I have a weird relationship with Mexico in Vancouver, and that has always been the case for the more than 10 years that I lived in Vancouver. I have set foot at the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver TWICE in my entire life. Don’t get me wrong, I love being Mexican, and with an increasing flow of Mexican folks to Vancouver, the number of events associated with showcasing Mexico and Mexican culture has increased as well. But I never really felt the need to be part of the Latino or Mexican community in Vancouver.
I do, however, feel a duty as a Mexican who has a blog that is very popular in Canada, and in Vancouver particularly, to promote MexicoFest 2012(although I’m a bit uneasy with the popularization of Mexican culture, as I often fear that we will soon have Can-Mex food, as we have Tex-Mex in the US). Nevertheless, I’m proud of my country and its culture, arts and people, so I do encourage you to participate in MexicoFest 2012.
Mexico Fest began in 2008 as a celebration of the anniversary of Mexico’s Independence and has grown into the most important festival to be hosted by the Consulate of Mexico in British Columbia. Due to the growing interest the festival has attracted from the local community, MexicoFest has become an opportunity to feature some of our renowned tourist spots and a way to bring about a greater understanding of our country.
This year’s focus will be on the beautiful Banderas Bay and the preferred tourist destinations of Western Canadians: Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Mexico Fest 2012 encompasses 11days of art exhibit, music, culinary celebration, a gala dinner, a golf tournament and the 5th edition of the Fiesta Mexico Independencia.
The Consulate General in coordination with the Mexican Tourism Board in Vancouver, the Mexican Trade Commission and the Mexican Community are dedicated to strengthening the cultural exchange and presence of Mexico with the local and international community of British Columbia. It is with great pleasure and pride that we invite you to experience Mexico in Vancouver starting on September 5th and concluding on September 16th/
Given that I recently participated in a media trip sponsored by the Mexican Tourism Board, I foresee that I will be doing more promotional work of Mexico in Canada, so stay tuned. And do consider attending MexicoFest 2012. There will be A LOT of things to do. Check out the list of events for MexicoFest 2012 here.
Normally, I would have promoted the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival 2012 like crazy (if you recall, in previous years I have been not only a partner by giving away tickets, but I have also covered the festival AND I’ve been a media sponsor). This year, my crazy academic workload has not enabled me to give as much time to VLAFF as I would like, so I have decided to just write a short post to let people know about this wonderful event, which I’m happy to support, as I am, obviously, Latin American. I hold many fond memories from VLAFF, including going to the movies with my friends Dorita and Guacira.
VLAFF is a registered non-profit charitable organization with the mission to provide a forum for the promotion and exhibition of Latin American cinema. This annual festival promotes dialogue between cultures and explores historical and social issues through the eyes of filmmakers.
Since 2003, VLAFF has continued to provide audiences with the unique opportunity of experiencing Latin American cinema in Vancouver.
VLAFF Mission
– To conduct a Film Festival for the purpose of educating and advancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of Latin American cinema.
– To conduct educational workshops and seminars.
– To provide independent filmmakers with the opportunity to display their artistic efforts.
– To provide Canadian audiences with an opportunity to observe a variety of films, which closely reflect the society and people of Latin American countries.
– To generate a network between the Canadian and Latin American film industries and forge an artistic alliance between the two.
This year, the lineup looks pretty incredibly, and tonight (Friday August 31st) is opening night. I’m pretty sure tickets are sold out but you never know, do try and get to it, as it promises to be a really fun festival.
Another Wednesday, and another wine for you to consider. I felt really guilty to be quite honest because I had not been drinking wine lately and I was pondering how the hell am I going to write my next Wine Wednesday post if I haven’t really been drinking wine?”. Luckily I have just tried a few, recently. My favorite wine in recent times is, surprisingly, not Mexican. It is Chilean. Undurraga Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, a wine I tried a few weeks back when my uncle treated my cousin and I to dinner (they both knew I was missing sushi and they realized that I probably wasn’t loving the sushi I had tried so far in Mexico).
I found the Cabernet Sauvignon made by Undurraga extremely good. It had great body, and is a great type of wine (particularly for drinking on its own). Worth buying, to be quite honest!
Last year, I was travelling so I was unable to attend both the media preview AND the actual event, Stack the Rack, which is a fundraiser and showcase that helps benefit QMUNITY, Vancouver’s queer resource centre. I have always liked this event because it is such a fun way to raise funds for an extremely worthy cause.
Vancity presents the 2nd annual STACK the RACK a benefit for QMUNITY in partnership with Marquis Wine Cellars & Mark Brand Inc. on Monday, October 1, 2012 (6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.). This isn’t your Mother’s wine tasting event. Gather with other food and wine aficionados at the esteemed Old Boneta Event Space 1 West Cordova Street and sample food sensations paired with the exquisite wines selected by Marquis Wine Cellars. Sure to be holiday entertaining successes!
STACK the RACK is your opportunity to try some new and exciting wines while stocking your wine rack for the upcoming Thanksgiving & holiday seasons. Take care of all your wine needs in one night for the whole season. Did I mention Marquis Wine Cellars delivers?
Last year we sold out in under 3 weeks for this exquisite evening. Tickets are $135 each (before Sept. 24th, then the price goes up to $165). Your ticket includes:
– An exclusive gift bag stuffed with treats from Masc & featuring a $50 gift certificate to Marquis Wine Cellars (gift certificate can be used at STACK the RACK or at the Marquis store on Davie Street)
– $85 charitable tax receipt from QMUNITY
– Amazing auction packages & experiences that you won’t find anywhere else (make sure your wallet is full and your credit card is empty!)
– Unique Food & Wine pairings throughout the evening
– Meet some of the most fabulous people in town
When I first told my Mexican friends that I was planning to move back to Mexico in 2012, many of them thought I was crazy. I am, after all, a Mexican academic and professor who did his PhD in Canada and who was teaching at the university level in one of Canada’s most prestigious universities. Why on the planet would I want to move back to Mexico? Well, I think the upcoming Mexi-Go! Travel and Trade Expo in Vancouver, to be held on September 7th and 8th will help people dispel myths on what it’s like to live in Mexico, particularly as a Canadian.
Photo credit: Nathan Rupert on Flickr
In case you didn’t know, Ajijic in Jalisco, and San Miguel Allende are very big enclaves for Canadians wishing to live on Mexican soil. There are PLENTY of reasons to live in a wonderful country such as Mexico, and I am happy to be a Mexican-Canadian as well. I shuttle back-and-forth and I am happy and proud of both countries.
Mexican destinations are ready to showcase their attractions in the first Mexi-Go! Travel and Trade Expo in Vancouver. Some of the destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, San Miguel de Allende, Sonora, Los Cabos and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.The Trade show will take place on September 7 & 8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event will also feature Mexican products, services for expats living in Mexico and investment opportunities.
The Expo is the first event in the city that will promote Mexico as a tourist destination, commercial partner, and investment opportunity. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore touriism opportunities, Mexican products and businesses as well as investment opportunities in real estate and services available for expats interested in retiring in Mexico.
Partnering with ProMexico, the Mexico Tourism Board and the Mexican Consulate, Mexi-GO! will be a two-day tradeshow in downtown Vancouver, BC on September 7 & 8. It will showcase travel and business opportunities in Mexico to a 10,000 strong Canadian audience. Held during the Fourth Annual MexicoFest event, the Mexi-Go! Travel & Trade Expo is a unique event that brings travel, art and craft, food, music, business and real estate opportunities to Canadians at home before they make their travel plans.
According to the Mexican Immigration Institute, from January to June 2012 over a million Canadians travelled to Mexico, an increase of 1.6% over the same period the year before. It is expected to be a record year for tourism. In addition, many Canadians are considering retiring in Mexico.
Event Details Name: Mexi-Go! Travel and Trade Expo Date: September 7 & 8, 2012, 10am to 6pm Location: West Building Vancouver Convention Centre, Level 1 Description:
Join us at the Mexi-Go! Travel &Trade Expo for 2 days of educational seminars on living in Mexico, retiring to Mexico, opening a business in Mexico and much more! Enjoy exclusive travel deals, great prizes, food, tequila, mariachi, traditional dancers while you browse our exhibitors to learn more about what this amazing country holds for you! Live Your Tropical Dream! Travel to Mexico! Retire to Mexico!
Admission: At the door $5 dollars (partial proceeds donated to Lorena Ochoa Foundation). Register online for your free two-day pass. Website: Mexi-Go Expo
I am really sorry that I will not be able to attend, but if you have any questions on living in Mexico after living more than 15 years in Canada, do let me know!
Because I travel so often, I try my hardest to make sure that I don’t carry much international currency, and that I plan my finances in advance. JT is even worse, he is such a crazy planner particularly for trips. I was recently pitched for a guest blog post by ICE, and I asked Dan Northan, Vice President of International Currency Exchange Canada to provide you with some travel tips to be money savvy while travelling.
Photo credit: epSos.de on Flickr
The following guest post is courtesy of Dan Northam, International Currency Exchange
There seems to have been a shift in perception that relying on credit and debit cards when you travel is a better bet than bringing cash, as it’s convenient and allows you to avoid fees. This isn’t always the case. Here are a few tips on how a little planning can make for a stress-free trip:
1. Find out exactly what using your plastic abroad will cost you. A quick call or trip to the bank and you’ll know exactly how much your bank will charge for each cash withdrawal or purchase abroad. Visa and Mastercard typically take one per cent on top of any fees the local ATM or bank levies. Many banks charge a five-dollar flat fee for cash withdrawals on your debit card in a foreign country.
2. Take at least a nominal amount of currency with you. Chances are, you’re going to patronize several businesses that only accept cash, and you can’t tip the maid on credit. Taking a mix of both cash and plastic ensures that you’ll never be caught without money for tipping and small purchases from merchants who don’t accept cards.
3. Find out whether your cards are usable in your destination country. Many nations operate on a four-digit PIN system. Vancouver traveller Isabel DaCosta was travelling in Vietnam and found her six-digit PIN card unusable. She was able to take cash out on her non-chip-and-PIN credit card, but she came home to a $900 bill with $70 in fees alone.
4. Take the sting out of currency conversion. Picking up currency for your trip needn’t be painful. Inquire at your bank about whether preferable rates are given to certain accounts. ICE offers a no-fee pre-order service, Click and Collect, that allows travellers to order currency online and have it ready for pickup and purchase the airport.
5. Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans. Debit and credit card fraud are a booming business and as a result, banks are quick to freeze accounts that they believe have been compromised. Kill two birds with one stone by inquiring about fees and disclosing your travel plans at the same time.
For more tips and information by Dan, you can visit the ICE website.
The Fraser Valley Food Show is coming up Friday-Sunday September 14-16, 2012 at the Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1190 Cornell St. in Abbotsford, BC. You may remember that last year, my interns Anabelle and Jessica covered FVFS for Hummingbird604.com. This year, unfortunately, they can’t do that for me, but I am glad that I can offer a lucky reader a prize package to celebrate this wonderful event.
The Fraser Valley counterpart to the EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival, the Fraser Valley Food Show offers local and international cuisine from vendors in the Valley and beyond, offerings from over 100 exhibitors, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, the 9th annual CityTV Master Chef Competition, and seminars by Dairy Farmers of Canada, Kathleen Rake of Between the Vines, and Just Here for the Beer.
New for 2012 is the Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition, where amateur, professional, and corporate team sausage makers will compete to win a cash prize of $500.
I have an exclusive contest that I will be run on Hummingbird604.com from August 27-September 3 in which the winner will win the following:
– Family pack of tickets (4) to the Fraser Valley Food Show
– One copy of Bob Blumer’s Glutton for Pleasure book
– One copy of Graham Kerr’s Growing at the Speed of Life: A Year in the Life of My First Kitchen Garden
– VIP seating to a wine seminar of the winner’s choice
The prize pack will be mailed to the winner no later than September 5.
Ways to enter:
1) Comment on this blog post and tell me what your favorite type of food is. I think it’s no surprise to everyone that my favorite food is Ethiopian (nomnomnom).
2) Post the following on Twitter:
Shared my favorite type of food with @hummingbird604 http://is.gd/OIqanr to enter to win a @FVFoodShow prize pack. You can enter too!
5) Post an Instagram photo of your favorite type of food tagging me @hummingbird604 and the Fraser Valley Food Show (@FVFoodShow) on it.
I will draw a random winner on September 3rd, from all the entrants into the contest (if you accumulate all 5 types of modes of entry, you’ll gain, obviously gain 5 entries into the contest!)
Spice Goddess Bal Arneson is the headliner on the Food Network Celebrity Stage at the upcoming Fraser Valley Food Show. Arneson is a mother, author of two bestselling books, and host of the award-nominated show Spice Goddess, focusing on healthy Indian cuisine. Also on the stage, local food and cooking enthusiast Reiko Mackenzie of Real Housewives of Vancouver fame will team up with organizations to celebrate local and sustainable food as we head into the harvest and Thanksgiving season.
You may cook up a storm, but is your entertaining space up to par? Cynthia Lucas of View Design will present ideas on how to create your dream kitchen, from quick-fix tips to major renovations, finding your personal style, and design trends. View Design will also create an entertaining lounge and help guests with their questions and ideas at the show.
The 5th annual Fraser Valley Food Show showcases over 100 exhibitors and is host to the 9th annual CityTV Master Chef Competition and the first Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition. The show takes place Friday-Sunday September 14-16, 2012, at the Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1190 Cornell St. in Abbotsford. For more info and tickets, visit www.fraservalleyfoodshow.com
And on the topic of thrift stores and social enterprises, I recently found out about My Sister’s Closet, a social enterprise of Battered Women Support Services, in Vancouver.
One of the things I do realize I love about Vancouver is how many non-profit and support programmes there are to help underprivileged people. I think the work that Battered Women Support Services does is fantastic, and I’m happy to promote My Sister’s Closet as well (I recently wrote about Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, another thrift store whose work is along the lines of supporting vulnerable groups, in the case of Out of the Closet, queer youth).
A determined group of women started Battered Women’s Support Services in 1979. Our goal is the elimination of all violence against girls and women. We have been delivering training and education programs to support service providers and to end violence against girls and women for over 30 years. We provide direct service support and advocacy for girls and women who have experienced abuse, systemic advocacy, law reform, and for 21 years we have delivered a youth engagement in violence prevention program in public and private schools in British Columbia. In our effort to support zero waste and eco fashion, we are solid members of the thrift movement operating My Sister’s Closet as a social enterprise in Vancouver, BC. In 2010, we launched The Violence Stops Here campaign, urging men to own their role in ending violence against girls and women
You can follow My Sister’s Closet on Twitter as well. Do consider supporting this worthy programme.
When I participated in Breathe Now 2012 (as a media sponsor), I attended the after party which was also, if I’m recalling correctly, benefitting Out of the Closet Renew Boutique in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada). Located on 1736 Douglas St (phone 250-590-2719), Out of the Closet is a very unique thrift store because its very mission is to support and empower queer youth. As you all know, supporting non-profits is one of the missions I have established for my blog, and in particular supporting charities and non-profits that empower queer youth. Given the higher rate of suicide in queer youth, I make it part of my mission to encourage folks to support queer-focused charities.
I strongly believe that Out of the Closet is one of those social enterprises worth supporting, so I would like to encourage you to buy clothes and/or donate clothes as well. From the Out of the Closet website:
A provincially registered enterprising no-profit business committed to social justice and queer visibility. through fundraising and community development.
WHY DO WE NEED YOUR HELP?
The Queer community has a significantly higher suicide rate, particularly amongst guy youth and trans folks.
Many Queer folks experience the rejection of their families and homo/transphobic abuse which can lead to issues such as depression, isolation, addictions, suicide and homelessness.
QUEER;
An inclusive term that includes people who may personally/politically identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, intersexed, pansexual, ally or something else., or choose no label.
Please consider supporting Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, and maybe pay them a visit next time you are touring Victoria, BC. You can also find them on Facebook.
The TL;DR (too long, didn’t read) version of my answer is: Yes, I am. I have lived in half a dozen countries and travelled through dozens more and I have learned to be happy wherever I am.
I had lunch with several of my friends from when I did my chemical engineering undergraduate degree yesterday, and I got asked the same question that just about everyone in Canada and in Mexico asks me “are you happy you moved?“. For a lot of people, particularly Mexicans who don’t know life in Canada very well (or in any other country, for that matter), my decision to leave Canada behind and move to Mexico seems (hypothetically) unfathomable. After all, Vancouver is the world’s most livable city, yadda yadda yadda.
Yet, what my answer always turns to be is a long-winded version of the Theodore Roosevelt quote:
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
I have learned to be happy wherever I am. I don’t long for Vancouver. I don’t long for Madrid. I don’t long for Paris. I don’t long for Manchester. I don’t long for anywhere where I have lived at any point in my life. I am a citizen of the world. I speak 7 languages and have travelled dozens of countries. I have moved more times than I can remember. And I am happy. Anywhere I am I always find ways to be happy.
Yes, there are things that I miss from Vancouver. My friends, for example. The easier access I had to politicians, bureaucrats and policy makers (I am, after all, a public policy professor – I love giving my students practical examples and access to real-world decision makers in the policy arena). My online popularity (and in Canada, British Columbia and the lower mainland, particularly, my offline popularity). Yes, I miss that. But I don’t long for it.
I am happy with the decision I made and I am making the most of what I have here. I am travelling Mexico and browsing for opportunities to showcase a wonderful country. I would do the same if I lived in France, or in Germany, or in Argentina. I live in the moment, and I enjoy it to the fullest. That’s how I like to live, and yes, that’s why I am happy I moved. I am happy to lean into the discomfort.
One of my favorite festivals (beyond the absolute obvious like Bard on the Beach, and of course, Vancouver Queer Film Festival or Vancouver Queer Arts Festival), is definitely the Vancouver International Fringe Festival 2012. Covering theatre in Vancouver for the past 7 years or so, I’ve grown to love The Fringe.
Every year the Vancouver Fringe Festival delivers an eclectic mix of theatrical offerings. This year’s Fringe features more than 800 performances by 98 artists over 11 days!
We are a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals and have been putting on the annual Festival in Vancouver since 1985. Originally, the Festival was focused in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver, but we moved to Commercial Drive in 1995, and again to our current home on Granville Island in 2000. While the majority of the Festival takes place on Granville Island, we take over the city every September thanks to the artists who produce BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) shows at various venues.
The 2012 Vancouver Fringe Festival will be taking place September 6-16. You should TOTALLY check it out.
Normally, every year without a hitch, I promote the Vancouver International Fringe Festival, now in its 2012 edition. However, this year I have been so busy I have not had the opportunity to promote it as much as I wanted, as I have been incredibly busy. Nevertheless, I wanted to write about ALPHA, a play that promises to rock the Vancouver International Fringe Festival 2012, opening on September 6th. Produced by Compassionate Bone Theatre, ALPHA sounds like a lovely play that will most likely make you think. ALPHA plays at Studio 16, 1555 West 7th Avenue, September 7 – 15.
Rick was born to play hockey. But it’s his final year in the minors, and he still hasn’t been drafted. With the end of high school and the pressure to win a Provincial Championship looming, Rick struggles to hold his dream in focus. Armed with only a sense of humour and a big stick, is Rick ready to face off against his fears? A semi-autobiographical slapshot to the solar-plexis.
In brief: Compassionate Bone Theatre presents ALPHA, a new play by Jessie Award winner Evan Frayne. Semi-autobiographical and completely original, Alpha tells the story of Rick, a small-town boy determined to play hockey or die trying. Part of the Vancouver International Fringe Festival, Alpha plays at Studio 16 Fri Sept 7, 22:40- 23:40| Sat Sept 8, 16:30-17:30| Sun Sept 9, 12:45-13:45| Mon Sept 10, 18:15- 19:15| Thurs Sept 13, 20:30-21:30| Sat Sept 15, 20:00-21:00. Tickets $5-12.
I do hope you will get a chance to attend. I love all the amazing talent that the Vancouver International Fringe Festival showcases and ALPHA will most likely make you think and reflect on life.
As a former dancer, almost nothing brings me more joy than participating in dance activities, even more so if they are FREE. So, I’m pleased to announce the upcoming Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House which will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2012. I always promote this wonderful event because The Dance Centre has always been incredibly kind to me (and also, because of my background as a former competitive dancer).
Dancers of Damelahamid Photo credit: Derek Dix
From ballet, contemporary and hip hop to flamenco, Butoh and classical East Indian dance, the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House offers the chance to sample a host of dance styles in a day of open classes, studio showings and events. Highlights include a performance of contemporary aboriginal dance with the Dancers of Damelahamid, Raven Spirit Dance and Starrwind Dance Projects; an artist salon examining how dance entered Canadian universities in the 1970s, with archive footage of works from the era; new solos created by Tracy Dietrich, Gail Lotenberg, Josh Martin and Deanna Peters during Barbara Bourget’s Solo Choreography Project; an improvisation workshop for young families; and open rehearsals of new works in development by Restless Productions and the response.
Full schedule of Events (All classes are open level – beginners welcome)
10.30-11.30am Workshop: Foolish Operations – Dancing the Parenting. Dance artist Julie Lebel and members of the ensemble invite parents and their young children from 0-5 years old to join them in their practice of open improvisation. Children and parents get inspired on fun ways to cultivate focus on the joy of movement. Presented in partnership with Made In BC.
10.30-11.30am Class: Butoh with Jay Hirabayashi of Kokoro Dance
10.30-11.30am Workshop: The Myths and Facts of Stretching for Dance. Healthy Dancer Canada presents an interactive workshop offering an overview of the current research on athletic stretching, different types of flexibility and various stretching techniques.
11.30am-12.30pm Class: Bellydance with Lava (Lana O’Keefe)
11.30am-12.30pm Open Rehearsal: Restless Productions Choreographer Claire French develops a scene with dancers and a musician for The Moment of Forgetting, premiering in October
11.30am-12.30pm Class: Bharata natyam (Classical East Indian dance) with Mandala Arts and Culture
12.30-2pm Class: Ballet with Linda Arkelian
12.30-1.30pm Class: Hatha Yoga with Kelsey Jorssen
1-2pm Class: Swing with Kat Single-Dain of the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret
1-2pm Artist Salon: Kaija Pepper and Allan Lindgren’s recent book Renegade Bodies examined how dance entered Canadian universities in the 1970s. In this special event, Kaija is joined by Jennifer Mascall, who was among the first wave of dance graduates, and recent grad Meghan Goodman, to talk dance 70s-style, and show video clips of works from that time.
2pm Performance: a mixed program of contemporary aboriginal dance featuring the Dancers of Damelahamid in Luu hlotitxw: Spirit Transforming, choreographed by Margaret Grenier; Raven Spirit Dance in Frost Exploding Trees Moon, choreographed by Michelle Olson; and Starrwind Dance Projects in before7after, choreographed by Starr Muranko.
2-3pm Class: Capoeira with Aché Brasil
2-3.30pm Workshop: Falling Body with Animals of Distinction Artistic Director Dana Gingras. This workshop presents a series of kinetic explorations combining skills and practices of rolling, releasing, giving and supporting weight. Participants will investigate the fluid pathways and transitions inherent in falling and recovery with emphasis on the initiation of movement and the use of momentum and gravity as a means to full-bodied, dynamic and risky dancing.
2:30 – 3:30pm Discussion: Law of Proximity. Artists and youth engaged in the MACHiNENOiSY/Queer Arts Festival project The Law of Proximity, in which youth created a contemporary dance show with the help of dance artists Delia Brett and Daelik, are joined by QAF Artistic Director Shaira Holman. One month after their last performance, they reflect on their experiences and the impact of community engaged dance. Presented in partnership with Made In BC.
3-4pm Class: Flamenco with Flamenco Rosario
3.30-5pm Class: Jazz with DebbieLee Dance Co
4-5pm Class: Tap with Danny Nielsen
4pm Performance: Barbara Bourget Solo Choreography Project. Dance artists Tracy Dietrich, Gail Lotenberg, Josh Martin and Deanna Peters perform new solos developed during the solo choreography project Bourget mentored during her Dance Centre residency last season.
5-6pm Class: Hip hop with Natasha Gorrie of Project Soul
6-7 pm Studio Showing: the response. An informal showing of Artistic Director Amber Funk Barton’s latest work in progress.
Ache Brasil. Photo credit: David Cooper
This event is 100% FREE.
WHO: The Dance Centre
WHAT: 11th annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House
WHEN: Saturday, September 15, 2012
10.30am-7pm: free admission
WHERE: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street (at Granville), Vancouver
More information: 604 606 6400 or on The Dance Centre website. Presented with the support of Scotiabank
Whenever anybody asks me how can I get done so much in so little time, one of the first things that come to my mind is the fact that I designed my workflow in a way that works for me. For example, when you think about all the things that come with writing a blog post, I have mastered tools that make my workflow much easier.
Photo credit: Ian Ruotsala on Flickr
First, I download my photos on a regular basis and file them on specific folders that describe in rich detail the event I am using them for.
Second, I upload my photos really fast (I use Flickr Uploadr, and because I have uploaded dozens of thousands of photos, I already know which tags to use, etc.)
Third, I draft what I want to say on the blog post and reuse whatever text I use frequently (for example, my disclosure statements are for the most part, the same except for the type of event I attended, or who attends on my behalf).
Fourth, I write whenever I feel the inspiration coming, and then pre-schedule my blog posts using WordPress’ scheduling function. I have an editorial calendar and always try to ensure that I have a blog entry for each day, at least. And if sometimes I have the time, I publish one or two additional posts, depending on what is happening that day.
So, I have learned that it takes time to do things as fast as I do, but the most important thing is I think to master the tools that you use in whatever craft you are, and then design a workflow that works for you.
For some reason I have had Earth, Wind and Fire‘s After The Love Has Gone in my head this morning. I used to listen to this song to make myself cry whenever I felt the need to, you know, have a good cry (which we all need every so often – so cleansing for the soul!). I haven’t stopped loving someone yet (not at all, not ever!) but I find this song incredibly touching and moving. For your listening pleasure, Earth, Wind and Fire live singing After The Love Has Gone.
I love the work that Les Dames d’Escoffier do, particularly because I’m a big supporter of women and in particular, professional women who support other women as well. Call me a feminist if you want.
Les Dames d’Escoffier, British Columbia Chapter, is a society of professional woman. Our purpose is to promote the understanding, appreciation and knowledge of food, wine, hospitality, nutrition, food technology, the arts of the table and other fields as they relate to these disciplines; to promote improvement in supply, preparation and service in these areas and to promote the education and advancement of, and to supply advice and assistance to, women in careers related to food, wine, hospitality, nutrition, food technology, the arts of the table and other fields as they relate to these disciplines.
Les Dames d’Escoffier are celebrating Julia Child’s 100th Birthday with a gala dinner, and here are some details.
Saturday, September 8th, 2012
Roof Pool Deck, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver
5pm Reception / 6pm Dinner
Cost of the Event: $300 all inclusive
Following the long table format, a beautifully decorated French inspired formal table for 100 guests will be set, marking 100 years, on the roof pool deck of the Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver. Your host chef is Ned Bell, Executive Chef, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver and YEW Restaurant.
A 5:00 pm Domaine Chandon reception will start the evening, followed by a sit down dinner with ten of British Columbia & Seattle’s top chefs and pastry chefs preparing an elegant Julia Child inspired 10-course plated dinner poolside. Price is inclusive of wine, taxes and gratuity.
Ladies, please bring a wrap in case of a breeze. Note, in the event the weather is not perfect, the dinner will be moved inside with the same long table format. The agenda for the evening will remain the same.
Special guest chefs (in alphabetical order) Dame Andrea Carlson (formerly of Bishop’s) with her new restaurant Burdock & Co; Bala Kumanan, Hy’s of Canada (Celebrating their 50 year anniversary); Bruno Feldeisen, Four Seasons, Vancouver; Hidekazu Tojo, Tojo’s; Kerry Sear, Four Seasons, Seattle; Lee Cooper, L‘Abattoir; Dame Lee Murphy, Vista d’Oro; Les Amis du Fromage; Dame Margaret Chisholm, Culinary Capers Catering; Ned Bell, Four Seasons, Vancouver and Yew Restaurant; Scott Jaeger, The Pear Tree
As you may know, in my position as a member of the Board and Senior Strategic Advisor to The Network Hub, I have been heavily involved in whatever projects they undertake. Sadly, this year I will not be able to have as much impact in their direction because I am in Mexico, but I am always happy to promote their projects, even more so when it comes to one that is near and dear to all of our hearts: Freelance Camp Vancouver, now in its 2012 edition, taking place on September 15th, 2012.
What is Freelance Camp Vancouver, you ask, and why on the planet would the founders of The Network Hub want to put themselves AGAIN through the excruciating pain and suffering of organizing a conference that is practically free (all registration fees are used as donations for non-profit/charitable causes in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland region). Well, because they care (and well, because WE care) about the community they are inserted in. As a launch pad and coworking space, The Network Hub is committed to supporting freelancers in any way they can, including the organization of amazing events such as Freelance Camp Vancouver. In the photo below, you’ll find the founders of The Network Hub and organizers of Freelance Camp Vancouver (Minna Van, Jay Catalan, John Van), our collaborator and always amazing partner-in-crime Meena Sandhu from ING Direct who helped us organize FCV2011 and yours truly.
Photo credit: Jeremy Lim
Freelance Camp Vancouver is an event BY people FOR the people. Each year, we run Freelance Camp Vancouver under the unstructured, open source, unconference model set up by BarCamp. All you need to do (in addition to paying the small fee that goes 100% directly to donations for non-profits) is to come prepared to share some of your expertise with the group.
Previous years have had people giving talks on how to build new WordPress sites, how to invoice clients and properly get paid for your freelance work, how to manage your own project, how to use social media to effectively draw more work via social media. We have also had yoga sessions and a number of other amazing contributions. And the response has been ALWAYS incredibly positive. Last year we held Freelance Camp Vancouver in the New Westminster campus of The Network Hub and it looks like it will be the case this year too.
You can read more on how Freelance Camp Vancouver 2012 will work on this blog post. It’s my understanding that in addition to Meena Sandhu, this year Owen Clark will join the organizing team, which I think it’s great. If I were you, I would purchase my tickets RIGHT NOW. We had about 85 people on a wait list last year, and we felt horrible that despite increasing numbers, we couldn’t serve everyone. So, please do register ASAP. And let me re-emphasize: there are no tickets at the door.
Fair warning before you purchase tickets to the Mexican production of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, presented by Forum Cultural Guanajuato at the Teatro del Bicentenario (Forum Cultural Guanajuato): you will need LOTS of tissue. An amazing opera in four acts that reminds me of my childhood (my Mom, who was a soprano in her youth, sang the Musetta character with her own troupe), this version of La Bohème (starring Ramon Vargas, one of Mexico’s great voices, as Rodolfo, the gorgeous Barbara Haveman as the ill-fated Mimi, George Petean in a spectacular turn as Marcello, and the Mexican soprano Maria Alejandres, one of Mexico’s young promises) is an amazing show that (no surprise) has already sold out its two other dates.
Photo credit: Arturo Lavin (c) Teatro del Bicentenario, used with permission
I attended opening night of La Bohème with my Mom, my brother and my sister-in-law. My brother loves opera, and our mother used to be an opera singer and she sang La Bohème so we all had personal connections with the show. But beyond these, I think the best way to summarize this portrayal of La Bohème is to define it as exquisite. With Haveman and Vargas as the cornerstones, this version of La Bohème showcases, I think, what Puccini’s La Bohème was supposed to demonstrate: that much as Paris is synonym with opulence and beauty, artists’ life was nothing but.
La Bohème is a portrayal of life as an artist (Rodolfo is a poet and a writer, Marcello is a painter). They live “the bohemian life” (la bohème), but in doing so, their life is always at risk because of their extreme poverty. Mimi (a seamstress) and Rodolfo fall in love during a short (and fortuitous) visit and enjoy a couple of scenes of extreme joy and happiness. However, as anybody who has read the 4 act libretto will tell you, Mimi’s health takes a turn for the worse because of tuberculosis, the illness that took Europe by storm in the nineteenth century).
Photo credit: Arturo Lavin (c) Teatro del Bicentenario, used with permission
I shed tears throughout the entire show. While every single aria of the opera was amazing, the participation of the el Coro de Valle de Señora was absolutely stunning and heartwarming. This chorus started with children of shoe factories’ workers, and has grown through the years. I am a big fan of introducing children to the fine and performing arts from childhood.
Photo credit: Arturo Lavin (c) Teatro del Bicentenario, used with permission
While you won’t be able to buy tickets for La Bohème (this time) you should totally check what the Forum Cultural Guanajuato has in store for the fall. I will be attending and reviewing several of their shows. And I’m thrilled to see that just as Vancouver has a thriving arts community, so does Leon. I will be also checking out what is in store for Aguascalientes!
Disclosure: My Mom paid for her, my tickets and those of my brother, sister-in-law, on her own dime. As always I retain full editorial control of what is published on my site.
I remember when I first moved to Canada, landing in Vancouver, and having to go down to Seattle for a meeting, and taking an interurban bus and thinking to myself “dear God, how does the first world define good interurban travel? This is horrendous!”. I hardly recovered from that, until recently when the Pacific Coach Lines started to equip their interurban buses with wireless internet connections. But the best, luxurious travel I had ever experienced (short of travelling first class by airplane) has been with Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales in Mexico, recently fused with Turistar Futura and becoming ETN-Turistar Lujo.
Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales is actually a company that was founded in Leon, Guanajuato, and the idea for it was that most other interurban travel was almost like second-class travel, so first-class travellers needed first-rate service. ETN started the practice (now widely adopted) of providing a lunch/snack and a drink (though I’m really sad to see that the level of service is going downhill because now, for short distances’ travel (2 hours), ETN does not offer a sandwich, but lately they’ve been offering only peanuts and other small snacks (this is very recent, perhaps 1 week or so).
I travel ETN everywhere when I’m in Mexico, simply because I like the level of comfort and service. Most ETN units are equipped with wireless internet now, though it drops the signal every so often, particularly when travelling through mountains.
According to ETN’s listing of amenities:
– 24 comfortable individual and shared seats (I love the individual ones and always sit in one)
– LCD screens
– Online wireless internet (which drops often, sadly)
– Leg rest
– 2 bathrooms on board (male and female)
– Individual reading light
– Air conditioning with individual regulation
– Individual (self-contained) audio system (which I sometimes use when my iPod runs out of battery)
– Seatbelt (which I think is a great idea)
– Controlled driving speed at 95 km/h (which I’m not sold on, because I think they could go up to 130 km/h no problem and shorten trips)
– Video system (which I often don’t like because they promote old movies sometimes)
– Welcome snack (which has gone downhill from when ETN first started: juice box, cookie, sandwich and a yogurt; now it’s often only a soft drink and a small bag of peanuts)
– Self-serve coffee service
– Individual cupholder
– Individual magazine holder
Overall, I can’t complain. The worse ETN-Turistar Lujo still beats any of the Canadian interurban buses I know of (except for Pacific Commuter Club). I think I will forward my post to ETN-Turistar Lujo folks, though. I really don’t like the downhill. “yes, we had a full-on snack bag, and now we give you peanuts” trend.
Disclosure: I pay for every single one of my trips on ETN-Turistar Lujo, on my own dime. As always, I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my site. I have no financial nor otherwise stake in ETN.
When a fellow professor tells you “I’m going to take you to one of the best restaurants we have available in Mexico City“, particularly when you know she is quite picky in her eating habits, you pay attention. I spent last week attending a scholarly seminar and meeting with officials in the Mexican environmental agencies I used to work for, and one of the meetings I needed to have was with a senior professor who is also a very good friend of mine, and she works at UNAM (the national autonomous university of Mexico). She suggested we have lunch at Cafe Azul y Oro, and I loved the idea.
We ordered soups for our first course (I ordered a chicken and tortilla soup, which was very flavourful and light). While perhaps I could have just stayed with the soup ($65 pesos), but my colleague suggested I try the chiles en nogada (a very traditional Poblano dish). The chef at Cafe Azul y Oro is Ricardo Munoz Zurita, considered a national treasure and a Mexican cuisine genius. And he didn’t disappoint.
The chile en nogada I ate was the best, most perfect chile en nogada I could have ever tried. It wasn’t covered in scrambled egg (which is very traditional in most chiles en nogada), but the rest was definitely very traditional. And I tried 2 different types of nogada.
I strongly recommend that if you are ever in Mexico City, you make the trek to UNAM (in the Southern part of the city) to check out Cafe Azul y Oro. Some friends tell me there’s another branch in Mexico City but this one is I think the most authentic.
Disclosure: My colleague paid for both of our lunches. As always I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my site.
I’m sure you have heard Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know (featuring Kimbra), but if you are Canadian, I am sure you also feel your heart swell with pride with Canadian indie band Walk Off The Earth‘s version of Somebody that I Used to Know. Five folks, one guitar, an amazing performance. For your listening pleasure on this Music Monday.
As you know, not only do I profile non-profit organizations and charitable events and fundraisers often, but I also have a very personal connection with cancer (I have lost friends and family to the disease). This time, I am profiling a wonderful event: Kayak for a Cure 2012. I have always wanted to paddle with Kayak for a Cure, but unfortunately, I am usually always travelling for academic conferences over the summer, and/or I’m too busy by the time this event comes around. But YOU could paddle for a cure, either in Vancouver or Victoria.
This year, in addition to hosting this fun event in Vancouver, Kayak for a Cure will also take place in Victoria. You can choose to paddle with them in one of these locations or tour around BC with Kayak for a Cure in support of InspireHealth.
Calling all kayakers! Sign up today to paddle in support of InspireHealth this summer.
This summer marks the 7th annual Kayak for a Cure event in support of British Columbians living with cancer. 100% of the funds raised from this event will go to InspireHealth. This year’s event looks set to be the most successful year yet! In 2011, our passionate Vancouver paddlers raised over $50,000 for those facing a cancer diagnosis in British Columbia. This year with two new cities on board we hope to surpass this figure!
This summer adventure is open to paddlers of all levels – kayak guides are on hand on the day to guide you from one side of the bay to the other. These morning paddles will be followed by a fabulous beach party and delicious lunch for all participants! This is one summer day that you will not forget!
To the 20,000 BC residents diagnosed with cancer each year, your participation makes a difference.
To learn more about Kayak for a Cure 2012 or donate, click here.
Volunteer Futures, September 27 & 28 2012 is Volunteer BC’s annual training event – Embracing Change for volunteer and non profit sector leaders from around the province. Our event brings leaders from small organizations in rural BC and their colleagues from urban non-profits where they can come together to learn, interact and grow their organizations.
Like other sectors of the BC economy, the non-profit sector is experiencing significant changes. This year’s event will focus on these changes and will encourage innovative partnerships, help you connect with others, facilitate a flow of information and spark new ideas. The world of volunteerism is changing and this event will share and help support the non-profit sector to take advantage of these opportunities.
It’s even more of a perfect fit because the keynote speaker for Volunteer Futures 2012 is my good friend Richard Loat, who founded Five Hole For Food (you may recall that I’ve participated in the Celebrities and Mainstream Media game of FHFF before, although this year, sadly, I wasn’t in Vancouver to actually be able to support it myself).
But I’m really glad that Volunteer BC invited Richard to keynote. We are good friends and we both volunteer extensively for our communities. We share many similar values and a great friendship. It sounds like it will be an inspiring two days. It will take place at the Richmond Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
More about Volunteer BC:
For more than 30 years, Volunteer BC has been the provincial leader in promoting the value and impact of volunteerism and enhancing the abilities of volunteer-involving organizations. Volunteer BC’s mission is to be a strong and relevant provincial voice in promoting the development and value of volunteerism in B.C. by working cooperatively with volunteer centres, voluntary organizations, governments, business, and volunteer-involving organizations.
This week, I have been attending scholarly meetings and a seminar at my new university, and thus I have had to travel within Mexico City. I did not drive (I know it’s insanity to drive in Mexico City), so I’ve been taking the Metro, a few buses and almost everywhere, taxi cabs.
While I do remember that Mexico City has always had a congestion problem, I doubt it is anything like I experienced this week (and I’m told next week, when students come back to school, it will be even worse). I saw entire fast lanes completely stopped to an absolute halt. I have been told that you don’t schedule meetings in Mexico City and then attempt to go back to your office.
This is completely unheard of for me, if you think about it. Mexico City has an amazing public transportation system in that it covers almost every place within the city, but there are so many issues with construction (the Mexico City government is building “second floors” all over the place in hopes to ease traffic and congestion) that it is almost impossible to schedule 2 meetings in a day.
Vancouver may have lots of flaws in its transportation system, but this week, I have missed being able to walk everywhere within the Mount Pleasant area, to bus only for a mere 30 minutes and be at my office downtown at The Network Hub, or to bus 45mins to 1 hour and be at UBC. Here, I have spent anywhere from 3 to 7 hours a day commuting. This is unbelievable, seriously.
Oh, how I love the Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2012. Not only because they are always amazing to me, and their mission is so near and dear to my heart. I also love them because they always spoil me. Three lucky readers of Hummingbird604.com will each have a chance to check out a lovely Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2012 show, or if you are even luckier, you may win a pair of passes to the Centrepiece Gala film.
Let me show you the many ways in which you can win:
Last year, David Weissman’s award-winning documentary We Were Here looked back on the impact of the AIDS epidemic on San Francisco. This year, director Jim Hubbard takes us to New York City to reveal the extraordinary story of ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). In the mid 80s, a group of men and women came together to fight the epidemic. These activists soon realized their true fight was against larger oppressions like racism, classism and other social determinants of health and well-being. This battle was about everyone, or—as the Occupy movement might say—it was about the 99%. Before there was Occupy Wall Street, there was ACT UP!
Witness the planning and execution of infamous demonstrations, including Seize Control of the FDA, Stop the Church, Day of Desperation and other actions that forced the US government and mainstream media to deal with the AIDS crisis. Meet the brave people who took a stand and supported one another through anger, grief and unparalleled hope. United in Anger shows change in the making.
or to The Green Sunday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Empire Granville theatre
The Green brings a cast of Hollywood favourites together to make a statement about subtle yet pervasive homophobia in a post-marriage-equality world. The acclaimed actors include Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Glee), Jason Butler Harner (Alcatraz, Law & Order), Julia Ormond (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Legends of the Fall) and Illeana Douglas (Cape Fear, Entourage). Over a dozen film festivals in the USA have already awarded The Green with audience choice and best feature prizes.
Michael and Daniel have left the hustle and bustle of New York City for the greener grass of Connecticut. The handsome well-to-do couple seems to have found solace in suburban life, until Michael is accused of engaging in inappropriate behaviour at the private high school where he teaches. With his job, relationship and reputation in jeopardy, Michael must fight the allegations in a legal battle-a battle that becomes increasingly ugly as personal history from his younger years is used to defame him. Michael and Daniel-along with the rest of this supposedly progressive community-learn that homophobia can be only one misunderstanding away.
Or alternatively you could otherwise win tickets to the 9:30pm showing of Mia, the Centrepiece Gala film.
Last year our Festival programming experienced a first—we featured three feature dramas with trans women characters played by trans women actresses (Open, Paulista and Gun Hill Road). In line with this gradual, yet growing trend in transgender talent seen in international cinema, we are thrilled to present Mia as our Centrepiece Gala. Mia premiered—and won the Premio Maguey competition—at the Guadalajara International Film Festival, where Director of Programming, Amber Dawn, had the opportunity to meet director Javier Van de Couter and actress Camila Sosa Villada. “She is one of the best theatrical actresses of my generation,” Van de Couter boasts about his leading lady.
Demure and kindly Alé makes her home in Villa Rosa, a queer shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires; she makes her living collecting recyclables. While rummaging through trash, she finds the diary-sized suicide note of a woman named Mia. Compelled by Mia’s story, Alé becomes determined to find Mia’s eight-year-old daughter and return the diary—an endeavour that takes her unexpectedly into the home and hearts of the grieving family. Mia is about the capacity to love, to heal and to be a part of a chosen family.
All you need to do is comment on this blog entry sharing your favorite Vancouver Pride 2012 moment. If you were not able to attend Vancouver Pride this year, you could just share what you like the best about Vancouver Pride, or Pride celebrations in general. I will draw, as always, 3 random winners (one for each of the 2 films and 1 for the Centrepiece Gala film) on Friday August 18th at 2pm.
You could also earn an additional entry by posting the following on Twitter:
Shared my favorite Pride moment with @hummingbird604 to enter to win @queerfilmfest tickets http://is.gd/eHDOjJ #festies
An additional entry can be earned by posting a Vancouver Pride 2012 photo on Instagram and tagging me (@hummingbird604) and the Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2012 (@queerfilmfest) and telling me “a favorite Pride photo”, using the hashtag #festies. I will track all entries. If you win one of the pairs of tickets and your second entry is also a winner, I will redraw so that there are 3 winners overall. But you can definitely maximize your chances of winning by participating on the contest in all platforms!
I have a weird relationship with Mexico in Vancouver, and that has always been the case for the more than 10 years that I lived in Vancouver. I have set foot at the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver TWICE in my entire life. Don’t get me wrong, I love being Mexican, and with an increasing flow of Mexican folks to Vancouver, the number of events associated with showcasing Mexico and Mexican culture has increased as well. But I never really felt the need to be part of the Latino or Mexican community in Vancouver.
