It’s that time again fellas: Movember is upon us. And you know what that means. Moustaches for everyone – even if your main squeeze, girlfriend, wife, sister or daughter says you look like a 70s porn star. Why? Because Movember is prostate cancer awareness month, and by adorning your upper lip with some serious fur you are making your fellow men as well as their women aware of the fact that although less talked about, prostate cancer is actually more common than breast cancer!

Dabbler has been on hiatus for some time. Both Angela and myself have taken on some major projects that make it impossible to stay on top of this site as well. But since Movember is such a good cause we felt the least we could do was repost the video to get everyone in the mood for some mo-growin’.

For more information and to sign up go to Movember.com, then send your friends or loved ones who think you’ve gone insane here or to YouTube to watch the video. And while you’re at it you can read the original article after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Press Release: On September 7th, Red Bull Soapbox Race will be taking a road trip to Canada for the very first time, racing down Vancouver’s West 4th Avenue – from Vine to Burrard – bringing with it a wacky combination of speed and extreme silliness. Sixty teams will be selected to build and race outrageous human-powered soapboxes through a steep downhill track, racing against the clock in an all out battle to the finish line. But speed demons beware! Creativity is just as important as the nuts and bolts!

Red Bull Soapbox Vancouver is accepting applications now through July 4, 2008 (you’ve got exactly one week!). Drivers and their three crew members ready to hit the raceway can enter their ideas at www.redbullsoapbox.ca. Those selected to race will receive confirmation on or before July 10, 2008. The grand prize is pretty sweet y’all, so click on to find out what it is! Read the rest of this entry »

Those of you familiar with my posts have a vague idea of my aversion to science. For those not yet in the loop, allow me to explain: I suck at science, which is why I support great events like the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run. On Sunday, May 25th at 9 am, runners of all ages will be winding their way around beautiful False Creek all in the name of BC’s young scientists. Since its creation eight years ago, the run has raised over $300,000 for the Dr. Michael Smith Endowment Fund, giving schools the opportunity to develop and maintain stellar Science Fair programs. The number of participants has more than doubled since its inception and you can join in at the starting line outside TELUS World of Science. Not only do you get out for a good run to raise young minds, you also get a sweet t-shirt and the chance to win some great prizes. But the best part? Free admission to Science World from 11 am to 6 pm! There’s more, so click on! Read the rest of this entry »

An editor once told me “if you’re going to write a biased review, don’t write it at all.” So let me be clear. This is not a review but a recommendation.

If you are in Vancouver this weekend, take a trip down to the Vancouver International Film Centre and catch one of the screenings of the movie Heima. If you know the band Sigur Rós, I don’t need to explain why. If you don’t, I promise you it will change your perception of what music can be. How often can you say you went to a concert movie and saw people crying openly during the screening, not because they were upset, but because the music invoked such strong emotions?

I can say with certainty that Sigur Rós does something no other band can. They perform musical alchemy, transforming simple harmonies into real life manifestations of pure emotion. Those who have experienced it describe it as an almost religious revelation – a spiritual awakening. I have yet to find a person who does not on some level feel drawn to their music. And you’ve probably heard it, though you may not have been aware of it. Did you ever see the trailer for the movie Children of Men? The one with the haunting music in the background that drew you in? Their music is used everywhere, you just don’t know who they are. Well, now you will.

An amazing performance of the song “Von” from the movie after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

A night of gaming, crooning and dame wooing!
Gamble our money, win great prizes and celebrate the memory of ol’ blue eyes and his Rat Pack.

Who’d say no to an invite like that! With hooch boots, halter tops and jagerbombs making up what would typically be someone’s ‘night on the town’ these days, an event like the Sinatra-inspired soirée I attended tonight is an exhilarating break from the monotony of everyday life. Thanks to our gracious host, Warner Bros., I got to spend a totally boss night with my main squeeze and we took a trip back to the fifties, when an evening out meant fancy dress, martinis, a little gambling, and all in good company. Read the rest of this entry »

Cancer hits home for Honey Dew Day Spa owner Kristen Foote, who has decided to do her part:

“Last year, 7 people I know were affected by cancer,” says Kristen. “My host mom in New Zealand died of stomach cancer, my ex-boyfriend’s mom has breast cancer, my uncle died from stage four esophagus cancer, and my great aunt developed a cancer of the abdominal lining and passed away at the end of December.”

Honey Dew staffers have been affected by cancer, too, with a worker’s mom passing away from intestinal cancer and the beloved massage therapist, Tori, coming to grips with her mother’s diagnosis of melanoma.

“My grandpa is constantly battling skin cancer from years of working on the railroads,” said Kristen. “And because Honey Dew Day Spa is a skin centre, I thought a fundraiser for skin cancer was a good fit.”

So take a trip down to The New Bohemian Restaurant & Social Lounge next Wednesday for a great evening. There will be a raffle for some fabulous gift baskets, goodie bags, hand massages by donation and models showing off some of the season’s hottest fashions. You will also be able to stock up on your summer SPF and sunless tanner knowing that the proceeds will be going to The Skin Care Centre. And get there early cause free appies will be served from 6 to 7 PM.

Tickets available at: Honey Dew Day Spa & Ridge Hairstyling, The New Bohemian, HotBox & Riot.

Honey Dew will also be running a Sun Awareness Week from April 7 – 12 where 10% of all sunless tanner sessions and sunscreen sales will go to The Skin Care Centre. Donations will also be collected during this week, with tax receipts available for donations over $25.

A few months ago, I received a phone call from a dad who’s girl was going through cancer for the second time. She had just turned 15 and was put on heavier medications to try to get rid of the cancer. As a result, she lost her hair and her will to live. She quit school, would not see any of her friends, cancelled a planned family vacation, and wouldn’t even leave the house. At one point she told her mom and dad that she was going to quit the chemotherapy and she didn’t care if she died. Absolutely distraught, her parents went to speak to Dan Mornar at B.C. Children’s Hospital. Dan told them of the Wigs for Kids program and they convinced their daughter to go down to Eva & Co. Wigs and see about getting a wig. The great people at Eva’s showed her different styles and textures and colours of hair and they came up with something she was pleased with. Eva’s told her that they would rush the making of the wig and she would have it within the week. Her dad said from that point on she was a different girl. She went back to school, went out with friends and even attended our last Wigs for Kids event. He just wanted to call and tell us that of all the wonderful things that B.C. Children’s Hospital did for his daughter, the wig had the greatest impact on her life.” - Bev Friesen

This true story shows just how important small things are in a child’s life. On March 29th, 2008, Bev Friesen and her friends will be hosting the 3rd annual Wigs for Kids silent auction at the Steveston Community Centre. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and businesses, $70,000 was raised last year for the program which benefits kids from all over the province who have lost their hair to cancer or other serious illnesses. This year, they are looking for more donations to further this worthy cause. To find out how you or your business can help make a tremendous difference in a child’s life, please read on… Read the rest of this entry »

Ok folks! This is The Bachelor Makeover Contest follow-up you’ve been waiting for!

Women are all about the details fellas. We notice the small tear that you’re trying to hide by rolling up your sleeves, whether you’ve starched that shirt or bothered to iron it, a bad shave or haircut, even when you’ve let your fingernails grow out past that acceptable length! We’re not saying that you need to get regular mani/pedi’s, but a little extra effort goes a long way, especially if you’re in search of that perfect someone.

Needless to say, most men could use a tip or two in the wooing department, which is why My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch teamed up for The Bachelor Makeover Contest, offering Vancouver bachelors the chance to win a potentially life-changing grand prize worth over $4,000 that includes a ‘home run’ makeover and a dream date for Valentine’s Day.

Well, West Vancouver’s Peter Weddigen was that deserving bachelor, seen here after the surprise announcement.

Unbeknownst to Peter, he was nominated by friend Len Chasten, along with his entire swim team! It’s Just Lunch’s Jacquie Brownridge and My Girlfriend’s Jill Hannan received no less than nine testimonials which attested to Peter’s rightful place as the bachelor of the year.

Peter is a total Tom Hanks,” said Len, “a solid citizen, nice guy, decent looking, totally responsible…[but] while every woman would love to marry Tom Hanks, they really want to date George Clooney, or Brad Pitt.”

Fellow swimmer Carole McClean wrote, “Peter is always ready to go out while the rest of the swim team are busy with family obligations. He needs obligations of his own!”

To see Peter’s full transformation, read on! Read the rest of this entry »

Is it still taboo to talk about sex toys and lubes? Well, if we still have to give vibrators cutesy names like “The Rabbit” or ambiguous one like “The Magic Bullet,” then yeah, I’d say it’s still not quite the social norm. Wildly popular shows like Sex and The City however, have certainly made it quite clear that society is more than ready for a dramatic change in the way we view sensuality and pleasure. And as we tried to maneuver our way through the crowd of people down the aisles of the Taboo Naughty But Nice Sex Show in Vancouver this past weekend, the general public is obviously not only able to admit that they are curious, but also willing to explore new things in the realm of sex.

For anyone who’s ever wanted to, but have been embarrassed to attend one of these trade shows, you can rest assured that it’s neither intimidating, nor obscene or dirty. Like the operation of any other business out there, all the exhibitors are nothing but friendly and professional. You won’t feel pressured to buy anything and if you do make a purchase, you won’t feel like you have to hide it. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and the stage shows are always a draw. There are open seminars and workshops that teach you anything from how to to avoid dating disasters to how to find that elusive G-spot. It’s definitely not just about sex toys – There are booths for energy drinks, protein shakes, “clothing optional holidays,” skin care products, tattooes on the spot, anti-snoring solutions, aromatherapy, bed sheets, and even cancan dancers…and that’s just naming a few. There are contests and giveaways galore and raffle ticket sales for worthy causes like Aids Vancouver.

But let’s be frank here. What we all want to know about is what the latest sex toys are, right? Well, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get! Click on the link below for the pleasure trove of goodies that we found at the Sex Show and keep an eye out for the fantastic giveaway that we’ve got for one lucky viewer, courtesy of our friends at the Little Shop of Pleasures!

Read the rest of this entry »

If running down to the corner store to pick up a Durex 12-pack is your idea of prepping for a date that you hope will turn into a sleepover, then you are in dire need of Jill Hannan and Jacquie Brownridge’s expert advice. Click on the video above for a crash course on how to impress your dream date the first time you bring her home.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch have partnered to present The Bachelor Makeover Contest. One deserving bachelor will be getting the full treatment from My Girlfriend à la Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, PLUS a one year membership to It’s Just Lunch, complete with dating tips to help him find the woman of his dreams.

So here’s the official callout for all busy professional men who haven’t been actively dating in a long time but want to. Do you know a great guy who keeps getting overlooked by the women he wants to date because of his appearance and outdated style; plus he lives in a typical bachelor pad with a bathroom that screams ‘enter at your own risk’? Then nominate him (or yourself) today! (Deadline: January 18, 2008).

For some bonus dating tips, read on!

Read the rest of this entry »