Just as many are conceding to the fact that Vancouver has yet again become a “no fun city” numerous events filled with family fun are popping on my radar and this is another — and it’s for a great cause to boot.

Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile on Flickr

Chip’s really not dead yet, so save the date as the second annual Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile will be taking place June 20th, 2009.

For every dollar in proceeds of registration or sponsorship, Chip Wilson, the founder of lululemon has pledged to match their entry fee with a contribution up to $150,000 in support of BC Children’s Hospital and all kids who really know what an uphill battle feels like! Chip’s three-year plan is to raise $1 million dollars.

It’s simply a 1 mile run, uphill, in West Point Grey, that has various “waves” such as the elite wave (last year’s winner from Kenya took home a $20,000 prize) along with super fun and silly costumed waves such as superheros, uniform, underwear, rockstar (sponsored by 99.3 The Fox), and the brides — although you don’t even need to be an actual bride to sport a taffeta dress and take the run.

There’s also a contest this year to come up with your own themed run. Would you want to see a stream of pirates jogging by? Some robots perhaps? You can submit a video entry to the contest to suggest a wave and let them know what you’ll be wearing on race day.

But there’s much more to CNDY than the run, there’s also a family entertainment zone (at West 10th Avenue between Sasamat and Tolmie) and the best part is that proceeds go to support the BC Children’s Hospital. Being an auntie of 5, this is something I will always support.

“Children are precious and the most vulnerable members of our society. They rely on us to care for them.” [The Cause]

The group of people that are helping to get this event off the ground are committed to making it a success and getting the word out to the biggest audience possible. As such, they invited a handful of local bloggers to a special social media launch party this evening at the Loden Hotel where we got to learn more and also toss around a few ideas on how we can all help.

Chip Wilson and me

You can register for the run, become a fan on Facebook, enter the theme contest, check out the video from last year, or follow their updates on Twitter to participate or simply help spread the word.

I was first introduced to The Submarines last year when their label, Nettwerk, contacted me, asking if I’d like to give away tickets to their show in Vancouver. Since then I’ve been a fan (they remind me of my love of husband/wife duos ie. Mates of State) and we have followed their progress online.

They’ll be playing the Biltmore this Monday along with The Morning Benders, tickets are only $12 and doors are at 7:30pm.

I had the chance to catch a screening of RiP: A Remix Manifesto this morning and will have a full review posted prior to its March 20th theatrical release date. For now, visit the website, read the blog, add them on Twitter and preview this trailer, featuring Lawrence Lessig (founder of Creative Commons), Cory Doctorow, and more:

You can also become a part of this project by checking out opensourcecinema.org and you can also preview the film at Vancouver’s documentary film festival, DOXA.

Update March 3rd, 2009: Thanks to DOXA a preview screening will take place this Sunday, March 8th at the Vancity Theatre – tickets are $10.

I put the call out on Twitter last week for anyone who would like to contribute a guest post on my site. Tawcan, known for his many adventures, stepped up and offered to write a post that would add to my Day Tripping series:

If you’re like me, 99% of the time you’re stuck in the city during the week and on weekends you want to head out and explore what mother nature has to offer. Unfortunately it’s winter time, that means the beach is out of the questions and your favourite hiking destinations are covered in snow. Sure you can head to the local ski resorts on the North Shore or Whistler and enjoy some fresh powder but that comes with a hefty bill. Skiing/boarding ain’t cheap and we all know it.

Luckily there are lots cheaper alternatives that will still get your butt off that comfy couch and get you outside. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

The Vancouver-filmed series Dead Like Me ended a few years ago but it still has quite the following — if even according to Twitter last night when I asked if there were any fans out there and I received dozens of replies within minutes.

It has now moved on to the afterlife in the form of the DVD movie, that has been officially released today.

This morning I had the chance to do a quick interview with the star of the series and film, Ellen Muth, and my post is now available on E!Online.