World class American stand-up comic Darryl Lenox

‘BLIND AMBITION TOUR’ AT VANCOUVER’S VOGUE THEATRE

8 p.m .on OCTOBER 2ND, 2010  Lenox to film comedy special in the city that inspired him and helped him see the way.

World class American stand-up comic Darryl Lenox is set to rock the house at Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre on Saturday October 2nd at 8 p.m. where six HD cameras will be on hand to film the entire show. Using his honest and real insights as well as his key sense of observation into how we live our lives; Darryl’s followers and newcomers to his show will leave feeling satiated and energized by his comic genius. Audiences will be brought to tears of joy and to their feet by the end of the show.

Blind ambition is a fitting title for Darryl’s show. His eyesight deteriorating since his youth to the point of legal blindness, rendering him legally blind, the well spoken, deep voiced comedian says he has grown since having an operation in Vancouver to restore some of his vision and further deepened his human insight. He can now see the audience instead of trying to sense the energy level in the room while not having to worry about stumbling off the stage. But with the loss of vision has come brilliantly funny insight.

Vancouver, the Vogue, and Canada all hold a special place in Darryl’s heart and performing this show at the Vogue is a dream come true for the funnyman. For more than half of his 20-plus years traveling the world with his stand-up act, he operated out of Vancouver. Whenever he would walk down Granville he would imagine seeing his name up in lights under the 62-foot marquee of the Vogue Theatre. He feels that he owes the city that has given him sight which is why Darryl has chosen this location and is eager to share his vision with his audience. Now with a new record deal and the entertainment world taking notice, the show will be recorded for Darryl’s debut comedy record on Stand Up! Records, the label-home to comics as Lewis Black, Doug Stanhope,and Marc Maron. Six HD cameras will be on-hand to record Darryl’s comedy special.

“I can’t see two feet in front of me,” Darryl is quick to quip, “but I can see tomorrow.” For this stand-up truth teller, tomorrow looks awfully bright, and audiences indeed are richer for it. No one knows that better than his sold-out audiences throughout the USA and Canada. Tickets on sale now www.voguetheatre.com   Supported by TAN- The Afro News

 By Lesley Diana   

The largest Caribbean event on the local calendar

The countdown to Caribbean Days Festival is on! This year’s Festival takes place from 10 AM to 7 PM both Saturday and Sunday, July 24th & 25th, 2010 at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver. Admission is free of charge as always.

There’s only one true Caribbean Days Festival each year, and 2010 will be the biggest yet, featuring all-star entertainment including Caribbean recording act Moses Revolution, visiting Vancouver for an exclusive engagement.

Festival activities include the opening Caribbean Days Parade starting at 10:00 AM Saturday July 24, and the annual Waterfront Party, also Saturday, July 24 from 7:30 pm to 1:00 AM. The warm-up event for these festivities takes place the weekend before, during the hot Flag Party Boat Cruise on Sunday, July 18. See www.caribbeandays.ca for all the details.

Each July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. Over the years, this weekend Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar. With close to 50,000 visitors it is among the largest annual cultural events in BC. For hot music, hot food and a hot weekend be sure to spice up your weekend at the Caribbean Days Festival.

Taste the many flavours and move to the melodies of Island nations such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Haiti, and more. This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer.

Join The Festival! You can be part of the event.

• Be a Volunteer and get in on the fun! Contact volunteer@caribbeandays.ca

• Jump up in the Caribbean Days Parade July 24th, or join our Children’s Parade Sunday, July 25th. Contact parade@caribbeandays.ca

• Or promote your business or food services to tens of thousands of attendees. Spots are filling up fast! First come first serve, so contact vendor@caribbeandays.ca.

For full details, visit

www.caribbeandays.ca

The Festival is made possible through the support of the Province of BC and the Arts Office of North Vancouver.

Vancouver Canucks

It is wonderful to see the Vancouver Canucks at this stage of the play off games. Their hard  work and determination and full spirit of togetherness and collective  play, prepares them for the challange of each game they take on.  The only thing all their fans want is to see then win the Stanley Cup the biggest reward of all time in the game of hockey, for our City, Vancouver in beautiful British Columbia. GO CANUCKS GO!

By KMG

Do You Have Them at Hello? What to do to make people like you, ASAP.

By Helena Kaufman,The Afro News Vancouver

Do you recall the movie scene where Tom Cruise, plays an ambitious, upstart sports agent, trying to impress a rather ordinary girl next door type played by Renée Zellweger? He is stopped dead in his stuttering tracks by her saying: “Stop. You had me at hello”

Those memorable words moved the romantic plot of ‘Jerry MaGuire’ yet that same critical ‘hello’ moment influences people in your own social and work life. It is what influences them to give you their time and attention–long enough to get your message across about yourself, or your product or service.

How much time have you got?

People determine whether they know, like, or trust you within a small window, milliseconds wide. The step beyond getting attention is attracting and keeping someone’s interest. It is said that our brain registers an impression in 1/20th of a second. It processes the data for another 1/5 of a second. We consciously formulate an opinion within 7 seconds.

Our new, modern human attention span then only allows us about 30 seconds to capture another’s interest and keep their attention.

It’s all about connection. To connect is a very human desire with many benefits. We want to be thought well of, want to feel good in the company of others. That personal security is hard wired in our original, primitive brain. That’s the part that is concerned purely with survival. It acts as the gatekeeper who instantly decides if we are safe with a person, if we like them and if they appeal to our most basic interests.

Knowing that 93% of our interaction involves non-verbal messages and only 7% are the actual words also confirms our need to first appeal to the most basic levels of safety and human self interest. Once people determine that they like us, they are more open to our messages.

Practice with real people

To summarize, it is best to step into an interaction with a positive attitude, to greet people sincerely, to shake hands confidently, to make eye contact, to create rapport and to communicate clearly.

Each encounter, whether on the phone or in person, is an opportunity to practice your best techniques. February in particular brings you up close and personal with lots of people, known and new, at Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and various corporate and community events and campaigns. Put your heart into your communication and try out the full diversity of your skills. Tell me how you did!

VIP: Statistically, 2% of any group may never like or accept you– for no known reason, to them or others. Stay positive and give your attention to the 98% open to getting to know you.

Next time-how to get people to like you moves from in person to on paper!

Tips on tapping the moment

1. Attitude speaks volumes before you even open your mouth. People will feel if you are warm, curious, patient pleasant, interested, engaging, confident, supportive or enthusiastic. Be conscious of a positive mindset.

Do remember that you send advance signals with your posture, tone of voice and eye contact.

2. Greeting leads into information exchanges. Will you be giving a monologue or creating the opportunity for dialogue? Ask questions. Pay attention and focus more on listening actively and genuinely.

3. People like people like themselves. For that introductory moment of communication, emphasize a common interest you share. It could be as simple as an experience, a holiday spot or your tastes in music.

 While it is important to be yourself and authentic, take note of your listeners’ body language, tone of voice and even their words. It can make for a more harmonious instead of a clashing kind of conversation.

Helena is a business writing and conversation trainer. Contact: www.hospitalityambassador.com, www.helenakaufman.com , Twitter, Face Book @HelenaKaufman.

Canada’s Ice Sledge Hockey Team

Ice Sledge Hockey (ISH) requires extreme atheletic abilities and is very exciting to watch live.  The best website to go to is http://www.paralympics.ca where it is possible to download PODCASTS of interviews and LIVE FEED of various sports by going to the News and Events and go to Paralympic Sports TV AND go to Canada’s National Sledge Team and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games site:  www.hockeycanada.ca.

The GOLD metal game is on March 20^th at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.  It is a fast paced high-energy game that requires immense coordination and balance as the Paralympian is sitting on a double bladed sharp skate, has two sticks in each hand to use for both throwing the puck that they in fact can pass under their sledge AND on the ends of the sticks is a spike they can dig into the ice to move forward.  Each period of the game is 15 minutes long rather than 20 minutes. Up at Whistler Village there is a demonstration booth where you can sit in a Sledge and try to score a goal.  Not so easy!

VIVIAN FOREST WINS ANOTHER METAL FOR CANADA WITH GUIDE LINDSAY DEBOU– FINISHING WITH A BRONZE IN THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED GIANT SLALOM COMPETITION.  After this race Vivian required medical attention due to an earlier groin injury but this amazing athlete powered through pain which she describes on scale of 1 to 10; an 8! Forest said: “Going through all that pain was very difficult”  As far as she is concerned this third place finish is GOLDEN to her.  Jean-Francois Rapatel, the alpine team leader characterized Forest as “one tough cookie”.

Every evening up at Whistler at the Dubh Linn Gate – Irish Pub – in the Pan Pacific Hotel Mountain Side is the official Paralympian Hang-Out that gives you a chance to meet Athletes and individuals that make it all happen. Beyond 2010 Games Whistler Adaptive Sports Program http://www.whistleradaptive.com is an non-for-profit organization with a mandate is to provide year-around Alpine recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities locally with a global reach.  So far, the Dubh Line Gate has raised over $3,000.00.  St. Patrick’s Day yesterday the place was really hopping.  The Steak and Guiness Pie was hardy, tasty and filling.!

LAUREN WOOLSTENCROFT wins her SECOND WOMEN’S GOLD on Canadian soil in the Alpine Skiing – GIANT Slalom – Standing.

Remember there is a METAL CEREMONY FOR EVERY METAL WINNER OF THE DAY IN WHISLER WHICH IS FREE AND IS FOLLOWED WITH LIVE MUSIC.  CTV HAS FINALLY AGREED TO BROADCAST THE CLOSING CEREMONIES ACROSS CANADA.

Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games opening

By Nina Halliday-Thompson ,The Afro News Vancouver

The Spirit of the Games has returned in Vancouver and Whistler starting with the Opening Ceremonies at B.C. Place to a sold out crowd. The enthusiasm within the Stadium was palpable. The excitement has infused the paralympians who will rise to the challenge in these games both on ice (sledge hockey and sledge curling) and on the sloops (Alpine Skiing, Cross-country Skiing, Biathlon. It is the first time in its history that these games are receiving live coverage through the CTV network. Alpine Skiing events were cancelled due to fogging weather causing limited visibility on Saturday but the Russians and Ukraines cleaned up with 13 metals at the Whistler Paralympic Park in the Biathlon and Cross-Country events. Canada won its first game on Canadian soil in the Sledge Hockey against Italy. Go Canada Go! Two sites that are good resources are: official website of the Paralympic Movement is http://www.paralympic.org/ and Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on www.vancouver2010.com

Andrew Parker, Senior VP of Emirates Airline withTransportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, announce results of a study at Robson Square.

Emirates Airline  revealed findings of a study showing flights into Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary would bring an increase in tourism spend, taxes and jobs.

Emirates is currently restricted to a maximum of three flights per week to and from Canada.

The results are supported by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, who was joined by Andrew Parker, Senior VP of Emirates Airline today at Robson Square.

The study highlights the need for more progress on Open Skies agreements to remove barriers to international tourism and commerce.

Emirates have been seeking federal government approval to increase connections between Canada, the Middle East and Asia over the last 10 years.

Mayor of Sochi, Anatoli N. Pakhomov, and Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson shake hands after signing the protocol of intent at Robson Square.

Olympic hosts British Columbia and Russia  signed a cooperation agreement at Robson Square.

BC Premier Gordon Campbell and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson were joined by Dzhambulat Khatuov, First Vice-Governor of Krasnodar Region, Russia and Anatoli N. Pakhomov, Mayor of Sochi, Russia.

The 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic host leaders signed a protocol of intent benefiting both governments. The protocol will encourage economic development, growth in trade and business development.

It will also promote partnerships, cultural sport and opportunities associated with the Olympic Games.

Krasnodar’s Vice-Governor congratulated Vancouver for ‘passing the Olympic exam with flying colours’.

He told a packed audience at BCMC that the 2010 Winter Games would live in memories as an example of good practice in sporting organisation.

Today’s signing also included a protocol between the Olympic host cities of Vancouver and Sochi.

In signing the agreement Mayor Gregor Robertson promised to share Vancouver Games’ planning, delivery and lessons learned.

Memory of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili in City of Gospic

In mountainous region of Croatia from the town square of City of Gospic at exactly noon today, over 1500 residents along with a number of students from various local school and daycares, gathered to form the shape of ILANNAQ, the logo of the Olympic games in Vancouver and next to it built a 10 meter high snowman. Also, they formed a cross out of sleighs in memory of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.

Through this message, we are asking Vancouver and Canadian media to publish this special photo from the City of Gospic as our small contribution to the Olympic games and this way connect Gospic, Croatia and Vancouver, Canada.  Sincerely, Milan Kolic

Mayor of City of Gospic

After seeing one of his countrymen die, Georgia’s minister of sport Nicolos Rurua wants a full investigation before any luge events take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre here at the 2010 Olympic Games.

Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died after a high speed crash that saw him fly off the track and smash into a metal girder. He was 21. He is believed to be the sixth athlete to die in training or competition at a Olympic event.

The Olympic luger was honored with prayers and candles at a memorial service Monday, his body beginning the long journey home to his devastated village in Georgia.

Grieving teammates and officials, as well as international and Vancouver organizers, attended the brief private service for Nodar Kumaritashvili at a Vancouver funeral home.

Pan Seared Scallops with Whipped Potatoes Au Coulis D'epinards By Chef Honore Gbedze

Delicious Healthy Creations By Chef Honoré Gbedze, The Afro News Vancouver

Preparation 15 Minutes ,Cooking Time 10 Minutes ,Serves 2

Ingredients ; 10 extra large scallops ,1 tea spoon of tea tree oil ,1 clove of chopped garlic ,1 tea spoon of chopped parsley ,Handful of fresh spinach leaves ,Salt /Pepper,2 tea spoon of butter ,1 small chopped shallot (onion), 2 large golden potatoes peeled ,2 tea spoon of milk

Method ,Boil the potatoes, after it is cooked whip by adding 1 tea spoon of butter 2 tea spoon of milk and salt and pepper.

Quickly blanch the spinach in hot water with the chopped shallot let dry and transfer to the blender and blend it.

Heat a pan on high heat and drop 1 tea spoon of tea tree oil add the scallops sear until it is very golden on both sides and season with salt and pepper add the chopped garlic and the parsley finish it with butter.

Dress your plate and serve

Bon Appetit!