Movie Review: The Big Lebowski (1998) A piece of classic modern nonsense, The Big Lebowski thrives on an mood of utter pacifist irreverence. The Coen brothers Ethan and Joel create a Chandleresque mystery in modern Los Angeles, through the cracked mirror of a skewed society where the peculiar is normal.
Editor's Note: Globe B.C. has joined forces with Scout Magazine to give you the best of what's happening in Vancouver this weekend. For a full week's worth of listings, head over to the complete Scout List, updated each Monday. See the list in calendar view here.
Brunch: This is the week for brunch! This city used to be stuck in some seriously lame brunch doldrums, but things have improved tremendously over the past five years or so. From the decadent, refined and different (Hawksworth, Wildebeest, Sun Sui Wah) to the reliable, adventurous and old school (Medina Café, Deacon's Corner), Vancouver now offers the full range. Grab some family and/or friends, pull up a seat, and don't let anyone tell you that it's not okay to have a cocktail instead of coffee. Oh, and if "no more Hollandaise" was one of your New Year's resolutions, oops! Chin up.
Register: So you've made yourself a promise to change a few things, cook more, take a photography class, get in shape – that sort of thing. When considering taking up a new activity, starting at your local community centre often makes the most sense. The Vancouver Parks Board operates 24 community centres at various locations throughout the city, so the likelihood of there being one in your neighbourhood is pretty high. One of the greatest things about your local community centre is how super economical it is. Expect a few other people to understand that and register for your yoga, martial arts, cooking class on the double. Get sorted today! vancouver.ca
West End coffee: If all has been going to plan, the highly anticipated Greenhorn Café should open in the West End on Jan. 3. Check it out this Sunday morning with an appetite, The New York Times and a cup of Moja coffee.
Opening day is Jan. 3, 994 Nicola St. in the West End (at Nelson)
Luminescence: The term for a gathering of jellyfish is a "smack." Isn't that a great word? Head down to the Vancouver Aquarium to catch the last of the Luminescence exhibition and be mesmerized by a smack of 100 jellies as they float gracefully through special tanks with lighting installations designed to highlight their beauty. Also be amazed by an electric eel, which will transfer its electricity to power the lights of a Christmas tree; learn about how deep-sea fish create light in the darkest parts of the ocean; and, as always, make a stop at the giant pacific octopus tank. Luminescence: A Celebration of Aquatic Light is showing daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Vancouver Aquarium. Get hustling, because this exhibition is only up until Jan. 22.
Now through Jan. 22, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way, Stanley Park), vanaqua.org
Grounded: Coming down from a combination of excessive consumption and general holiday buzz can leave you feeling somewhat deflated, detached and not a little stunned. Get grounded by taking a walk in nature this week. The Stanley Park Seawall, Kits Beach and Jericho are all great city walks. The Pacific Spirit Park trails are restorative, too. If you're feeling adventurous and want to go further afield, consider a wander through the pathways of the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta or hike out to Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. Although sunny skies are predicted for the weekend, January can be slightly soggy, so gumboots or otherwise sensible footwear will be a smart move.
Dude: The Rio Theatre presents a late-night screening of the Coen brother's The Big Lebowski this Friday. Not only is it a great flick, but showing up in film-related costume is always an awesome way to go (plus you'll get $2 off at the door). Superbonus: White Russian cocktails will be available. Such a combination can only bring good things, right? So drag out your bath robes, Dieter suits and/or viking headgear and get yourself to the Rio. Props to the person who can pull off a wet ferret or a pee-stained rug. Get creative! Friday, Jan. 3, 11:30 p.m., Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway), $8 ($6 in film-related costume), riotheatre.ca
Create: Start off 2014 by getting creative. Vancouver-based artist Danielle Magee will be at Chinatown's craft central, Blim, on Saturday to teach a Level 1 Screenprint Workshop. Sign up and you'll learn how to burn screens using photo emulsion and the basics about water-based ink. You'll also get to fiddle around with getting your chosen image on textiles. If you've been sitting on an original design or an image that you'd like to see on a T-shirt or tea towel, now is the time to make it happen! This class runs a hefty $75.50, but it includes a screenburn of one image of your choice as well as up to 10 prints of your image, three colour changes and a lifetime membership to Blim.
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2-5 p.m., Blim (115 Pender St. E.), $75.50, blim.ca