All posts by rsaloust

About rsaloust

I am a writer, editor, artist, and traveller. You will probably find me drinking tea, typing on a keyboard, and listening to music at 3 a.m. Otherwise, I'm entering contests, winning cool experiences that lure me out of my hermetic existence and into the sun.

Something Borrowed

Movie Prizes, , , , , , , ,

How I ended up watching Something Borrowed:

 

As I mentioned in my last post, I was happy to receive two passes to A Wake, courtesy of The Georgia Straight. Unfortunately, the movie’s run ended prior to my win. So, the paper kindly rectified the situation by giving me two passes to Something Borrowed, a free regular popcorn, and a DVD of Blue Valentine, about which I will write a review in a future post. I was really happy about this because I wanted to see a movie about a wedding this year, as my brother is getting married in September and I’m feeling a bit sentimental these days.

 

In any case, I dragged my husband to the movie, as none of my friends were able to make it on such short notice. I did feel slight pangs of guilt as I knew chick flicks were not our usual movie-going fare. Yet, we enjoyed the convoluted plot; the shameless Heineken product placement; and the Tom Cruise clone that is Colin Egglesfield. I think, on my own, I wouldn’t have laughed out loud. So, I guess what I’m saying is that my husband, 15 years after I met him, is still my pal.

 

Win tickets to Something Borrowed or watch it when it comes on T.V. Spending money on it is probably not a good idea. However, spending a Thursday night with someone you love definitely is.

Win #5! Run of engagement passes to A Wake

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A couple of days after I won tickets to “Taking Your Experience for Mine” I was notified by The Georgia Straight that I had won two run of engagement passes to A Wake.

I was delighted to win tickets to this particular movie because it is loosely based on Hamlet, my favourite Shakespeare play. I have watched every version and seen every performance I could ever since I first read it at age 17. I’m very much looking forward to seeing it at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, as the place has special significance for my husband and I, as we shared our first kiss outside the theatre.

 

Stay posted for my review in the coming weeks.

International Dance Day – “Taking Your Experience for Mine”

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Luck seems to be on my side lately as I have won my fourth prize since I began this blog back in January! I entered to win tickets to the April 29th show of “Taking Your Experience for Mine“, a dance performance that was part of International Dance Day.

I entered this particular contest because I wanted to see my first modern dance performance live. Also, I must confess that I am a terrible dancer and have great admiration for anyone who can use their body expressively, rather than clumsily.

The basis for Taking Your Experience for Mine was described as follows in the program:

 

“Throughout the creative process I have explored many questions surrounding the relationship between the body and technology. Is there a new language? Is the renegotiation of skill being forced upon our state of being? What will happen if we always connect through a device? If we are always collecting and deflecting information in such an obsessive manner how long before it becomes part of our neural make-up?” (Sara Coffin, choreographer and director)

 

I think choreographer Sara Coffin effectively presented these questions. I was especially struck by a couple of sequences in the performance. In the first, two dancers move to the music, pausing to photograph their actions and facial expressions. I was reminded of the film Shadow of the Vampire when the fictionalized F. W. Murnau asserts that if something is not on film it does not exist. Also, I have often thought that one can get so wrapped up in photographing an event that the enjoyment of the moment becomes lost in the desire to commemorate it.

 

The second sequence that struck me was when one performer was watching a series of film clips on a T.V. and was describing what was happening while the other performer tried to dance in response to what she heard. I think technology does manipulate us and we will inevitably struggle to keep up.

 

All in all, the evening was very enjoyable and thought-provoking. The reception canapes were also delicious. I’m certain that this will be the first of many modern dance performances I will see.

The Contests

Uncategorized,

Yet again, dear readers, I come before you with a list of contests I have hoped to win over the past few weeks.  Some of those I would most like to win include: free yogurt for a year; a trip to York for two; and tickets to see the Canucks work their magic!  Wish me luck in April!  I will be back with photos of $100 worth of cheese next week.

March 14th
-win Ingledew’s shoes
-Ultimate Canucks Night Out Contest
-Win tickets to the Canucks for you and seven friends

 

-Win passes to the Vancouver Aquarium to experience the New Amazon Gallery!

-You could win a Riverdance Touch of the Irish Evening!

 

-Whistler/Blackcomb during the TELUS World Ski & snowboard Festival – April 15th-24th

 

-Win one pair of free Movie Tickets to see any movie of your choice!

 

-Win A 2011 Scion TC Valued At $26,400!

 

-Win free Yogurt for a Year!

 

-Win $500 and a Winter Make-up Survival Kit

 

March 15th

 

-Win A $500 Credit Towards The Purchase Of A New 2011 Norco Bicycle!
-Win A $1,000 Travel Voucher!
-Win An Aluratek 12″ Digital Photo Frame!
-Win 1 Of 5 Marshalls Gift Packs Valued At $272 Each!
-Win A 2-night Trip For 2 To The Big Race In Indianapolis!
-Fairmont Hotel prize packages
-Win tickets to the season opener of the Vancouver Whitecaps

 

March17th

 

-Win A 2-night Trip For 4 To Toronto, Valued At $5,500!
-Win A 6-night Trip For 2 To London And Paris, Valued At $6,500!
-Win A Trip For 2 To Hong Kong And Macau Valued At $3,061!
-Win A $100 Layla Grayce Gift Card!
-Win 1 Life Choices Product Per Week For A Period Of 52 Weeks!

 

March 18th

 

-Shops at Morgan Crossing Giveaway
-Win 1 Of 2 Trips For 2 To Great Britain Valued At $7,000 Each!
-Win $10,000 Cash!
-Win The Ultimate Mars Needs Moms IMAX 3D Prize Pack Valued At Over $2,000!
-Win An Amazing Yves Rocher Prize Pack!
-VIP getaway to the Bahamas
-WIN the Ultimate Guys Weekend at the Vancouver International Auto Show! –
-Enter for your chance to win a $1000 Gift Card at EB Games!!
-HomeOutfitters Patio Contest
-APRIL WIN WITH FLARE CONTEST

 

March 19th

 

-Win Canucks tickets (mail-in to Now newspapers)

 

March 20th

 

-Win tickets to Evelyn Strange

-Win a kayak in Deep Cove experience with Adera Home

-Win a $40 1-hr Private Golf Lesson from @theKooperz & @VanCityBuzz

March 22nd

 

-I entered to win tickets to #Immersion @VanAqua from @Miss604

 

-I entered to win tickets for @scala_kolacny at the Commodore April 7th via @VancityBuzz & @LiveNationWest

 

-Scala & Kolacny Brothers in Vancouver

 

March 23, 2011

 

-Vancouver Police Museum Bootleggers’ Ball
March 24th

 

-Win tickets to this year’s False-o-Ween, a straight up Halloween Party on April Fools Day

 

-Win a run-of-engagement pass to see Red Riding Hood –

 

-Win the Oscar-winning film The Fighter on DVD
-Win a $10,000 shopping spree with SSense

 

March 26th

 

-Win a $100 dinner for 2 at a Dining Out for Life restaurant of your choice

 

-10 Chances to Win Free Movies for a Year; Win $1000 cash

 

-Win free gas!  Plus 10 chances to win $1000 cash – Esso Customer Satisfaction Survey

 

-Celebrate the 14th annual Golden Plates by winning an exclusive getaway from the Loden Hotel
-Enter to win a double pass to a private invite-only event at the Fairmont on April 12 plus a copy of Colin James’ new album, Take It From The Top: The Best Of

-I entered to win a #KokaneeMountainCan prize pack from @Miss604

-JC Dance Co at The Dance Centre (Discover Dance! Noon Series)

 

March 27th

 

-Win one of 10 pairs of tickets to opening night of Fiddler on the Roof! –

 

March 28th

 

-I entered to win tickets to see @Strombo film his show in #Vancouver from @miss604

 

-Preston Mobility Blackberry Playbook Giveaway!

 

-the 24 Hours Read and Win Contest (daily entries)

 

March 29th

 

-Win Four Tickets to Video Games Live at The Centre of Performing Arts

 

-The Kit and Clarins’ Right Look Age Contest

 

March 31st

 

-a family pass to Maplewood Farm
-I entered Win a 2-Person dinner at Sushi Vancouver via @theKooperz & @VancityBuzz
-Win Fair Game on DVD
-Win A $100 Nail Polish Shopping Spree!
-Win A BodyRock Sport Outfit!
-Win A Photo Session for your pooch
-Enter To Win A Gift Set From Dermalogica And FITE!
-Win A $100 Gift Certificate To GlowingBeauty.ca!
-Win A Week Long Trip To York For 2 Worth $5,000!
-Win A $50 Husky gift card

 

April 4th

 

-Told @hummingbird604 my favorite ballet piece for a chance to win tickets to @BalletBC 25 anniversary. What’s yours?

 

-I Entered to win 1 of 2 $50 gc’s to @OysterVancouver From @VancityBuzz & @Cwistal

My Review of West is West

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Thursday night I enjoyed my second win of the year and went to see an advanced screening of West is West, courtesy of The Vancouver Sun.  West is West is the sequel to the 1999 film, East is East.  In the first film, we meet George Khan and his large family.  Khan is a Pakistani Muslim who came to England, married Ella, and had seven children with her.  That film deals with the culture clash between George and his children who rebel against his traditional values and attempts to arrange their marriages.

In West is West, we see the Khans four years later.  Their youngest son, Sajid, is being taunted and bullied at school for being Pakistani.  He responds by denying his heritage and hurling insults at his father, who still wants to instil traditional values into the last of his children.  George Khan takes his son to Pakistan in an attempt to teach him what it means to be Pakistani.  However, Sajid is not the only one who ends up struggling with questions about cultural identity.

 

I must admit I liked West is West better than the original film.  I found the darker elements of East is East difficult to watch and thought of George Khan as truly unlikeable character.  Yet, in the sequel, he is portrayed in a much more complex way and it is easy to feel sympathy for him, rather than just dislike.  The film is also very funny at times and that makes up for some cliche moments that occur.   I would recommend all of you check it out, especially on a grey day that needs some brightening.

 

Official movie site: http://westiswest.com/

I Won $100 Worth of Cheese!

Cash Prizes, Food Prizes, , , , , , , , , , ,

Today, as I was working diligently on curriculum development, I received a phone call from the Holland Shopping Center.”Hello, you have won $100 worth of cheese,” a friendly voice said. The grey day outside suddenly seemed brighter and the month of March a little less dreary. I remembered lamenting to my mother only a couple of days ago that I guess I hadn’t won the draw prize from one of our favourite shops. Both of us were very delighted and surprised to find out I was wrong.

 

The Holland Shopping Center is an oasis for those of us with Dutch heritage who yearn for the kind of products we only tend to see on the rare occasions when we get back to The Netherlands. They have products that go far beyond wooden shoes: high quality dish clothes, blue and white tiles, liquorice both salty and sweet varieties, stroop waffles, and, of course, cheese!

 

After getting over my initial excitement, I realized that I must have a Dutch cheese party and include my competitor. I will be happy to watch her enjoy some cheese, even if she is tempted to pair it with whine. Just kidding, M.

 

So, watch this space for cheese photos in the weeks to come and my review of West is West later this week.

 

 

 

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2nd Win for Rsaloust!

Movie Prizes, , , , ,

I am very pleased to have won two tickets to an advance screening of West is West at Tinseltown, courtesy of The Vancouver Sun! I really wanted to see this movie because I enjoyed East is East, so much. West is West is its sequel. I will be attending the screening with my husband on March 24th, so I promise all of you a detailed movie review soon after.

The approximate retail value of the prize is $25.00. My current total winnings is now: $89.50. This win has definitely made my month!

Working Hard for a Win

Uncategorized,

I have been busy since my last post and have entered many contests. Unfortunately, I have already lost some of them. However, I have highlighted a few that I’m still in the running for and are somewhat unusual. I’ve done this because I think it is obvious why I’d like to go to Paris or win beauty products, but not so obvious why I’d like to win the highlighted items below:

March 4, 2011

-Pamper Yourself at Capilano Mall

-Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Fondue

-BIG St. Pat’s Night Out!

-Win tickets to CelticFest Vancouver’s BIG St. Pat’s Night Out

-Win 1 Of 2 Shiseido Prize Packs Valued At $131 Each!

-Win 1 Of 5 Pairs Of Levi’s Curve ID Jeans Valued At $100!

-Win A Trip For 2 To Paris, France Valued At $5,000!

-Win 1 Of 5 Olay Prize Packs Valued At $50 Each!

-Win A $500 Tommy Hilfiger Gift Card!

-Win a Whimsical Night in Wonderland

-Win a $7500 Shopping Spree at Lane Home Furnishings with Colin and Justin

March 5th, 2011

Win $100 worth of cheese at the Holland Shopping Centre – Dutch cheese is incredibly delicious and I will host a wine and cheese party if I win.

-Win 1 Of 5 $500 Gift Cards At Winners!

-Win A $1,000 Spa Gift Certificate!

-Win A Trip For 2 To See Lady Gaga In Vegas Valued At $2,500!

-Win A Trip For 2 To Holland, To Attend The Flower Parade!

-Win 1 Of 10 Signed Copies Of Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table Cookbook!

-Win 1 Of 10 AVENE Gift Baskets Valued At $400 Each!

-Win 30 Full Size Cake Beauty Products, Valued At Up To $1,000!

-Win A 5-night Trip For 2 To A Sandals Resort Of Your Choice Valued At $5,000!

-Win 1 Of 158 Prizes Of 2 VIP Passes To The Bachelor Season Finale Party!

March 6, 2011

-Don Cherry DVD prize pack

-Ben Sherman Spring wardrobe

-A Trip for two to the NYC Design district

-Win tickets to Flamenco Vivo

-Win a handcrafted pendant by Quench Designs from the Bloom Market in Fort Langley

-Win Bambi on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack (a Georgia Straight contest) – this was the first movie I ever saw in a theatre and I strangely don’t have the same traumatic memories of this that haunt others

-Win Factory Girl on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

-WIN tickets to see Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s WONDERLAND!

-Win a Starbucks Espresso Center

-Win a Trip to the Tulip Festival in Ottawa  (We’d have to fly there, so I may give this one to Sandy, too.)

?

March 8th, 2011

-weekend for two in Toronto during JUNO Awards week

-Win An ACER Liquid Mt, Valued At $399.99!

Win 1 Of 5 Brinno BirdWatchCam Digital Bird Cameras Valued At $230 Each! – My mother loves watching the birds at her bird feeders, so I thought it might be fun to photograph them for her.

-Win 1 Of 2 Prizes Of A 2-night Trip For 2 To Quebec City Valued At $5,000!

-Bon Jovi at Rogers Arena, Win Tickets

-Win tickets to California Wine Fair 2011

-enter to win tickets to an advance screening of West is West 

Oldtimers’ Hockey Challenge Classic (24 Hours contest) – This is a father/daughter outing

-Win Passes to see The Lincoln Lawyer 

-Win the book, Altar of Bones

-Win tickets to the ultimate Red Bull Crashed Ice Weekend

-Win a St Ives Gift Basket

-Win a Scrubbing Bubbles Accessory Package – I like a clean bathroom!

March 9th

-Win an Aluratek Digital Photo Frame

-Win a Vinturi Wine Aerator & Stand

-Win a set of ZALTO Wine Glasses

-Win a Spa Gift Card

-Win a Jimmy Choo Fragrance

-Win a Kodak Mini HD Video Camera

-Win It All from Elle

– Win a Metrotown gift card

March 10th

-Win a copy of Jodi Picoult’s Sing You Home (Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival 2011)

-Win tickets to Louder Than Love on March 12th at the Shark Club

-Dining Out for Life 2011

-Win tickets to 1984 presented by The Cultch

-Win Hereafter on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

March 11th

-Enter for your chance to win a Wine & Culinary Adventure

in Chile & Argentina and $1,000 CAD spending money!

-Go for dinner at one of the The Heather Hospitality Group restaurants (on the house)

-Win An Amtrak Coast Starlight Trip For 2 Valued At $2,500!

-Win 1 Of 6 $100 Bench.ca Gift Cards!

-Win A Pair Of Vancouver Canucks Tickets, One Set Drawn For Each Game!

-Win A Pack Of 4 Tickets To The Vancouver Canucks Valued At $1,900!

-Win a $25 gift certificate to La Casa Gelato

March 12th

-Win 1 Of 2 Prizes Of Air Canada Tickets For 2 Anywhere In North America!

-Win A Sony PlayStation 3 And LittleBigPlanet 2 Game, Valued At $360!

-Win 1 Of 6 Prizes Of A 1 Year Supply Of Hill’s Science Diet Valued At $550!

-Enter to win 1 of 10 copies of Sing You Home by Jody Picoult

-Enter to win 1 of 6 pairs of shoes from Hush Puppies

-Enter for a chance to win a $500 grocery gift card or 1 of 5 Life Made Delicious** gift baskets!

-Win 1 Of 5 $500 Home Depot Gift Cards!

-Win Sing You Home from More.ca

-Win All You Can Eat Ribs At Montana’s Valued At $30!

-Win A Rowenta Beauty Gift Pack!

-Roll up the rim to win online – $25 Tims card or Free coffee for a year

Trying for a win in March

Uncategorized,

So, sadly, no wins in February. Hoping to win something, anything in March! I’ve got a case of the winter blues I need to get rid of.

These are my latest attempts:

Feb. 20th
-Win a copy of the novel True Grit  (I really enjoyed the original movie I’m sure the novel will be just as good or better.)

 

-Win tickets to see Angle Dubeau & La Piet in concert (I love classical music and I’m always happy to see female performers.)

 

-Chutzpah! Festival 2011 closing party tickets (Sounds like an awesome evening and would be my first time at the Commodore Ballroom.)

 

-Entered to win a $50 gift card to Waves (I need my morning tea more than ever.)

 

-entered an in-store contest at Ruben’s Chocolates for their monthly prize (Chocolate is so tasty!)

 

Feb. 25th (all online)

 

-Win A Trip For 2 To Amsterdam To Visit The Picasso Exhibit! (One of my favorite places on earth to see one of my favourite artists)
-Win A Rough Guides Adventure Library Valued At $150! (This will be great if I win a trip somewhere.)
-Win A 4-night trip For 2 To Toronto Valued At $5,000! (Would love to see my friends Sandy and Eddie and the Juno Awards.)
-A $1,000 Gift Card From Tom Lee Music! (Would still like to buy my Dad a guitar.)

 

Feb. 26th

-Win tickets to see Unknown (I haven’t been to a movie in some time…)

 

-Win tickets to the Red Riding Hood Premiere (Again, it’s movie time.)

-Win A Logitech Speaker System Valued At $180! (Would like some speakers for my home office.)

-Win An Ultimate PC Prize Pack Of A Computer And More Valued At $2,604.85! (My husband tells me I need my own computer.)

 

-Win 4 Tickets To See Billy Elliot In Toronto! (Sandy, if I win, these are yours!)

 

-Win a Canucks prize pack (I think this is an inflatable chair and beer, but I like the chair.) (in store)

 

March 2nd

 

Two BCAA contests:

 

-a $50 gift certificate to The Best Western (I’m thinking brunch!)
-Vancouver Stay n’ Play  This involves a stay at the Vancouver Waterfront Hotel, so I’m definitely up for that.