Vancouver, BC…So you think you can dance? Well, here’s your opportunity to strut your stuff! UMOJA – The Spirit of Togetherness is offering Vancouver dancers and performers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance with some of South Africa’s hottest dancers. All dancers and performers looking for a unique experience with a wonderful dance production are invited to audition on Sunday, January 20th at the Vogue Theatre for a walk-on performance on Friday, January 25th in the hit South African musical now playing at the Vogue Theatre.

Audition Details

Date: Sunday, January 20th, 2008
Time: 11:00 AM (Sign-in begins at 10:30 AM)
Location: The Vogue Theatre at 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
(Please line up to the right of the box office as auditions will be on a first come first serve basis)
Attire: It is recommended that you wear fitted dance attire

Requirements: Must be able to pick up choreography, performance personality, and rhythm. Come with a 2-3 minute prepared performance piece – preferably high energy (modern, hip hop, break) and come prepared to learn and perform choreography. It is suggested that applicants listen to Kwaito music online. It is also recommended that applicants see the show before the audition. UMOJA is a South African dance musical chronicling the musical history of South Africa. The show travels from tribal drums through to modern day Kwaito and hip hop beats! For a glimpse, click here to watch a video.

The successful candidate must be available to perform on Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 8:00 PM.

Watch Breakfast Television Vancouver on Citytv for your chance to win “front of the line” access to the UMOJA dance auditions.

Additional Info: This is an unpaid gig. Winner will be featured on Breakfast Television and will also receive an UMOJA gift package.

A little action in the bedroom is good but did you know it’s also good FOR you?

If your man is using this as a reason for gettin’ a little somethin’ somethin,’ it ain’t no ordinary line ladies. He’s actually right! Such a release is good for his prostate and if you knew how common it is for men to develop cancer in this gland, you wouldn’t take his request so lightly.

Even though the subject is brought up every once in a while, people (generally of the male variety) are usually quick to change it or simply tune it out because it’s an uncomfortable issue. But why? We hear about breast cancer on a daily basis now it seems, and you can buy pretty much anything in pink these days so why is there this great imbalance?

Well, for one thing, just as you’d rather see bare breasts than full frontal male nudity, women just have a prettier package and pretty things are easier to talk about. The fact that breast cancer surgery is a lot more traumatic also warrants the attention. Consider that women can actually lose a whole breast, something that is more physically and psychologically damaging than losing an organ that you can’t see or touch. That’s why I think prostate cancer never gets the spotlight…until now!

And it’s about time! Did you know that prostate cancer is actually more common than breast cancer?! The numbers are staggering. Just this week alone, 429 Canadian men will have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and according to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 27 will die from it. That’s why early detection is so critical. Like any other cancer, doctors the world over are still hard at work finding a cure so if a cancer is left to grow, it could not only be debilitating, but fatal. Prostate cancer develops very slowly so by the time you experience any symptoms, it may already be too late. However, if you are diligent about your annual checkups, early detection will ensure that you receive the right treatment so you can continue to live your life to the fullest. It is strongly recommended that men 40 and over be examined regularly but men in their mid-30s are now beginning to do so as well. Can’t hurt right? Well…maybe a little…

Granted, a physical examination of your prostate is more than unpleasant, but consider the repercussions if you ignore such a serious condition. Mad Morten’s grandfather discovered a tumor that eventually spread to his back, paralyzing him during his latter years of life and only through sheer stubbornness did he still live a relatively long one. The cancer can engulf any part of your body, not just your back as in this case. You guys out there will be happy to know that there is an alternative to being poked and prodded. As Alan explains in the video, there is a blood test called the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test that is less invasive and which produces the same results, so please consult your family physician, ask lots of questions, and learn more about it.

All this education is where Movember comes into play. Now that you’re armed with potentially life-saving info, it’s time to spread something of the good kind…awareness. And how will you do that? By sporting a MO (an Aussie slang for mustache) and becoming a Mo Bro! Unless you’re Magnum P.I., these facial accents are a rarity. That’s why when you wear one yourself, you’ll naturally attract attention and as people begin to ask you why you’re wearing such a pimpin’ look, you can enlighten them about a worthy cause. Women may be challenged in the facial hair department, but they have a part to play as well, by becoming Mo Sistas and supporting and recruiting Mo Men. This is one of the most creative ways of approaching a delicate subject and you’re encouraged to have fun with it. Conduct Mo-offs at your office! The teachers at Midland Secondary School in Ontario are raising money by selling ballots to vote on which teacher will don which ridiculous-looking mustache for the remainder of the month. All the money raised will fund each participating country’s leading prostate cancer research foundation so all the money raised in Canada will stay IN Canada. Our country’s beneficiary partner is the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada so sign up at Movember.com, start your own competition, and at the end of the month, celebrate with all your Vancouver Mo Bros and Sistas at a Gala Parté on November 29th at Caprice Night Club (check Movember.com for listings in other cities).

Knowledge is power babeh!

Stay tuned for a funky giveaway later today!

Nothing tells a story better than song and dance, and few can tell it as well as the people behind this inspired production. Presented by a culture rooted in a tradition of visual storytelling, Umoja, which is the Swahili word that means the spirit of togetherness, is a spectacular ride through the musical history of South Africa beginning with its early tribal origins, progressing through gumboot stomp, 70′s gospel, the apartheid years and the sights and sounds of the country’s present day urban scene.

The creators, two women from the township of Soweto, are stars in their own right. Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni are renowned in South Africa for their talents. But in the late 1990′s, the childhood friends decided they wanted to reach beyond their own stardom and began to open up opportunities for disadvantaged youth by offering them an avenue of expression and a place of refuge in an attempt to steer them towards a better path in life. These promising young dancers, singers and musicians now make up the bulk of the 40-member family that is Umoja and since hitting the stage in London’s west end, they’ve performed to standing ovations and sold-out houses in 26 countries.

I can’t think of a more positive and culturally rewarding experience than this. Even after three hours of performing that began at 7 AM, this troupe danced and sang for our camera with as much exuberance as they would a number on opening night. I know that the show will leave you with nothing short of elation, so round up the youngens and spend an evening in the spirit of togetherness!

UMOJA

October 17 – December 30 , 2007 (extended due to popular demand!)
Vogue Theatre at 918 Granville St, Vancouver

Previews October 17 – 21 at 8 PM
Opening Night: Tuesday, October 23rd at 8 PM

Tuesdays – Saturdays 8 PM Tickets: $75 & $55; Seniors $55; Students $35
Wednesdays at 12 noon and Saturdays at 2 PM All Tickets: $50; Students $35
Sundays at 3 PM All Tickets: $75 & $55

SPECIAL TICKET PRICES:
All performances from October 17 – 21 are $45 (tickets subject to applicable taxes and service charges)
All seats for shows from November 13 – 25 are only $40 and $50
New block of tickets on sale: Wednesday, November 7 at 10 AM

Tickets can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 604.280.4444, or online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Tickets will also be available at the Vogue Theatre box office 90 minutes prior to show time.

Doodle Does It: A Journey from Doodles to Bronze
Fine Art Sculpture by Mary-Ann Liu, Doodles and Art Concept by Cyrus Yavneh
Dates: September 11th – 30th, 2007
Venue: Elliott Louis Gallery at 1540 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM / Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM and by appointment

Everybody does it. You do it in boring meetings, chatting on the phone, waiting for the bus. Award-winning TV producer (24, Supernatural), writer and filmmaker Cyrus Yavneh does it too — as a natural flow of expression through hand to paper, without constraint or intention, in the course of his busy day. And celebrated sculptor Mary-Ann Liu does it in bronze. Doodling, that is. The kind of daily scribbles we all make in the margins of our lives inspired Ms. Liu (creator of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa and Vancouver’s and Chicago’s Chinatown Dragon Lanterns) to bring Mr. Yavneh’s free form scribbling of musical notes and amoebic forms into three-dimensional reality through the medium of bronze.

Doodle Does It is an exhibition of more than 30 doodle sculptures created largely out of bronze; some are painted using an encaustic technique (a departure from traditional bronzes where only patinas are used). It explores the countless possibilities found within the potent ideas that are generally discarded at day’s end. Mary-Ann and Cyrus weren’t purposely trying to break down the boundaries between high art and popular culture, but the doodle journey just does it by its very nature.

For more information visit Mary-Ann’s website here.

Remember when Time Magazine named YOU the Person of the Year? Well, Matt Harding is a perfect example of why the average Joe can now share the title with the likes of Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II.

His claim to internet fame is oddly enough, his self-proclaimed horrible dancing skills. But this isn’t the case of another Daily Dancer. Matt shows off his steps in front of famous tourist attractions throughout the world (the tally at last count was 55 countries). He wrangles unsuspecting passersby to hold his little Canon Powershot digital camera for him and then he breaks into the same dance that he showcases at every location. He then goes home and edits all of the pieces together and makes a video to post on his website. How does he pay for all this? Well, originally from Connecticut, Matt was working in Brisbane, Australia as a computer game programmer when he decided to quit in 2003 and use his savings to travel the world, making sure his friends and family knew what he was up to by setting up a website. Sounds pretty ordinary right? Well, a few months into his trip, a travel buddy put it into his head that it would be a great idea to dance everywhere he went and record it. The product of that round-the-world trip caught the attention of the people at Stride Gum and amazingly, he was offered a sponsorship for another year of travel! And now he’s quasi-famous. Don’t you just love this wacky world of ours?

Matt is presently on another tour and will be making stops in Canada because no country in the world has sent him as many emails about being included in the next video, especially now that he is based only three hours away in Seattle (nope, this is not a full-time job; he still works in video games from time to time as a writer and designer). For those of you who are not already familiar with Matt, his last video was about places (click on the video below to check out what all the fuss was about). In this new one, it’s about people; LOTS of people, so he’s inviting anyone and everyone to participate. He usually just goes to one major city, but due to the demand, he’ll be visiting three Canadian ones and here are the details:

Vancouver, BC – Wed, September 5, 6 PM at the Inukshuk Sculpture near English Bay
Toronto, ON – Sun, September 9, 3 PM at HTO Park on the water near CN Tower
Montreal, QC – Tue, September 11, 6 PM at Place des Arts

You’ll need to sign a release form before you step in front of the camera so email Matt for one pronto, or arrive to the meeting place earlier so you have time to fill one out before he starts filming (it’s very short).

Matt has gotten a lot of attention in the past year so I know there are many of you out there who will want to join in the fun. And it really is just that: Plain old fashioned fun. Matt’s not trying to raise funds to save the world or trying to cure a deadly disease. He’s just out there to put smiles on people’s faces. Kids will love it.

For those of you willing to travel long distances, Craigslist has a ride share page for all three cities. Those offering rides and those in need of rides can go to these links: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal

For people across the border, if you want in, he’ll also be making stops in Chicago, Boston, and New York so email him for the invite and release form.

Dance badly everyone!

The competitive nature of the fashion industry makes it incredibly difficult for a graduate in the field to catch a break, which is why an award like this is so important.

Worth over $10,000, the Graduate Award is designed to give a grad all they need to launch their fashion line, including one year at Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, a website, a professional photo shoot by Alfonso Arnold of Blue Lava Studios, PR support by GTWO-PR and a membership and starter kit of eco-friendly fabrics from SYKA Textiles.

One of these four finalists will be named the winner this Sunday, August 26th at Portobello West as the popular fashion and art market celebrates its first anniversary. If you’re coming up to a graduation yourself, you need to go to the event this weekend at the Rocky Mountaineer Station and find out how you can qualify for their next Graduate Award:

Shaina Webb Designs
Designer: Shaina Webb
Fashion School: The Art Institute of Vancouver
Description of Line: Unique garments drawing on inspirations from the past for a progressive future

Ora Designs
Designer: Randi Obenauer
Fashion School: Helen LeFeaux School of Fashion Design
Description of Line: Innovative, hand crafted leather bags produced from leather scraps from a local furniture manufacturer

Freja Designs
Designer: Anita Heiberg
Fashion School: Kwantlen College
Description of Line: Inspired by the 1920s, 30s and 40s with Scandinavian simplicity. The line uses menswear fabrics and leather in soft feminine silhouettes to make an impactful contradiction of styles

Bad Apple Fashions
Designer Names: Carmen Merkel and Michelle Jerome
Fashion School: Kwantlen College
Description of Line: A visually enticing line, full of rich colours and texture. Additional texture is added through geometric or nature inspired prints as trim or appliqués

Unlike traditional farmers’ markets that sell grandma’s homemade jam, Portobello West is modelled after London artisan markets (namely Spitalfields and Camden) and aims to bring the local designers directly to the end consumer. Held the last Sunday of every month, Portobello West showcases the hottest local designers and artisans. Exhibits range from top names to new talents: there are dress makers, handbag designers, jewellers and boutiques that make fashion accessible – particularly Vancouver designers. It’s also a great place to find a distinctive piece for the home. With up to 100 designers on show, any fashionista can find something to suit their unique style.

Side Note: For this shoot, I discovered a new location that would benefit all you photographers out there! Studio 304 is a photography rental studio on Granville Street, minutes from equipment rental houses like Leo’s, labs and public transit. It’s open 7 days a week for half day and full day rentals. The 900 square foot space (23.5 W x 39 L with 12 ft ceilings) is designed specifically for photography, but it is also suitable for small-scale video and film shoots.

Ok, there aren’t a heck of a lot of things that both parent and child can enjoy equally, but this is one of those rare exceptions. Bryan Shelton was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Rolling O Lab yesterday and I have to admit, it was pretty darn cool. Check out the video for an in-depth look at the science behind eye protection and if you are on holiday, round up the kids and head down to the Telus World of Science for a free tour through the 40-foot motor coach (which is parked to the right of the building). Bryan is a fantastic tour guide and will only be in Vancouver for one more day from 10 AM to 4 PM. After today, the O lab will be rolling outta town and heading back to the Oakley headquarters down in OC, California.

Technology presentations inside the Rolling O Lab include the use of optical laser scope equipment that demonstrates clarity and prism shift, ultraviolet emitters and measuring devices to illustrate UV protection, and testing rigs that show the effects of high-velocity and high-mass impact situations. The youngens will learn a thing or two about the health of their eyes and the parents will be stimulated by the technology.

According to a study, while 79% of people understand that UV rays can cause skin cancer, an overwhelming 94% are unaware that they can also have repercussions for the health of the eyes. UV rays emanating from the sun are an invisible form of damage that are present at all times of the year, causing damage that builds up over time and can result in a variety of afflictions. What’s more, reflections from the earth’s surface also compound the effects of UV that will actually reach the eyes, underscoring the need for eye protection at all times of the year.

The following percentages reflect what the eyes are exposed to when outdoors:

Snow: 85% of UV rays
Water: 20% of UV rays
Sand: 17% of UV rays
Earth and Grass: 5% of UV rays

You probably have a good idea what the sun’s rays can do to your skin…just imagine what they can do to your eyes, which are infinitely more sensitive. Eye damage linked to UV includes cataract, a condition where the eye lens becomes opaque, preventing light from getting through. UV is also linked to photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), and macular degeneration (damage to the part of the inner eye that receives light patterns and transmits them to the brain).

Types of UV Rays:

UVA light causes premature aging of the skin and the eyes. Long-term exposure can greatly increase macular degeneration.

UVB rays are responsible for sun burns and skin cancer. They can also cause snow blindness and potentially lead to cataracts.

UVC rays are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth’s surface. In industrial and medical applications, UVC lamps are used to kill bacteria and purify air.

What to Consider When Selecting Sunglasses:

Frame:

The frame’s material should provide the best benefits for the sunglasses’ intended use. For example, sports sunglasses will usually have a lightweight polymer material with rubber compound at the template tips and/or the nose.

The curve of the frame – also known as the wrap and rake – can also create some added benefits, including better peripheral sun protection, better coverage for impact protection and better coverage against the wind.

Lens:

When it comes to lens material, bear in mind that glass is fragile and provides no UV protection on its own. Plastic can also shatter and offers no UV protection on its own. Polycarbonate is inherently lightweight and offers both impact and UV protection. In fact, it’s used in the windshields of space shuttles!

Light transmission, which involves how dark the lens is, plays a key part in determining the best use for a pair of sunglasses. What makes sense for everyday use may not make sense for outdoor athletes.

The lens colour, or tint, is more than just cosmetic – a finely-tuned lens with the proper transmission and the tint engineered for the activity can significantly help an athlete perform.

In case you’re wondering (I would be!), Bryan’s cuts and bruises are due to an unfortunate mountain biking accident up in Whistler over the weekend. It looked painful!

DABBLER CONTEST DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE!

I wonder if mall retail sales spike when the weather is bad. Do you notice the lack of parking at shopping centres when it’s wet and gloomy outside? The people at Diet Coke must’ve gotten the scoop from the Almighty because they chose this past weekend to descend upon Metropolis at Metrotown with their truckload of freebies.

In case you didn’t know, the calorie-free soft drink is turning 25 this weekend (oh c’mon, this tidbit of info might just win you a game of Trivial Pursuit one day!). In celebration, a team has been dispatched to travel to eight malls across the country to set up ‘Diet Coke Lounges.’ What this really means is a lot of free soda, and what those Coast Capital Savings commercials tell us is true: Research shows that people like things that are free.

The sea of people that swarm those that give out free products may seem intimidating but I was killing time, so I joined in and managed to get up to the stand. Even though the fella behind the counter couldn’t open the cans fast enough to meet the demand (about 4,000 cans a day), he was still able to chat with me.

I found out that the lighter version of the classic Coke was introduced in 1982 when the company recognized a trend towards trimming down and toning up. Since then, you’ve seen a long list of celebrities – from Bill Cosby to Bugs Bunny to Whitney Houston to the entire cast of Friends – promoting the product in TV commercials. Even James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart and Louis Armstrong have made it to the small screen thanks to some computer wizardry. All in all, over 100 celebrities have appeared in various Diet Coke advertisements, including Wayne Gretzky, Ben Affleck, Demi Moore, Andy Warhol, Paula Abdul and Elton John.

Diet Coke marked the first time the flagship brand name Coca-Cola was ever put on another product after almost 100 years. It very quickly became the largest selling low-calorie soft drink in America and a massive international rollout began – branded as Coca-Cola Light in some countries (it’s amusing how names, bottles, even colours can change depending on the country a product is being marketed to… never quite saw the point). Once it was obvious that people wanted options besides the original, a stream of new diet soft drinks came into the market: The same year saw the introduction of caffeine-free Diet Coke, along with caffeine-free Coca-Cola and caffeine-free TAB; in 1986, Diet Cherry Coke was launched; in 2001, it was Diet Coke with Lemon, followed three years later by Diet Coke with Lime; finally you may remember Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke from a couple of years ago. To be honest, they should have sat back and relaxed after their initial success. Those subsequent creations were a bit of a stretch for me.

I personally opt for Coke Zero (which appeared last year) because it somehow tastes more like the original (I swear it’s true). I can’t verify the validity of this claim, but the magical World Wide Information Super Autobahn informs me that Diet Coke uses the ‘New Coke Formula’ of 1985 while Coke Zero uses the ‘Classic Coke Formula’ (think Futurama’s ‘New Slurm’). If you pay attention to the ads, you’ll notice that Zero with its black can is targeted to the male audience (recall the current commercial with the pilot dreaming that he’s drinking Coke with zero calories and is flying upside down), while Diet Coke in a silver can (originally white) is clearly marked for the women (remember the series of ’11:30 AM Diet Coke Breaks’ with the studly construction worker?). The reasons for this are obvious but intriguing nonetheless.

So if you’re jonesing for a Diet Coke or two, take a look at the tour schedule below and see if the Lounge is coming to your city. If you’re a Coke junkie, this is an easy way to cut back on all the sugar (about 11 teaspoons in one can of regular Coke) without kicking the habit.

Remaining Tour Stops:

July 27 – 29: EDMONTON, AB – Southgate Mall, Centre Court
July 31 – August 5: CALGARY, AB – Chinook Mall, Centre Court
August 10 – 12: VAUGHAN, ON – Vaughan Mills Mall, Old Navy Centre Court
August 17 – 19: MOUNT-ROYAL, QC – Rockland Shopping Centre, Centre Court
August 21 – 26: MONTREAL, QC – Eaton Centre

CONTEST DETAILS:

Don’t feel left out if you’re from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This news may come a little belated for you guys, but you still have a chance to get your hands on some free schwag! If you’d like to join in the fun, email me and you could win this Diet Coke prize pack worth $155 CDN!

For your chance to win: A pair of long yoga pants, a half-zip top, a yoga mat with carrying bag, an anniversary t-shirt, and a mini retro six-pack of Diet Coke, email me with the correct answer to this:

Name the three celebrities that rose from the grave to be featured in Diet Coke ads (answer is in the article above).

Deadline for submissions is Monday August 6th.

IMPORTANT: This is for Vancouver & Lower Mainland residents only, as you will need to personally pick up your prize. Please send in your full contact info.

Please Note: The size for the pants, top and t-shirt is SMALL. Some (including me) would say it’s actually EXTRA SMALL, so keep that in mind when you enter. Good luck everyone!

Normal contest rules apply.

Are you thinking of Jack Black’s “School of Rock,” or are having a flashback to a scene from the VH1 series “Gene Simmons’ Rock School”? Take the eccentric teachers out of the equation and you’ve got the Kitsilano Rock School, a rock band rehearsal program that runs three 12 week semesters during the school year, with a live performance at the end of each term. If you have a rocker in your little one, here’s a place where he or she can develop that special noise talent. But don’t take my word for it. Check out one of their concerts tomorrow night and see what the school has to offer:

What: Kitsilano Rock School’s “Kids Wanna Rock 5”
When: Wednesday June 20th at 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: Canadian Memorial United Church at 15th & Burrard in Vancouver
Admission: By donation
For more info, contact Dave Danylchuk at 604.737.4984 or email him at daved@noahnine.com

Take your kids! These days, they really need something to stimulate their imagination and get those creative juices flowing!

For more details on this program, read on… Read the rest of this entry »

Ok, WHO doesn’t love a good sample sale?! It’s time to indulge your inner shopaholic without the guilt! In fact, you’ll deserve a good pat on the back for spending money on clothes. Here’s the scoop on what’s happening THIS weekend guys and gals!

Starting tomorrow (Friday, June 15th), two fabulous local clothing lines will be featured in a sample sale: Twice Shy (ethical clothing for men and women) and Fig (ethical clothing for children), both of which carry clothing that is made from organic and sustainable fabric.

Here are the details:

When:
Friday June 15th: 4 PM – 9 PM
Saturday June 16th: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday June 17th: 12 PM – 4 PM

Where:
62 W. 4th Ave. (corner of 4th and Manitoba), Vancouver

As if this wasn’t enough, here are more brands at the sale:

Kairos, which offers gorgeous handmade bags
Soulflower, a line of sterling silver jewelry to complete that perfect look

This notice is courtesy of IloveSampleSales.com, a local company launched by Amy Lowry, who merged her love of fashion and finding a great deal into an innovative website (actually, it’s surprising no one has done this before!). Read the rest of this entry »