Back of the Class

The Okanagan region has been named one of the 10 hottest destinations in the world for 2007 by Frommers - the only spot in Canada to make the grade. The New York Times has called it the “Napa of the North”.

Whistler is always beautiful in summer - lovely bike and walking trails and camping spots too.

Belcarra, Buntzen and Sasamat Lakes are magnificent lakes for day trips with families or if you need a place to chill out.

If you want a week of tranquility, try Hornby Island. It’s a bit of a drag to get there, but after a day on ferries, you will be pleased you made the effort.

Gas prices are down a few pennies to about $1.20 per litre, from its recent high of $1.30 per litre. Some gas stations in Surrey are at about $1.15 per litre. It’s crazy isn’t it?

What’s more crazy is that BC has the highest percentage of tax tacked onto the price of gas. Total taxes are about 25c per litre!!!!
No wonder Vancouver’s gas prices are the highest in Canada.

For those “24″ addicts, its going to be a long summer until Jack Bauer returns…..

After last nights 6th season finale, I thought I should post about “24″. Believe it or not, I am one of the few people who have not gotten addicted to this hit TV series, starring Kiefer Sutherland, son of famed actor, Donald Sutherland and stage actress Shirley Douglas. Interestingly, he is the grandson of Tommy Douglas - the former Premier of Saskatchewan. I did catch a few minutes of one episode, but not one who enjoys violent, tense shows, I did not stick around long. I must admit that Kiefer Sutherland has come a long way since he gave great performances in movies such as The Lost Boys, and Stand by Me.

24 is presented in real time, with each gripping season depicting a 24-hour period in the life of Jack Bauer, who works with the U.S. Government as it fights terrorist threats. Each episode is nail-biting, with Jack the hero, trying to save the world and his loved ones. Sutherland’s powerful portrayal of the Federal Counter Terrorism Agent, has earned him recognition as the Best Actor in a TV Drama at the 2001 Golden Globe Awards and the 2004 & 2006 SAG Awards.

After the 5th season, Kiefer signed a $40 million deal with 20th Century Fox and will appear in additional seasons of 24 till 2008, making him the highest paid actor in a TV drama. He was also promoted from Co-Executive Producer to Executive Producer of 24.

** There are three leading causes of death among terrorists. The first two are Jack Bauer, and the third one is heart attack from hearing Jack Bauer is coming for them.

** When a convicted terrorist was sentenced to face Jack Bauer, he appealed to have the sentence reduced to death.

** Most people would need months to recover from 20 months of Chinese interrogation. Jack Bauer needs a shower, a shave and a change of clothes.

** Chained to a chair, tortured, and with the threat of death hanging over him, Jack just wanted something to eat.

Hollywood gossip is that a movie has been written, and is scheduled to be filmed this year, for release in 2008.

It didn’t take Oprah too long to join the reality series TV bandwagon. Two new reality competition series, one tentatively called Oprah’s Big Give will debut, marking her first forey into prime-time TV as a producer. Details are sketchy at the moment. Apparently 10 people will be presented with large sums of money and other resources and will be challenged to find the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others.

Gradually the contestants will be narrowed as the group confronts a “big catch” each week, with the winner getting his or her “wildest dream come true.” Oprah will be appearing in one of the two series, but her role has not yet been decided.

There are some amazing shows on at this years 30th Vancouver International Children’s Festival, which is on at Vanier Park from May 14th- 21st.

Ticket prices range from $14 to $20 (plus service charge) and include access to over 20 activities such as kite making, face painting, circus skills and music making. All the ingredients needed for a wonderful fun-filled day. Gate passes are also available from $8 for entertainment around the park, without the shows.

Thought it would be interesting to look up a few celebrity homes….

Oprah’s 40 acre, $50 million dollar estate in Santa Barbara, California

Vicroria & David Beckhams Beverley Hills pad

Tom Cruise bought this place for Katie and Suri

For a man who did not fly, he needed a comfy abode.
The late Aaron Spelling’s 50 000 sq ft mansion

California coast is where Barbara Streisand lives with her handsome hubby, James Brolin.

Lake Washington is where Bill Gates calls home

Britney’s Spears Malibu home when she is not in rehab.

This would not be complete without showing Donald Trumps’ famous Mar-a Lago in Florida

On a glorious sunny day like today I thought I would share some of the greatest things about Vancouver:
(in no particular order)

1. Walk along English Bay and admire the beautiful scenery

2. Stroll through Gastown

3. Ride to the top of the glass elevator to The Lookout at Harbour Centre

4. Take a horse-drawn tour through Stanley Park

5. If you have the nerve, make your way over the 230-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge

6. Explore sports in the interactive B.C. Sports Hall of Fame at B.C. Place Stadium

7. Wander through Granville Island

8. Explore the culture of the first nations peoples at the Museum of Anthropology

9. Take in a Canucks hockey game at General Motors Place

10. Search for sand dollars on the sandy beach at White Rock

11. Have fish and chips in Steveston and stroll through the village.

12. Wander the forested trails to the lighthouse in Lighthouse Park

13. Take a hike up Grouse Grind

14. Meander through Chinatown

15. People watch and shop on Robson Street

Yesterday Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh arrrived by limo for their official welcome to the White House.
This included a 21-gun salute and trumpet fanfares. The day ended with a state dinner hosted by President George Bush, and his wife Laura.
Apparently Laura had to convince George to do the dinner as a white-tie event. A few etiquette lessons were needed for this Texan who enjoys putting his feet up on the coffee table and drinking water straight from the bottle. Texas swagger meets British prim.

Seems like he came through ok.

Former cabinet minister, Geoff Plant says that lack of quality controls is threatening BC’s reputation for post-secondary education. He would like to see a national accreditation system that would assure students of quality education in both public and private institutions. He said that the government should begin by adding representatives to the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) board. At the moment, except for one, all board members are from the institutions PCTIA oversees.
Last fall, PCTIA suffered the embarrassment of having to take action against one of its own board members, Michael Lo. He promised degrees from unaccredited universities, through his college, Kingston College, in violation of provincial law. Ironically Lo, was head of quality assurance for PCTIA. He was ordered to close Kingston College and its affiliated school, Lansbridge University. Geoff Plant says that BC needs an accreditation system that would identify which institutions and programs have met quality standards. Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell, has promised tougher rules for the 500-plus career training institutions in BC, as well as the ESL schools.

I’m all for it!

When are street-racers going to find a safer alternative for their recreation?

A suspected street-race killed one man involving two cars driven by men from Saskatchewan.
Apparently a black Mustang and a red Corvette were travelling in the same direction on a Burnaby street Monday when they lost control.

The two occupants of this Corvette were slightly injured when their car skidded off the road, but the Mustang crashed into a tree, the passenger was thrown out and killed (he was not believed to have been wearing a seat belt). The driver of the Mustang, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

This time an innocent bystander or driver was not killed, but another life was lost nonetheless. I think that stricter punishments need to be enforced for street-racers
and let them find other ways to get their thrills.