The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

The first week of 2009 has brought us more storms and snow. Hopefully those of us who traveled over the holidays made it back safely after battling flight delays, cancellations and snowy roads. While you're getting back into your daily routine, here are some things to do in and around Vancouver this week:

1 - Monday, January 5, 2009 - The House of the Ghosts

See the artwork of Marianne Nicolson, a member of the Dzawada’enuxw Tribe of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Nicolson will transform the Georgia Street façade of the Vancouver Art Gallery into a Northwest Coast ceremonial house from dusk to dawn every night, using high-powered lighting. Learn more about Nicolson and the exhibit at vanartgallery.bc.ca.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 – The Unnatural History of Stanley Park

Stanley Park

The exhibition in English and Chinese continues until February 15, celebrating the 120th birthday of Vancouver's oldest and largest park. There are 37 interactive panels throughout Stanley Park, along with behind the scenes stories and insights. Visit vanmuseum.bc.ca for all the details.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - A Conversation With Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall

Hear Sex in the City actress, producer, and author Kim Cattrall talk to Jerry Wasserman about her work in TV, theatre and film over the years. Cattrall is best known for her role as the uninhibited Samantha Jones on the wildly popular HBO series that recently made it to the big screen. Admission is free for the talk from 12-1 p.m. at the Frederic Wood Theatre (6354 Crescent Rd., UBC), but you need to make a reservation. Get more information at theater.ubc.ca.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 - Your Money Or Your Life

In these times of economic uncertainty, most consumers are trying to live more frugally, save more money and avoid racking up more debt. It's the perfect time for a money life lesson: Vicki Robin, the coauthor of Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship With Money and Achieving Financial Independence can help you change the way you approach your finances. The talk is presented by the Vancouver Public Library and Banyen Books. Admission is free at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, and the talk goes from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Find more info at vpl.ca.

Friday, January 9, 2009 - Vancouver Canucks Vs. St. Louis Blues

Watch the Canucks take on the St. Louis Blues at GM Place (800 Griffiths Way) tonight. The game starts at 7 p.m.; get tickets from $26.26 to $227.50 at ticketmaster.ca.

Saturday, January 10, 2009 - Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts is at the Orpheum Theatre tonight (884 Granville) to play songs from his latest CD, Love at the End of the World. His first single Brother Down from the album The Inhuman Condition became one of the biggest hits in Canada in 2002. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with show at 7:30 p.m.; guests are the Stills. Tickets are $34.50/29.50 at ticketmaster.ca.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 - Laughter Club

Don't laugh – it's helped many people relieve stress, and was even featured on Oprah. How it works: you go through various exercises where you laugh for absolutely no reason at all. At first it may seem silly, or awkward, but it becomes easier and more relaxing as you go. The session lasts for 60 minutes at The Smiling Yogi (1111 Commercial Drive), and admission is just $5 for class, which takes place from 3-4 p.m. every Sunday. Contact farah@thesmilingyogi.com for details.