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:

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 day”, 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.

Photo credit: raphaelstrada on Flickr

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

Yuri’s Night is an annual international celebration of Russia’s Yuri Gagarin being the first man to see the Earth from space and this year marks the expedition’s 50th anniversary. Vancouver is one of the 280 cities around the world who have signed up to host special events Saturday April 9th or Tuesday April 12th (the actual anniversary day) in honour of this occasion.

I caught up with Cameron Cronin, who is in charge of Public Programs at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. He said they’ve been wanting to host a Yuri’s Night for a long time and this year, they’re finally doing it for two reasons. The first being that it’s the 50th anniversary, and the second is that it’s a party just for the big kids.

“We’re known for our school programming but we thought it would be fun to open [the Space Centre] up for adults for one night.” Cam added that they will have vodka tastings, borscht, and involvement from the Russian community in Vancouver. “It will be a neat time to look at the whole history of space exploration and reflect on where we’ve been, and where the next generation is going.”

This may be the first of many grown-up themed events at the Space Centre as they hope to expand programming for wider age groups. “Being a non-profit it’s a big risk, but we’re willing to take it,” said Cam who added that all proceeds from the evening events with adults will go directly back into the school programs.

Yuri’s Night will be celebrated Saturday April 9th at the Space Centre from 8:00pm until midnight. Activities will include launching glow in the dark rockets, a human gyroscope (preferably before partaking in the vodka samples), planetarium shows, a courtyard cosmic disco and more. Tickets are $30 per person (must be 19 years of age or older) and are only available in advance.

If you would like to attend this world space party in Vancouver, the Space Centre has offered up a pair of tickets to one of my readers. Here’s how you can enter to win:

Follow @YurisNight on Twitter for information about the global events and connect with the Space Centre in Vancouver @AskAnAstronomer.

I will draw one winner at 12:00pm on Wednesday April 6, 2011. Must be 19+ to enter and attend. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home.

Update The winner is Arne Salvesen – congratulations!