Vancouver Zombiewalk 2010

Comments 8 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 2010 Vancouver Zombiewalk is this Saturday as hundreds of “undead” will take to the streets of Vancouver.

Zombies!! Zombies!!

Zombies!! Zombies!!
All 2009 Zombiewalk Photos by John Biehler

All willing zombies are to meet at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 4:30pm for the annual walk around downtown. The route will take the procession down Robson to Denman, toward Beach, right up Davie then end at the Seawall, “where the Zombies can decompress, decompose, and continue to frolic … and of course, take lots of pictures!”

I have read on several sites that it is important to remember to not vandalize property — no smearing excessive “blood” or knocking things over. This is to be a peaceful zombie march.

Thrill The World Vancouver 2009

Show up early at 3:30pm to learn the moves you’ll need to be a part of this year’s Thrill The World in October. Vancouver is a part of this annual worldwide simultaneous Thriller Dance and its zombie numbers are growing each year. In 2009, 242 zombies danced at the Yaletown Roundhouse and raised over $4,500 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

You don’t need to have a dance background or experience but you will need to learn how to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Fortunately there are rehearsal dates and meetups such as the one this Saturday ahead of the Zombiewalk.

Raise Your Hand for the Record

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

One of the most memorable moments during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics was walking down a pedestrian-only Robson or Granville at any hour and being able to high-five almost everyone you passed. Now, Paralympic silver medallist Josh Dueck is leading the Raise Your Hand for the Record campaign with WorkSafeBC to see if he can set the world record for most high-fives in a 24-hour period.

Day 17 of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games: Street and Bridge Party After Team Canada Wins Hockey Gold
Photo credit: Susan Gittins on Flickr

The goal is to increase young workers’ awareness and understanding of their safety rights and how to stay safe at work. Dueck said in the Raise Your Hand press release that, “It’s about making workplaces safer for everyone, but especially young workers. Life is full of choices. So, raise your hand and know your rights.” Young workers experience the greatest number of time-loss claims due to being struck by objects, overexertion, and falls.

The high-five marathon will begin August 27th at Empire Field during the BC Lions game, then it will move on to the Kaboom Plaza, then the PNE grounds. The event will wrap-up August 28th at the PNE’s Celebration Plaza.

Should the marathon be a success, hopefully more will be aware of WorkSafeBC’s campaign and Dueck (along with thousands of high-fiving Vancouverites) will earn a spot in the Guinness World Record book.

How you can help:

  • Come down to Empire Field August 27th and August 28th to show your support and get your hand slapped for the record
  • Spread the message and follow @ryhmovement on Twitter or share on Facebook
  • Raise Your Hand will have a presence throughout the PNE as well as an info station at the Live at Squamish music festival.

    Update Josh did it! 9,307 high-fives. He is now a world record-holder thanks to everyone that participated.

    Dine Around Richmond: Food Street

    Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt

    Last night I was hosted by Tourism Richmond for a walking and tasting tour along with over a dozen food and travel writers.

    Richmond Foodie Tour

    The theme of the evening was Demystifying “Food Street” which is a nickname given to Alexandra Road, home to over 200 restaurants within 3 city blocks. We were split into two groups and I followed Michelle Ng, who runs the Vancouver Foodie Tour. She was brought in by Tourism Richmond as a host and independent connoisseur of all things dining in Richmond. Having lived in the city for 25 years Michelle recently got out of her gig in the technology industry and followed her heart – to hosting delicious (and affordable) food tours.

    Michelle Ng, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Our first stop was Well Tea Taiwanese Restaurant where they had bubble tea and slushes waiting for the entire group. I admit, I’ve never had bubble tea before and it was a delightfully refreshing way to start the tour (although it was rather filling and this was just the first stop). Well Tea is very spacious inside and they serve up over 40 varieties of tea as well as casual Taiwanese snacks.

    Well Tea, Richmond Foodie Tour

    We had four official stops on the 4 hour tour but as we walked and Michelle talked, the group learned about everything from ‘how to know if a dumpling is properly cooked’ to the difference between Hong Kong style Western Cafes and Izakayas. Michelle not only spoke as though she was educated about Asian food, but as someone who was passionate about her community, often tossing in personal tidbits of information (ie. where to get the best foot massage and who to ask for).

    Richmond Foodie Tour

    Our unofficial second stop was at Kam Do Bakery which is the place to go for Loh Po Beng (winter melon pastry). You can read a bit more about Loh Po Beng here. On to our “official” second stop at Cattle Cafe.

    Cattle Cafe, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Here we enjoyed Malay Laksa Soup, Baked Pork Chop with Tomatoe Sauce on Rice, Baked Seafood with Creams Sauce on Rice, Unagi (BBQ eel) Sandwich with Cucumber (and white bread with the crusts cut off), and Bubble Waffle. Favourite at this stop: The soup (though very spicy) and sandwich.

    Cattle Cafe, Richmond Foodie Tour Cattle Cafe, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Cattle Cafe, Richmond Foodie Tour Cattle Cafe, Richmond Foodie Tour

    The next stop was Nan Chuu Japanese Izakaya, part of the Gyoza King family. With its extensive beverage list and vast tapas menu I think it’s here that I started getting really full (even with another stop left on the tour). What we found helpful was that they listed their Top 5 menu items from the past week on their menu so if you walked in and didn’t know what to order, that would be a great place to start.

    Nan Chuu Izakaya, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Vegetarians beware our samplings at Nan Chuu were Ebi Mayo, Udon with Mushroom and Bacon, Deep Fried Chicken Skins (two ways), Chicken Hearts (two ways), Chicken Gizzard (two ways), Salmon Wraps, and Thinly-sliced Beef Tongue Stew. Favourite at this stop: The salmon and the beef stew.

    Nan Chuu Izakaya, Richmond Foodie Tour Nan Chuu Izakaya, Richmond Foodie Tour

    We polished off the evening was Jang Mo Jib Korean Restaurant. It looks like a schnitzel house on the outside which stands to reason as the building used to be home to pub. The owners renovated and created a top-notch Korean dining experience which is rather evident when you arrive and see an endorsement from James Barber on the front door.

    Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour

    The dining room is huge, with high ceilings and the Food Network playing from flat screen TV’s. I think we had the most food here which included: Soon Dae Jub See (blood sausage), Jok Bahl (BBQ pork feet), Jab Che (sweet potato noodle), Hae Mool Pah Jun (seafood pancake), Tohng Gahl Bee (beef short ribs), and pork ribs. Favourite at this stop: Jab Che, Tohng Gahl Bee, and Hae Mool Pah Jun.

    Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour

    Jang Mo Jib, Richmond Foodie Tour

    In order to avoid wasting the food samples, Tourism Richmond provided everyone with a take-away food container so that we could savour the leftovers later on or bring home some of our favourite dishes for our loved ones.

    It’s amazing to think that we explored so many Asian culinary styles and dishes within about a 2-block radius. We had great guides that definitely opened my eyes to some of the dining possibilities within Richmond. “Food Street” is a short walk from Lansdowne Canada Line Station and everyone recommended that you either make dinner reservations or arrive before 6:00pm before the entire block fills up with dinner guests for the evening. Check out a recommended food tour itinerary on the Tourism Richmond website.

    Disclosure cmp.ly/2 our meals were compliments of Tourism Richmond.

    Backyard Photowalk

    Comments 3 by Rebecca Bollwitt

    When I was young I remember waking up summer mornings, sun blazing through my East-facing window and warming the foot of my bed. My cat would hop across my sheet-covered legs to sprawl then bask in the rays. She would lay there until either her movements or the heat forced me to get up and toss on my freshly cut shorts, recycled from last school year’s jeans. Morning birds would sing, the garbage truck would roar, and my cereal would snap, crackle and pop.

    Backyard Flower

    The day’s activities were unknown but there were a few staple selections from which to choose. Badminton (if the net was still up), Frisbee (if it wasn’t on the roof), kiddie pool (if no beetles had found their way in), or one of the many yard games my siblings and I had invented (or adapted from summer camp play). All involved many hours in the backyard or on the front lawn; grass between the toes, honeysuckle patches, and avoiding any “gifts” the neighbour’s dog may have left us. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

    Free Subway Breakfast, Customer Appreciation

    Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

    Subway is offering up a free breakfast combo as a part of a customer appreciation campaign tomorrow, August 19th.

    Free Subway Breakfast

    The offer is valid 7:00am until 10:00am for a ham & cheese egg muffin melt and a coffee.

    This is available only at participating restaurants in BC so you may want to call ahead to your local Subway today to confirm before you line up in the morning. No other purchases are necessary in order to get in on this offer.

    Update 2011 Participating Subways in Canada are offering a FREE Breakfast Day on May 31, 2011 between 7:00am–10:00am. Receive a free ham & cheese egg muffin melt and a coffee (size not specified).