Sushi is one of my favourites. But when you savour that melt-in-your-mouth sashimi – it’s sometimes easy to forget about the impact it has on today’s aquaculture. So now, thanks to the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Conservation Program, we can all learn to make smarter choices. West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi is leading the way by becoming Metro Vancouver’s first Ocean Wise sushi restaurant. During a special event last week, Aquarium reps joined chef Nobu and staff to feature hand made specialities and to launch the new SeaChoice Sustainable Sushi Guide. <www.seachoice.org> Congrats to all. (more…)
Month: April 2009
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Stand Up for Mental Health Vancouver
Curing mental illness has a lot to do with overcoming the stigma that comes with it. Thanks to the good folks at Stand Up for Mental Health (SMH), they’re teaching people that laughter is the best medicine by turning patients into performers and empowering them through stand-up comedy. The self-healing, scene-stealing program is spreading like wildfire across both Canada and the U.S. and, last week, the group celebrated with a pre-show reception at Vancouver’s lavish new Shangra-La Hotel. Afterwards, it was off to the Stanley Theatre stage for the 2009 Class Debut where, as they say at SMH, everyone got a chance to crack-up together. (more…) -
Britney Spears walks off stage in “Toxic” Vancouver, BC
Pop princess Britney Spears walked off stage tonight in Vancouver, BC, at her GM Place concert, claiming that the air was too smoky for her to perform. The nicotine fit came only three songs into the show when an announcement was made asking everyone to butt out, literally. (See the evidence for yourself in the YouTube video below – thanks to Chris B for posting).
Apparently, it was less about the prima donna and more about the marijuana as later reports reveal that the stage hands working above the set were apparently choking from the fumes. Spears eventually came back on some 40 minutes later to a much different crowd who were still wondering if the stunt was real or, like most of her singing, just imagined.
The entire episode raises several issues.
First up – It is hard to believe that her stage hands were choking from pot smoke. Have you seen the amount of smoke (and mirrors) she uses? No wonder she has to lip sync. Who can breath with all that raging fire and brimstone. If it was a real ventilation problem, they would have announced it as such, but this was different (judge for yourself from the YouTube video).
Secondly – I know Vancouver is a pot smoking town. There were probably a fair share of legal cigarettes lit too. But as a true non-smoker (in every sense of the word), even I have survived an Ozzy Osbourne or AC/DC concert without hacking up a lung. Yes, the smell is bad, but isn’t Britney a cigarette smoker to begin with?
Also, who exactly was in this crowd? I thought Britney was a teen dream/drag queen favourite. Judging by the colourful characters roaming the streets downtown tonight, the only dangerous substance being abused was hair glitter. The regular reefer madness crowd was safely tucked away at home in mom’s basement playing X-Box.
Lastly – who is in charge of concerts at GM Place? Not that I think Spears doesn’t love the drama of it all, but divas of this magnitude have contracts and riders that management must uphold or else. In other words, if Britney was expecting a non-smoking stadium, then she deserves to get a non-smoking stadium. I have the expectation of a non-smoking stadium (and I also think it’s the law too), but something tells me that I’d get thrown out faster than the pot smokers if I complained to security that someone was smoking in my row at a show.
Oh, what the heck. If millions of people can turn a blind eye to Britney pretending to be a singer, then I guess it’s only reasonable that security turn a blind eye to illegal drug use during concerts. Hey – I wonder what’s going to happen at the snowboarding event at the 2010 Olympics?
So Britney . . . when ya coming back to Vancouver?
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London Air Services and CBC’s Rick Mercer
Two high profile events helped round out the last week as some high flyers and some high achievers put on the ritz to celebrate. First up, London Air Services, celebrated their 10th Anniversary with the opening of their new avation centre in YVR’s south terminal and the christening of their newest bird – an impressive Challenger 605 that is first class luxury all the way. Next, the stars were out at the Vancouver convention centre for Inclusion Works ’09 – a hiring and recruiting event hosted by the Aboriginal Human Resources Council.
London Air and Rick Mercer 01 – Ready for take-off. Dressed in flight gear and uniforms, the employees of London Air Services greet VIPs at the new hangar.
02 – With quiet reserve and class, Brandt Louie continues to successfully grow his London Air Services company, which just happens to be part of the H.Y Louie Co. empire that includes IGA and London Drugs.
03 – GW. (Wynn) Powell, left, President and CEO of London Air, has good reason to be proud as he and John C. Scott, of Scott Construction Group, unveil the new hangar.
04 – The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, is proud to be at the Inclusion Works gala. He is also known by his native name, Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl.
05 – CBC funny man Rick Mercer, of Rick Mercer Report, helps liven up the evening at Inclusion Works 09 – Prime Minister jokes extra.
06 – Inuit singer Susan Aglurkark, known best for her hit song “O Siem”, meets Kelly Lendsay, President & CEO of the Aboriginal Human Resources Council.
April 6, 2009 (published April 16, 2009)
Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.
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Athletics for Kids Boxing Gala
It was time for bow ties and boxing gloves as the 7th annual Athletics for Kids (A4K) Boxing Gala was held last Friday at Hollyburn Country Club. Rock 101 FM’s Bro Jake “The Champ” Edwards had them rolling in the aisles as he helped MC the evening which included a glamorous martini reception, big steak dinner and five rounds of Olympic sanctioned boxing. Helping raise money for kids who can’t afford to play sports is the goal of these go-getters, and they continue to do so in style thanks to the many who came out in support. (more…)