Vancouver
Friday, March 12th, 2010
See Sumi out and about during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, on from Mar. 12 to 21
With a name that derives from a Salish word meaning “guardian spirit,” it’s no wonder Sumi, the mascot for the Paralympic Games, takes on the role of protector. This little character has big shoes to fill: he’s an animal spirit who walks with the sturdy legs of a bear, possesses the powerful wings of the mythical thunderbird and wears the hat of the orca, known to First Nations as the keeper of the sea. Outfitted in fern green, his favourite colour, Sumi spends time skiing and flying above the mountains in Whistler, where he makes his home.—Kristina Urquhart
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, first nations, Paralympic Games, Paralympic mascot, Salish, spirit, Sumi, Vancouver, Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler | No Comments »
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Photo of Kickstart by Chris Randle
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this annual fest (Mar. 12 to 21) truly is an international affair. Artists from all around the world come here to dance on local stages. This year, featured troupes include Los Angeles’ Michael Sakamoto, Denmark’s Kitt Johnson, Taiwan’s LAFA & Artists, New Zealand’s Black Grace and New York’s Evidence. But we’re not short on home-grown talent: Vancouver dancers include Flamenco Rosario, Kickstart, Out Innerspace and Mascall Dance.—Sheri Radford
| Tags: black grace, dance, Dancing, evidence, festival, Flamenco Rosario, Kickstart, kitt johnson, LAFA & artists, local, Mascall Dance, michael sakamoto, Out Innerspace, Sheri Radford, Vancouver, Vancouver International Dance Festival | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op
With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart
| Tags: adventure, backpacks, Canada, climbing, cycling, equipment, gear, hiking, Hot Shopping, kayaking, Kristina Urquhart, local, Luggage, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, outdoors, Shopping, Vancouver, watersports | No Comments »
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Photo by Caroline Toth
Since 1929, the Commodore Ballroom has been delighting concertgoers with its huge sprung hardwood dance floor and great musical acts. In the early days as the Commodore Cabaret, this art deco landmark featured big band music, dinner and dancing every Saturday night and celebrity performers including Sammy Davis Jr., Count Basie and Cab Calloway. More recently it has played host to some of the biggest names in rock, hip-hop and pop music, including U2, David Bowie, Nirvana, Tina Turner, The Police, The Tragically Hip, Beastie Boys and KISS. So put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the best bounce the city has to offer.—Leszek Apouchtine
| Tags: Beastie Boys, Cab Calloway, Caroline Toth, Commodore Ballroom, Commodore Cabaret, Concerts, Count Basie, Dancing, David Bowie, Entertainment, Hot Entertainment, KISS, Leszek Apouchtine, Music, Nirvana, Sammy Davis Jr., The Tragically Hip, Tina Turner, U2, Vancouver | No Comments »
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Photo copyright Geoffrey Farmer, 2009, courtesy City of Vancouver
With Mapping and Marking, Vancouver has commissioned eight public art projects meant to enhance our city’s already exciting landscape. Check out local conceptual artist Geoffrey Farmer’s Every Letter in the Alphabet project (pictured), located in an exhibition space at 1875 Powell St., or a large-scale cross bearing the words “East Van,” at Knight and Clark streets.—Kristina Urquhart
| Tags: Art, City of Vancouver, Geoffrey Farmer, Hot Art, Kristina Urquhart, Mapping and Marking, public art, Vancouver | No Comments »
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Photo courtesy Pursuit of Happy Hips DVD
Don’t let the words downward facing dog and scorpion pose frighten you: they’re yoga terms. Lululemon turned athletic apparel into trendy everyday attire, while Halfmoon worked together with students and teachers to produce high-quality mats. Sweat with the best at Bikram’s Yoga College or Westcoast Hot Yoga. The Pursuit of Happy Hips DVD ($24.99) features over four hours of poses, was filmed locally and is available at Lululemon. Namaste.—Jennifer Patterson
| Tags: Bikram's Yoga College, exercise, Halfmoon, Hot Shopping, Jennifer Patterson, Lululemon, poses, Pursuit of Happy Hips, Shopping, Vancouver, West Coast, yoga | No Comments »
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Scallops with chanterelles, cauliflower and bodin at Boneta. Photo by KK Law
The cobbled streets and red brick that recall Gassy Jack’s original hamlet conceal a wealth of flavours: Pacific scallops with butternut-squash-black-trumpet-mushroom risotto and chorizo broth at West Coast, French-inclined Boneta; the city’s best pulled pint of Guinness and handmade bangers and mash at The Irish Heather; wood-fired pizza at Incendio; local cheeses and charcuterie at back-alley Salt Tasting Room; continental plates across from the Gastown Steam Clock at Water Street Cafe; and classic Italian in cellar-bound Al Porto.—Tim Pawsey
| Tags: Al Porto, Boneta, Dining, Gastown, Gastown Steam Clock, Hot Dining, Incendio, KK Law, restaurants, salty, The Irish Heather, Tim Pawsey, Vancouver, Water Street Cafe | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Terry Fox Memorial outside BC Place. Photo by KK Law
Terry Fox gained international attention for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research—the annual run in his honour has now become the world’s largest one-day cancer research fundraiser. Before he passed away from bone cancer in 1981, Fox managed to run 5,373 km (3,339 mi) with one prosthetic leg. Other inspiring locals include paraplegic athlete and activist Rick Hansen, environmental activist and author David Suzuki, and actor and Parkinson’s disease research advocate Michael J. Fox.—Jennifer Patterson
| Tags: cancer, cancer research, David Suzuki, heroes, Hot Entertainment, Jennifer Patterson, Marathon of Hope, Michael J. Fox, Rich Hansen, Terry Fox, Terry Fox Run, Vancouver | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
This Canada-inspired hoodie is a hot-ticket item from Lululemon
In just one decade, the local Lululemon has expanded from a single shop in Kitsilano to countless stores around the world. It claims to sell “yoga-inspired athletic apparel,” but women of all shapes and sizes know what it really sells: yoga pants that make butts look great. Founded by Chip Wilson of Westbeach Snowboard fame, the company also produces hoodies, gear bags, yoga mats and other apparel designed to make the wearer look and feel good while working out. A new line of Cheer Gear (pictured) sports the national colours of Sweden, Germany, the US and Canada.—Sheri Radford
| Tags: activewear, athletic wear, Canada, Cheer Gear, Chip Wilson, Germany, Hot Shopping, Lululemon, Sheri Radford, Sweden, United States, Vancouver, Westbeach, yoga | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Mask by Reg Davidson courtesy Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery
To find the perfect BC souvenir, visit Aboriginal art galleries. Masks, jewellery and prints by Haida master Bill Reid are at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Other gorgeous pieces (think carvings and totem poles) are readily available; try Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery, Douglas Reynolds Gallery, Eagle Spirit Gallery, Hill’s Native Art, Lattimer Gallery and Spirit Wrestler Gallery. Inuit Gallery of Vancouver and Marion Scott Gallery offer a wide selection of Inuit art, including drawings and stone sculpture.—Kristina Urquhart
| Tags: aboriginal, Bill Reid, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Douglas Reynolds Gallery, Eagle Spirit Gallery, first nations, Haida, Hill's Native Art, Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, Kristina Urquhart, Lattimer Gallery, Marion Scott Gallery, masks, souvenirs, Spirit Wrestler Gallery, totem poles, Vancouver | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Gorgeous spirit wraps are a stylish souvenir
Local gal Chloë Angus inspires fashionistas of any age with her innovative clothing collection, flattering to women of all shapes and sizes. Her unique spirit wraps (pictured) incorporate beautiful imagery by Haida artist Clarence Mills. Pick up your piece of fashionable art at Frances Hill’s or Fine Finds, and visit www.chloeangus.com to see the many ways to wear it.—Jennifer Patterson
| Tags: Chloe Angus, Clarence Mills, fashion, Fine Finds, Frances Hill's, Haida, Hot Shopping, Jennifer Patterson, scarves, spirit wraps, Vancouver, wraps | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Enjoy Vancouver's nightlife to the fullest with this handy guide
Author John Lee sacrificed shoe leather and liver to come up with his list of favourite Vancouver bars: The Alibi Room, Au Petit Chavignol, Brickhouse, The Cascade Room, Corduroy Restaurant, The Diamond, Narrow Lounge, Railway Club, Six Acres, Stella’s, Three Lions Cafe and The Yale. Discover these hotspots and more in Drinking Vancouver: 100+ Great Bars in the City and Beyond (TouchWood Editions, $19.95), available at local bookstores.—Tim Pawsey
| Tags: Au Petit Chavignol, bars, books, Bookstores, Brickhouse, Corduroy Restaurant, Drinking Vancouver, drinks, guides, Hot Entertainment, John Lee, lounges, Narrow Lounge, Nightlife, Railway Club, Six Acres, Stella's, The Alibi Room, The Cascade Room, The Diamond, The Yale, Three Lions Cafe, Tim Pawsey, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Photo by Danielle Hayes courtesy Tourism Vancouver
The 2010 Winter Games leave Canada with much to be proud of, but the unprecedented involvement of Aboriginal peoples in the staging of the Games could be our longest-lasting legacy. The Four Host First Nations Society represents the Native tribes located in the immediate Vancouver area: Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Lil’wat and Squamish. Check out the stunning Aboriginal Pavilion at West Georgia and Hamilton streets for food, arts, performances and info on Native cultures across Canada.—Kristina Urquhart
| Tags: culture, first nations, Four Host First Nations, Hot Essentials, Kristina Urquhart, Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Vancouver | No Comments »
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Locals love Roots for its soft fabrics and classic style
Keep warm and show some national pride in a hoodie (pictured) from the Canada Collection or a sweater from the new International Collection, featuring countries such as China, Finland and France, all by Roots. This heritage brand has channeled northern lifestyle since 1973 and made a name for itself thanks to classic designs and leather bags. It’s definitely souvenir-worthy.—Jennifer Patterson
| Tags: bags, Canada, China, fashion, Finland, France, Hot Shopping, international, Jennifer Patterson, leather goods, Roots, souvenir, Vancouver | No Comments »
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
O Siyam is a picture-perfect keepsake from the 2010 Winter Games
Explore diverse art in O Siyam: Aboriginal Art Inspired by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Wiley, $35). This vibrant book is filled with images of Canadian works, including carvings and paintings, created by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. As Canada welcomes the world for the 2010 Winter Games, O Siyam (an Aboriginal salutation) greets readers with the stories behind the paintings and sculpture showcased at Games venues. Available at The Olympic Store and local bookstores.—Susie Hill
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, book, Bookstores, first nations, Hot Art, Inuit, Metis, O Siyam, souvenirs, The Olympic Store, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Vancouver 2010 Coca-Cola Pin. $10.
Available at The Olympic Store or The Bay.
Olympic Moments Coin by Royal Canadian Mint.
In circulation. www.mint.ca
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, Coca-Cola, coins, Olympic souvenirs, pins, quarters, Royal Canadian Mint, souvenirs, The Bay, The Olympic Store, Vancouver, Whistler | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Olympic mascots Quatchi and Miga. Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN
WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK
Featured in the first Olympic Winter Games in 1924, cross-country (Nordic) skiing has been employed by humans for centuries. Winter Games events specify either classic or free technique, or a combination. With classic, skis remain parallel. With free, the skis are shorter and the edges of the skis are used to push off, resulting in a faster race. Events include individual, relay, sprint, pursuit and mass start.—Sheri Radford
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, cross-country skiing, mascots, Miga, Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sheri, Vancouver, Whistler, Whistler Olympic Park | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
O Canada: our true and patriot love. Photo copyright Elenathewise/Fotolia.com
33,700,000 Population of Canada.
2 Canada is the second biggest country in the world, at 9,984,670 sq km (3,855,100 sq mi); Russia is the largest.
13 Number of Canadian provinces and territories.
6,416 Length in km of Canada-United States border (3,987 mi).
1867 The year colonies joined together to form Canada.
2 Number of official languages (English and French).
1980 “O Canada” was declared the official national anthem only 30 years ago.
3 The third time Canada has hosted the Olympic Games (Montreal in ’76, Calgary in ’88 and Vancouver in ’10).—Jennifer Patterson
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, Calgary, Calgary 1988 Winter Games, Canada, Confederation, Hot Essentials, Jennifer Patterson, Montreal, Montreal 1976 Summer Games, national anthem, O Canada, official language, population, statistics, Vancouver | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Olympic mascots Miga and Quatchi. Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN
THE WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE
This sport appeared at the Winter Games in 1928 and 1948 but didn’t permanently join the roster until 2002. In skeleton (named after the small sled that resembles a human skeleton), the competitor grasps the sled, runs for about 50 m (164 ft), then dives on headfirst and hurtles down the icy track. Times are measured to the one-hundredth of a second.—Sheri Radford
| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, mascots, Miga, Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sheri Radford, skeleton, sport of the day, Sports, Vancouver, Whistler, Whistler Sliding Centre | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Blade: Trinity photo copyright 2004 Diyah Pera/New Line Productions
Twi-hards already know the secret: Vancouver is the place to spot movie stars. Local blogs and Twitter have been abuzz for months with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner sightings. The Twilight series is just the latest in a slew of movies and TV shows filmed on the West Coast. Others include Juno, Watchmen, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. John Cusack is a frequent visitor, having shot 2012, Martian Child and the upcoming Hot Tub Time Machine here. Other times you may have spotted the city on the screen: Best in Show, Snakes on a Plane, The X-Files, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica and Blade: Trinity (pictured), starring local boy Ryan Reynolds. It’s like living in a city-sized film set.—Sheri Radford
| Tags: 2012, Battlestar Galactica, Best in Show, Blade: Trinity, celebrities, Hollywood North, Hot Entertainment, Hot Tub Time Machine, John Cusack, Juno, Kristen Stewart, Martian Child, movie stars, movies, Robert Pattinson, Ryan Reynolds, Sheri Radford, Smallville, Snakes on a Plane, Taylor Lautner, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, TV shows, Twilight, Vancouver, Watchmen, X-Files, X-Men Origins: Wolverine | No Comments »
