $50 tax receipt. For tickets and info, call Special Events at 604.687.5315 x248. A full list of chefs and dates is available online.

I really love these fundraising events for The Arts Club, a theatre company that produces amazing shows for Vancouver’s public. Hopefully you will be able to take in one of these Celebrity Cooking Classes.

Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival 2012

Raul — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:42:42 +0000

I love Kitsilano, despite the Lululemon pants and granola-munching folks that I see there all the time (whom I love too, I just think they’re a bit too yuppie). And one of the things I am loving the most is that summer festivals are coming back to this sometimes sleepy neighbourhood. Considering that it was the Greek enclave, and that now it’s so multicultural and filled with students, and sports jocks, and so on (yes, stereotypes, I know), it’s nice to see the community festivals reborn. Including, of course, the Khatsalahno! Music + Arts Festival 2012.

The coolest street party on the planet, Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival is back for its second consecutive year on July 21 and is ready to rock 4th Avenue from Burrard to MacDonald.
This year’s festival will feature five main stages showcasing over 30 of Vancouver’s top musical performers, a veritable who’s who of hot indie acts, some of which include: The Zolas, Kathryn Calder, Ladyhawk, Blackout Beach, The Dead Ghosts, Shearing Pinx, Weed, The High Drops, The Ballantynes and Capitol 6.

In addition to the great display of music, eclectic pods of distinctive local artisans, street performers, as well as patio parties, sidewalk sales and a host of other festivities will round out Khatsahlano! to true festival form. The 2011 event was deemed a massive success in its inaugural year by the local media and community alike. In its initial year the Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival hosted over 30,000 people who crowded the lively West 4th Avenue to enjoy entertainment, music, food and endless shopping on every corner.

Khatsahlano! Festival:
Where: West 4th Ave. between Burrard and MacDonald
When: July 21st, from 12PM – 8PM
Who: The Zolas, Kathryn Calder, Ladyhawk, Blackout Beach, The Dead Ghosts, Shearing Pinx, Weed, The High Drops, The Ballantynes, Capitol 6 and more

Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival is the biggest, free, outdoor music event in Vancouver. Organized and funded by the West 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association, Khatsahlano was established with a mandate to promote local music and provide dynamic and authentic entertainment for those visiting West 4th Avenue. The name ‘Khatsahlano’ was chosen by the BIA picked the name after Squamish Chief August Jack Khatsahlano, Kitsilano’s namesake. Khatsahlano! is celebrating its second successful year.

I think this will be one of the most exciting festivals this summer, for all of Vancouver to enjoy!

Corporations in Our Heads (Headlines Theatre)

Raul — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:28:53 +0000

I love experimental theatre, although it’s been a while since I have seen any that is similar to Headlines Theatre’s 2 Degrees of Fear and Desire. I was just informed that Headlines Theatre will be using a similar format in a new production “Corporations in our Heads”, which will attempt to evict the corporate voices that occupy our collective psyche, creating an experimental dialogue that may potentially lead to the creation of a main stage production.

Corporations in Our Heads runs from May 24- May 27th, 7:30pm at the W2 Media Cafe, 111 West Hastings. Tickets are by donations, and RSVPs are recommended by email rsvp@headlinestheatre.com or phone 604.871.0508. Join them as they experiment with ways to evict the corporate voices that occupy our collective psyche.

The voices of corporations tell us hundreds, perhaps thousands of times a day, what to buy, how to feel, how to perceive and the kind of person to aspire to be. Let’s turn the theatre into a laboratory to explore how those voices shape the way we relate to the world.

The Avengers (movie review)

Raul — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:43:51 +0000

Spectacular. Unparalleled. Funny. Witty. Exciting. All these adjectives should be applied to the genius Joss Whedon, who does it again in spectacular fashion by creating the best superhero action movie I have seen in many years. And I have seen the movies that preceded The Avengers (including Captain America, Ironman 1 and 2, Thor and The Hulk). I found The Avengers extremely fast-paced, fun and while it did require you at some points to be a little bit of a comics geek, the storyline was coherent enough that even if I had attended the movie with someone who hadn’t seen any of the previous movies (I took JT with me and he has seen all the previous movies with me as well), they would have understood the storyline.

In case you didn’t know what The Avengers is, the story begins when a cube of sustainable energy (the Tesseract, which sounded like a Sazerac, and made me want to get a drink) is stolen from the hands of covert spy and military group S.H.I.E.L.D., commanded by Nick Fury. Fury, alongside his team (the lovable and dorky Clark Gregg in the role of Phil Coulson, Fury’s right hand, and Vancouver’s own Cobie Smulders as fearless and gorgeous Maria Hill, Fury’s Deputy Director), having lost the Tesseract to Asgaard’s Loki (the Cain to Thor’s Abel, spectacularly portrayed by Tom Hiddleston) work to assemble a superpowered team of heroes: The Avengers Project.

Enter Captain America (the most perfect Chris Evans), Thor (god-like Chris Hemsworth), Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo both geeky and action-hero-like), Ironman (amazingly portrayed again by Robert Downey Jr.) and the Black Widow (sexy and lethal Scarlett Johansson). One by one, Fury recruits them for an impossible mission: recover the Tesseract. Given that nobody really knows the real motives for Fury to assemble The Avengers, and the unlikelihood of their collaboration, Whedon makes a really good job of intertwining individual storylines without eclipsing any of the main characters and all the while enriching how each superhero comes of their own.

Obviously, I am not going to give you the ending but you should definitely go see it. You will leave the theatre excited and rejuvenated. And perhaps you will want to be a hero of your own.

Disclosure: I paid for my and JT’s tickets. I did not get media tickets for this performance and thus a review was neither expected nor implied. As always I retain full control over anything I publish on my site

In loving memory of Donna Summer

Raul — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:28:50 +0000

I have to thank my parents and my brothers for instilling an undying love for the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. And yet again, cancer takes someone amazing from us. I grew up listening to “On The Radio”, “Hot Stuff” and “She Works Hard For The Money”. Rest in peace, Donna Summer. We will miss you.

Downtown East Side Produce Project

Raul — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:08:13 +0000

Few things excite me more than promoting local non-profit, worthy causes, and one of the regions that I have most interest in (geographically and in the urban planning sense as well as in the poverty-alleviation sense) is the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. I found out recently (not surprisingly, on Twitter), about Jim Duggan’s Downtown East Side Produce Project. I have taken the liberty to share some of the content he has posted on his Facebook page on here.

Photo credit: Jessica Brodeur for Hummingbird604.com

I have partnered with Neighbor’s Choice Farm Market in West Vancouver to provide in-kind donations to DTES Elementary Schools and Community Centres. We provide fresh produce direct from wholesalers. Each load is 18 cartons – aprox 650 lbs – $380 cost. We accept donations to help fund this program and tax receipts are provided by The Strathcona Community Centre.

I still find it amazing that people take it upon themselves to help their communities and it makes me very proud of being a Vancouverite. If you find it in your budget, please contribute to this worthy cause. Jim’s contact details are provided in the Facebook page for the DTES Produce Project. You can also follow them on Twitter at DTES_Produce. A link to the Vancouver Sun story on the DTES Produce Project can be found here.

International Day Against Homophobia 2012

Raul — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:38 +0000

The theme for this year’s International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is Sexual Diversity in the Workplace. One of the most open spaces that I know for sexual diversity, and one that has been really instrumental in the development of queer students, staff and faculty is UBC (my alma mater and the university where I teach right now) and their initiative Positive Space. UBC is one of the workplaces where I think queer faculty, students and staff can feel most at home because for UBC it is really important to have sexual diversity in the workplace, and their commitment to Positive Space is definitely relevant.

This morning, May 17th, there will be a breakfast organized by Qmunity and Vancity (unfortunately I’m going to have to miss it) to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia. Canada is an extremely progressive country when it comes to queer rights and I hope it continues this way. Mexico is slowly but surely improving in that field.

The International Day Against Homophobia, held on May 17 every year, is a rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another. Fondation Émergence promotes, mainly on a pan-Canadian level, the International Day Against Homophobia and encourages organisations and individuals to highlight this event in their environment

National Road Safety Week (May 15-May 21)

Raul — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:15:55 +0000

A few months ago, I was flown in to Quebec for Michelin’s Ride and Road Drive Test, a small media tour with people from all over Canada and the United States, to test-drive the new Michelin tires. I was just recently alerted to National Road Safety Week (May 15-21) by the fine folks of Michelin, and thought I’d pass along their safety tips.

This is some information the folks from Michelin passed along:

With the May long weekend fast approaching, road trips are a natural means for Canadians to explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of the spring season. Whether you plan to take refuge at a cottage or go on an outdoor expedition, Canadians, and British Columbians, should be able to count on their vehicle to safely take them on the promise of a fun, and stress-free getaway. The recent Michelin Canada Safety Survey, however, revealed that 63 per cent of Canadians say they do not feel safe in their own car. Additionally, 73 per cent are also not very prepared for safety in their car. While there may be plans for a pleasant journey on the road, do Canadians know how to address their lack of confidence in the safety of their vehicle? Here in BC, the survey also found that 61 per cent of BC respondents said that they don’t create or update an emergency contact list.

I strongly recommend that if you go away for the May long weekend, you take extra precautions on the road. Particularly in light of what Michelin told me about statistics on road safety in BC: 61 per cent of BC respondents say that they don’t create or update an emergency contact list, and only 20 per cent of BC drivers say that are very comfortable driving in heavy rain at night. Considering that in Vancouver we are in a rain forest, this should be a concern! And given that I participated in the Preventable campaign’s social media strategy, I feel even more drawn to issues of road safety.

A few tips that Michelin sent me:

Regular tire maintenance

- Know how to handle a tire blowout, pay attention to your Tire Pressure Warning Light, use a tire pressure gauge on the tire to test if your tires need air; ensure regular tire rotation and alignment checks.
- Check your tires’ air pressure and compare to the sticker in your door jamb. Check your tires’ tread both visually and with the Penny Test. (Learn how here)

Wet driving

- Make sure your tires offer the proper amount of tread.
- Own tires that offer maximum grip in wet weather, such as the MICHELIN® Defender™ tire.
- Drive with two hands. Always.
- Slow down before turning, and maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn.
- While turning, don’t make any sudden steering wheel movements.
- Only brake in a straight line before the turn, and do so gradually. Do not brake during the turn.
- Increase your following distance from other cars significantly.
- If hydroplaning, do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and steer the car forwards until your tires regain traction.

Know who to call for assistance

- Make sure you have proper roadside assistance before you need it.
- Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on all inspections.

Thanks to Michelin for sending me these tips and reminding me of National Road Safety Week 2012. If you plan to travel this May long weekend or this summer, please pay attention to safety tips. Be safe on the road!

Write! Canada in Vancouver (Write! Vancouver)

Raul — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:02:08 +0000

I was recently informed about Write! Vancouver, a one-day writers’ conference that promises to raise the proficiency level of both emerging and experienced writers of all ages. Featuring a high-profile, award-winning faculty, Write! Vancouver presents a rare opportunity for writers, students, songwriters, screenwriters, and radio and television producers to improve their writing skills, enable them to connect with other folks and give them opportunities to enhance their toolkit.

Photo credit: Churl Han on Flickr

On Saturday, May 26, 2012, Write! Vancouver will offer a wide variety of workshops to emerging and professional writers. Write! Vancouver is presented by The Word Guild, the organization behind the annual Write! Canada and other regional writing events across the country.

Guest Speakers & Instructors:
• Dr. Iwan Russell-Jones, a BBC producer and director with more than 25 years’ experience and head of Regent College’s Christianity and the Arts program, will deliver the keynote address and lead a workshop on writing for television and radio.
• Marnie Wooding, writer and story editor with HarperCollins, and author of more than a dozen books, conducts two workshops: “The Story Editor” and “Adaptation: Making Sense out of Chaos.”
• Carolyn Arends, winner of two Dove Awards, teaches a two-session workshop on songwriting. Recognized as the West Coast Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year, Carolyn is a three-time Juno nominee who has released 10 albums to date.
• KC Dyer, freelance writer, speaker, and educator, and author of nine young adult books including the Eagle Glen Trilogy, will lead the specialized Youth Track for writers in grades six through twelve. KC brings a wealth of experience from numerous associations, including that of being New Westminster Secondary School’s writer-in-residence.
• Eileen Cook, a multi-published author with books in six different languages, teams up with KC to run the Youth Track. Her latest release, Unraveling Isobel, came out in January of this year.
• Beverley Boissery—author, editor, teacher, publisher, and scholar—offers an intensive on novel writing and a workshop on building your website in an hour.
• Diane Tucker (BFA in Creative Writing from UBC), runs the “Poetry Boot Camp” and “Writers Helping Writers” workshops.
• Marilyn Norry, with 30 years’ experience in Canadian film and theatre, explores the essentials of memoir writing in her interactive “Writing Mom’s Story” workshop (www.mymothersstory.org).
• Tanya Hawke, a copywriter with 25 years’ experience in corporate communications and a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University, presents “Writer for Hire: The World of Corporate Communications.”

Novelists Kathy Tyers and Mel Anastasiou will participate with others in the networking reception and Blue Pencil—one-on-one critique sessions with professional editors and writers. Book signings will be available onsite with conference faculty and featured authors of The Word Guild.

Online registration is now open at The Word Guild website. The conference is $99 for adults and $59 for youth, with discounts available to university students and members of The Word Guild. Coffee, lunch, and refreshments are included. Cutoff date is May 18 – no onsite registrations can be accommodated.

Write! Vancouver will be held on May 26 at Tapestry, located at 3338 Wesbrook Mall on the UBC campus. More details online. I have been entrusted with a seat on the workshop, and a lucky reader of mine could make use of this excellent opportunity. All you need to do to enter my giveaway is post a comment on my site telling me why you’d want to attend Write! Vancouver. Perhaps you want to write your first novel, or screenplay. Perhaps you just want to listen to smart writers. Whatever your reason, post it online.

I will draw a winner on May 24th at 2pm. In addition to your comment, you can earn an additional entry by posting the following on Twitter:

Told @hummingbird604 which workshop I want to attend at @write_canada’s Write! Vancouver to enter to win a seat http://is.gd/ch3YFM

Party for the Planet 2012 (May 26th) [Fundraiser for VTACC]

Raul — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:18:51 +0000

Photo credit: John Loo on Flickr

Who doesn’t like to dance? I certainly do, and even more fun when it is a fundraiser for a very worthy cause (on June 3rd, there will be a photo shoot at Kits Beach for an ad in the Vancouver Sun and The Province to urge Premier of British Columbia Christy Clark and the organizers are raising funds as the ads are extremely expensive!). Enter Party for the Planet 2012 at the Kitsilano Yacht Club. This party is organized by Voters Taking Action for Climate Change.

VTACC is organizing both of these events (the Party for the Planet at the Yacht Sailing Club is a fundraiser) to raise awareness of the need for urgent climate action in British Columbia through a photo shoot on June 3rd at Kits Beach (should you desire to contribute financially and/or attend, please check this link).

Unfortunately on the night of Party for the Planet I am in Victoria speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Green Party (it’s a non-partisan talk, just before you start piling up on me!) but you should totally attend the Party for the Planet organized by VTACC. Saturday May 26th, 8-11pm, admission by donation.

Feliz Dia del Maestro (Happy Teacher’s and Professors’ Day in Mexico)

Raul — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:41:34 +0000

My Aunt was a school teacher, my parents both have been professors (my Mom is still a professor of political science), and all of my brothers and I have taught from high-school to university (undergraduate, Masters’ and PhD). In fact, 2 of my brothers and I all have taught in foreign universities (my brothers in the United States and I teach in Canada). So, for me, May 15th has always had a very special meaning: Teacher’s Day (el Dia del Maestro).

University of Guanajuato, where I did my undergraduate in Mexico. Photo credit: Damaris Vilches on Flickr

In other countries (including Canada), Teacher’s Day is celebrated on October 9th, but in Mexico it’s celebrated today. So to my brothers, my parents and my former teachers and professors, as well as my Mexican fellow professors and academic colleagues: Happy Teacher’s Day!

In Memoriam: Carlos Fuentes (1928-2012)

Raul — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:20:40 +0000

I just read in the news that Carlos Fuentes, one of the most talented and prolific Mexican writers, has passed away. I’m extremely saddened by these news, particularly because I read Carlos Fuentes in my childhood and as I was growing up as an adolescent. It was Fuentes’ writing that gave me the opportunity to earn a 10.5 (yes, a 10.5 out of 10 – the first time a professor of mine gave me a grade higher than the actual top mark – this was an agreement between my professor and I where she said that if I wrote a superb essay she would give me extra marks so that I could earn a perfect A+ in my final exam. And as I stayed true to my promise, so did she).

Fuentes’ first novel, La Region Mas Transparente (the most transparent region, an exact translation, or as the Wikipedia entry calls it, Where the Air is Clear) is a classic work of Mexican literature, and one that Mexicans grew up reading (at least, I did in high school). What I loved about La Region Mas Transparente is that it really gave me a good insight into Mexican culture and heritage. More importantly, it enabled me to see Mexican identity from within, the synchretic blend of Aztec and Spaniard heritages. La Region Mas Transparente is an amazing analysis of the Mexican searching for his/her identity within and explores in depth the Mexican social fabric.

Since my parents were just as much of a book worm as we were, I grew accustomed to reading Fuentes’ writing. Aura, perhaps his opera magna, was a fantasy novel that created a bit of a storm because of its highly sexualized content (and I went to a Catholic high school, Jesuit liberal albeit, so it was a little bit less controversial to study Fuentes’ Aura in that context). And it was my literary analysis of Aura that enabled me to earn my highest marks in high-school Literature.

Despite Fuentes’ prolific body of work, and excellent prose, the Nobel Prize of Literature eluded him (not surprising, since the Nobel Prize Committee’s decisions are anybody’s guess). This saddens me because Fuentes died without having been honored with a prize that he most rightfully deserved for his complex narratives, his simplified and clear writing and his innovative presentation style.

Rest in peace, Carlos Fuentes. You gave Mexicans (and the world) an amazing body of work that we can still enjoy even after your passing.

Work BC

Raul — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:28:41 +0000

As I mentioned in one of my recent posts, many people don’t realize how much of my day I spend connecting people with potential possibilities for jobs. In particular, I make a point to retweet job postings that come across my Twitter stream and/or any potential possibilities for contract work as well. But not only do I do this on Twitter, but I also spend some of my time every day connecting either students of mine or colleagues with potential opportunities for improvement. A little of the work behind closed curtains and very few people actually knew this until I published my blog post a couple of days ago.

One of the things I love about BC is that it has so many programs and agencies focused on helping people land jobs. For so many of my friends this is perhaps the toughest thing to do – ask for help. And there is specialized help out there focused on helping job seekers hone their skills, perfect their research and improve their resumes. Enter Work BC, the now consolidated agency for job seekers in British Columbia (and if I am not mistaken, part of the BC Jobs Plan).

The Employment Program of B.C. replaces four provincially funded employment programs and six programs funded under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement with an integrated approach for British Columbians needing services. The new program will make it easier for people to find work and provide stability for their families through a wide range of integrated employment services and supports.

WorkBC Employment Services Centres
The first step in accessing the Employment Program of B.C.’s employment services and supports is to contact a WorkBC Employment Services Centre near you. You can find a WorkBC Centre using our interactive map or directory. WorkBC Employment Services Centres are located across the province and offer client-centred, integrated services and supports that are responsive, inclusive and accessible. The purpose of the centres is to support British Columbians in getting a job – as quickly as possible – and keeping it.

You can follow @WorkBC on Twitter for more information and/or check out their website.

10 years of Eat! Vancouver (and a giveaway for a prize pack!)

Raul — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:04:58 +0000

Writing about food has been a mainstay of my blog, and I have written for a few years now about Eat! Vancouver, which is celebrating this 2012 the first 10 years of continuous celebration.

Hundreds of exhibits to browse, taste and shop! PLUS celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, wineries, food and beverage manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, and many others from the culinary world will come together for a three day public extravaganza at BC Place Stadium on June 1, 2 & 3, 2012. EAT! Vancouver encompasses unique food experiences, opportunities to learn behind-the-scenes culinary magic from professional chefs, dynamic entertainment through celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and culinary competitions, diverse food, beverage and cooking related exhibits; and of course fantastic shopping opportunities.

To celebrate, I’m giving away a family pack of tickets (4) and spots in a wine-tasting seminar at the Grapes & Hops Presentation Stage hosted by WineDiva Deanna Van Mulligen. Once I draw winners, I will need to know the day & time the winner prefers to do the seminar. All you need to do is check out the program for Eat! Vancouver and tell me what event you would be most keen to check out.

To buy tickets to Eat! Vancouver you can check this link. And to check all the awesome events taking place at Eat! Vancouver check out this link. To enter my giveaway just drop a comment telling me what event at Eat! Vancouver you’ll be checking out (if you get my family pack or regardless, if you buy tickets).

I will draw winners on May 23rd at 2pm. Good luck everyone!

Drinking Water Week in British Columbia (May 13-19)

Raul — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:13:16 +0000

As it turns out, one of my current research projects is on drinking water, so it was kind of timely that I was informed about this week’s Drinking Water Week in British Columbia, taking place from May 13th through 19th.

The organizers also would like to ask you to take the pledge to be more water wise.

Drinking Water Week is taking place May 13th – 19th, 2012. This is a province-wide campaign raising awareness of our water in BC. We want British Columbians to learn more about their water and what they can do to protect it, and to celebrate the people and processes that bring clean water to our taps. All across BC there will be community events, watershed and treatment plant tours, open houses, and information sessions.

We have also set up the Community Water Challenge – if anyone takes a simple pledge to be more water wise, they are automatically entered into a contest for a water-themed getaway courtesy of the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel and Helijet.

I’m glad that the BC Waste and Water Association is taking steps to encourage Vancouverites to drink tap water rather than bottled water. Check out their website for more information.

Best Patio in Vancouver and British Columbia 2012

Raul — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:03:13 +0000

I wore a long-sleeve shirt and jeans this morning and my warm, up-to-minus-10-degrees hoodie and I realized this weather is way too hot for warm temperatures. So yes, people. I have officially declared this weather t-shirt and shorts (in my case, manpris) and sandals weather. I urge you to proceed to your nearest patio for a cold beverage. I am hereby listing some of my favorite patios (I may have forgotten a few).

LIFT BAR AND GRILL – I took my Mom here for martinis last year. I was wearing manpris and a polo t-shirt and sandals. Definitely fantastic martinis (on the slightly higher end of the scale at $11-13 per martini) but really strong and solid.

The view from Lift Bar and Grill at dusk

CHILL WINSTON – Owners of one of the best patios in Gastown (and probably all of the Lower Mainland), Chill Winston boasts some great drinks, and it’s now earned again its site in my favorite places for a cold stiff drink. Cocktails affordable as they start at $7.

Bridges on Granville Island – Well, almost anything on Granville Island is fantastic, but Bridges is a favorite of mine. And they did have at Mojito.

Bridges’ Patio

Milestones Crossroads – Boasting one of the best views of urban downtown Vancouver, Milestones Crossroads has always had a very special place in my heart. They hosted my birthday two years ago and always are there to partner with me for any contest giveaways. And their patio is fantastic. Bellinis, anyone?

Six Acres: Creators of one of the best Pimms in town, Six Acres is affordable (Pimms at $5.75 last time I was there), and unpretentious. And it’s in Gastown. Can’t wait to check it out again. I miss my dear friend Chris Walts with whom I used to go to Six Acres all the time.

IN NORTH VANCOUVER:

Arms Reach Bistro (Deep Cove) – Hands down, the most memorable meals I have had (and the best times I’ve enjoyed a patio) have been at Arms Reach Bistro. An amazing view of Indian Arm helps. Also, I celebrated my PhD defense here (JT brought me here for brunch; first time I had had a martini before noon). I thought I deserved it. I had, after all, just completed my doctorate!

The view into Indian Arm from Deep Cove

IN VICTORIA, BC:

The Veranda at the Fairmont Empress – Strongest, best martinis I have had in a long while. And they’re affordable ($10). And they are made with such care.

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria from the harbour

IN PARKSVILLE:

The Pacific Prime at the Beach Club Resort: One of my favorite (and most sustainable hotels) in all of British Columbia, the Pacific Prime has awesome martinis and one of the most spectacular views (see below)

IN THE SUNSHINE COAST:

The Bonniebrook Lodge: A gorgeous bed and breakfast in Gibsons, on the Sunshine Coast, the Bonniebrook Lodge has a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Perhaps not a patio itself, but it’s so close to the water it almost counts for it.

I will be updating this list over the weekend and as I remember patios where I have had great drinks. How about you? Which patio is your favorite?

BLISS by Ballet BC (dance review)

Raul — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:29 +0000

Having had the pleasure of admiring Emily Molnar (Artistic Director of Ballet BC) and her work for a few years now (and as a former trained competitive dancer myself), every time I attend one of the performances that she puts forth with Ballet BC makes me wonder how does she do it, again and again. Consistently, Molnar’s company delivers energetic, fast-paced, choreographically complex and artistically brilliant displays of what high-level contemporary dance looks like.

Photo: Chris Randle

In Bliss, the first full-length work for Ballet BC since its renewal in July 2009, resident choreographer José Navas expands on the initial concept of The bliss that from their limbs all movement takes with two new sections: the first set to the music of Mozart and the second set to Henryk Gorecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Song. The third section of this full company work is a reprisal of The bliss that from their limbs all movement takes, set to a musical collaboration by Philip Glass and Ravi Shankar.

The first movement, Announciations (set to the Allegro from Trio in G, K. 564; Adagio from Trio in B flat, K. 254 Allegretto from Trio in B flat, K. 502), is a delightful and red-hue ocean-side stroll to the tune of a lovely poem (this work is inspired on the poem The Annunciation by Edwin Muir). The movement in this first segment relies heavily in pairs and multiple (triplet, quartet) combinations of fast-paced transitions and spins. Not as extremely acrobatic as the third segment, Announciations speaks to themes of exploration, wilderness and a realization of a world filled with mystery. The dance ensemble makes us want to know more, explore more and await some sort of annunciation. While the movement created in this first segment is complex, it is light enough that allows the viewer to capture the intimacy of interaction between dancers.

Photo credit: Chris Randle

I was not completely taken by the second segment, A Thousand Ways To Meet You Tenderly as the movements seemed (an 8 piecer in 4 pairs including Alexis Fletcher & Gilbert Small, Makaila Wallace & Peter Smida, Alyson Fretz & Connor Gnam and Maggie Forgeron & Dario Dinuzzi) to be somewhat depressing at points. The way I interpreted the second segment, A Thousand Ways To Meet You Tenderly was at times desperate and elusive, at times hopeful. With this segment, Ballet BC deconstructs love’s complexities. I recognize that there is desperation sometimes and frustration others, but I would have wanted to see movements that spoke to hope instead of (as I overheard some attendees) marriage. And well, what is marriage if not a combination of highs and lows? In A Thousand Ways To Meet You Tenderly, Ballet BC offers really a smorgasbord of different interactions between lovers/partners. I think the fact that it was set to Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs contributed to the company painting this somewhat saddening picture of 4 personal relationships (I also would have appreciated a same-sex relationship explored in the piece, maybe that is something that Ballet BC could do in the future). This piece’s launch last night was also a world debut.

Photo credit: Chris Randle

My favorite, by and large, was the third segment: The Bliss That From Their Limbs All Movement Takes. I was really impressed in how Molnar, Navas and their team engage in a bold move that pays handsomely, by mesmerizing us with fast paced, acrobatic, multi-spin synchronicities to end BLISS with a bang. The Bliss That From Their Limbs All Movement takes is a bold, ravishing, acrobatic, full-company display of Ballet BC dancing superpower, really. With extraordinary demonstrations of synchronic ability (not only in duets or quartets but even at full company, which is in my view, a testament to the dexterity and athletic prowess of Ballet BC’s dancers). The complexity of movement and frequency of cross-body interactions, plus exquisitely developed multiple spins, lifts and tourettes executed by all company members made me realize that in fact, bliss can come from limb movement. At points throughout the execution of The Bliss That From Their Limbs All Movement Takes, I wished I had stayed in dance school and were athletic enough to display that level of ability and dexterity. I wished I could be back executing movement in the dance world with a company.

Photo credit: Chris Randle

While I find unfair to single out any specific dancer, I have taken a strong liking to Connor Gnam, Alexander Burton, Maggie Forgeron and Alyson Fretz. Livona Ellis and Daniel Marshalsay have a body of work that is impressive and exhuberant. And Peter Smida and Makaila Wallace own my dancing heart. But this is just my particular preference of dance execution. Let me be fully clear: EVERYONE at Ballet BC is extraordinarily talented and gifted.

You should give yourself a treat and bring a loved one to Bliss. You will not regret it.

José Navas, Founder and Artistic Director of José Navas/Compagnie Flak since 1991, quickly became internationally recognized as a talented and charismatic soloist. His first group creations were characterized by their assertive sensuality, bold statements and unexpected universes. These pieces included an element of theatricality that is reflected today in his solo work.

Fascinated by the resonance of the body in space and by the calligraphy of formal movement, Navas is an architect of group dynamics, constructing abstract pieces geometrically and having them delivered by virtuoso performers. His choreography, created in a similar way to a musical composition, fascinate with their hypnotic beauty and their meditative character.

Tickets for Bliss can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-2787 (855-985-ARTS) or online at ticketmaster.ca and range in price from $70.00 to $22.50 (excluding service charges).

More on Ballet BC:

Ballet BC, a company of 16 talented dancers from around the world, is committed to the ballet of today. Solidly grounded in the classical ballet lexicon but with more immediacy and connection to the 21st century, the company presents a diverse repertoire of Canadian and international contemporary ballet. Now in its 25th anniversary year, Ballet BC continues its commitment to perform on multiple regional, national and international tours in addition to its regular performance season at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. For more information, visit Ballet BC on their website or follow on Twitter @balletbc

Disclosure: I attended Ballet BC on media tickets. As always, neither a positive review nor a review at all was expected. I retain full editorial control on anything I post on my site.

Depend’s Try It On Canada Challenge (Win a chance to be trained by PJ Stock and Isabelle Brasseur for the Underwear Affair)

Raul — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:22:00 +0000

One of the things that reminds me of my Grandpa (whom I loved very, very much and to whom I owe in great part being as successful as I am, because he always stayed up late with me when I was studying my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering) is the topic of incontinence. I don’t understand really why this topic is so terribly stigmatized. I just saw incontinence as a normal extension of my Grandpa’s physical decline, as sad as that was, it was normal. As his health deteriorated due to Parkinson’s, diabetes complications and other things, he required special underwear to deal with incontinence.

Photo credit: Alan Teo on Flickr

Thus the reason why I feel a personal connection and wanted to support the Depend Try It On Canada project. This campaign’ is a challenge to help eliminate the stigma of incontinence – a serious medical issue that affects approximately 3.3 million Canadians. As part of the challenge, Isabelle Brasseur and PJ Stock are each looking for one team to coach for the Underwear Affair’s 10K run (open division), which will be held in Vancouver on July 7.

Photo credit: Sangudo on Flickr

You may also wonder why these celebrated former athletes are involved. The answer is deeply personal; PJ has a close friend suffering from the unfortunate side effects of cancer treatment, while Isabelle’s mother suffered from incontinence in her fight against Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

I would like to encourage anyone who may be interested to enter for a chance to have their Underwear Affair team coached by either Isabelle or PJ. Full details can be found below.

Entry criteria:
To enter for a chance to win the opportunity to be coached by Isabelle and PJ, all people need to do is send an email to TryItOnCanada@ketchum.com with the following information:
§ Name, age, email address and phone number.
§ A proposed team name and overview of how they will incorporate Depend’s new Silhouette for Women or Real Fit for Men tastefully into their group outfit concept.
§ A personal account of how they have been impacted by either a cancer below the belt or by incontinence.

All entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. PT on May 22, 2012. Teams must include between three (3) and five (5) individuals to be eligible. All entries will be reviewed and evaluated based on creativity and how they incorporate Depend Silhouette and Real Fit Briefs into their group outfit. PJ and Isabelle will choose their winning teams from a pre-selected group of finalists. Winning teams will be notified by email no later than May 30, 2012.

The Grand Prize:
Each winning team will receive:
§ Fully paid entry into the Underwear Affair. (Value: up to $125)
§ $100 to help offset the cost of purchasing clothing and accessories for the group outfit.
§ Free Silhouette for Women or Real Fit for Men, courtesy of Depend.
§ Honorary coaching from Isabelle and PJ, including weekly tips and check-ins leading up to the event to help team members prepare for the big 10K open division run.

To learn more about the Depend Try It On Canada challenge, please visit their website.