The main objective of this website is to ‘scout’ out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit.
The Scout List is our carefully considered first rate list of super sweet things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week.
Adoration…
If you hurry (Shows end Thursday) you can still catch Atom Egoyan’s latest flick at Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Synopsis: “A high school French teacher, gives her class a translation exercise based on a real news story about a terrorist who plants a bomb in the airline luggage of his pregnant girlfriend. The assignment has a profound effect on one student, Simon, who lives with his uncle. In the course of translating, Simon re-imagines that the news item is his own family’s story, with the terrorist standing in for his father. Years ago, Simon’s father crashed the family car, killing both himself and his wife, making Simon an orphan. Simon has always feared that the accident was intentional. Simon reads his version to the class and then takes it to the Internet. In essence, he has created a false identity which allows him to probe his family secret. As Simon uses his new persona to journey deeper into his past, the public reaction is swift and strong. Then an exotic woman reveals her true identity. The truth about Simon’s family emerges. The mystery is solved and a new family is formed.”
May 13, 14 | 1:45 pm, 4:20 pm, 7:10 pm, 9:20 pm | Fifth Avenue Cinemas | $9 day /$12 evening
The Virgins at the Biltmore…
As the Bilmore explains: The Virgins have already received a flurry of ecstatic press accolades, with features in a wide range of publications, including Spin, Interview, The Village Voice, The New York Times Magazine, Nylon, Vice, and Anthem.” On the merit of the single Rich Girls alone – thirteen beans is a steal, and the Biltmore deserves your support. Check out the video here.
May 15 | Doors 8pm, Show 9:30pm | Biltmore | $13
Stickboy…
From VPL: “Vancouver Public Library invites you to experience one of the world’s premier spoken word performers. Shane Koyczan’s book “Visiting Hours” was hailed as a Books of the Year Selection by The Guardian (UK) and the Globe and Mail newspapers. His new novel in verse, “Stickboy”, is a beautiful and haunting tale based on his own childhood experiences with bullying. Shane was the first poet from outside the USA to win the prestigious USA National Individual Poetry Slam and has performed to full houses around the world. ”
May 15 | 7pm | Vancouver Public Library | FREE
International Fluevog Day
Scarlett Johansen and Madonna love ’em. Woody Harrelson and Death Cab for Cutie wear ’em. Yup – I’m talking about Fluevogs, for today my dears is International Fluevog Day. If you’ve got ’em, wear ’em. If you don’t – wander down to Gastown or Granville shops and admire or buy ’em. Wearing a pair takes you to a different universe completely. From the designer himself: “There are two kinds of people out there: those who shy away from attention, and those who wear Fluevogs.”
Quick Wiki on the man behind the shoe: “born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, John Fluevog’s shoes are noted for their progressive, art deco inspired styles…Extreme points, overly round toes and oh-so-square heels are some of the highlights of Fluevog’s influential design sense. In addition to this, Fluevog decorates his quirky shoes with crosses, peace signs, and hearts displaying positive messages that the John Fluevog Shoes brand has become known for promoting.” Go Fluevog.
May 15 | All Day | Everywhere | FREE
Sunny Days Ahead…
Did you know that the Granville Island Water Park is the biggest free water park in North America? I didn’t – and to be honest, now that I do, I’m not quite sure what to do with the info – but kinda cool huh? So, pull out the toggs and sunscreen and get ready for the opening of North America’s biggest free water park (or maybe don’t pull them out today, wait till Monday when the forecast is for 21 and sunny).
May 16 onward | 10am – 6pm daily | Granville Island Waterpark | FREE
Free Spot Prawns!
Head down to the Market today and be treated to a Spot Prawn inspired free cooking demo’s (with free samples). The Chefs’ Table Soceity of British Columbia and Granville Island Public Market are excited to bring you three fantastic chefs with three different and delicious recipes for cooking BC Spot Prawns. At 11am Jean-Francis and Alessandra Quaglia (Provence Restaurant) will prepare BC Spot Prawns a la Provençal, at 1pm Nico Scheurmans (Chambar) will whip up Citrus Olive Oil Poached Spot Prawns and at 3pm Alana Peckham (Cru) will entice with BC Spot Prawn Salad with Avacado and Coconut Mousse. Check out todays (and last weekends) recipes here. For more information on Spot Prawn’s, check out the Chefs’ Table Society website here.
May 16 | 11am, 1pm and 3pm | Granville Island Public Market | FREE
PD’s Annual Yard Sale
Skateboards, skimboards, bikes, clothing – new/used/demo/samples. Like the website says – if you haven’t heard of it – ask someone.
May 16 | 10am – 4pm | PD’s Hot Shop (2868 W 4th) | “Stupid low prices”
Fresh Produce From Local Dirt!
Rejoice! Fresh produce from local farms is making it’s way to a ‘hood near you. The return of the farmers market begins today with Trout Lake Market. Other markets will follow over the next few weeks and we will keep you up to date on all of the details. For now – make the trip to Trout Lake and load up on baby greens, garlic, onions, parsnips, potatoes, rutabagas, shallots, spinach, squash, apples, strawberries, goat and cow’s milk cheese, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, cod, sablefish, shrimp, salmon, tuna, bay leaves, chervil, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, nuts, dried fruit, juice, baked goods, breads, dips and condiments, sauces, preserves, candy and (most importantly) really good chocolate.
May 16 | 9am – 2pm | Trout Lake (15th / Victoria) | FREE
International Day Against Homophobia
May 17 | All Day | Everywhere | FREE
Oceans of the Future…
Don’t feel like venturing out but want to enlighten yourself nonetheless? Tonight on CiTR Dr. Christopher Harley (UBC Department of Zoology) discusses his research of the effects of ocean acidification: how will all the extra carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans affect creatures that need to build shells? He also discusses the effects of global warming: high temperatures determine where many intertidal plants and animals can live; as well as his local research on the changes in the flow of the Fraser River: and how those lush mussel beds we see in Stanley Park and West Van may eventually be a thing of the past.
May 18 | 7:30pm | 101.9 on the FM dial | FREE
Let the Golden Age Begin…
Currently showing at the VAG – Vermeer, Rembrandt, and the Golden Age of Dutch Art: Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum. Tonight there is a talk to guide you through the work of this Dutch master. From the VAG: “Vermeer’s paintings appear to take their subjects, and us, out of the real world into an idealized, timeless place. Starting from Vermeer’s The Love Letter, this talk will explore the presence of the larger world, especially Asia, in the paintings of Vermeer and his contemporaries. ” (And while you’re at it, check out installation by local boy Reece Terris – I haven’t been yet, but from what I’ve seen, it looks interesting).
May 19 | 7pm | VAG | FREE with Gallery admission (20.50)
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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives by the beach in Vancouver and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.
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