The meeting place was at Krispy Kreme Bonifacio HS where we were treated with our choice doughnut and frozen blend Lotta Latte or 'Orange You Glad'. We then started with Texas Roadhouse Grill, Kabisera ng Dencio's, Starbucks, TGIF, and Italiannis. New Orleans capped the set in Bonifacio while Portico started the Serendra group.

Full meals greeted us in Portico, Mezza Luna and Polu Kai Grill. Food tasting continued as offered by Cuillere, Mamou, Chelsea and Fu. Coffee break at Kape Isla and our intentionally belated dessert stops at Choco-late De Batirol, Xocolat, Miss Desserts, and Cupcakes by Sonja where we happily received a box of 4 take-home cupcakes! Yum yum! (others maximized the box space with 5 – hmm..)

Similarly in the 1st food tour post, let me personally acknowledge some which stood out.

We were filled with the generous servings of Kabisera ng Dencios and Polu Kai Grill.

Recognition for the restaurants with great interior themes and appetizing atmosphere - collectively referred to as ambience, is a giveaway since most of the spots are upscale and is expected to be so. Although many of them deserved to be mentioned, Kabisera, TGIF, New Orleans, Portico, and Mezza Luna topped the list.

Blogger friendly (informative) spots are Krispy Kreme, Texas Roadhouse Grill, Cuillere, and Miss Desserts.

Most accomodating hosts and friendly establishments are Kabisera, New Orleans, Mezza Luna, and Xocolat. At the top of this list is Polu Kai Grill; Aloha!

Interesting food finds are Polu Kai's Spicy Garlicky Shrimp, Chelsea's Hickory Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs Pizza (left photo, upper-left quadrant of pizza), Starbuck's Black Forest Sandwich - Ham, Egg White & Cheeze on Ciabatta Bread (right photo; copyright of establishment),

and Texas RoadHouse’s Shrimp & Salmon Skewer (photo provided; copyright of establishment),

And to sweetly cap this article - the sweet lovers' finds are Kabisera's 'Sinturon' - ube-langka- macapuno-filled turon & ice cream,

Polu Kai's Pineapple Shake (right photo) served in actual pineapple body, Cupcakes by Sonja's Red Velvet Vixen (left photo provided; copyright of establishment),

Mezza Luna's ________(I failed to note this down, anybody?; photo below),

and Choco-Late de Batirol's wooden-stick-stirred Hot Chocolate.

*most pictures from http://joneluy.multiply.com
*Review of some establishment/dishes/food/sweets in future posts

- - -

Occasionally, this means I can't get back to sleep. Such was the case the other night. I don't even remember which night this was because they are all sort of blending together in one long blur of sleeplessness. Usually when I get up early like this, I work on research and listen to the BBC world service via KUOW (94.9 in Tacoma). Well, the other night I was sort of drifting in and out of consciousness and there was a fascinating interview on the Beeb with a woman named Linda Gratin. She was talking about the importance of collaboration as the new model for businesses and made some key comparisons between this new model of cooperation versus the old model of competition. Going so far as to suggest that competitive people should be fired if they can't learn to cooperate!

So, I googled her... nothing. I tried looking her up on the BBC web site... nothing. Linda Gratin where are you???

Turns out her name is Lynda Gratton and she's quite well known in the business world, if only you know how to spell her name. Ah the joy of analog technology: too bad the FM signal can't beam an RSS feed to my news aggregator. Anyway, after looking her up in Proquest and checking out some of her articles, I'm really intrigued by what she has to say.

The article I'm currently reading is called "Building bridges for success" (UW Restricted Link) and was originally published in the Financial Times. London (UK): Jun 29, 2007. In that article she outlines some of her basic ideas about the importance of collaboration on innovation, leadership's role in creating a collaborative environment, formal and informal collaboration, and the importance of stamping out competition.

What's shocking about this article is its relevance to strategic planning here on campus and in the library. One of the things that I think most people identified as a problem on campus was the idea of "siloing:" where units were working in competition for resources. According to Lynda Gratton, this environment stifles innovation and fosters mistrust.  Well, of course it does... especially in academia.

I've seen this in action in myriad ways but I'll give you a sports analogy if you'll indulge me: football (soccer to some of you). On a football team, the most important aspect of the game is cooperation. To the layman, it looks like attacking players only attack and defending players only defend. In the past this was more or less true, but there was a revolution in football in the 70's when the Dutch national team, led by their charismatic and one of the most talented individual players ever (Johan Cruyff), popularized something called "total football." In some ways, Total Football was a response to Cruyff's insistence on being all places at all times, it was heavily reliant on one, very competitive man and his desire to do all things on the pitch. But what grew out of that was something collaborative, beautiful, and one in which all the parts worked seamlessly together to form a whole. Defenders were no longer relegated to defense; if the attack required a player to come down the wing, anyone could do it.

Today, my favorite team (Arsenal) plays a faster paced more expansive version of the same concept and they do it without the benefit of a real superstar (their best player is a 20 year old). Their movement and reliance on each other to pick up when someone else has moved into a different position is universally recognized as some of the most beautiful football ever played. And no I'm not just saying that because I'm a fan. Arsenal, in many ways, epitomizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration.  They make hundreds of passes in a game where even a great team makes dozens, everyone is constantly in motion, supporting the attack, defending from the front, covering, and always looking for their teammate.

No, it's not perfect (Arsenal are currently in third place and have no real hope for a trophy) but the team they have built, the innovation that they are laying down for future footballers, and the trust that they all have for each other is truly special to watch.  And yes, I am saying THAT as a fan, but I'd bet most football fans would agree.

Now, I'm by no means suggesting that that environment of "siloing" and internal competition still exists here at UWT or in the library. Rather, let me suggest something different, a more positive approach if you will; that those of us interested in innovation make sure that we are reaching out to others across campus, building diverse teams for our projects, and creating collaborative efforts. I think that if we (continue to) do that then we could turn UWT into what Lynda Gratton calls a "Hot Spot" for innovation.

And that would be real cool if you ask me!

Until tomorrow, Cheers.

1st Spot.ph Blogger's Tour. 18 Restaurants in 4 hours. That's like 13.5 minutes to shoot and eat in each of the participating food establishment (not counting pee breaks and eye blinks). Moreover, the blogger teams (go Orange!) had to present and have their "spot passes" signed in each of the 'spot'.

Each shop was an experience, but some stood out. Allow this blogger to recognize them accordingly on a personal level. I call them the 'hot spots' in this tour.

Hot Spots

Ruby Tuesday and Cyma got my fancy for their generous servings. They brought 'food tasting' to a new level; they had full servings for each blogger! We could have stayed in these two spots and eat all afternoon! It came to a point that we had to tell them to stop serving the dishes (what!?!) coz we had to move on to the next spot! I never thought I'd refuse free gourmet food. **

Bubba Gump provided a unique ambience. Their menu design, table & chairs and interiors brought us to a different place. They also prepared a 'Forrest Gump' inspired room & buffet. **

Two shops revealed to be the most accommodating and informative. The blogger friendly spots are Five Cows and again, Cyma. The former's managers were very pleasant (I also had my camera charged there =) ). The staff even lent us their 'cow hats' for the girl's photo op. Cyma made us appreciate the goodness of Greek food. For a while, it's like having a crash course on Greek food and culture while tasting them at the same time. And all this came from no less than chef and partner Mr. Robby Goco. **

Lastly of course, are the outstanding sweet finds from Cafe Breton's Deja Vu, Five Cow's Triple Choco Bombe & Mango Cheesecake, and Cyma's Molten Chocolate Cake. There are two more from Cafe Breton but I forgot their names (due to its goodness, perhaps?). Food labels do help you know (see Five Cows pics).**

Other interestingly good finds are Haiku's Oyako Roll and Salad, Ruby Tuesday's Ruby Burger Minis, La Maison's La Maison Spareribs & Recipes' General's Chicken. I was excited to try some new interestingly flavored Krispy Kreme doughnuts but was limited to the 'original glazed' and coffee, so there's nothing new to review. Hopefully the Bonifacio HS branch would offer varied choices on Monday.

Other spots included Fish & Co., Itallianis, Starbucks, Holy Cow, The Madison Grill, Red Box, Cold Rock and TGIF.

** Specific food reviews to be posted on future posts
* Pictures from joneluy.multiply.com © 2008

]]> http://googlyeyed.wordpress.com/?p=16 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:00:37 +0000 alisaurus http://googlyeyed.wordpress.com/?p=16 Last week my boyfriend and I visited Cafeteria in Chelsea to have a special dinner for his 22nd birthday. Here's how it all went down.

We arrived around 8:00PM on a Wednesday night, and it was surprisingly crowded for mid-week. We left our name with the host and waited at the (also crowded) bar for a table to become available. Not to worry, however, because there is of course a price to be paid for languishing in such hipness. After about 30 minutes into my Blood Orange Martini, a tiny table for two squished between two others opened up. Despite the crampedness, spirits remained high.

Anyhoo, we ordered the famous Mac and Cheese for a starter and it was orgasmic. So so so good. The cheese was a perfectly flavored blend of fontina and cheddar with that crispy baked cheesy layer on top. We practically licked the bowl clean. After that, I chose the Honey Roasted Turkey for my main course while Jon had the Wednesday night special, Fish and Chips, good old Irish boy that he is.

My turkey came with sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce, and green beans, Thanksgiving-style. It was a tasty dish - the turkey was moist, the green beans were perfectly crisp, and the cranberry sauce had nice combination of jelly and actual cranberry texture - but overall, too sweet for me. The honey in the turkey as well as the very sweet potato mash and cranberry was more like a dessert than a dinner; technically nothing wrong with the meal, just a matter of my personal preference.

Jon's Fish and Chips, Wednesday Night's Blue Plate Special, were, if nothing else, delightfully presented in a thin paper bag and aluminum cup, reminiscent of whimsical Boardwalk food. The fries were of the traditional Boardwalk or "chipper" style, being more limp and soft than crispy, and still with bits of the potato skin clinging to them. The fish was served in small bits rather than a large filet, suggesting it was best eaten with fingers, and preserving the crispiness of the battering. Also on the plate was Apple Cider Cole Slaw, which tasted quite like regular cole slaw but more refreshing and without the over-laden mayonnaise feeling. Jon described the dish as "Fuckin' delish."

To cap it all off, we had the Strawberry Shortcake dessert which consisted of vanilla ice cream, strawberries, mascarpone, and bits of cake - it was fantastic.

Cafeteria provides updated, quality comfort food in a hip atmosphere, and an impressive cocktail menu to boot. It's open 24 hours as well, and I would call it highly recommended, but steer clear of the 8:00 dinner rush.

119 7th Ave @17th Street

New York, NY 10011

(212) 414-1717

Open 24HRS.

Prices: Entrees - $15-30. (It was a special occasion so it was a bit of a splurge.)

First of all, yes, I called it the FiDi. For those of you too articulate to know what this means, I am referring to the Financial District. Suck it, it's easier. But if you ever do happen to be in this vast pit of corporate wasteland, I highly suggest you take a trip to 60 New Street and grab some of these delectable bon bons. They may be pricery, but after shooting a short film in there and staring at the glass display case for hours, $3 is a small price to pay for a bit of lingual bliss.

Also, did I mention that the owners are super cute? Don't be fooled by their gayness, John and Joe are lean mean small business machines. Plus, they have a kids day once a month for children from broken neighborhoods. Delicious and sentimental. What's not to love?

new globalizing knowledge spaces, especially when multiple institutions (and often firms) from different countries are brought together within one space. These may take the form of a branch/overseas/foreign campus, a joint research centre, or perhaps relatively deep transnational linkage schemes (e.g., joint and dual/double degrees, or international consortia of universities).

The post lists many examples of these ventures. The institutions that I am engaged with have all participated in building and supporting global branches. For example, The University of Chicago Grad School of Business has two foreign campuses (London and Singapore).

The knowledge hubs that the post highlights are mostly in developing countries and include; Dubai Knowledge City, Bahrain Higher Education City, Singapore's Global School House (where U of C is located), and Education CIty Qatar. A mix of schools from the US and Europe are participating in these efforts.

While the GlobalHigherEd post gets philosophical and begins to asks questions on the use of metaphors such as knowledge city, for me the question is whether one can centrally plan 'global hotspots' for knowledge production and commercialization. Will the planned spaces provide greater returns (regarding entrepreneurship, growth, and innovation) than current campus eco-systems?

Is there real value from economic planners offering limited spaces (vs. full home campuses) to a handful of leading institutions and then using those spaces (knowledge cities) to mash together various faculty, staff, and students over 3, 6, or 12 month periods?

This approach will likely work for training students and granting degrees (a basic function of the university), it remains to be seen if any kind of entrepreneurial culture and institutions can grow in these planned knowledge zones.

Can Education City Qatar, which hosts institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, match the output of places such as NYU located in New York City or UCSF located in the Bay Area? (There is likely a path dependency that cannot be recreated)

Or are these ventures just quick sales that return lots of cash quickly to the schools and give their faculty some time abroad? (The medical school my wife attended makes lots of money training physicians in the Middle East).

It also seems as if these education cities or hot spots are just like the 'office/science parks' or 'industrial zones' that we saw a lot of in the US in the 1980s and 1990s. The results on such efforts are mixed I believe.

For US based campus entrepreneurs, there is no doubt these efforts (like all study/work abroad offerings) present valuable opportunities to broaden awareness and build global networks. (U of Dayton's Salud de Sol is one such example).

We'll continue to watch the global expansion/clustering of knowledge spaces and the opportunities and entrepreneurs that come out of them.

With the Spring sunshine warming up the house nicely, Ken always turns the heat off this time of year. It's always so great to snuggle up under the big pile of blankets in a cool house.

Usually, the tough part of getting out of bed in a cold house isn't too chilly - until this morning when it was accompanied by little tiny snow flakes floating around outside.

Brrrr...16 in the house. All I wanted to do was turn the heat up and crawl back into bed (which, actually, I did).

Don't let that urge to hibernate keep you from cupcakes today.

We are busting out our best Spring attire, and Karen's studio is bubbling over like a burst of sunshine. We may not have a direct line to Mother Nature. But, I suspect you'll be feeling like you soaked up some vitamin D after stopping by:)

So, after I make a run to the copy store, eat a healthy breakfast to offset a day of frosting stealing and find those wool sweaters I just packed away, we at CVK will meet you over at Karen's studio (4th and Fitzgerald in downtown Courtenay) for some cupcake making! (Wheat-free and fruit available too!)

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Can't wait to meet all of you!

Ο κ. Χατζηδάκης σημείωσε ότι το σχέδιο νόμου χρειάζεται μερικούς μήνες ακόμη ώσπου να οριστικοποιηθεί. Ο καταναλωτής, μετά την ψήφιση του νομοσχεδίου, θα μπορεί να ελέγχει μέσω του Η/Υ την εκπεμπόμενη ακτινοβολία ( link με τα όρια που ισχύουν ) και να καλεί τις αρμόδιες αρχές για επικύρωση της μέτρησης. Με αυτό τον τρόπο θα υπάρχει μια αξιόπιστη μέτρηση και μη αμφισβητίσημη.

Με τέτοιο στόχο άραγε τι είδους νόμος θα είναι;

Μήπως θα ήταν καλύτερα να δηλωθεί ως στόχος η προστασία της υγείας των πολιτών;

Craig Chalquist has written convincingly about how a history of a place influences the activities there today (Terrapsychology, Spring Books, 2005). I'd like to go further and explore the idea that where you live, the actual earth you live on, has a profound effect on your psychology. 

We have all had that experience of "feeling better" in one place, or "feeling weird" in another; or "feeling peaceful" in one place while not in another.

I am curious about energetics (no surprise) and I think they come from both the events of the past (Chalquist) AND the metaphysics of the location itself.

This idea has been growing in me since I moved to the southwest corner of Montana, where we are literally living on a caldera, an "inner volcano" as it were. What does that translate to, in terms of folks' psychologies here? The obvious would be that "tempers run hot" that passion does as well, that folks "feel things" more intesnely here. Certainly reading the letters to the editor of my local paper proves those theories.

But what else about living on on hot spot? What else about living so close to water, steam and lava that is literally coming from the core of the Earth?  It's when we consider that vision that I think we are able to better discern the characteristics I've noticed while living here almost three years.

1) The intuitives here seem to go deeper, faster, than any other I've studied with.

2) The veil is thinner here -- folks report huge dreams, visions. (That could as well have to do with the immense native american presence and history).

I will write more about this tomorrow; but in the meantime, look at this:

There is also a great link on Yellowstone's web site:  www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/norris.htm which you can visit to check out the various hot spots and geyers. There are so many of them! It's rumoured that there are many hundreds in Yellowstone. These are the ones the Park service knows about and has researched.

Really, when you stop and think about it, WHAT IS THIS?????? Geologists can use science to explain, but if we look symbolically, and ponder what it might mean to live on this land, it takes one's breath away.

In April 2002 the Government created the Pathfinder Funding Programme that will make available £1 billion of government money to deprived areas of the country by 2015. Newcastle will be recieving £95million of the goverments funds.

The area west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's city centre has aready shown a hike in property prices, drawing many young affluent professionals. The area was ranked 21st in the Top 35 Yappy property hotspots.

Real estate specialists claim that Newcastle has all the factors necessary to allow residential and commercial property to boom. Newcastle's property outlook was boosted this month by news that the city's council would be investing an affordable housing programme to boost residential property stock in the west of the city.

Other areas to receive up to £95 million, over the next three years, Oldham (£90m), Hull and East Riding (£87m), Birmingham Sandwell (£53m), Tees Valley (£35m) and West Cumbria (£6m).

For the latest information, see the 2007 Housing Green Paper Homes for the future: more affordable, more sustainable from the Communities and Local Government website.

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I often catch the whispers of parents around the Valley and Campbell River that the one thing they miss about former lives in bigger cities is the access to all kinds of culture.

Life on the island can feel very isolating.

I know that when we first moved here I was more than a little overwhelmed by the loss of simple things like a long list of ethnic goods and the wide-ranging mix of races, languages and cultural traditions that permeated our lives in Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco.

Much like finding trails we love, hot spots to hang out at and friends to connect with, discovering the vibrant slices of culture - scaled down by the simple realities of living in a small town - has revealed, in the end, that a fair bit of all of the things we missed lives right here. It's just a bit more subtle.

One of those vibrant slices is the annual Taiwanese Lantern Festival, hosted by the village of Cumberland, which kicks off on Saturday at the Cumberland Recreation Hall.

This event, a great partnership between Cumberland and the Taiwanese-Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver, draws one heck of a crowd to the tiny village (something north of 20,000).

If you are looking for something great to do with the family this weekend, kick it all off by jumping in for the Lantern Festival foot parade at 7 p.m. Saturday (March 29) evening. Start at First and Dunsmuir and wander fown to the Village Park for Taiwanese dancing and fire spinning as well as a release of sky lanterns and fireworks (COOL!)

I'm totally stoked to check out the new Taiwanese market full of Taiwanese hand-made goods as well as the food booths (yum).

There's also going to be great stuff like a glass art demo from artist Ang-fu Huang, a Taishan Barbie exhibit and all kinds of great specials going on at Cumberland restaurants and businesses all week.

Just a bit on the lanterns: they are all hand-made (which is just incredible once you see them) lit up by thousands of tiny bulbs that make the display look like a dream world of colour, design and energy. There are some super cool creatures and gorgeous flowers as well as very traditional symbols of Taiwanese culture.

We took the tiny person last year (it takes about 30-45 minutes to make it through the display) and she thought it was AMAZING, ooooing and ahhhhing over the lights, animals and major toddler wow factor.

For artists in training, this is a great way to start into lessons on folk art from different cultures. You can even plug your older kiddos into making their own lanterns with wire, cloth and other techniques (talk with some of the artists who are on hand. They are wonderful).

If you've never checked out the festival, hit it! The lantern display, market and food vendors are at Cumberland Rec from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day (starting Saturday) until April 6.

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We haven't done a comment challenge in a while, so here it is: What do you HAVE to have in your beach or hiking day pack? Hints, tips and details, details, details on what lives in your bag please.

It's time to pack the day bag.

You know, the one left by the door or in the back of your car all Summer long because hiking or hitting the beach on a moment's notice (or upon the arrival of sunshine) pretty much defines good times around these parts.

My husband - perpetually poking fun - defines our bag on much larger terms.

Between the piles of wellies, wet gear, beach pails, binoculars, bug boxes extra socks and snacks in the back of the truck, we tend to extend way beyond that single backpack. He doesn't quite get that, while water, the first-aid kit, whistles and of course the camera always make it to the ultimate destination, we "Need" everything else.

Ken's probably right.

I have an issue with over preparing.

A day out in the woods or on the beach doesn't have to be complicated.

In fact, you can plan for a double feature of forest and waves without much more than a pack on your back if you head out for some good times at Seal Bay Nature Park

This AMAZING forest route to one of the premiere beaches in the Comox Valley is absolutely magic on a Spring day and an adventure that the whole family will find something to be fascinated with.

This adventure starts by checking the tide charts. With Spring tides being at their lowest of the year, you want to make sure you start out at least 90 minutes before low tide for the most creature discovery potential. Be sure to start heading back to higher shore right around low tide as the currents change quickly and the tide rises fast on this beach (safety first), making it nearly inaccessible at high tide.

Once you've got that set, take the Old Island Highway out to Coleman Road, head east on Coleman until it becomes Bates and begin your day at the main parking on Bates Road. The trail routes are well-marked at the trail head and there is a walking as well as a wheelchair/stroller route.

We always head down the Main Beach Trail that winds through what the tiny person has deemed "fairy forest" because the snags and filtered light peeking through the trees turns it into a bit of a wonderland walk. This time of year, you are nearly guaranteed the spotting of big banana slugs (bring that magnifying glass), blooming trillium and worms after a good rain. Birds are ever-present along the way and the quiet of the walk (which becomes a bit more steep as you head toward the beach) is magic.

Not to harsh your mellow. But, keep the kids in sight, preferably within arms reach as this time of year on any trail on the island you have to be aware of young cougars. Be sure to check out our cougar and bear safety sheet and stay alert.

I love this walk because there is SO much to see and different bits of terrain that make it interesting. A couple of quick switchbacks, some steep parts and a little slippery action after rain can make this tough if you have a tiny person for whom running is the dominant speed. But, discovery is the name of the game here for the curious hiker.

A short 20-25 minute walk lands you smack dab on one seriously gorgeous, secluded beach.

While you can stop where the trail pops out onto the beach, I recommend taking the trail a bit farther, over the wooden bridge and into an area that is the perfect locale for harbour seal viewing, mega tide pooling and stopping for lunch on a giant piece of driftwood.

We have, literally, spent hours and hours at this spot on a sunny day. The rock outcroppings generally turn up crabs, snails and starfish, the eel grass has some amazing (and rather large) creatures beneath (I once stepped on a pile of eel grass just the right way and out popped a flathead clingfish. Holy, that was freaky but cool)

I highly recommend bringing a shoreline creature ID book and a camera to learn about and document the creature fest. Wet gear and wellies are required for Springtime adventures too. There's an outhouse on the beach where the trail first pops out if the need arises.

This time of year is excellent for bird watching as well. Eagles are out in force and deer often make it down onto the beach if you are out about mid-morning.

After all of that, plan to head back up the hill BEFORE you are entirely exhausted, as the walk back is the most strenuous part of the whole deal.

We have made the mistake more than once of overextending ourselves at the tide pools, which means only one thing - I end up carrying the tiny person, the day pack and EVERYTHING ELSE back up the hill. You will hate me forever for recommending this adventure by the time you get back to the car if I don't slip that tip in.

Plan for exhaustedness. Packing an extra warm blanket or two for wrapping up in once back in the car will make you super parent in the eyes of your sleepy tiny people. I can attest to the fact that I once had my 7-year-old nephew crash along with the preschoolers in the back of the truck after one of these adventures.

That alone is worth this fun trail run out to the beach!

Happy adventuring.

Speaking of prizes, locals don't forget to download the Coupon for your discount over at Bears & Balloons in downtown Comox. The sale is only on for this week. So, get on it!

So, the tiny person and I hit the opening day of the Spring Break Hands-On Farm yesterday. It's most definitely a scaled-down version of the Summer farm. But, it was totally great to see our daughter getting into hanging out with the bunnies and guinea pigs inside, and getting the chance to feed the donkey his apple breakfast outside.

The pics here are all from yesterday's good times. Make sure you get on over to the farm (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily) this week and enjoy a morning running around out at The Filberg.

Now, back to the business of Spring Break.

Last year around this time I was hanging out on a daily basis with the tiny person and her cousins.

At that point they were 1.5, 5 and 7 - and not mutually interested in anything at all, which made for some challenging adventuring.

I was stunned...and excited...and totally amazed by the one thing that resonated with all of them - a regular schedule of museum touring.

If your impression of museums is the land of things that are untouchable, unexplainable and even verge on boring, you are in for a cool treat if you go local.

The absolute beauty of community-minded museums is they are BUILT FOR FAMILIES to enjoy and while spending an hour at any one of these small wonders can be a stretch in terms of content, making a day out of checking out local history can be the Spring Break adventure that will surprise all of you in terms of good times.

This idea is pretty transportable from one locale to another. So, if you live in a different area of the world or are planning a Spring Break trip with a local adventure built in, small local museums are often a fun, fascinating, family way to check out any region. We've adapted this to just about every place we've ever visited. Even in very small communities such as Tofino and Ucluelet there are an amazing number of local history options.

Here's our recommended tour route for those of you starting in the COMOX VALLEY (Campbell River is below) with tips and tricks:

1. Start your day out at the Cumberland Museum and Archives, where you can check out some of the flavour of this old mining village including displays on the influence that Chinese workers had on the region, a hands-on switchboard station where you can see for yourself how old phones worked and the super cool coal mine replica that you can walk through again and again (the kids go CRAZY for this one). It's cash-only for the low admission cost. So, make sure to stop by a bank machine first...and then make a trip to the Cumberland Bakery (just down Dunsmuir) for a cookie or famous donut to recharge afterward.

2. Next stop, the Courtenay Museum in downtown Courtenay. Switch gears to the prehistoric and check out all of the awesome creatures discovered buried beneath the Valley floor (they even have a cool, live lung fish that is considered prehistoric). Head upstairs for a sweet display of First Nations masks and consider stopping for lunch at one of the great downtown eateries before heading off on the next part of the adventure.

3. Head on over to the Comox Archives and Museum to read up on local maritime history before heading down the street to The Filberg and Mack Laing Nature Park to discover the actual locales where many of those stories originated. This is a great way to get a short walk and some fresh air in before moving on and a cool way to connect kids to local history. Benino Gelato is right there. Time for a treat:)

4. To wrap up a museum day in the Valley, take a drive out to 19 Wing to hit the Comox Air Force Museum. This hands-on museum full of 100 years of military gear is manned by a crew of incredibly friendly and accommodating volunteers and there are some really great things to check out including a chance to take pictures of your "pilot" kiddo sitting in a jet fighter chair (helmet and all), radar and landing field displays. Then, take a trip down the road to the Air Plane Park (it is open sporadically this time of year. But, you can see the planes from the parking area) to check out actual military planes for yourselves.

STARTING IN CAMPBELL RIVER:

5. I HIGHLY recommend starting the day hitting the Campbell River Museum. This museum is premiere in terms of just amazing displays including a stunning First Nations mask show with traditional storytelling, an interactive history of commercial fishing display and movies about Ripple Rock and an animated First Nations tale that take the edge off of anxious museum goers. This is definitely the museum you will spend the most time at, and when you go you'll understand why.

6. Before heading into the Valley, make sure to hit the Maritime Heritage Centre at Discovery Pier. The fishing boat that is the cornerstone of this museum is fully accessible and there is a TON of cool old commercial fishing gear including a series of bells that need ringing. I really dig this spot as you can take a walk out on Discovery Pier after to get some fresh air and walk down the waterfront to find a picnic table for lunch. If take-out is more your style, be sure to hit Dick's fish hut near the Quadra ferry dock for the tastiest fish and chips in town.

Happy Spring Break Adventuring!!!

• Start to regulate a habit of going to the gym. I could have some killer inner thigh muscles if I only but a little bit of time into it.
  
• Take up baking.  It will be hot, but on the cooler evenings, I think it's  a great thing to start to love!
• Work on re-building my shoe collection. After I moved here from Vic I lost all of my shoes! I don't know why, but I would like to get in on more shoe shopping. I found a shoe fanatic with some legendary shoe-shopping abilities. I think I will have her help me out with it...
  
• Decorate, decorate, decorate. I need to get into the vibe of beauty. I'd like to get better with my decorative abilities. 
• Move into a place that I can call my own. I need to do this, I love my roommate dearly, but I think we both need to live by ourselves for a while. I'd love for it to be either up really high with a sexy, sleek apartment, or have a nice balcony with a terrific view for summer time lemonade parties and lots of character. We will see what finds me. Downtown, of course.
• Embrace the fashion shows, and the launch parties, and the tea parties, etc. I'm far too cynical sometimes to appreciate the lovely parties that I attend. I will definitely start to make the most of them!

This is my list for now, I cannot wait for this summer to begin!

  Στο χώρο που επιμελήθηκε ο Αντώνης Καλογρίδης το πρωινό έχει χαρακτήρα αλέγκρο. Δεν πίνεις βιαστικά τον καπουτσίνο όταν σερβίρεται σε χρυσά φλυτζάνια. Το πρωινό που διαμόρφωσε ο Τζίμης Σταθοκωστόπουλος έχει όλα τα κλασικά: ομελέτες, χυμούς, φρουτοσαλάτες και ότι άλλο θα περίμενες από ένα ξενοδοχείο επιπέδου όπως το King George. Δυνατό χαρτί του T Palace, η πολυτελής όαση ηρεμίας για ένα αποδοτικό πρωϊνό πριν βουτήξετε στο πολύβουο κέντρο της πόλης.

  Το ολοκαίνουργιο T Palace Lounge Bar Restaurant σας υποδέχεται στο King George Palace των Classical Hotels και σας κάνει μια μοναδική πρόταση. Ανακαλύψτε το νέο hot spot της πόλης στην καρδιά της Αθήνας που θα απογειώσει τις μέρες αλλά και τις νύχτες σας. Ένας σκηνοθετημένος χώρος μοναδικού design και αισθητικής που φέρνει στο νου στιγμιότυπα και εικόνες Νεοϋορκέζικης νυχτερινής ζωής.

  Δυνατά συνθήματα στους τοίχους και αγαπημένες μελωδίες συνοδεύουν εξωτικά cocktails από το πιο spacebar της Αθήνας, υπέροχα cappuccino και espresso που σερβίρονται σε χρυσά φλυτζάνια με καραμέλα ή special gourmet πιάτα που σερβίρονται στην ολόλευκη βιβλιοθήκη που ονειρεύτηκε ο Αντώνης Καλογρίδης με το tattoo που χτύπησε στον τοίχο ο Scott Campbell: "I was very good at doing was I was told"!

  Τα χρυσά πιστόλια του Philippe Starck, η κορώνα του Δημήτρη Αντωνίτση, τα άλογα της Moooi στην υποδοχή και τα Baccarat ολόμαυρα κρύσταλλα φωτίζουν τη Lulu του Yves Saint Laurent πάνω από τους royal blue καναπέδες.

  Στο ισόγειο του King George Palace, το T Palace Lounge Bar Restaurant, λειτουργεί 24 ώρες το 24ωρο. Πλατεία Συντάγματος, Αθήνα, τηλέφωνο 210 3258970.

http://www.classicalhotels.com/?siteid=2&langid=1

Check it out.

Spring Break is, literally a day away.

Gulp.

Who thought it was such a hot idea to give us TWO weeks to fill? Are the no-school gods crazy?

Well, the great news is that organizations and hot spots around the region have stepped up, with a jam-packed schedule of good times to make sure that kids of all ages tag this one as the Spring Break that totally rocked!

Personally, I am looking forward to Easter with all of its pastel, egg-hunting chocolate sweetness. So, I've thrown in an abbreviated Easter schedule too (since its early arrival is to blame for the second week of this whole thing)

Let's get to it:

- Because we live for it, I have to start everything off with the Spring Break opening of the Hands-On Farm at The Filberg. The Hands-On farm will be open for Easter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily March 17 to the 24. Admission is by donation.

As a part of the fun, kiddos ages 4 and up have some great options for getting more involved in farm life during programs that run from March 17 to 20 including Babes In The Barn (ages 4 to 5, activities and dedicated farm time), Kids At The Farm (ages 6 to 10, kiddos get involved in caring for the farm and its animals), and Farm Aides (Kids ages 11 to 14 attend a farm-oriented junior leadership program). You’ve got to register. So, call 339-0814 to do so and get all the details.

- If you've got a snow-loving family, then take advantage of the stellar conditions at Mt. Washington. There is some serious fun happening including Night Skiing every night from March 13-29, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and extended cross-country/snowshoeing hours that run until 8 p.m. every night!

Speaking of snowshoeing, Snowshoe Tour & Fondue is every Friday and Saturday night at 5 p.m. until March 28. Book in advance for this great family time, $47 for people over 13, $25 for kids.

Jump in and get your kiddos working on their skills at 3-day or 5-day holiday camps for ages 6 to 14 that run March 19-26. The cost is $179 for three days and $279 for the 5-day camp. Register ahead to secure a spot.

I totally recommend some time on the Bungee Trampoline from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 15-30 depending on conditions. It's only $5.75 plus GST for a wild 2-minute jump.

There's a whole whack of special events including the family Dairyland Poker Run. So, check the site for all the details.

- The Courtenay Museum is hosting a cool series of day programs for kids ages 5 to 12.
Here's the schedule. Don't forget to register:
Fabulous Fossil Tuesdays, March 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or March 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $17 + GST

Dinosaur Wednesdays, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or March 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $17 + GST

Earth Science Thursdays, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or March 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $17 + GST

Wacky Science Fridays, March 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $20 + GST

Please contact the Courtenay Museum at 334-0686 to register or for more information..

- There are a TON of Spring Break events happening over at Courtenay Rec. Some of the great ones include Mini Day Camps like the Flying Fox Circus, Horse and Pony Camp, Drumming, Archery, Musical Theatre and Babysitter Training.

Registration is super important. So, check out all of the programs online and then call 338-5371 or 338-1000 to get set up.

- Comox Rec has some great Spring Break Camps too for kiddos ages 6 to 11 that run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. March 17-28. Camps are just $25 per day.

Check out Comox Recs Early Bird Crafts and Games program to keep your 6-11-year olds active and creative. The programs are $5 a day and run from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. weekdays from March 17 to 28 at the Comox Community Centre on Noel Avenue.

One program I REALLY love is Kids Yoga at Comox Community Centre. This fun program is a great way to let kids ages 6-11 check out yoga and have fun. It runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. from March 17-20. The cost is $36 and you've got to register.

TEENS, plan to hit the Comox Community Centre from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 for the Dance Dance Revolution to learn how to dance and get yourself grooving. Cool technology and good time for teens ages 13 to 18 for the low-low cost of $2.

- Don't forget about the events connected to the Brant Wildlife Festival including a very cool Easter walk at Hamilton Marsh.

- One of the coolest Spring Break options is to schedule a Farm Tour out at Seaview Game Farm. Tours of the AMAZING petting farm and grounds right on the ocean in Merville are Wednesday through Sunday by appointment only. This is a great family event and be sure to bring a big picnic lunch as the picnic facilities out there are awesome (I just talked to the Seaview folks and as the animals are still birthing, Easter tours are off this year)

- The facilities at the CV Aquatic Centre on Lerwick and Sports Centre next to Vanier are on Spring Break schedule for the next two weeks. The Aquatic Centre will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for an open swim. There's also a toonie swim from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 28. The Sports Centre is running a Kids Quest program where kiddos ages 5 to 12 can swim and skate (structured activities) for $25 a day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25-28. Registration is required. The Sports Centre is closed on Good Friday and there's an open skate on Easter Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

- YEAH, local libraries are teaming up with the Vanier theatre group (soon to perform Seussical) to plug kiddos into Dr. Seuss during Spring Break with a super cool FREE story time for kiddos ages 3 to 8 from 9:15 to 10 a.m. March 20 at the Comox Library and 2 to 3 p.m. March 26 at the Courtenay Library. There will be actors, stories and fun. Each program will be a bit different and registration is not required. So, trying both out would be fun.

- The Campbell River Easter Extravaganza for families will be from 11 a.m. to Noon March 22 at Strathcona Gardens. Kids 12 and under get to hunt for eggs and then get free admission to the pool or skating after. Good times!

- In Courtenay that day, check out the Bunny Trail at Simms Park from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Kiddos ages 1 to 6 can get into the Easter good times with egg hunting, games, face painting and treats. We went last year and it was super fun. The cost is $7 and early registration is encouraged.

- Be sure to gather up the family and hit the Old Time Fiddlers dance from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Fallen Alders Hall in Royston. Fun!

- For the super cool Easter goodness, do not miss Easter at the BARN out at the Therapeutic Riding Barn at the Exhibition Grounds. This huge, FREE community event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Easter Sunday (March 23) and is AMAZING. Be prepared for crowds as it is always jammed. There are nominal charges for some activities such as $3 pony rides. So, do bring a little extra cash.

- Don't forge The Great Egg Hunt at Comox Marina Park. An Easter Monday tradition, this 1 p.m. event is always a huge hits with the tiny person crowd (ages 1 to 10). There's an extra special egg that holds a $500 RESP courtesy of CIBC Wood Gundy! It's free, but you do need to register by calling 339-2255.

- Check out the Free Kids Easter Craft program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday (March 15) at the Driftwood Mall. It should be super fun and all supplies are provided.

- A super cool camp for teens in grades 11 and 12 this year is the Comox Firefighter Youth Camp. It runs from March 25-29 and teens will learn safety in the workplace, self-contained breathing apparatus, large ladders, ropes & knots, rappelling, confined space, auto extrication, first aid, live fires, fire extinguisher, fire prevention, and team work. Applications and selections are done by the Work Experience staff in the schools.

A camp like this costs a significant amount of money and the Comox Firefighters are seeking the help of many local businesses to support the project. For more information please contact Fire Chief Gord Schreiner at 339-2432.

- If your kiddos love hockey, then they will love the Pond Hockey Tournament for kiddos ages 4 to 11 that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 at Strathcona Gardens in Campbell River. There is no minimum skill requirement. There will be 5 players per team( 3 players on ice, 1 goalie and one spare.) Please note: helmet with cage, hockey stick, gloves, running shoes and water bottle are required. Sponge pucks will be used. The cost is $40 and registration is needed through Strathcona Gardens.

- Pianist Sarah Hagen and the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre present and amazing program on music through film, poetry and art at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 at The Sid. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for people under 30. Buy tickets in advance at The Sid box office.

- Youths in need of some hang out time should check out the Youth Coffee House and Open Mic Night from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 28 over at The Linc Youth Centre Relax and hang out with friends in their ambient coffee shop as teen listen to live music and enjoy a delicious beverage. Open Mic is a great chance to get on stage too. Teens need to book a spot for open mic in advance. The cost is $2 and youth ages 11-18 are welcome.

- For golf lovers, kiddos ages 6-18 can jump into the Spring Break Junior Golf Program at Mulligans Golf Centre on Cotton Road in Courtenay. The classes teach all levels of golf skills and classes are small. Programs start at $35 and registration is required. Call 338-2440 for more information.

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As a parent of a child with some mega food allergies, I am so stinking tired of pizza parties.

Go to hockey wind-up, get pizza.

Go to a school party, pizza is the only thing on the menu.

Birthdays, pizza (except for our great family and friends who respect the no-wheat, no-dairy universe we live in)

I know for sure that I am one of a whole heck-uv-a-lot of parents who spend our lives packing a special food bucket around so that our kiddos can actually eat SOMETHING at events.

An unnamed relative thinks we are taking the fun out of our daughter’s life by not letting her eat the piles of pizza, hot dogs and cake that inundate the kid faction. And, while the tiny person may actually agree with said unnamed relative since cake is way up there on her list, the mood swings, rashes, constipation and sick that result from a round of Pizza Hut means I simply have to live with the “Mommy Dearest” label and figure out a way to sideline the temper tantrums that come from the tiny person not getting to participate in the food part of parties.

I’m sad for her.

Now that she’s old enough to understand the whole idea of being a part of things, she’s also well aware that she is different.

I’ve been so pleased to see organizations and programs that we attend stepping up when they learn about our food issues. At StrongStart, Maureen has replaced one of the wheat choices with rice cakes. At other diaper gyms like the one out at 19Wing, they always made sure there were plenty of non-wheat, non-dairy options.

But, as our daughter gets older, those options somehow start disappearing and it is brutally hard on her and the other kiddos who have allergies, are vegan or just don't like pizza. I don’t have any issues with packing her a cooler bag full of food that won’t make her sick. She, on the other hand, is starting to feel isolated and left out.

All I’m asking is that people planning events remember that there are plenty of children out there who need food alternatives. A veggie plate and/or a fruit plate set out in addition to pizza or whatever is a simple, yet very thoughtful option that lets kiddos feel like they are a part of things. There were 25 pizzas at a hockey wind-up party we attended on Sunday and nothing else. At least a few of kiddos ate nothing at all. We brought our snack pack and had kids asking to share.

Am I out of line here? Jump in and tell me off or give this one some support.

Anyway, there’s a ton of good stuff going on around the region this week. Here’s what’s happening:

- The Comox Valley Minor Softball Association is now registering kids from ages 3 to 19 for its recreational softball league. Right now, you can get half-price registration. So, get on over to the Lewis Centre in Courtenay and do so before March 15. You can also call 338-5371 and register by phone.

- Registration for The Blue Devils Summer Swim Club will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. for returning swimmers and tomorrow (Tuesday, March 11) from 6 to 8 p.m. for new swimmers at the CV Sports Centre next to Vanier Secondary. Kids ages 5 to 18 with a level 4 Aquaquest can participate. Call Kathleen at 338-0097 for registration information.

- Registration for the Annual Thunderball League for kids in grades 4 to 7 will be from 6 to 7 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, March 11) at Vanier Secondary. Registration forms have been sent to all the schools. So, kids can get them at school.

- Registration for Spring Storytime over at the Courtenay Library is on with sessions starting this week. There will be fairies, rain and gardens. So, jump in to this great, FREE program (you have to register, no drop-in). Preschoolers ages 3.5 to 5 meet Mondays from 1:15 to 2 p.m. starting today. Toddlers ages 2.5 to 3.5 meet Wednesdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Call 334-3369 to register.

- The first round of Valley Idol will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Comox Community Centre on Noel Avenue. The cost is $5 for this fun event that showcases local singing talent.

- The Hands-On farm at The Filberg will be open for Easter from March 17 to the 24. As a part of the fun, kiddos ages 4 and up have some great options for getting more involved in farm life during programs that run from March 17 to 20 including Babes In The Barn (ages 4 to 5, activities and dedicated farm time), Kids At The Farm (ages 6 to 10, kiddos get involved in caring for the farm and its animals), and Farm Aides (Kids ages 11 to 14 attend a farm-oriented junior leadership program). You’ve got to register. So, call 339-0814 to do so and get all the details.

- Mark it on your calendar. The ALWAYS SPECTACULAR Easter at the Barn will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at the Courtenay Exhibition Grounds Therapeutic Riding Barn. This great, free event includes an all-day Easter Egg Hunt, pony rides, a petting farm, tractor rides, bouncers, food and all kinds of Easter goodness. Don’t miss it, seriously. Call 338-1968 for more information.

This gem, which generally is open at The Filberg for eight glorious Summer-time weeks each year, has some big news. We all can jump in for some Spring farm fun (and lots of new farm babies) as it will be open March 17-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. While it's open to kids from 1 to 100, tiny people ages 4 and older can also really get in on the Easter action with special Farm Programs that look totally great, the perfect way to spend at least one week of an extra long (read: painful) Spring Break.

Patti, welcome aboard here at CVK, and thank you for our community farm.

Here she is:

As the special Spring Break opening of the Hands On Farm at The Filberg is anticipated by many, others question why a recreation department would be the organizer, operator of a barn full of farmyard animals.

The Farm concept came to the Comox Recreation Commission in the early 1980’s. Recreation staff immediately embraced the concept knowing full well the many benefits such an activity would bring to the wellbeing of the community.

Extensive research and reports speak to the benefits that animals bring to human therapy and well being, particularly for the elderly and the young as well as those with emotional and psychological disorders. Caring and connecting with farm animals gives rise to many positive outcomes.

Farm animals provide us with an unconditional friendship and affection, even laughter and a little startle thanks to the sudden move and squeal of a pig.

This easy acceptance brings a sense of well being and self esteem to many children. The relationship with a cow or a goat, is much less complicated than human being interactions and this can be a safe and secure place for both preschoolers and adolescents. The chance to touch and feel the animals is a comforting sense for children young and old.

We often hear that by petting an animal, one’s blood pressure can be lowered.

It seems that animals can actually heal the body as well as the soul.

Children who are taught how to treat animals respectfully and with kindness will hopefully grow to become kinder, gentler adults.

Children that are taught the care and grooming of the animals realize responsibility and commitment.

Those who see animals in need, injured or harm and can come to their aid are better for our community than those who treat animals with harm and cruelty.

In our urban world focused more and more on a virtual world, the opportunity to connect with nature in ways such as the Farm offers is limited.

Comox Recreation believes this time at the Hands On Farm builds a more complete sense of community for many reasons.

Allow yourself, your child, your elder or your teen an opportunity to get in there and make the most of the Farm and feel the wellbeing benefits found in company of the barnyard animals.

Today's comment challenge: What are your favourite memories of animals from childhood? Any tips on building that into your families now?
Marieke and Emily, I have Boynton books for you!