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…

THURSDAY

Get your conspiracy theory on… Secrecy (directed by Peter Galison & Robb Moss) is showing at the Vancity theatre tonight. “How much information should the government withhold for our own good? How do we balance our rights of freedom, privacy, and the good that flows from open knowledge against our collective desire for safety, security and effective government? Secrecy saves. Secrecy corrupts. […] “The inherent tension that exists between the public’s right to know and the government’s need for confidentiality in the service of national security is the subject of Secrecy, a powerful documentary by Harvard professors Peter Galison and Robb Moss. In addition to historical footage, the film employs a series of pulsating animated drawings, with the white ink againstthe black background injecting an appropriately unsettling, even sinister tone. Most chilling is the former CIA station chief who defends secrecy on the grounds that it ‘allows us the latitude of action to use methods that are not necessarily consistent with our values as a nation.'” – Jean Oppenheimer, The Village Voice May 7 | 7pm & 9pm | Vancity Theatre | $10

FRIDAY

Epic Sustainable Living Expo A green consumer tradeshow and eco-marketplace at the shiny new convention centre. We suggest checking out the fashion shows that will showcase local and international designers who are committed to a combination of sustainability, innovation and style (don’t miss Scout favourite flora&fauna). And don’t worry – there will be sustainable food suppliers there to keep you going with samples of natural beers, organic wines and environmentally-friendly spirits. The expo carries on throughout the weekend (word is that chef Jeff Van Geest will be demonstrating canning techniques on Saturday) so if you can’t make it today or tomorrow, consider grabbing an extra ticket and hitting Epic with Mom on Sunday. May 8 | 1pm – 8pm | Vancouver Convention Centre | $15 at the door

Immaculate Machine CD Release Party Mint Records recording artists and Victoria natives Immaculate Machine hit the Biltmore Cabaret in support of their new record, “High on Jackson Hill”. From the Biltmore: Immaculate Machine is an indie-rock band that lives on an island. In order to be able to travel freely to and from their geographically isolated homeland, they make rock albums. The newest of these is “High On Jackson Hill”. Recorded in the comfort of frontman Brooke Gallupe’s childhood home by producer Colin Stewart (Black Mountain), the latest offering is their most spontaneous sounding yet. 2007’s “Fables” garnered praise in the international press and from fans during tours of Canada, the United States and Europe. Lead single “Jarhand” was downloaded close to 300,000 times when it was chosen as the iTunes download of the week. Have a listen. Oh, and they are playing with guests, Strange Magic & Lakefield. Three solid bands for 12 beans? What more do you need to know? May 8 | Doors at 8pm | Biltmore | $12 – try Zulu

Examined Life From Pacific Cinémathèque: Examined Life is an entertaining and rather unlikely documentary that pulls philosophy out of the classroom and puts it out on the streets. Like 21st-century versions of Socrates roving the Athens agora, the film features some of today’s most influential thinkers and prominent public intellectuals — including Cornel West, Avital Ronell, Peter Singer, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Martha Nussbaum, Michael Hardt, Slavoj Žižek, and Judith Butler — out and about and expounding on the Really Big Questions: truth, meaning, morality, ethics, justice, democracy, citizenship, living authentically.” May 8 | 9:20pm | Pacific Cinémathèque | $9.50

SATURDAY

3rd Annual Spot Prawn Festival The Spot Prawn season is now in full swing and the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia invites you to celebrate the launch of the season by attending the 3rd Annual Spot Prawn Festival – a community & child-friendly event at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – come out to greet the arrival of the season’s first spot prawn run as local fishermen return to the wharf with their catch. Meet some of Vancouver’s top chefs as they prepare spot prawn recipes. (Chefs will also be giving cooking demonstrations in Granville Island Market at 11am, 1pm and 3pm). May 9 | 12pm -3pm | False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf | $10/plate

The Whip presents Cask Conditioned Red Racer Pale Ale After you’ve had your fill of Spot Prawns, get yourself over to the Whip for a pint. Tonight is extra super special because Central City’s Brewmaster Garry Lohin has made personal batch of Cask Conditioned Red Racer Pale Ale for a fundraiser in support of the Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer. Here’s the deal: A friend of one of the owners is riding to Seattle on his road bike to raise money to help Conquer Cancer. His name is Darryl. Darryl is riding for Katherine. Katherine has been fighting cancer for the past 4 years. She has been diagnosed with 3 brain tumors, ovarian cancer, and is presently struggling with her 2nd bout of leukemia. Despite living with a terminal disease, Katherine has stayed true to her time in this life and uses every moment to continue to do so. Not only has she continued to work (teaching French immersion), she has also traveled to South America, taken up ballet and snowboarding, and has successfully run a marathon supporting the Leukemia Society. She is an amazingly strong-willed person who continues to enrich and inspire all those that surround her. There’s a little more..it’s also her birthday. This Cask Ale will be tapped at 5 pm on Saturday and if you are out and thinking it would be good to enjoy a beer, make an extra effort to have it at the Whip. May 9 | 5pm | The Whip Gallery Restaurant

SUNDAY

Chicks With Picks at the Railway Club Tamara Nile hits the Railway Club tonight for a special Sunday Night ‘Chicks with Picks’ presentation. May 10 | Railway Club | Doors 7 Show 8pm | $10

MONDAY

It’s bike to work week… Your commute to work can be the best part of your day year-round, whether in May or November. Why bike to work? It just makes sense. Beat the gridlock and get out of traffic. For many trips, biking is nearly as fast as travelling by car or transit. Get in shape. Your commute can be your exercise routine, and it’s great for your mental health, too. Save money on car insurance and fuel. Cut down on your personal greenhouse gas emissions. Our database will calculate the CO₂ that you’d emit on the same trip by car. Engage your community. Meet your neighbours. Breathe fresh air. Enjoy our beautiful cityscape.

Silent Poems Visit the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens and let the Garden’s Penjing Club members introduce you to the ancient art form known as Penjing. Here is the Wiki on Penjing: Classical Chinese gardens often contain arrangements of miniature trees and rockeries known as Penjing. These creations of carefully pruned trees and rocks are small-scale rendition of the natural landscape. They are often referred to as living sculptures or as three-dimensional poetry. Their artistic composition captures the spirit of nature and distinguishes them from potted plants. This two thousand year old artform has the power to slow you down – and when was the last time you wandered through the Chinese Gardens? As the Gardens say: “In our fast-paced world, this is worth slowing down for.” May 11 | 10am – 6pm | Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens | FREE with admission

Experimental Film Night at Pacific Cinémathèque Pacific Cinémathèque’s DIM screening program presents Vancouver-based experimental film and digital media artist Chris Welsby in person to present excerpts and documentation from his films, expanded cinema works, digital media installations and weather-driven media installations. He will discuss these works in relation to his philosophical, technical, and critical framework. May 11 | 7:30pm | Pacific Cinémathèque | $9.50

TUESDAY

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Bach“Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is arguably the most recognizable classical musician of our time. His career is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences. This is your opportunity to hear him solo as he plays some of the most significant repertoire composed for any string instrument ever, J.S. Bach’s Suites for Cello.” May 12 | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts | Various prices

Naramata Night Principals from Poplar Grove and Monster Vineyards will be at Salt Tasting Room this Tuesday night to guide guests through a flight of Monster wines, leading to a flight of wines from Poplar Grove. This event will take place along the backdrop of Salt Cellar’s 1000-bottle wine cooler, in an intimate setting that will include dozens of Salt’s hand-crafted charcuterie from local producers such as JN & Z Deli, Moccia’s, and Oyama Sausage Company, along with artisan cheeses from Neal’s Yard (UK), Italy, Spain, and British Columbia. Terra Breads and Salt’s other treats will be on offer to accompany the wines being poured. Tickets are only $60, which includes all wine, food, taxes and gratuity! May 12 | 7pm | Salt Tasting Room | $60 (includes all wine, food, taxes and gratuity)

Wednesday

Latin Grooves at The Naam When was the last time you went to The Naam? Sometimes there’s nothing like a Dragon Bowl and some baked fries with miso gravy to bring you back down to earth. Add to that some live music and a cold beer – better than therapy. Tonight at the Naam, Pancho & Sal. May 13 | 7pm | The Naam | FREE

Hybrids Hop down to Granville Island and take in the new ‘Hybrids’ exhibition. Circle Craft (the people putting together the show) explain artist Susan Cain’s work as mixed media human and animal forms that express a range of physicality and emotions as they explore their tribal loyalties and the effects of cross pollination (insert smart ass comment about smoking weed in advance here). For more information, visit www.circlecraft.net May 13 | Circle Craft Co-Operative Shop & Gallery / Net Loft | FREE

—————————————————————-

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.

—————————————————————-