* EVENT CHANGE
Last week, the Martlet published information on a lecture by Robert Fisk on Feb. 1 called “Arab awakening, but are we hearing the truth?” The event was initially to be held in the David Strong Building at 7 p.m. The event will now be held in Flury Hall (Room B150 of the Bob Wright Centre) at 7:30 p.m.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Thursday, February 7
Decluttering With Feng Shui
I’m proud of myself. Why, you ask? Because I finally took the time to clear all the crap off my desk. And it makes a big difference in my productivity! And that’s just for starters — I think if I spent more time arranging my living space in a sensible way, I’d get more stuff done. If you’re trying to do the same with your home or workspace, maybe you should head out to Esquimalt to check out this free Feng Shui workshop. You’ll learn how to rearrange your living space to improve your life. I imagine some might think the concept of Feng Shui is mumbo jumbo, but I disagree. I used to have the same doubts about chi (life energy), but then I did some exercises and they made my hands feel like electromagnets. So, there you have it — go find out how to unleash the power of Feng Shui!
For more info, email kpollock@gvpl.ca or visit gvpl.ca.
Greater Victoria Public Library, Esquimalt Branch (1231 Esquimalt Rd.), 7–8:30 p.m. Free.
Thursday, February 7
Alumni Week 2013: Use the Power of Online Networking
to Achieve Your Career Goals
It looks like all that time you’re spending on Facebook isn’t a total waste — online social networks can actually benefit your career! How, exactly? Learn what you need to do to use social media to your advantage at this free workshop at UVic. Guess it’s time to dust off that LinkedIn account you look at about once a month, eh?
For more, visit alumni.uvic.ca/events or call (250) 721-6000.
UVic Engineering and Computer Science Building, Rm. 116, 5–6 p.m. Free.
EDUCATION
Saturday, February 9
Owl Prowl
Owls are interesting on two levels: they are as cute as the cutest LOLCat, and at the same time, could totally annihilate you with their badass talons if they felt like it. I always consider it a rare treat to see one flying around, and if you love these guys as much as I do, you’ll want to check out this guided walk, where you’ll have a blast cruising the local owl scene. You’ll need to pre-register before Feb. 8. Be sure to keep your pet field mouse at home.
For more info, visit crd.bc.ca or call (250) 478-3344. The outing is currently full, but you can call to be placed on the waiting list.
Mill Hill Regional Park, 7–9 p.m. $7 (+HST).
Tuesday, February 12
Lecture: Aquatic micro-invasions in Canadian coastal waters:
The case of dinoflagellates
If ocean science is your bag, you’ll likely want to attend this lecture by Dr. Andre Rochon, a professor at Université du Québec à Rimouski. The term “dinoflagellates” sounds pretty alarming, don’t you think? I know I don’t want to be flagellated by a dinosaur! Actually, the lecture discusses the harmful effects of toxic algae on marine ecosystems. Even though I now know I don’t have to worry about being beaten up by a T-Rex, I’m still not very reassured.
For more info, visit events.uvic.ca.
UVic Wright Centre, Rm. A104, 3–4 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, February 13
Writing Your Family History: From Research to Publication
Genealogy can be a cool subject. Some Mormon relatives of mine (Mormons are big into this stuff) did some digging and found out we’re distant relatives of Celine Dion and Madonna. That doesn’t mean they’ll accept our invites to the next family reunion or anything, but it’s kind of interesting. So, who knows — maybe if you do a little research of your own, you’ll surprise yourself. Sharon Hope, author of The English Travellers: Three Narratives, will be hosting this workshop on how to go about digging into the whole family history thing.
For more info, call (250) 477-9030 or visit gvpl.ca.
Greater Victoria Public Library: Saanich Centennial Branch (3110 Tillicum Rd.),
7–8:30 p.m. Free.
JUST FOR FUN
Saturday, February 9
7th Annual Victoria Tea Festival
A cup o’ tea is a great thing. It gives you that get-up-and-go feeling without making you suffer the psychotic side effects of too much coffee. One of my current favourites is Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s (of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D) choice, Earl Grey, with a bit of almond milk. But there’s so much more out there to try. Go to the Victoria Tea Festival and experience a world of tea you never knew about. There will be no shortage of exciting, tea-related activities. Who knows — this just might satisfy your quest to “find yourself” without the expense and hassle of backpacking across Europe. The event’s proceeds are going to Camosun Child Care Services, so that’s all the more motivation to go if the thought of getting a good tea buzz isn’t enough.
For more info, visit victoriateafestival.com.
Crystal Garden (713 Douglas St.), 11a.m. – 5 p.m. $20.
Sunday, February 10 – Monday, February 11
Lawrence of Arabia: The Restored Version
Looking for some inexpensive entertainment on a Sunday (or Monday)? Why not check out the classic film Lawrence of Arabia? I’m not too knowledgeable about movies that came out before Star Wars, but I always enjoy seeing older films I didn’t know about. The coolest part is when an old movie contains scenes that explain a bunch of modern references you previously didn’t understand. Lawrence of Arabia even has the old-school Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Sir Alec Guinness! No, he doesn’t wield a lightsaber in this film, but I’m sure it will be entertaining nonetheless.
For more info, visit cinecenta.com.
Cincenta (UVic Student Union Building), 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sunday / 7 p.m. Monday. $5.75 (UVSS students).
