Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca Bollwitt

PICA Students Cook with Winter Ale [Flickr]

2009-11-06T20:03:28-08:00

miss604 posted a photo:

PICA Students Cook with Winter Ale [Flickr]

2009-11-06T20:03:27-08:00

miss604 posted a photo:

PICA Students Cook with Winter Ale [Flickr]

2009-11-06T20:03:25-08:00

miss604 posted a photo:

PICA Students Cook with Winter Ale [Flickr]

2009-11-06T20:03:23-08:00

miss604 posted a photo:

PICA Students Cook with Winter Ale [Flickr]

2009-11-06T20:03:22-08:00

miss604 posted a photo:

Circle Craft Christmas Market 2009

2009-11-06T20:28:32Z

Photo: tom_lin on Flickr

Each year dozens of artisans, crafters, and exhibitors showcase their wares and talents in a warm and cozy holiday atmosphere at the Circle Craft Christmas Market.

The 36th annual market will take place next week, from November 11th until the 15th at the Vancouver Convention Centre and the market will once again be offering up some nifty crafting treats. Exhibits include a Student Art Exhibition, an Entertainment Stage, Ballz of Fire glass-blowing workshops, Wood Turning Demonstrations, and more.

As my good friend Keira told me when I asked her about Circle Craft she said, “I Love it! I always go!” Luckily the folks in charge of the event have given me two tickets to give away to a reader and a guest so they can experience the market themselves.

To enter to win the passes, just leave a comment on this blog post or re-tweet including this link (http://bit.ly/1VWOdg) as well as @Miss604 and @CircleCraft.

Find out more about the Circle Craft Christmas Market on their website or blog. I’ll draw the contest winner on November the 10th and they’ll have tickets waiting for them at the Will Call table.

Vancouver History: Man’s Best Friend

2009-11-05T21:55:44Z

This morning I asked my Twitter followers what today’s “Then and Now” theme should be and I received some great suggestions. One that stuck out (hat tips to Patty Gibson) was a feature about dogs and their owners.

With Vancouver being such a dog-friendly city, complete with doggy day spas, dog bakeries, with a selection of off-leash parks and beaches, I thought it would be a great fit. Mind you, I might not have been able to find direct comparison photos (or appropriate “Now” images) but I thought I would still provide a glimpse into Vancouver’s dog-loving days of the past.

1890s
Not a sight you’re likely to see today. Three small boys who look like they have just returned from a hunting trip with their faithful companion.

Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # SGN 1734

1898
A man strolls along Granville (near Hastings) with his dog as they approach the original CPR train station.

Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # Bu P266

1900s
I’m not sure if Reuben Hamilton’s dog Cronje was a class pet or just a visitor but he was a welcomed edition to the Charles Dickens school photo nevertheless.

Photo credit: Major Matthews Collection, Item # Sch P68

1912
You wouldn’t believe how many images I have found in the Archives that show bears chained up in yards like dogs, or even playing with dogs. The image below is from Waterloo Street in Kitsilano.

Photographer: James L. Quiney, Item # CVA 7-21

1919
The photograph collection at the Archives has at least a dozen photos of military personnel posing with their dogs. Here is the group from Hastings Park C.S.E.F.

Photographer: Stuart Thomson, Item #CVA 99-704

1938
A view from the ferry terminal in West Vancouver, you can see a pup was there when the two bridge towers of the Lions Gate went up.

Photo credit: David Loughnan, Item # CVA 265-51

Should you have your own suggestions for the “Then and Now” theme, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Check out these photos and more information on the City of Vancouver Archives website, or in person at 1150 Chestnut Street in Kitsilano.

Goodbye Talk1410

2009-11-05T19:36:09Z

There have been many changes in the Vancouver radio landscape over the last year or so and while some have been great (such as the addition of The Peak 100.5 and Shore 104.1), the mics of many beloved personalities have been turned off.

This morning I hopped into a Zipcar and while the tuner said “1410″ I heard the call sign “Team 1410″. I thought this must instantly be a mistake since Chum Radio Vancouver hosts both stations. The message was followed by a show intro and then men talking about basketball.

Instantly flipping over to Twitter I saw an update from John Bollwitt that included this link:

A message from James Stuart – Vice President & General Manager of CHUM Radio Vancouver….
… In 1996 CFUN’s very successful run as a music station came to an end and it began its life in the talk radio world. Since that time we as a company have continually and aggressively endeavoured over the years to grow the size of listening audience, and even though the effort has certainly been there, the results have shown us that our business model for CFUN must change – and the time for that change to happen is now.

To those who have listened to TALK 1410 through the many ups and downs of the talk format and changes in styles and personalities…we sincerely thank you and we also sincerely thank the advertisers who have supported the radio station as well over the past years. I truly hope you will give our new station a try, but I also will understand if you decide that it is not for you.

We will be the new home for world class sports personalities including Jim Rome, Dan Patrick, Bob McCown and the best of the best ESPN sports insiders. We will broadcast every BC Lions game, from pre-season to playoffs, and hopefully, all the way to the Grey Cup. Along with that, you’ll be able to listen and join in the conversation with extensive pre and post game shows for all of the Lions games. 1410 is now the new and permanent full time home for BC lions football in Vancouver, and that starts tomorrow night with the crucial, must win game against the Eskimo’s at BC Place. If you’re going to the game, take your radio and you can follow all the action as only Rick Ball & Giulio Caravatta can describe it, right here on TEAM 1410. [Read more...]

From what I understand, Talk 1410 (or 14 CFUN as many previously knew it) has ceased to exist. The Team 1410 will be kind of like an “ESPN 2″, complimenting the Team 1040. Nothing has changed at The Team 1040 aside from the fact that they will now have a brother station providing amped-up sports coverage. However to my knowledge, the future of those associated with Talk 1410 is entirely uncertain.

I have had the pleasure of appearing for a weekly afternoon segment at Talk 1410 for the last year, working with amazing folks like Patrick Maliha, Val Cole, Kate Gajdosik, Art Factora, and Joe Leary. I’m not sure where they are right now, or where they will be, but I wanted to say they will be greatly missed from the airwaves.

Not a week went by that I didn’t have someone email my contact form to say they listened to and enjoyed the segment. I can only imagine how the impact the full time shows, hosts, and segments had on the population.

I hope for the very best for all Talk 1410 personnel as they were truly a great bunch to work with. If you can find your favourite host online (website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN etc.) let them know how much you appreciated their talents.

As a side note, I have been interviewing people for a series about radio in Vancouver over the last month and it will be published in the coming weeks. At this time I just want to encourage Vancouverites to listen to local radio. It’s there with you anytime you need it – at home, in the car, during your commute and even in the shower. It’s free, hyper-local content at its best.

Link Fest: November Events Edition

2009-11-05T00:49:17Z

November has crept up on us so quickly, it seems like yesterday I was writing a post about the kiddies heading back to school. With 100 days to the Olympics and only 49 shopping days left until Christmas, here’s a roundup of events around town that you might not want to miss.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

The Point Grey Holiday Fair (held at Point Grey Secondary School) is November 7th from 10:00am – 4:00pm and will feature products from over 80 artisans. You can contact Birgitta at (604) 266-2830 for more info.

It’s Family Day in Surrey November 8th.

Fragments in RPM is an exhibit launching this weekend at Public on Main by local artist & designer Robert Edmonds.

The Golden Age of Vancouver Opera takes place November 9th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Vancouver Public Library. This is a free speaker series at the main branch downtown.

The Christmas at Hycroft Gala is November 17th.

The 3rd annual Vancouver Serbian Film Festival is happening this November 10th to 13th.

The historic Irving House in New Westminster hosts A Very Victorian Christmas on November 14th.

There is a David Suzuki Foundation fundraiser on November 19th at Terminal City Club

Christmas in Cloverdale is November 20th to the 21st.

The next Make It! Vancouver will take place November 20th until the 22nd at the Croatian Cultural Centre.

There is a Christmas Craft Fair at the Bonsor Complex in Burnaby November 21st and 22nd.

The Burnaby Village Museum launches Heritage Christmas on November 21st which will run until January 3rd.

Covenant House’s Night of New Beginnings is November 26th.

And with the holiday season upon us already, Operation Red Nose is looking for volunteers. This is the free program that will come to pick you and drive you home in your own car so that you can get home safe after a few festive bevvies.

Also please consider supporting local causes (such as the Food Bank, Salvation Army, YWCA, and the UGM) at this time of year as the temperature drops.

Should you have any community events that you would like listed, please feel free to contact me (checking the “events” box on the form).

Movember 2009

2009-11-06T16:40:47Z

In 2003 Adam Garone of Melbourne and his friends thought it would be funny to see how well they could each grow a mustache for an entire 30-day period. It was at this time Movember was created (Mo being local slang for a mustache) and they really had no idea how their silly idea would soon lead to a global movement.

Each of the 30 participating friends started out the month clean-shaven and by the end they threw a party to celebrate their campaign. “We got so much grief from girlfriends, bosses, and moms who said, ‘You can’t just grow a mustache!’,” said Adam. Once all was said and done (and shaved off) Adam and his friends thought, “that was so much fun we need a way to legitimize it so we can keep it going year after year.” Thus Movember truly began to take shape.

The group thought about various campaigns they had previously been a party of such as fundraisers for breast cancer research and became inspired by that global community that seems to make such a difference. “Of the original group, two of the guys had dads with prostate cancer so we started researching,” noted Adam. The guys soon found out that prostate cancer was similar to breast cancer in terms of number of people diagnosed each year. They also observed that, “there was a significant gap in awareness and fundraising for that particular cause.” As such, campaigning to raise funds for Prostate Cancer research became the driving force behind the next Movember.

“Prostate cancer is over 90 per cent curable if detected and treated in its earliest stages. in addition to investing in research, Movember raises awareness and ultimately saves lives. Together we are changing the face of men’s health.” – Steve Jones, CEO and President, Prostate Cancer Canada

In 2004 they then had 450 men from Melbourne and Australia take part, raising $55,000 and this year they are now on track to register over a quarter of a million participants globally.

“Growing a mustache is a lot like doing a run or a walk for charity,” said Adam who said they then created the tag line “changing the face of men’s health”. “So we literally challenge men to change their appearance with that commitment and by doing that they became a walking billboard for 30 days talking about prostate cancer, their health, and raising funds along the way.”

He attributes much of its global success to word of mouth and they had no idea that it would grow to be the event is it today. Across Canada there are already over 1,400 participants or “Mos” each running campaigns or as a part of a team. Locally, Movember Canada funds raised will go to Prostate Cancer Canada while globally the Movember Foundation supports campaigns, education, and research year-round.

Adam said that, “men want to do something for causes that effect us but we don’t want to wear a blue ribbon. We don’t want to wear a blue wristband. But growing a mustache has that retro appeal and a lot wonder what they look like with a mustache.”

Upon signup you will be given your own online donation/campaign page, the rule (ie. no goatees or beards), and tools to help you raise funds and host events in your city. Women are also encouraged to get involved as they can organize teams, donate, and help mobilize their male friends.

After interviewing Adam, I put the call out on Twitter (by the way you can find them @Movember / @Movember_CA) to see if there were any local participants out there. Here’s a quick list if you’d like to show your support:

Graeme Tait is a radio personality from Nanaimo who is on the team: “1069 The Wolf Mo Bro’s”

Gus Fosarolli, Jordan Behan, Chris Mathieson and friends are on the team: “Twi’stache Vancouver”

Peter Gale and the crew from Sophos are on the team: “Team Mophos”

The folks at memelabs have a team

Raul Pacheco has also compiled a list of participants here

… if you have a team feel free to leave a comment and I can add you to the local list

Vancouver will celebrate the end of Movember on the 26th at Fortune Sound Club on East Pender. You can come dressed as the character that best suits your ’stache and there are also prizes for Miss Movember. This will all be followed by what I can only assume will be a massive shave-off.

Adam encourages all men to take part and it isn’t too late to join today. “Movember is just the perfect word of mouth campaign, it’s on your face — and if it’s not on your face it’s in your face.”

Update: Local company, Saxx is participating and for every pair of their Saxx underwear that they sell this month, they’ll donate $1 to the cause.

Vancouver Washington, A Tale of Two Vancouvers

2009-11-03T16:49:54Z

Vancouver Washington, near the Oregon border and lying on the outskirts of Portland, is tired of playing second fiddle to the big cities especially ours which bears the same name. As such, the Washington city is considering changing its name so they can stand out on their own.

“The Vancouver Columbian in Washington reports that a vote Tuesday could mean a majority on the city council in favour of sending the proposal to voters. Supporters of the name change say it would avoid the long-running confusion with Vancouver, B.C. But detractors say it’s not a first priority for council and that residents should get over the fact that the city shares a name with another.” [The Province]

Photo credit: rscottjones on Flickr

“Residents of Vancouver, Washington go to the polls ~~tomorrow~~ [today] and the outcome of the election could change the city — or at least its name — forever. A slate of candidates is poised to form a majority on council and one platforms calls for a new name for the city in the extreme southwestern corner of the state. Supporters want to switch to Fort Vancouver — arguing it’s the only way to avoid confusion with Vancouver, B.C. Opponents of the plan — including the current mayor — say there are no other Vancouvers in the United States.” [CTV]

Photo credit: rscottjones on Flickr

I know there are several “Springfields” across America but I supposed the confusion lies within both Vancouvers being in the Pacific Northwest and the one in Washington simply wanted to stand out on its own. Residents will be voting on the issue today and so far “Fort Vancouver” is the suggested name as the Fort is a National Historic Site.

I’m curious to see what others think about this effort to be individual.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Darby’s Comedy Night Cancer Benefit

2009-11-04T03:42:47Z

Our pal Patrick Maliha is known for his giggle-inducing one liners, gut-busting stand up, and his contribution to the local comedy scene as event organizer and Urban Laughs founder. In just a few weeks he’s hosting another event at Darby’s on West Fourth and this time it’s to help out friend and colleague Jennifer Thomson.

“Just this past summer, Vancouver radio personality and all around great gal Jennifer Thomson was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and has been unable to work since the diagnosis. So we’ve all decided to get together and give her a little benefit show.”

The show will take place November 24th at 9:00pm and tickets are $10. Patrick Maliha will be the evening’s MC and other comedians donating their time include CTV’s Marke Driesschen, Canada’s Next Top Comic finalist Art Factora, Dr. Russ Kennedy, Mike Wolfe, Greg Kettner and Sean Proudlove.

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with Jennifer (albeit we were screaming while ziplining on Grouse Mountain months ago) and I encourage others to support this benefit as well, for the sake of her and her young son.

You can call (604) 731-0617 to make reservations, confirm your attendance on Facebook, or show up on the 24th to support this benefit.

Burnaby Express BCHL Hockey

2009-11-02T23:44:54Z

A few weeks ago I experienced my first Burnaby Express hockey game with my husband and a group of his co-workers. Being a British Columbia Hockey League team, to me it seemed as though someone took the North Surrey Recreation Centre and mixed it with the Pacific Coliseum for a Giants Game. It was quaint, community-based, inexpensive, yet the hockey was fast-paced and exciting — you could tell these guys are the stars of tomorrow.

Turns out, I had never previously heard of the Burnaby Express and nether have most others I have spoken to. This team that does a lot in the community could use a boost since it’s in a middle of a very split market so here’s my chance to introduce my readers to some great grassroots hockey.

The BCHL is a part of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, featuring players ranging from 16 to 20 years old. The Express are a part of the league’s Coastal Conference which includes the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, the Cowichan Valley Capitals, the Nanaimo Clippers, the Victoria Grizzlies, the Langley Chiefs, the Powell River Kings, and the Surrey Eagles.

From 1998 to 2001 Burnaby was home of the Bulldogs who then moved onto Port Alberni in 2002. The Coquitlam Express started up in 2001 and then moved to Burnaby (forming the Burnaby Express) in 2005. Now based out of the Bill Copeland Arena in Burnaby (just near Joe Sakic Way) the Express are the 2006 BCHL Champions, 2006 Doyle Cup Champions, and 2006 Canadian Junior ‘A’ Champions.

Alumni currently playing in the NHL are Andrew Ladd (Chicago Blackhawks) and Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins).

Individual tickets are just $13 (adults), $9 (students/seniors), $6 (kids), and you can get 10-game flex packs for $100. You can follow them on Twitter @BurnabyExpress or read their blog for updates. I highly recommend taking the family out to a game and experiencing that true sense of local hockey.

Lights with Jets Overhead at the Commodore

2009-11-06T16:26:44Z

This coming Saturday, Jets Overhead from Victoria, BC will be opening up for Lights at the fabulous Commodore Ballroom.

Last month I was able to interview Antonia from the band and I was also able to send a reader to their show at the Chan Centre out at UBC.

Turns out, I once again have the opportunity to give away some tickets that will go to a reader (drawn at random) who re-tweets or leaves a comment on this post. The winner will not only receive two tickets to this week’s concert, but also a Jets Overhead prize pack including a t-shirt and autographed copy of their album, No Nations.

I’ll draw the winner on Thursday afternoon and once again to enter, simply leave a comment or re-tweet this post. Jets Overhead will be supporting Lights across Canada, from Victoria, to Red Deer, to Hamilton, and everywhere in between.

Update: I drew my winner last night and it is Seamus – congratulations!

Stanley Park Photowalk: Fall Colours

2009-11-01T23:24:59Z

This morning we headed out for a photowalk, leaving behind the glassy towers of the City to walk among the greens, reds, oranges and yellows of autumn in Stanley Park.

The trails reminded me of milk-soaked cereal as the dry, crunchy leaves covered the moist and muddied forest floor.

The shallow and dried up path-side ditches of summertime were now rushing streams, floating multicoloured leaves from one end of the park to another. We looped around Beaver Lake, traversed some of our favourite old trails, and discovered a plethora of mushrooms and fungus that have been thriving in this cool, crisp and moist autumn climate.

We even happened upon one of the installations from the Stanley Park Environmental Art Project.

The photowalk ended with a quick visit the Stanley Park Nature House — an admission-free interpretive centre at the site of the old Lost Lagoon boat house.

Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by a poster sporting the lovely image of one of my heroes, E. Pauline Johnson. On the poster, titled “How Lost Lagoon Got its Name” one of Pauline’s poems was featured:

The lost lagoon
It is dusk on the Lost Lagoon,
And we two dreaming the dusk away,
Beneath the drift of a twilight grey,
Beneath the drowse of an ending day,
And the curve of a golden moon.

It is dark in the Lost Lagoon,
And gone are the depths of haunting blue,
The grouping gulls, and the old canoe,
The singing firs, and the dusk and–you,
And gone is the golden moon.

O! lure of the Lost Lagoon,–
I dream to-night that my paddle blurs
The purple shade where the seaweed stirs,
I hear the call of the singing firs
In the hush of the golden moon.

I highly encourage residents and visitors alike to take a stroll through Stanley Park, no matter the season. The beauty is there year-round and I don’t even need a camera to capture it as it has and always will leave an indelible photo set within my West Coast memory.

Related: Vancouver’s Fall Colours

Bras Across the Bridge 2009

2009-10-31T00:21:02Z

Over the last few weeks Virgin 95.3 has been asking listeners to drop off bras at local Red Robin and Honda dealerships as a part of “Bras Across the Bridge”. For every bra collected, the sponsors will donate $2 to Breast Cancer research.

Photo credit: Clar@bell on Flickr

You still have time to contribute today if you can stop by the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This is where they will link up all of the collected bras to see if they can span the entire length of the bridge (or how many times they can do so). Virgin Radio’s Kiah and Tara Jean will be live on location from 2:00pm until 6:00pm for the event that will host a number of other activities as well.

Once the event is wrapped up, all of the bras will be cleaned and donated to a local women’s shelter — so the benefits here are doubleplus good. I’m going to be heading up there for the final tally and will report back to see how much has been raised.

Update: Virgin invited me out to cover the event and it was a perfect afternoon to do so (well, as perfect as you can get in the rainy autumn season).

In the end their listeners had donated 2360 bras, which will all get washed and sent to a local women’s shelter. This means that the sponsors (Red Robin, Honda) will also donate $2 a bra toward Breast Cancer research. All afternoon, one by one, each bra was added to the chain by a dedicated group of volunteers.

I walked across the bridge a few times and couldn’t believe there were so many donated bras, of all shapes and sizes. Turn out that the big long line of undergarments spanned the entire bridge 7 times — that’s the equivalent of the entire wingspan of 14 Boeing 747 airplanes.

You still have until 6:00pm to stop by and donate your bra for the cause and when you do so, your admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge is free.

Social Media Directory for Ski Season

2009-10-31T00:22:27Z

This morning I woke up to see a new Twitter update from @MtSeymourRoad:

Ski and snowboard season is just around the corner and as Metro Vancouver prepares for another blustery winter, the local hills are getting ready to welcome the Olympic-sized crowds that will be flocking to the hills. Here’s how many of them are using social media to keep the public informed about events, activities, and conditions.

Local Mountains on social media

Cypress Mountain
Home of the 2010 Olympic Games snowboarding events

Mount Seymour
Not involved in the 2010 Games so they’ll have lots of room for riders this season

Grouse Mountain
Will be open 24 hours a day during the Olympics, even hosting NBC’s Today Show for a few weeks — can you say 4am Tweetup on the slopes?

Just outside of Metro Vancouver

Whistler Blackcomb
Host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. 90% of their runs will be open to the public during that time.

Hemlock Valley Resort
Closer than you think, just outside the Fraser Valley

Mount Washington
Your ultimate ski/board destination on Vancouver Island. Check out Keira’s posts for everything you need to know about Mount Washington.

Quick Okanagan Getaways

Sun Peaks
Located near Kamloops, BC

Apex Mountain

Big White
Awesome ski-in, ski-out resort near Kelowna, BC

Silver Star Mountain
Just north of Big White, outside of Vernon, BC

I’m celebrating my 16th year as a snowboarder so I can’t wait to get in as much riding as possible. With the local mountains getting snow this morning opening day isn’t too far down the road.

Should you have any listings you would like to add to my directory above, please feel free to leave a comment or email me through my contact form.

Halloween Blu-ray Movie Giveaway

2009-10-30T20:09:00Z

I have been offered the chance to give away three ultimate spooky Blu-ray collections and since Halloween is just two sleeps away, this will be a super quick contest.

Here’s what the prize packs (each valued at $175) will include:
Child’s Play, Misery, the Hannibal Lecter Anthology, Wrong Turn, Wrong Turn 2.

To enter to win, just leave a comment on this post or re-tweet this link (RT @Miss604 Halloween Blu-ray Movie Giveaway – http://bit.ly/2VkqFv)

I’ll draw the winners tonight and the prize packs will be delivered to them in time for Halloween.

Update: I have drawn Cameron (through Twitter), Carla, and Victor as the winners – thanks for playing along with this quick giveaway!

Night of New Beginnings at Covenant House

2009-10-29T17:24:43Z

The Night of New Beginnings at Covenant House is a fundraising gala that will kick off their “30 days for 30 nights” campaign. This initiative aims to raise enough to fund the shelter’s operations for the entire month of December.

Photo credit: portablematthew on Flickr

Covenant House Vancouver exists for those young people for whom there is often no one else — young people aged 16 – 24 who have either willingly fled physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse or those who have been forced from their homes.

In order to run Covenant House’s shelter for their single busiest month of the year they’re looking to raise $200,000. This will cover day to day operations for their 54 bed crisis centre.

Primarily privately funded, Covenant House relies on the generosity of over 50,000 individuals and organizations to provide shelter, food, clothing and counselling to over 2,000 young people each year.

Tickets for the Night of New Beginnings gala on November 26th are $75 and the event will take place at Birks downtown from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Elaine Lui (LaineyGossip) will be the master of ceremonies as you enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while bidding on silent auction items.

Contact Shelley Holmes by phone (604) 482-5131 or email Shelly.Holmes[at]td.com for more information and to purchase your tickets.

Vampyre Weekend at the Vancity Theatre Giveaway

2009-10-30T19:37:41Z

Starting this Friday the Vancity Theatre is hosting Vampyre Weekend — three nights of ghoulish features on the big screen.

Source: Let the Right One In

Friday October 30
6:30 pm Let the Right One In
8:35 pm Near Dark
10:15 pm Vampire’s Kiss
Midnight The Hunger

Saturday October 31
4:30 pm Let the Right One In
6:30 pm Martin
8:15 pm Habit
10:20 pm Rabid
Midnight Vampyr

Sunday November 1
4:30 pm London After Midnight (reconstruction with Rick Schmidlin)
5:45 pm Mark of the Vampire
7:15 pm Rabid
9:00 pm Ganja & Hess

Tickets for each screening range from $8 to $10 and you can also pickup a pass for multiple shows. The hosts of Vampyre Weekend have also given me tickets to give away to three readers who will be able to attend the screening of their choice with a guest.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

Tweet – post an update to Twitter (or re-tweet) with the name of your favourite movie in the list above. Make sure to @Miss604 and @VIFFVIFC in the update so we can track your entry.

Facebook – post an update to Facebook with the name of your favourite movie in the list above. Use the “Share” button on this post so I can track the links OR comment (include link to your favourite film on the list) on the Vancouver International Film Festival Facebook fan page.

Comment – leave a comment on this post with the name of the film you would like to see.

The Vancity Theatre is located on Seymour near Davie inside the Vancouver International Film Centre. It is licensed, has a concession, and has super comfy chairs complete with wide arm rests and cupholders. Contest ends Friday October 30th at sunrise and the winners will be contacted that morning.

Update: Winners have been drawn and they are Tris, Lindsey, and Ale Lara – thanks!

The Horrific Home of Beatrice Stainsbury

2009-10-27T19:59:33Z

The Horrific Home of Beatrice Stainsbury is a truly unique theatrical Halloween experience in the form of a house party tour taking place on October 31st.

Although calmly nestled in a quiet, unsuspecting Commercial Dr. neighborhood, no one has dared set foot in the Horrific Home of Beatrice Stainsbury since the early 1900s… until now. On one night only, this house of ill-repute will open its doors to worlds previously unheard of and unexperienced in any haunted house you may have visited. Your senses will tingle with fear, laughter, repulsion, sadness and curiosity, as the macabre, the terrifying and the outrageous join up with moments of heart-wrenching beauty, soul-stirring sadness and unavoidable mirth.

From 6:40pm until 9:40pm a tour will leave the rendez-vous point every 20 minutes and you will be guided throughout the horrific house. “The Stray Cats” cast will entertain as you make stops throughout the household to hear the performers’ stories. There are only a few slots left as each tour group must only be a maximum of 11 people. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $28. Thanks to @ChrisWalts for the heads up about this event.

Vancouver History Tidbits: Name Game

2009-10-27T16:49:35Z

My History Tidbits series has contained everything from Fountains, Trails, and Mansions but today I thought I would play the Name Game once again.

Every day I wonder where a street, building, or bridge in Metro Vancouver got its name. I’d have to say my favourite so far is the history of Mr Duff Pattullo but there are others I wanted to discover and share.

View of Third Beach from Ferguson Point in Stanley Park
(Left) Vancouver Archives Item #: St Pk P204 (Right) Jeff McNeil on Flickr

Alfred Graham Ferguson
He was the first chair of the Vancouver Parks Board and Ferguson Point, near the Tea Hour, between Second and Third beaches, is named after him. He also built Ferguson Block in the Downtown Eastside although the wooden buildings burnt in the Great Fire of 1886. He then rebuilt the block with brick as it stands today on Powell Street.

Francis William Caulfeild
He was a land developer from England who, in 1899, bought up the area of West Vancouver we now refer to as Caulfield just East of Point Atkinson (which used to be called Skunk Cove).

Thomas George Shaughnessy
President of the Canadian Pacific Railway who was knighted in 1901. In 1909 he bought property in what is now referred to as Shaughnessy Heights, named after him.

Dugald Campbell Patterson
A Burnaby pioneer, Patterson Avenue is named for him. He actually built a path (now the Avenue) as well as a wooden platform for the BC Electric Railway where the Patterson SkyTrain station now sits. He also gave the Edmonds District its name and co-founded Central Park in Burnaby.

Sir Donald Mann
Port Mann and thus the Port Mann Bridge are named after Sir Donald. The site of Port Mann was originally supposed to be the Canadian Northern railway’s Pacific Terminus. Upon bankruptcy however, it later became a part of the Canadian National Railway, which spanned all the way out to Vancouver.

Anna Ethel Sprott
You’ve probably heard the radio commercials for Sprott-Shaw Community College, well Anna Ethel was married to the school’s founder R.J. Sprott after she attended the school. At the time, it focused on commerce, radio and telegraphy. After R.J.’s death, Anna founded the West Coast Radio School and went on to serve city council longer than any other woman in history. She was also the first woman to serve as acting mayor in 1953. “On retirement, admitted to writing secret letters on council’s behalf to those celebrating 50th and 60th anniversaries and 90th or 100th birthdays.” [source]

Doing my research for this post I discovered that the City of Vancouver has a great little archive of walking tours around historic neighbourhoods. You can click your way through the virtual tour on the web, or print out the map and head to check out these points of interest for yourself. Hat tips as always to VancouverHistory.ca for being such a great resource and check out the Vancouver Historical Society for a list of interesting events.

Candlelight Conservation Dinner 2009

2009-10-27T15:36:24Z

Tourism Vancouver and BC Hydro have teamed up for a special dining opportunity happening tomorrow around Vancouver.

On Wednesday October 28th the Candlelight Conservation Dinner will see over 30 restaurants around town dimming their dining room lights to promote saving energy during the last week of Power Smart Month.

The Candlelight Conservation Dinner is designed to bring attention to electricity conservation. The BC Energy Plan calls for B.C. electricity self-sufficiency by 2016 and for conservation to reduce, by 50%, the expected growth in overall electricity demand in the province by 2020.

If you go to BC Hydro’s website and sign up for Team Power Smart they also have some deals* that you can redeem at some of these participating restaurants:

(Click to expand the list)

Araxi Restaurant + Bar*

American Grille Restaurant

Aria Restaurant & Lounge

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar*

C Restaurant

Carver’s Steakhouse & Lounge

CinCin Ristorante + Bar*

Diva at the Met – The Metropolitan Hotel

Le Gavroche Restaurant

Moustache Cafe

Northlands Bar and Grill

nu restaurant + lounge

Nyala African Cuisine

O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar

Prospect Point Cafe

Provence Marinaside

Raincity Grill

Rocky Mountain Flatbread

Sanafir

section (3)

Shaughnessy Restaurant

So.Cial Le Magasin

STONEGRILL

The Brasserie Restaurant at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites*

The New Bohemian

The Ocean Club

The Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown

The Point Restaurant & Tapas

The Refinery market.style.eatery

The Sunset Grill

Trattoria Italian Kitchen

West Restaurant + Bar*

Westward Ho Public House & Grill Room at The University Golf Club

This is your chance to check out places from the Prospect Point Cafe over to West or (the rumoured to be haunted) Old Spaghetti Factory as it should be a unique dining experience with plenty of ambiance.

3 Blog Nights 2009 at BCIT

2009-10-27T20:20:46Z

In the spring of 2009 BCIT hosted the inaugural 3 Blog Nights and they’ve brought it back again this year for 72 straight hours of content and contests.

The goal is to get the word out about BCIT, raise some buzz through social media, share video interviews and do ~~an ultimate giveaway~~ two ultimate giveaways of $1,000 worth of tuition credits. The event began yesterday at the main Burnaby campus and will be going until Wednesday. They have an entire crew working 8-hour shifts each to keep the educational information flowing.

You can keep up to date on all of their interviews (including one I recorded with Kemp Edmonds today) and happenings online via Twitter @3BlogNights, and the 3 Blog Nights blog.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27th) they will also be hosting a tweetup at Malone’s downtown, near their Vancouver campus. It will run from 5:30pm onwards and is listed on the official Vancouver Tweetup directory.

The crew at BCIT (Kemp, Dave, Randy et al) have been doing a tremendous job in using social media — from individual Twitter accounts to YouTube videos that profile programs and life on the BCIT campus. If you have the chance, stop by the 3 Blog Nights booth at the Burnaby campus (inside SE2) or check them out online. I know what it’s like to do a Blogathon so kudos to them for making this campaign an annual event.

Update: My interview video is now online.

Broadway Across Canada: A Chorus Line

2009-10-29T18:23:50Z

Broadway Across Canada is a touring production of Broadway shows coming to a city near you and they’ll be bringing A Chorus Line to Vancouver November 3rd to 8th.

Broadway Across America/Canada is committed to sharing the magic of live theatre and educating audiences of all ages in the process … read more

Tickets start at about $59 for this show and I have been approached to do a contest/giveaway for my audience. If you’d like to check this out, I’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to opening night on November 3rd, which will go to one lucky reader and their guest.

To enter, simply leave a comment below or re-tweet this link including “@Miss604″ and “A Chorus Line” in your update. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday so we have enough time to get your name to the box office for Monday.

Twitter entries

Update: I just drew the winner and it is Jen – congratulations!

Related: Win tickets to Evil Dead: The Musical this week & Support Vancouver Theatre This Season.