If there is something I regret about travelling is that there are times when I am unable to attend a theatrical performance with some of the actors I love the most. Colleen Wheeler and Bob Frazer, who are the leads in Bard on the Beach’s Macbeth, are two of my absolute favorite actors in British Columbia. Bob, in fact, is someone I have gotten to know in depth and become friends with. So I regret not being able to see Macbeth. But a lucky reader of mine possibly can, thanks to the lovely folks of Bard on the Beach and Hummingbird604.com.
Directed by Miles Potter • BMO Mainstage • June 13 to September 20
Performance run time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Seductive prophecy and devastating ambition are the forces that drive this dark and powerful tragedy. When three witches foretell that Macbeth will be King, the warrior lord and his ruthless wife decide to act on the prediction by murdering the rightful King Duncan in his bed. Reality and fantasy blur and blood begets blood, until Macbeth is finally undone by the very prophecies that tempted him to seek ultimate power.
All you need to do is tell me on this blog post what else have you seen Bob Frazer in (bonus points if you actually know which popular Canadian TV show he was on, and what he did on that show). If you haven’t seen Bob Frazer, you can just tell me one of the Bard on the Beach productions in which he has appeared (he has participated in MANY of them). I will draw a winner on July 4th at 2 pm for the Saturday July 7th at 8pm show.
To earn an additional entry for a total of 2, you can post the following on Twitter:
Told @hummingbird604 about other shows I’ve seen Bob Frazer on http://is.gd/qi10XX, to enter to win tickets to @bardonthebeach Macbeth
If you don’t win my contest, obviously you can buy tickets on your own, clicking here.
While I have only played with my WordPress theme, you (and I) should thank J. Karen Parker for the customization and CSS wizardry you see on Hummingbird604.com. I think the whole concept of spending a full weekend just doing WordPress themes is one of those brilliant things that only Morten, Angela and their team can come up with. And as always, my friends at The Network Hub are always sponsoring worthy projects so they are providing space sponsorship. So, WordPress enthusiasts, get your computers
Theme Weekend is a not-for-profit project initiated by Pink & Yellow NFP Society and the Vancouver WordPress Community. The Network Hub is sponsoring us with the space to host the event and we have also received sponsorship from the WordPress Foundation to help foot the bill.
Tickets are set at $15, the funds of which will go towards lunches and refreshments for both days, as well as supplies to run the event. By signing up, you are committing to participate for the duration of the two-day event and help build the theme picked by your team.
All the code from the themes will be hosted on GitHub for easy collaboration. A short primer to GitHub will be provided at the beginning of Day One for anyone not familiar with the system. You must bring your own computer equipment, software and necessary power adapters. Please come prepared.
At set points on Saturday and Sunday, each team will be asked to do a short presentation of their work up to that point and ask help for any issues they have run into. This will allow the teams to crowdsource everyone’s knowledge at the event for ideas, solutions, and suggestions.
Teams are allowed to swap members and borrow members at any time. This is an open source event by the community, for the community. If you have ideas, let us know and we’ll try to incorporate them.
I am sad I’ll be missing Theme Weekend, but I love the idea that it is customized for whichever level you have. I am most effectively a beginner with Themes, though I do love doing my own stunts. I love the fact that community-driven WordPress events seem to be alive and kicking in Vancouver. Let’s keep it up!
Via my former student Emelie Peacock, I found out about World Refugee Day Vancouver 2012 at the Vancouver Public Library. I know for a fact that the situation with Canada’s policy on refugees is getting challenging, so I am happy to provide some coverage for the event. You should check it out.
Photo credit: Casey Lessard on Flickr
Where: Vancouver Public Library – on the concourse of the Main Branch of the Vancouver Public Library located at
350 West Georgia Street When: On June 20, 2012 from 11AM to 4PM. Who: Join for a variety of activities, displays and special presentations by the theatre group, and World Refugee Day 2012 presenters and speakers. What: A public education event to highlight the situation of refugees internationally and locally.
Also please read the Goals of World Refugee Day in Vancouver 2012:
– To educate the public about who refugees are and why they have come to Canada
– To help people understand the many challenges refugees face
– To celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community
– To explore how our community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees
– To provide an opportunity for refugees to learn about local services and supports available for them
I love “feel good” stories, and while I wasn’t able to be there, I learned from London Drugs that their store on Georgia and Granville (which had been ravaged during the 2011 Vancouver riots) had a little visit from the Vancouver Police Department Mounted Squad this past June 15th, 2012.
Photo by John Spooner (London Drugs)
‘London’ and ‘Turbo,’ donated to the Vancouver Police Department through support from London Drugs will be visiting staff for the first time on the one year anniversary of the Stanley Cup riot. A decision was made to donate these two horses because of the significant role the mounted squad members played in quelling the riot on June 15th. In an earlier private ceremony, London Drugs’ president and CEO Wynne Powell presented the staff at Granville and Georgia with a family-values appreciation plaque that will also be available for photograph. This plaque was given to the staff in recognition of their courage and continued dedication following the June 15th, 2011 riot.
I know that June of 2011 was a dark month in the lives of Vancouverites and I’m glad to always hear that there are positive elements to such negative events. I hope these riots never, ever happen again. I was in the downtown core when everything went down and I felt the tension throughout the night. But with stories like these, I always feel hope for our city.
I walked to school every day, when I was in grade school. And I walked to school from campus residences while I did my MBA and my PhD. If I lived in faculty housing at UBC, I would have walked to school every day as well. So I’m always keen to promote local health activities, including International Walk to School Week 2012 (iWalk 2012).
Koerner Library at UBC
The Directorate of Agencies for School Health in British Columbia (DASH BC) is a network of local, regional, and provincial organizations and individuals including teachers, parents and community members who hold closely to the vision that:
every school aged child or youth in British Columbia is part of a health-promoting school community that enables them to lead active, fulfilling lives, well-equipped for future life success
I love the goals established by DASH:
Committed to making a significant contribution toward positively influencing the health and learning capacity of students in British Columbia, DASH BC helps inspire school communities to adopt a comprehensive school health approach. This approach offers a practical framework for teachers, students, families, schools and communties to work together to create plans that will enhance student health and learning. It encourages children and youth to make healthy choices about their lifestyle, schools and the communities in which they live.
DASH BC exemplifies trusted leadership in the field of school health through its successful work with cross sector partners. DASH BC has facilitated shared learning, advocacy, development of promising practices and delivery of leading school health programs.
DASH BC uses its deep understanding of comprehensive school health and its network of leaders to deliver and facilitate innovative school health initiatives to directly benefit the health of students and school communities. It also creates meeting opportunities for those who care about school health to connect, share knowledge, and learn with and from each other.
If you are not already a member of DASH BC, we invite you to inquire about how you can become involved in helping to ensure that “healthy students in healthy schools learn better”.
Check out the Comprehensive School Health Approach video below by DASH.
Looking at the sea from the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort and Spa in Parksville, British Columbia
Whenever I think about the best of British Columbia, it’s natural beauty comes to mind immediately, and definitely Parksville/Qualicum Beach are two of the cities whose beauty reminds me of BC the most. I was approached by BC Living recently to remind me of their BC’s Best People Choice Awards, and since I’m already in campaign mode for the Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver 2012 I figured “why not start campaigning for one of BC’s Best People Choice Awards, if there is a category for social media/community building?“. I know, I’m terrible. Two “vote for me” blog posts in the same year, let alone in the same week! Unbelievable. Who am I and what have you done with Raul?!
You will be voting on “Best Cafe”, “Best Patio”, “Best Local Media Personality” (I wish they had one for “Best Professor” but that’d be a little bit taking it too far, hehehe).
bcliving.ca brings you the latest trends, tips and ideas to help you make the best of West Coast living. Now we want to hear your opinion and invite you to nominate your favourite places across BC! Submit your nominations to help us to recognize the best of the best. From your favourite places to eat and sleep, kick back and relax, to shopping for your favourite items – let your voice be heard! Nominations for BC’s Best People’s Choice Awards are open until June 29. Vote for your favourite local hot spot or places you visited while on vacation and haven’t forgotten.
The Fairmont Empress, one of the best hotels in British Columbia
BC Living is also running a contest (as is the Georgia Straight for Best of Vancouver) to entice people to participate. If you do, and you find a category fitting for me, be sure to throw your vote in for me (how is this for shameless!? seriously?!). I am only half-kidding. I would be keen to see the results. British Columbia has some amazing gems and it would be great to see them recognized.
In just 2 days, Vancouver will be taken by assault by musicians. Well, hopefully not by assault, but you know what I mean. Make Music is a musical phenomenon and movement and it is spreading to Vancouver through Make Music Vancouver 2012. Check out the trailer below.
WHY VANCOUVER?
Over the past few years, the Vancouver cultural scene has become increasingly vibrant. The Olympic Games have shown that a great urban cultural experience where anyone can take part is possible. What better opportunity for the citizens of Vancouver to showcase their dynamism and creativity in 2011? The Fête de la Musique is a simple yet unique way to achieve this vision.
AN EVENT TAILORED FOR THE CITY OF VANCOUVER
Even though the Fête de la Musique is being introduced by the French community – due to its familiarity with the concept -, the idea is to make it a perennial event on the City of Vancouver’s cultural calendar every first day of summer, on June 21. This is how the Fête de la Musique has spread throughout the world, and this is how the City of Vancouver can join in the worldwide concert where music gathers crowds.
AROUND THE WORLD
Make Music Event is celebrated every year in more than 460 cities in over 100 countries around the world. Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton, New York, Sacramento, Chicago, Shanghai, Bali, Madras, Nagoya, Phnom Penh, Rio de Janeiro, Valparaiso, La Havana, Quito, Port-au-Prince, … are some of the many places where you can enjoy Make Music.
Festivities start at 4:30pm and takes place in Yaletown and Gastown. Check out the Make Music Vancouver 2012 website for more information.
As it so happens, Richard Loat (@mozy19 on Twitter) is a good friend of mine. We met online through Twitter, and we became friends through the years. While I am not a hockey player, nor a real die-hard fan, I always loved Richard’s support of the Vancouver Canucks, and his stamina and enthusiasm are contagious. You know I’m also a sucker for a megawatt smile and a good heart.
Richard owns both, and he does great work.
One of the projects Richard spearheaded since 2010 is now his trademark project, Five Hole For Food, a charitable Canada-wide roadtrip where Richard (the founder) along with his road crew (Jonathan Buyco and Victor Lo) will be playing ball hockey in 13 cities over 17 days fundraising in each city a goal of collecting 20,000 pounds of food donations. As I have written elsewhere, monetary donations often make more food for clients in need (1 donated dollar can purchase 3 dollars worth of food, but regardless, you can also donate in kind, non-perishable goods).
My friend Chris Walts played in 2010, and I played in 2011 in the Media/Celebrities game, along my friend Minna Van (cofounder of The Network Hub). This year, unfortunately, due to my travel plans I will not be able to play FHFF in Vancouver. But I do encourage you to (a) donate (b) attend the games and (c) participate in a game or two. Molson Canadian returns this year as FHFF’s presenting sponsor. Other sponsors in 2011 include: Chevrolet Canada, Canadian Pacific, Boston Pizza, London Drugs, WestJet, Tiger Lotus Media and Marketwire. All of these organizations do fantastic work and I’m glad they are supporting Five Hole For Food.
Richard, I’m proud of you. Sorry I can’t join you this year, but you have my support and love always. Five Hole For Food crew (media relations, support team, etc.): good work, you guys.
Check out the Five Hole For Food trailer for 2012 below.
From Scarlet Satin Productions, the company behind 2009’s site-specific hit The Laundromat and last summer’s multi-storyline house party experience Party This Weekend, comes another fresh idea – this time showcasing multi-talented theatre artists in the legendary Railway Club.
(L-R) Mary J. Eden, Diana Squires, Kaitlin Williams, Frances Kitson. Photographer credit: Rob Trendiak
[un]BOX[ed] premieres four short plays back-to-back, each penned by a local playwright-actress, with the same four women performing in each piece. To bring these stories to life, the Railway Club stage transforms into worlds as diverse as a yoga studio and a prison. The production is also teaming up with Atira Women’s Resource Society to support women in the Downtown Eastside.
A snapshot of each [un]BOX[ed] story
Run To The Mountain: One door, locked. One window, closed. Four strangers find themselves trapped in a mysterious cell where memories fade and no one is who she appears to be.
Four Women Who Work: What possesses a teacher to give her grade one class a lecture on divorce? Or a server to fantasize about peeing on people’s food? When your job sucks the humanity out of you, it may be time for drastic measures.
Boxed: Nothing could be better for Jane’s social life than a fire alarm at 6:30 a.m. She has party games on hand, and will make friends with her neighbours or die trying.
The Rules: Step into the secret, sacred world of the Women’s Washroom. But be warned—there is one thing you must never do. If it does happen, then for God’s sake don’t tell anyone about it.
One of the multi-talented artists involved is Katherine Gauthier, who makes her directing debut on the heels of acclaimed performances in The Honest Fishmongers’ King Lear and Pacific Theatre’s 100 Saints.
The venue’s cabaret-like setting provides a social and intimate atmosphere, with some of the action flowing beyond the stage’s transformative set and weaving through the tables.
Created and performed by Mary J. Eden, Frances Kitson, Diana Squires, and Kaitlin Williams. Lighting design by Alia Stephen; sound design & original compositions by Julie Casselman.
Playing one week only, July 3-7 at 7:30pm with a 2pm Saturday matinee. The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir Street. Tickets are $20 (or 2-for-1 preview) at Brown Paper Tickets and at the door. For more info, visit Scarlet Satin Productions’ website.
I was invited by the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation to their Summer Sizzle 2012 this past weekend. Unfortunately, I was out of town and I was unable to attend. Very frustrating, because (as anybody who reads this blog on a regular basis can attest to) I am a very big supporter of HIV/AIDS-related charities and non-profits. But I wanted to report back from the Summer Sizzle 2012 and the foundation was kind enough to send me some information and a quick photo.
“The Summer Sizzle fundraiser for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is the hottest party in town – with duelling twin sister pianists and performance bartenders from Vegas. And how fitting to have CBC Studios as our venue in the 20th year since Dr. Peter’s passing,” said Gord Baizley, Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation board member and co-chair of the event attended by 400 lawyers and business professionals on Saturday, June 16th, 2012.
From Left: Sarah Sandusky, the director of philanthropy at the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, Andy Hiscox, Dr. Peter’s partner before he died an honourary board member of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, and Shane Foxman, CBC sports reporter and MC for the evening. Photo credit: Nick Darcy.
The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support innovative health care at the Dr. Peter Centre in Metro Vancouver. The Dr. Peter Centre is British Columbia’s only HIV/AIDS Day Health Program and 24-hour nursing care Residence. The only program of its kind in Canada, the Dr. Peter Centre is a leader in HIV/AIDS care, particularly for individuals with multiple medical conditions and social barriers. We welcome the opportunity to make care accessible to more people and share our innovative clinical care model with other health care providers in Canada and around the world.
I hope to be able to join in one of Dr. Peter AIDS Foundations’ events in the future. This foundation does amazing work for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Photo credit: Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca on Flickr
A little anecdote: when I was about to start my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, I considered moving to Puebla to attend the Universidad de las Americas Puebla (in Cholula), one of the most renowned universities in Mexico, and definitely a top-notch university for chemical engineering. Besides, I had a full scholarship to attend UDLAP, but I decided to stay closer to my parents. So this opportunity will allow me to reminisce about my youth, and to show the international audiences that follow my blog that Mexico is, indeed, an amazing country.
Photo credit: Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca on Flickr
I am excited to showcase Mexico through the eyes of an internationally-travelled Mexican. I have been invited by the Mexican Tourism Board (Secretaria de Turismo, through Visit Mexico), and you can follow my adventures and those of my fellow travel writers on Twitter by tracking the hashtag #WeVisitMexico or also following the Mexican Tourism Board at @WeVisitMexico on Twitter. Furthermore, I will be tagging my posts with the word “Puebla” for you guys to follow directly on my site.
My fellow travellers include Ted Nelson (Travelling Ted), Erica Wiggins (The Active Explorer), Mardi Michaels (Eat, Live, Travel, Write), Mike Richards (Vagabondish), Jessica Festa (Jessie on a Journey), Michael Tieso (Art of Backpacking), Lanora Mueller (Writing Travel) and Catherine Stribling (Johnny Jet). And I’m the only Canadian writer, from what it looks. Well, Mexican-Canadian in this case 🙂 I have met some of these fine folks at previosu TBEX’s so I’m looking forward to sharing this experience and giving them the Mexican view on what we share.
Disclosure: My trip to Puebla, sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board, includes transportation, activities and meals. However, my posts are written in my own words and everything I write is entirely my own opinions. Any out-of-pocket expenses are paid out of my own dime. As always, anything that I post on my site is entirely my responsibility and I retain full editorial control.
Te Quiero Asi means, exactly translated into English from Spanish, “I love you exactly like that”. It’s a very old song in Spanish by Mexican singer Jose Jose and American singer Lani Hall. I used to sing it in my teenage years, and as I was tossing CDs in a cleaning up effort, I realized how much I still love this song. It doesn’t really torture me, it’s a song that reminds me that one of my core qualities is that once I love, I love people just the way they are. Exactly like that. And I did the translation myself.
Te quiero así, sin más ni más
(I love you like that, not more, not less)
unas veces dominante
(sometimes dominant)
otras veces soñadora
(sometimes a dreamer)
te quiero amante;
(I love you as my lover)
te quiero así, sin más ni más
(I love you that way, not more no less)
tan violenta como el viento
(as violent as the wind)
pero dulce como un beso a la hora de amar.
(but sweet as a kiss when the time to love comes)
Te quiero así, tu conmigo yo para ti
(I love you like that, you with me and me for you)
inventando un cielo color caramelo, vivir por vivir;
(inventing a caramel-hue sky, living just to live)
Amar por amar, más que amor es ya navegar
(to love just to love, more than love is just navigating)
donde la aventura nos quiera llevar que más nos da.
(where adventure wants to take us, what the heck do we care)
Te quiero así, tan natural
(I love you like that, so natural)
como el aire, como el trigo,
(like the air, like wheat)
con caricias de mujer y piel de niño;
(with woman’s caresses and child-skin)
te quiero así, tan natural
(I love you like that, so natural)
como el agua en que me miro
(like the water I see my reflection on)
que más da rico o mendigo, te quiero por tí.
(what else does it matter if you’re rich or poor, I love you for yourself)
Te quiero así, tu conmigo . . .etc (2 x)
(I love you like that, you with me…”
Te quiero así, sin más ni más.
(I love you like that, no more and no less)
I have eaten at Pajos’ Fish and Chips before, but at the Steveston location. I did not realize that Pajos had a location in Port Moody at all! And they are celebrating their 25th anniversary in style.
It was 25 years ago when Pat and Joan (hence the name PAJO’s) decided to open their second Pajo’s location at the beautiful Rocky Point Park in Port Moody where the sea, the sand and the sky meet.
How fitting for an award winning fish and chips shop!
To mark our 25th Anniversary, join us for a free family friendly event on Saturday, June 23rd from 1 to 5 pm.
We’ll have lots to do such as:
– Bouncy Castle
– Live music featuring George Balzer
– Prizes/Contests
– Pepsi Challenge
– Cake Cutting
– Firetruck tour by local fireman
Happy 25th Birthday Pajo’s Rocky Point Park!
Thank you for all your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all there.
The Pajo’s Team
Hopefully several of my followers/readers will be able to come and celebrate with Pajo’s Rocky Point Park!
No, none of those is me, and I could only wish to jump that high. If I did, I would have continued playing from competitive, nationally-ranked junior volleyball to seniors. But I didn’t. I injured my knee and bid “goodbye” to my aspirations of being an internationally acclaimed professional volleyball player. That’s ok. After all, I wouldn’t trade my PhD for volleyball anyway. But this past year, 2011-2012 I played middle (block, blocker or middle blocker, all are appropriate terms).
In volleyball speak, I was responsible for running all over the net and try to block whoever hit from the other side. While double and triple blocks are quite common in volleyball, the majority of the responsibility of blocking stays with the player in the middle (the middle, or the middle block). I had not played middle in decades. When I was playing high-level, competitive volleyball, I used to play middle simply because I was the most skilled in my team. When I played with the junior volleyball team, I was a power hitter first and then a setter. I didn’t have the vertical jump to play middle blocker.
But this season, my fellow team mates asked me if I would mind playing middle block. Even without the vertical jump. I jump enough to have both of my hands comfortably over the net, which means that if the ball is tight to the top of the net, it’s most likely that I will block it and it will fall on my opponent’s side of the net. I said yes, and throughout the season, discovered something about myself: despite not having as much vertical jump, I am strategic enough that I know when to jump to slow down the power hitter’s velocity.
I had some amazing blocks throughout the season, and I also hit some really good fast balls. When I compare my performance as a power hitter and as a middle, I really preferred being a middle. It forced me to be faster, and to be fitter. I improved my volleyball technique overall. And most importantly, I became addicted to the position. So much so that this summer, I will be training my core and my legs to increase my vertical jump. I may not jump as high as the kids in the photo shown above, but I will definitely have enough strategy and ability to think on my feet to do some really good blocking. That’s what I learned from this past season as a middle. And I am so grateful.
PINK in the City is back this year with a Fundraiser at Society on Sunday June 24 from 2pm to 5pm and an After Party at Beaumont Studios from 8pm to 12am, to raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation. I have been entrusted with 2 sets of 2 tickets to the Fundraiser plus 2 sets of 2 tickets to the After Party to give away.
The fundraiser will be at Society in Yaletown from 2pm to 5pm. Society is located at 1257 Hamilton Street and it is one of Vancouver’s coolest spots with funky decor, fantastic service and a yummy menu. You may have read my review already. Its famous cocktail, the Candy Collins – a Tom Collins with cotton candy, will be the feature cocktail at the party and everyone who attends will get a complimentary Candy Collins to start the party!
Just like previous years, ladies can expect to be pampered by our male volunteers and gentlemen are always welcome to come support us! This party will have a live DJ, entertainment, prizes, silent auction AND a special fun auction with a twist – we will have 10 wonderful volunteers from InspirationALL Talent & Modeling Group who will donate their time as a host for various fun activities, which will be auctioned off!
Activities are as follows:
1) Rollerblading with gelato – up to 5 people
2) Dog walking w/dog toys – up to 3 people
3) Bowling with snacks- up to 3 people
4) Pitch & Putt with ice cream – up to 3 people
5) Playland with snacks- up to 3 people
6) Picnic – up to 3 people
7) Sightseeing with drinks- up to 3 people
8) Painting with wine – up to 3 people
9) Comedy show with drinks – up to 3 people
10) Dancing with drinks – up to 3 people
11) Cooking class – 1 person
12) Baking/Pastry class – 1 person
Tickets for the fundraiser includes a complimentary Candy Collins & a selection of delicious canapes. Tickets are on sale online for $20 until 1pm on the day of the event. After that it’s $30 at the door. *fees + taxes extra*
In addition to the fundraiser in the afternoon, be sure to join for the official after party at The Beaumont Studios from 8pm to midnight for an evening of drinks, music & dancing as we continue the fun with DJ Toto, our official PINK in the City DJ! The Beaumont Studios is located at 316 West 5th Ave and it is one of Vancouver’s most artistic and creative space. With its unique gallery and studio space, it is the ideal setting for PINK IN THE CITY’s after party!
Tickets for the after party includes a complimentary drink. Tickets are on sale online for $10 until 7pm on the day of the event. After that it’s $20 at the door. *fees + taxes extra*
For more information about the event, please check out also their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter: @bcpinkinthecity
To enter my giveaway all you need to tell me is who would you bring to a fundraiser like this. To be honest, I probably would bring my dear friend Minna, the cofounder of The Network Hub, as we are both friends of Shannon Bosa, the owner of the Glowbal Group properties. How about you? Who would you bring along? You can increase your chances of winning by posting the following on Twitter:
Told @hummingbird604 who would I take to @bcpinkinthecity fundraiser @bccancer http://is.gd/uCJ0zZ 2 enter 2 win tix to PINK in the City
Frankly, I have never been one for popularity contests. You know, it’s always nice when I am the Top something. I used to be the top-ranked food blogger on UrbanSpoon. I was nominated in the Canadian Weblog Awards for 2009 and 2010, and I’ve been used to being consistently top-ranked on Klout, Kred, Grader, etc. But despite how nice this feels, I really don’t give much credence to these popularity contests.
For some reason, this year I do feel as though part of me would like to be part of the competition, and who knows, maybe to win. You need to vote in at least 25 categories for your ballot to count. And regardless of whether I win or not, I always have a lot of fun when I read the Best of Vancouver, so I am guessing the 2012 edition will be equally fun.
About a couple of months ago, my good friend Peter Newbury asked me to give a talk at the Science Online Vancouver May 2012 event. I did so without any hesitation simply because it was Peter Newbury who was asking me, and even though I rarely give talks for free (see my post on the Economics of Free), Peter is a great friend and I am always happy to contribute to Vancouver’s scientific community.
Even more so, I am keen to contribute to the science communicator’s online life. I made a comment at my talk (alongside the lovely Eric M. Johnson) on how I “garden” my social media properties and people found it funny, interesting and valuable. I also spoke at Social Media Camp Victoria 2012 on how to grow robust online communities using multiple social platforms, and used the same gardening analogy. So here is what I mean by “gardening your social media properties”.
My gardening strategy is as follows:
1. Create a stock of content.
I publish (or collect) enough online content to provide a useful and interesting stream to my followers on each of my social outlets: Twitter (academic and personal/social media), Facebook (my blog has a Facebook page, I do not allow everybody to see my personal Facebook), Google Plus (where I have a personal stream and my blog has a Google Plus Brand Page), Pinterest (which I only have one), Instagram (which is also my only one, and personal). I have stopped using Foursquare for a number of reasons that I can detail in other blog post.
2. Share that content via different outlets, depending on target audience
For example, I don’t do what other bloggers frequently do: they just cross-post from their blog to Facebook to Twitter (something which I find incredibly stupid, as the cross-linking often leaves their links truncated or disappearing). That is cross-linking without adding value. I only cross-link when what I crosslink is adding value in both outlets. Now, the problem of truncated text is not only specific to Facebook, but it is a big problem with Pinterest as it doesn’t auto-shrink and sometimes my own Pins cross-linked from Pinterest to Twitter also come truncated. But at least, you can click on the Pinterest URL and read my full post. With Facebook-to-Twitter, it doesn’t make sense at all.
3. I review my content to ensure non-repetition.
Nothing worse than seeing the same post in the 5 platforms people follow me on. Even if it is the same post, I try to make sure that if I shared a personal post on Google Plus (G+) on Monday morning, I can share it on Facebook on Monday evening, and I add “lead” text (e.g. text that comes as a preface) to make sure that the post isn’t exactly the same. This is something a lot of people don’t do, and it is frustrating.
Given that I don’t have a lot of time to “garden” my social properties, sometimes what I do is I just make sure that my posts are directly linked to Twitter, and one day a week, I ensure to cross-post through my platforms. Like today, Saturday, which often is my only free day, but right now I’m doing exactly that, gardening my social outlets. And ensuring that people don’t find the same post all the time on 5 different streams.
As you all know, I am of Latin American heritage (Mexican, to be more exact) and thus I am always keen to highlight events that are run by volunteers from the Latin American community in Vancouver. And this is, if I am not mistaken, my third year as a media sponsor for LatinCouver‘s Carnaval del Sol.
Photo credit: Alejandra Tijerino
Carnaval Del Sol, The Day We All Shine Together, is an outdoor event and it will take place on five blocks of Granville street, the busiest pedestrian street in Vancouver B.C. In return for your generous support, you will receive access to a diverse, multi-ethnic audience, a new market community and outstanding coverage and visibility for 24 hours.
This free event recreates what in Latin America is known as a “plaza” where you can find music, artistic performances of various forms, delicious traditional food, activities for children, unique arts and crafts and much more to entertain the whole family. As soccer is an important sport in Latin America that brings communities together, a traditional street soccer tournament is another highlight in the Carnaval Del Sol. As well, our Latin American plaza includes an open-air food court that offers authentic Latin cuisine that is sure to attract the appetite of many Vancouverites!
In 2011, Carnaval Del Sol attracted more than 45000 people and received numerous compliments from partners, participants and vendors, requesting it continues for many years to come. LatinCouver, the organizer of this event, also won a national award for last year’s festival (see link below for details), on the strength of this award, LatinCouver together with our media partners are inviting attendees from across Canada and Washington State.
Photo credit: Michael Kwan on Flickr for Beyond The Rhetoric
This event’s objective is to give Vancouver and its residents a great opportunity to enjoy what the Latin Culture has to offer and add on to the already diverse beautiful city we live in. LatinCouver, the organizer of Carnaval Del Sol, is a non-profit organization and is run by volunteers as it is the event itself and support from the community and organizations like yours help them make this fantastic event possible. And I’m proud to have Hummingbird604.com support Carnaval del Sol in their 4th year and 2012 edition.
Check out this promo video made by the lovely folks of LatinCouver.
You should check the full line-up of events for Carnaval del Sol, but the one that will launch the event itself will take place on June 24th (Promotion Day). Fun, music, and outdoor entertainment for everyone.
I love Playland, I love the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) and I love the fact that with summer, all the things that make the PNE a lot of fun come and blossom. While the Fair at the PNE won’t take place until August, we are already warming up for a hopefully sunny and lovely summer in Vancouver with SPF 2012, the Summer Playland Festival 2012. The lineup of artists includes Carly Rae Jepsen, Dragonette and Victoria Nuffield, as well as many others. Sounds like it will be a lot of fun! SPF is at Playland Amusement Park as well as the PNE Amphitheatre stage, just north of Playland. You can get tickets for SPF 2012 here. And in the mean time, here is Carly Rae Jepsen’s most famous tune to take as an earworm.
There is so much to do in Vancouver, and so little time! But there’s always one event I have always had a soft spot in my heart for: Greek Day Vancouver, which is now in its 2012 edition (I think the last time I covered it in person was 2010, but I have written about it for years). I am specially fond of Greek Day Vancouver not only because I have several close friends of Greek heritage, but also because I lived in Kitsilano for many years. Kitsilano used to be the ethnic enclave of Greeks in Vancouver.
The objective of our project is to increase cultural awareness and communication of Vancouver’s multifaceted society through the Hellenic Canadian Congress of B.C.’s (HCC) activities during the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the City and to emphasize it as the best liveable city in the world. The HCC’s Greek Heritage Festival project would do this by promoting the Vancouver Greek community’s established presence during the last 100 years and incorporating its rich cultural heritage spanning 2500 years of history. The project will encourage public inter-cultural and inter-racial understanding, personal enjoyment and harmony. The activities will concentrate mostly in the realm of art, history, crafts, dance, music, mythology, presentations/lectures, literature and learning about the social and cultural contributions the Greek community has made to the City of Vancouver.
Greek Day Vancouver 2012 takes place next Sunday June 24th in Kitsilano. Check out their website for the overall schedule. It should be a really fun day!
I am pretty sure I met DJ Leanne (GirlOnWax) way before she was as popular as she is (and she still looks as gorgeous as the first time I met her!). I have seen her spin at Vancouver venues for a very long time (I was introduced to her by my good friend LMcT, who also wanted to learn how to be a deep house DJ). And now that I have realized that I don’t write nearly enough about Burnaby, it was very timely that I found out about Live at The ‘Bolt: DJ Leanne & Co.
Photo credit: Dave J King on Flickr
DJ Leanne the “GirlOnWax” has been DJing since the early 90s. She’s a solid contributor to Canada’s thriving DJ scene through her creation of Western Canada’s first DJ School, House Music radio shows and owner of the critically acclaimed DJ company: GirlOnWax Events, Vancity’s leading MUSIC STYLISTS. Leanne has spun alongside the best in the business: Kaskade, Deep Dish, Boy George, Armand Van Helden, Bob Sinclair and Mark Farina to name a few. Local DJ to the stars, Leanne has had many celebrity clients like Jennifer Aniston, Goldie Hawn and the Canucks! Her award-winning DJs and musicians perform for nightclub, corporate, weddings, fashion, retail, restaurant and fundraising events. GOW’s musical repertoire is massive, from lounge to house to retro to an expansive playlist of dance remixes of all genres. DJ Leanne creates the ultimate musical environment, designed especially for you.
This event promises to be an excellent show. I have listened to DJ Leanne before, and she is perhaps one of the best DJs of her generation, worldwide. And she is a Vancouver girl!
Live at the ‘Bolt
June 22, 2011 | 7 – 10 pm
Shadbolt Centre Atrium $15
6450 Deer Lake Avenue
Burnaby, BC
The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is an award-winning, multi-purpose community arts facility located in Burnaby’s picturesque Deer Lake Park. The Centre programs a year-round schedule of arts classes, performances, festivals, exhibitions and special events. The Shadbolt Centre is a City of Burnaby facility delivering arts services and programming as part of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department.
Vancouver folks have that ability to make things out of almost thin air. There is so much to do, so many crafty, artsy people who just want to create, make and share. My friend Jordan Keats was reminded of Vancouver Mini Maker Faire 2012 which is coming next weekend at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). Check out their awesome video.
Vancouver Mini Maker Faire was founded by the combined skillset of local Makers from Vancouver Hack Space (VHS), and supported by eatART and the Vancouver Community Lab. In our inaugural year, there were close to 3 000 attendees, and nearly 100 Makers located at the Great Northern Way Campus.
Building on the succes of 2011, organizers have founded Maker Foundation, a non-profit society aimed at curating Maker events, and facilitating Maker projects around the city of Vancouver. Vancouver Mini Maker Faire has moved to a bigger venue this year – the PNE Forum, and we are all looking forward to another fantastic event!
I hope many of you can check out the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire 2012 next weekend at the Pacific National Exhibition!
If you have read my blog, you’ll know that I am very, very fond of The Urban Tea Merchant. From the beginning, I have been lucky enough to partner with Urban Tea Merchant for giveaways, special occasions and I have been invited to have afternoon tea there a couple of times. I often think of the Urban Tea Merchant as an oasis where I can come and take refuge from the crazy kind of life I lead.
I was thrilled to hear that on June 27th, The Urban Tea Merchant will put together an event in partnership with Y.E.S. Vancouver and Dressed for Success Vancouver. I love Dressed for Success (as I have written on my blog), and the work that Y.E.S. Vancouver does as well, so this party sounds like a lot of fun and totally up my alley. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it but hopefully you will, as it sounds like this Garden Tea Party will be one of the events of the year!
WHEN: June 27th, 6:00pm-8:00pm WHERE: The Urban Tea Merchant Signature Store in downtown Vancouver, 1070 West Georgia Street WHY: To benefit Dressed for Success Vancouver HOW MUCH: $15 (all proceeds go to Dressed for Success Vancouver.
The Urban Tea Merchant cordially invites you to our garden tea party with a twist! Mingle with friends and members from Y.E.S! Vancouver as you sip on tea-infused cocktails and savour delicious tea-infused canapés. What a fabulous way to start your summer!
Learn from The Urban Tea Merchant’s very own “Tea Sommelier” and Ensemble’s Ben Lambie on how to make Iced Teas, Tea Sangrias and Tea-Cocktails for your home garden parties this summer! Can you say Moroccan Mint Mojitos?
While sipping on your Tea-Cocktail, listen to Tom James, co-founder of The Urban Tea Merchant, who will share his story behind this family business and how it began through a passion for providing their customers with great tea experiences!
You would make a huge mistake if you missed The Urban Tea Merchant/Y.E.S. Vancouver/Dressed For Success Vancouver Garden Tea Party. I have attended previous events put together by Urban Tea Merchant and they’re AWESOME. And just think about the fact that all proceeds go to benefit such a wonderful cause as Dressed for Success Vancouver! Also remember that with your ticket, you are also entitled to a 15% discount for all in-store purchases. Stock up on your tea reserves!
Please call The Urban Tea Merchant – Downtown Vancouver at 604-692-0071 to purchase your ticket. And be sure to let me know how it went!
I love the Vancouver International Airport (though the official name is the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR)), and in particular because they have fantastic programs. The most recent one is calling on travellers and the airport community to donate their pennies to help fund lunches for children in need this summer. This program goes from June 13 to 28. During this period YVR will be collecting pennies to benefit Quest Food Exchange, a Vancouver-based not-for-profit organization that helps those in need access affordable, healthy food. With the money raised, food vouchers will be provided to families with children to shop in Quest’s three not-for-profit grocery markets.
As little as $30 (or 3,000 pennies) can provide a month of lunches for a child. Travellers and the general public can donate their change at one of two coin collection kiosks, located at the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal food courts. The penny drive is an extension of the Airport Authority’s long-standing post-security coin ball program, through which travellers donate their change. In addition to collecting travellers’ pennies, the Airport Authority is challenging its internal departments and Sea Island businesses to a friendly competition to see which group can collect the most pennies. The coins will be weighed, and winners declared, at a public weigh-in on June 28. YVR began its partnership with Quest in February 2011. To date, the Sea Island community has donated $120,000 in cash through sponsorship and fundraising initiatives and has donated more than $125,000 worth (or approximately 1,650kg) of food.
I really love this kind of program, and as you know, some of the most important non-profit causes I support are focused on providing food to the most disempowered and disenfranchised. Kudos to the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) for always doing something fun and that has a focus on corporate social responsibility.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada’s second busiest airport, YVR served approximately 17 million passengers in 2011 and handled more than 258,000 aircraft landings and take-offs on its runways. Sixty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. The Airport Authority is committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.
The Zhambai Trio, Vancouver’s premier mbira/marimba group is set to release their debut CD entitled Tambanavo (“Dance With Them”) on Thursday June 21 at The Waldorf Hotel. Here is some information I received about the group:
The group was formed 2 years ago when award-winning world traveler/percussionist/composer Curtis Andrews arrived in Vancouver from his native Newfoundland and met Zimbabwean born and raised Kurai Blessing Mubaiwa, one of North America’s best mbira/marimba players. Their immediate chemistry attracted Navaro Franco, a lover of Zimbabwean music and the trio was born.
The debut CD Tambanavo features a mixture of traditional and original pieces on voice, mbira and marimba as well as other traditional instruments ngoma (hand drum) and hosho (rattle). The mbira is a type of “thumb piano” which has a history going back at least 700 years and is used traditionally as a means to commune with ancestral spirits. Today the instrument has gone worldwide and can be found in almost any musical style. The CD release will feature the Zhambai Trio playing selections from Tambanavo and will also feature two other groups that perform Zimbabwean-inspired music. Zimbamoto is a high-energy Vancouver based Afro-Fusion group fronted by Mubaiwa. And very special guests all the way from Zimbabwe (!) are Bongo Love, a quartet who are on a North American tour and will be bringing their own brand of “Afrocoustics” to Vancouver for the first time. 3 unique ensembles bringing the spirit of Africa to the doorstep of Vancouver.
WHEN: June 21, Thursday WHO: Zhambai Trio With guests Zimbamoto (zimbamoto.com)Bongo Love (bongolovemuzik.com)The Waldorf Hotel WHERE: 1489 East Hastings Ave.Vancouver, BC WHEN: Doors at 8:30, music @ 9pm HOW MUCH $12 advance $15 @ door
