Bellydancing at the Surrey YMCA

I am currently taking belly dancing lessons at Surrey's 'Tong Louie' YMCA, with my mother and my god-mother. I've sadly only attended one class so far, due to scheduling conflicts. I actually consider it a feat that I've made it to one, considering my lack of free time - and sickness - lately. I found myself quite fascinated, and believe me, it's harder than it looks!

In an effort to work smarter, not harder, I chose to make my video project for a news production class about the experience. So, I embarked on my first video project. After five hours of frustration with iMovie, this is what I came up with. I hope you like it. Blogspot, unfortunately, seems to take away some of the video quality, so my apologies that it is blurry.

An article about the fitness advantages of belly dancing is coming soon.

Anti-war protesters rally to bring Canadian troops home from Afghanistan

Anti-war activists gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday, March 15, at noon to rally and express their disappointment in the Conservative and Liberal party's actions regarding Canadian troops in Afghanistan. Members of Parliament voted on Thursday, supporting the mission's extension until 2011.


Protesters held rallies nationwide, in over 20 communities, including Montreal, Toronto and Calgary. Check out canadiansagainstwar.ca for more details.

Yvonne, a member of the Sunshine Coast Peace Group has been rallying for peace for more than 50 years, and March 15 was no exception. The rest of the peace group made a trip down for the day with Yvonne.

This was the first protest for seven-year-old Toby Main. His mother, Susan Main, a seasoned protester, is a journalism student at Langara College.

As of Wednesday, March 19, 81 Canadian troops have died in Afghanistan.

BC Boys 'AAA' Provincial Basketball Finals

Some players from the Kitsilano Blue Demons and the Terry Fox Ravens watch the ball, kicking off the game on March 15th at the Agrodome at the PNE. The teams were fighting for fifth and seventh place in the province.

Blue Demons guard ,Chris Mulangu, is blocked by Stuart McIntosh, a forward for the Ravens, in the second quarter of the game.

Will McIntosh, above, yells for his high school, the Terry Fox Ravens.


One of Kitsilano's star players, Crayton Crellin, a forward, blocks guard AJ Hanson of Terry Fox. The Ravens put up a good fight, but Kitsilano won the game leading 75-71, rounding out the top five of the tournament, leaving Terry Fox in seventh place.

UPDATE:
1st - Yale Secondary
2nd - White Rock Christian Academy
3rd - Van College
4th - RC Palmer Secondary
5th - Kitsilano Secondary

Bubble Girls

Two young girls enjoy the bubbles coming from the fountain in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday March 15.

Pender Harbour

The roads are as windy as a rollercoaster, but possess a sense of tranquility. The sunshine glistens through the tall cedar and arbutus trees on one side of the highway. Moss covered rock make up the other. And if you thought that was beautiful, wait until the sun glistens on one of the countless coves on a summer afternoon. You will find yourself feeling as if you've gone back in time. A time when life was simpler and the air was still crisp to inhale. The type of place where a convertible should be the vehicle of choice, and the warm wind running through your hair seems only natural. Pender Harbour is a treasure, hidden away, on the Sunshine Coast, just a short ferry ride out of Vancouver.

If you prefer camping, staying in a resort, or a five-star hotel, one of Pender Harbour's accommodations will suit your needs. Just as accommodating, are the outdoor activities. Mount Daniel is a hike for more experienced hikers, and don't forget to pack your water. Its peak, towering at 1374 feet above sea level, provides a treat for those who make it to the top. Looking down on a series of coves, and to the mountains in the distance you will nearly forget the beauty that is right before you on the mountain itself, but only for a moment. Many other outdoor activities are available to explore, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, fishing and many more. Charters are a must-do. The Harbour, nicknamed “Venice of the North", is best viewed by boat. Take advantage of it if you get a chance.


If you’re not the outdoorsy, athletic type, there is still plenty to do. Pender Harbour hosts many fabulous festivals; the two biggest are the May Day Parade and the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival. May Day has been a tradition for many years. Pender Harbour is the second oldest city to celebrate May Day in BC, next to New Westminster. Local businesses shut down to watch the parade, and the town is always packed, buzzing with so many locals you would think all 3000 of them were out celebrating. Live music is in the air, children are getting their faces painted, dancing and everyone seems to be having a good time. Pender Harbour will ring in its 12th annual Jazz Festival this September, featuring many award-winning local and international artists.

Pender Harbour doesn't provide a ton of nightlife venues, but it is not completely without. Garden Bay Pub is one. The waterfront pub’s wooden walls, large windows looking out at the crystal clear water and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Go in and ask Mel for a Speedway and she will know exactly what you need.

While summer time is the most beautiful time for Pender Harbour, it is sure to be buzzing with tourists from all over the world, providing it with a large chunk of it's economy. In the beginning, Pender Harbour lived off of it's fishing and logging businesses, which, though dwindling, still exists today. Originally, the town was called Hardscratch, because of the difficulty to survive because of remote area. Later, it was renamed Whiskey Slough after the empty bottles that could often be found floating in the water from fishermen celebrating their successes.

Neverending, are the windy roads in this gem of a town, and surely you'll leave wishing your trip was as well.

How to make a Speedway:
1 ounce of Crown Royal
1 part Redbull
2 parts Cranberry

Mix together on ice and enjoy!

Welcoming Wu-Zi: The Year of the Rat

A member of "Pretty Actress" is all smiles while waiting to perform in the Chinese New Year parade, above. Pretty actress is a singing and movement group inspired by opera.


Stephan Dion makes an appearance at the parade.


A dragon, above, scares and excites a young spectator in front of the Chinese Cultural Center in Vancouver on February 10, as performers prepare for the parade set to begin around noon.


The leader of the dragon performers gestures to a child to come forward and pet the dragon, while spectators wait to begin the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown, Vancouver on February 10, 2008.