The past few days of beautiful sunshine in Vancouver have made one thing very clear; summer is on its way, and Vancouverites are more than ready! Warmer weather draws the city out of hibernation, and the sidewalks are flooded with people wanting to soak up the vitamin D they have been lacking. So what are the best ways to get out and enjoy Vancouver this year?
Vancouver's raindrop art featured outside of the Convention Centre, taken in the sunshine.
Who has heard of Joseph Kony? With the help of the “Make Kony Famous” campaign, hopefully by the end of 2012 there will be few who do not know that name, or its significance.
Joseph Kony has been the leader of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in Ugando for over two decades. He is the reigning face of terror, best known for the abduction of children and forceful enslavement as sex slaves and/or child soldiers. Recent statistics show that this has been the case for over 30, 000 children during his time as rebel leader.
Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA.
This campaigned, started by Jason Russell has taken a different angle than most in that they aim to make Kony’s name so famous that politicians around the globe cannot ignore his existence or resist a solution. It seems almost as quickly as the video wnt viral and support for the cause mounted, backlash and criticism exploded across the web as well.
The proposed goal is to raise enough awareness and support that Joseph Kony is captured before the 2012-year comes to a close. Apparently this will be accomplished by public action, increased pressure on politicians and policy makers to become involved in this movement and dedicate some resources to the cause.
This specific event began in the United States, so the video specifically requests the presence of over 100 US military members to occupy Uganda and support their national military’s efforts in finding Kony. Many see this as all too cliché and degrading as once again the “great power” and its force of idealized, westernized soldiers come in and save the day.
Many argue that this should be a movement brought to the UN due to the fact that the International Court of Justice has named Kony in their “Most Wanted List” for quite some time. This would bring the issue to the center of foreign policy and international aid implementation.
Needless to say it will be interesting to see how this Kony 2012 obsession boils down.
To watch the video that started it all click on Kony 2012.
See what the Globe and Mail has to say about this by clicking here.
To check out the Facebook event click here.
It is nearing the end of this shows run, but it is well worth making the effort to cram it into your schedule. This musical takes actual ads from Craigslist, as well as creating inspired personal ads and turning them into musical numbers. This piece is a one act musical, just under 90 minutes and packed with both spoken and sung comedic genius. From assorted cat hats, to decapitated dolls, to 300 stuffed penguins, to a buddy to get high and eat chili with, to a broken time machine, a request for a dead crested dove and the opportunity to be paid $20 to sit in a bathtub full of noodles… this musical covers all species to personal ads that one can easier find (or post) on Craigslist!
What do you have to offer?
This musical was written and composed by Veda Hille as well as Bill Richardson. Both are extremely well known and highly acclaimed Canadian cultural icons. Many know Bill as a contributor to CBC radio since 1984 but his influence is apparent at a community level as well. Veda Hille is one of Vancouver’s most well respected indie songwriters and composers whose works have been the topic of admiration.
This show is not one to miss! For ticket inquiries and upcoming shows visit the Arts Club page.
Now that winter is is creeping in on Vancouver, residents and tourists tend to do forget about all Vancouver has to offer. If you’re feeling the winter blues go 
explore the magic of Granville Island! Easily accessible by car, False Creek Ferry, or West Coast Sightseeing City Tour. Granville Island’s artistic flare has glass blowers, weavers, Granville Island Brewery, sake tasting, art galleries, and the world renowned Public Market!
Also, now that tourist season is over the crowds that flock to Granville Island have diminished. For all those that like a little bit of space in the market to explore, there is no better time to go visit Granville Island!
A last tip if your looking for the best fish & chips in Vancouver. Around the bend from Granville Island is “Go Fish.” This little container (made from a refurbished storage container) will blow your mind with delicious overload!
West Coast Sightseeing did a poll last week on the top 5 Attraction that tourists experienced on a West Coast Sightseeing Tour.
Here are the Results:
1. The Vancouver Lookout – experiencing 360 degree views of Vancouver is truly a breath taking experience. The glass elevator
ride to the top of the tower is not for the faint of heart. The Lookout will impress, excite, and enlighten you on all Vancouver has to
offer from a birds eye view.
2. The Vancouver Aquarium – Dive into some of the most fascinating sea life! The Vancouver Aquarium is among the top
rated aquariums in the world and not only does it have magnificent sea life and entertainment but also a must see 4D experience.
3. The Klahowya Aboriginal Village – This Attraction is brand new to Vancouver. It allows guests to experience an authentic aboriginal native experience. The Village is located in Stanley Park where original native inhabitants occupied the land. Some highlights of the Village include a cultural mini train ride, salmon and bannock, and Native song and dances.
4. Grouse Mountain – “The Peak of Vancouver” gives you some of the most breath taking views and photographs of the entire
city. At the top guest are entertained by Grizzle Bears, Timber Wolves, a Lumber Jack show, and more.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge – The Capilano Suspension Bridge most likely doesn’t need much explaining. A well know
tourist attraction that is sure to make your heart beat. What you may not know is that the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers their
exclusive “Tree-Tops Adventure” where guests are guided through rope bridges high up in the trees.
