The power of social media is growing every day when it comes to communicating across borders and raising awareness for issues in our own communities. To celebrate these networks there will be a special event in Vancouver April 5th called #NetCulture: Stories of Culture and Diversity in Social Media.
Stories connect us to each other, our cultures, and the world. Come and hear from inspiring local speakers reflecting our culturally diverse communities who will show how social media has helped them strengthen their identities, roots and friendships.
Presented by Ajay Masala Puri (the man behind one of the city’s best community events newsletters and the #EastVanTweetup) along with the NetTuesday Meetup group, #NetCulture will host the following speakers: Veronica Heringer (DDB Canada), Ray Hsu & Zi-Ann Lum (Way Too Azn), Jordana Mah (Schema Magazine
), Rafael Aquino & Jay Catalan (Tulayan
), Norma Ibarra & Paola V Murillo (Latincouver
), and Ashok Puri (retiree and world traveller).
The keynote is Kety Esquivel, a well-known advocate for the Latino community and VP of Digital Strategy at Ogilvy Public Relations who will be joining in via Skype.
The best part of NetTuesday Meetup events (as I used to attend them back in 2008) is that they are community-driven, they often have a non-profit focus, and they’re absolutely free.
#NetCulture will take place Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the 
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch downtown. Register for free online and join the after-party at the Kingston to continue discussions.
A while back I came to know the family behind Regency Auto through a mutual friend and since that time we’ve worked together on a few events such as the upcoming launch party for the new Lexus CT200h hybrid.
The party will be Thursday, April 7th and everyone is invited to come down to 1778 Burrard (at 2nd in Kits) between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. There will be refreshments, giveaways, a DJ, catering by Copper Chimney, and a non-profit component supporting Charity: Water.
The CT200h is a sporty little hatchback that packs a punch even when it’s completely in ‘electric’ mode. John and I had the car for a day and liked all the tech (lots of room to plug in gadgets), the pick-up, the compact size, and of course all of the bells and whistles that you would expect from a luxury vehicle.
For a little incentive to show up at the launch event (tagged #RegencyParty on Twitter) Regency Lexus has exclusively partnered with me to give away a $1000 gift card for Holt Renfrew for a reader who can complete the following:
Head down to Regency Lexus on Burrard between now and April 7th then take a Foursquare photo or Twitpic with a product specialist and tag it #RegencyParty @Miss604, sharing to Twitter.
AND/OR… Leave a comment on this post listing one of the CT200h’s available colours (Hint: There are 7 options).
Once you’ve left a comment or stopped by the showroom, you must then be present at the party on April 7th in order to win.
This is a pretty big prize so I think a comment entry or checking out the car for yourself would definitely be worthwhile. I will be giving a complete list of my comment, Foursquare, and Twitter entries to Izzam at Regency Auto so that he can do the draw on Thursday. Good luck and let me know what you think of the CT200h.
Disclosure: No purchase necessary, open to anyone of driving age who can complete the requirements for entry. I did not receive any type of product or compensation for this campaign. You may enter the contest until 4:00pm on the day of the event, April 7th.
Last October public were invited to submit names for Translink’s new electronic farecard. Nominations were made, votes were placed and we now have the Compass Card. Beating out starfish and Tpass, the winning name was submitted by Oleksiy Gayda from Burnaby.
Bus operator Anthony Crann, TransLink VP Mike Madill, name contest winner Oleksiy Gayda
and SkyTrain’s Colleen Milek show off the new card on Thursday, March 31, 2011
I’ve used the Charlie Card in Boston, Oyster Card in London, and MetroCards in New York so it will be great to have a re-loadable electronic card in Vancouver (better late than never). Translink will have the Compass Card system up and running for 2013 with installtion at stations commencing immediately followed by trials in the Fall of 2012.
It’s not often that we get out to explore popular sites around Vancouver that are enjoyed by so many visitors each year. It wasn’t until the past year or so that I walked around Minter Gardens, went up to the Vancouver Lookout, or stopped by Maplewood Farm. It’s for this reason that Tourism Vancouver has launched the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” campaign May 3rd to May 29th, 2011.
Tourism Vancouver explains: “Each day, during the 27 days of the promotion, a different area attraction will be revealed as the “attraction of the dayâ€, offering B.C. residents a limited number of free admission tickets to their location. Tickets are only valid for one day, but on that day the lucky locals who snag tickets can expect a great day out, and will leave inspired to share their experience with visiting friends and relatives.”
The deal of the day for B.C. residents will be announced on Twitter, Facebook, and local radio. To participate, you’ll need to register for the deal online while tickets are still available.
A few of my favourite spots that will be a part of the promotion include: Hell’s Gate, Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston, Britannia Mine Museum, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the Museum of Anthropology, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and many more, listed online.
Patrick Maliha (radio host, columnist, comedian, and creator of the People’s Champ of Comedy) has been presenting comedy shows in Vancouver for the last few years including fundraisers and lining up some heavy-hitting talent. He’s now arranged a monthly comedy night plus dinner special at Federico’s Supper Club (1728 Commercial Drive) in Vancouver.
One Friday a month, you can now purchase a $50 ticket that includes a 3-course meal and an evening of comedy. Don’t worry about choking on your meal from all the hilarity as a guitarist will provide live music for the dinner portion before the hi-jinx begin.
The next show is this Friday, April 1, 2011 featuring MC Erica Sigurdsom, Darcy Michael, special guest CTV’s Marke Driesschen and headliner Roman Danylo.
More information about Federico’s and their menu is available on their website or Facebook
