The other night John and I took to the skies to dine 42 storeys up at Cloud 9 in the Empire Landmark. Aside from Seasons in QE Park, it has the most amazing view of Vancouver. It takes almost exactly one hour to do a full circle in the rotating restaurant, which almost feels like a ride as there’s so much to see. Every few minutes a new breathtaking scene appears – the glow of Granville’s entertainment district, Gracie’s Necklace adorning the Lions Gate, and the night skiing lights on Cypress hanging over the city like a halo.

While we managed to snap a few photos throughout our meal I thought a nighttime photo compilation from the Miss604 Flickr Group would make for a great theme this week.

Photo credit: on Flickr

Photo credit: Angel Wong Photography on Flickr

Photo credit: Clayon Perry Photoworks, Clayton Perry Photoworks

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

Photo credit: Matzuda on Flickr

Photo credit: popejon2, popjon2

Photo credit: juliusrequeon Flickr

Photo credit: Clayton Perry Photoworks, [travelfox]

Photo credit: ng.kelven on Flickr

Photo credit: Eyesplash on Flickr

You may click on each of the images to see more from these photographers and feel free to add your own images to the Miss604 Flickr Group.

Pacific Cinémathèque will host an in-person Q&A and screening with Crispin Glover this week as the actor (Back to the Future, Willard, Alice in Wonderland, Hot Tube Time Machine) will present his second feature film as a director, It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE.

“It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE is a transgressive yet tender psychosexual tale of disability and fantasy starring the late screenwriter and cerebral palsy sufferer Steven C. Stewart.” [source]

Each screening will be preceded by an hour-long audiovisual performance/presentation by Mr. Glover and following each screening there will be a Q&A session and a book signing with Mr. Glover’s books available for sale in the lobby.

Dates: January 14, 15, 16, 2011 at 7:00pm
Tickets: $20 (event is for those 18+)
Location: 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver

Other upcoming events at Pacific Cinémathèque include Chaplin!, a major retrospective of his feature films and many favourite shorts from Janaury 20 until February 11, and the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival February 12-15 and 17. Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Pasycho will also be screened in January.

Vancouver will be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and the City will be launching its celebration campaign for ‘Vancouver 125’ on Monday, January 17, 2011.

This will encompasses the following Vision Statement:
“Building on the momentum, energy and spirit generated during the Olympics, and through a growing awareness and understanding of our identities, first nations’ heritage and cultural diversity, the people and neighbourhoods of Vancouver feel excitement, pride and enthusiasm for a celebration in recognition of Vancouver’s 125th with activities that engage and enrich our society through the celebration of art and culture.” [source]

1886 – Vancouver Archives location #: GN dr 21

While I am involved in several aspects of official ‘Vancouver125’ festivities, I also plan to profile key moments and places through a specified history series over the next few months. Featuring first nations heritage, notes from the first City Council minutes (dated May 12, 1886), and reliving the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I will have a lot of worthy ground to cover. This will be very similar to my current weekly history post but with more of a highlight on dates and events.

We can all celebrate what Vancouver is today but it’s not without looking back that we can move forward and build on some tremendous momentum.

You will be able to follow the series through my regular History category or the Vancouver125 tag. I will also welcome and answer (to the best of my abilities and research) all historic inquiries submitted by comment or contact form.

Vancouver’s 125 anniversary will be celebrated April 6, 2011 and their official Twitter account is @Vancouver125.

Back for its second year, National Wear it Pink Day will aim to build awareness for The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers fundraising events across Canada.

On January 26, 2011 everyone is encouraged to wear pink around town, at work, or at school to promote registration for The Weekend and the cause it supports.

“Since 2003, over $15 million has been raised by Weekend participants enabling numerous advances in cancer research and care. Proceeds continue to fund innovative research, treatment, and prevention programs for breast and gynecologic cancers at BC Cancer Foundation.” [source]

Wear it Pink is the opportunity for new participants to learn about The Weekend or past walkers to share their own stories and fundraising success. Veteran walkers can receive a $100 fundraising credit for each new participant they refer.

On January 26th you can show your support by wearing pink, hosting a pink-themed party, posting updates on Twitter using the hashtag #wearitpinkday, changing your avatar to something pink, or by using a pre-set Twibbon.

Follow @wken2endcancer on Twitter or Facebook for more information about The Weekend and how you can participate in Wear it Pink Day 2011.

Since I profiled In Medias Res last week I have received wonderful leads and information about some upcoming shows to check out around Vancouver. This has prompted a return of my shamefully underused ‘Music Monday‘ series.

Carmen Townsend

Red Cedar

Vancouver locals Andy Bishop, Colin Jones, Bruce Ledingham, JP Doucet and Shaunn Watt will celebrate the release of their new album Enter The Sun Gods with Adelaide and Lord Beginner at the Biltmore on January 13th. Doors open at 8:00pm and cover is $10.
Follow Red Cedar: Website, MySpace

West Coast Pop!
Vancouver is Awesome and 100.5 The Peak have teamed up for West Coast Pop!, a new concert series at the Red Room with a low-dough price of $10.50. The showcases will run from February 19th until May 14th, 2011 and include acts such as We Are the City, The Dudes, You Say Party, and Kyprios.

Should you have a favourite up-and-coming local or Canadian act that you would like to see featured, please feel free to contact me using the subject line ‘Music Monday’.