The Pool of the Black Star in the Manitoba Legislative Building

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING A MODERN-DAY TEMPLE TO PAGAN GODS ?

Is the Manitoba Legislative Building a modern-day temple to pagan gods, and "The Pool of the Black Star" symbolic of a sacrificial altar?

In the words of Frank Albo, known as Canada's Dan Brown for his da Vinci style investigation of the building, this mysterious edifice "bar none, is the most sophisticated and complex occult-Masonic-designed building in the world".  Frank Albo's expertise covers the world's ancient religions, temple design, mythology, Freemasonry and the Kabbalah, a spiritual movement that dates back thousands of years.

On a recent visit to Winnipeg I toured the Manitoba Legislative Building with guide, Don Finkbeiner, and found its connections to the secretive Freemasons, the Kaballah and the occult strangely riveting. 

As I stood on the "Pool of the Black Star" on the lower level of the Legislature, the thoughts of Thomas Leslie recorded in the Legislature's guidebook in 1925 sent a chill down my spine.  "There should be an altar here," he said "and a priest, and the image of a god and a victim, and a curved knife, and a circle of white-robed worshippers around the outer edge of the Pool, and the victim should be on the altar and the curved knife should flash; the floor is stained; dull red stains are trickling through the black veins of the marble". 

Posted by Anne Gordon on Saturday, 12th March, 2011

Photo copyright Anne Gordon

Green in Vancouver

TEN GREEN WAYS TO EXPERIENCE VANCOUVER
1. Rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades and self-propel your way around Vancouver's Stanley Park seawall, marveling at Vancouver's green, urban, ocean-wrapped sanctuary.

2. Get a view of the city from the water by kayaking your way through the waters of False Creek. If you're lucky, you'll spot some of the seals, otters, eagles and fish that make this urban waterway their home. (http://www.ecomarine.com/).

3. See Vancouver from the highest point possible atop Grouse Mountain's new wind turbine, the Eye of the Wind. The turbine has the capacity to produce enough energy to supply the needs of 400 homes over a year (www.grousemountain.com).

4. Enjoy the vast choices in fresh, sustainably-harvested seafood by choosing a restaurant participating in the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program (http://www.oceanwisecanada.org/).

Capilano Bridge, Green in Vancouver

5. Marvel at giant cedars, towering Douglas firs and hemlock, as you explore one of the world's most primitive ecosystems on a guided walking tour of Vancouver's rainforests (www.rockwoodadventures.com).

6. Sleep green at one of Vancouver's hotels that has made a commitment to the environment, such as the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. Known for its zero waste management program, the hotel has a Green Key rating of four out of five.

 7. Travel by a 25-foot, First Nations canoe through the waters of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm while guides from Takaya Tours - an Aboriginal eco-tourism company - share legends, songs and stories from their rich history and culture (http://www.takayatours.com/).

8. Bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus your way around Vancouver's neighbourhoods and attractions (www.translink.bc.ca). Best of all, present your transit pass at a number of Vancouver's top attractions and you'll receive a discount on admission. Click here to learn more.

9. Indulge in the 100 Mile Tasting Menu at Raincity Grill where all dishes are inspired by sustainable aquaculture, local farmers and the book 100 Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating written by Vancouver-journalists Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon (http://www.raincitygrill.com/).

10. Understand what makes Vancouver a top city for green building and design by touring some of its state-of-the-art LEED gold-grade buildings, including the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Vancouver Aquarium's Aquaquest building, and the Olympic Village neighbourhood.

Post from Vancouver Tourism

Photo copyright Anne Gordon

Friendly faces, rum with a kick

Spring Specials in Grenada, the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’
Looking for a last minute getaway this spring? Head to the Caribbean island of Grenada, where the sun is shining, the beaches beckon and the faces are warm and welcoming.




Beaches are heavenly in Grenada, the "Spice of the Caribbean

  Whether you are looking for lazy days on the beach, limitless diving and snorkeling, or outdoor adventure, the opportunities are endless on this tiny island in the Eastern Caribbean. Hotels and resorts cater to all types of travelers in Grenada. All-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels and remote cottages all exist on the island, creating different types of unique tropical vacations.

“In Grenada, in an effort to promote sustainable tourism, no hotel stands higher than the tallest palm tree,” said Simon Stiell, Director of Tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “We cater to every type of tourist who visits our beautiful island and do our very best to create a one-of-a-kind experience for all of our guests.”
There are often specials available at properties throughout the island, which make a Grenadian getaway even more enticing. For instance:

LaSource is currently offering up to 40 percent off the all-inclusive nightly rate for new bookings through August 31, 2011.

Maca Bana's infinity pool with coastal views of Grenada

Stay at Maca Bana in July, August or September and get one free night per week. Make a booking 120 days or more, prior to arrival and receive a 10 percent discount on your stay (valid until November 30, 2011). Offers are not combinable.

At the Flamboyant Hotel and Villas, guests can stay for US $120 all-inclusive per day, per person, based on two people sharing the room, or US $110 per room, based on double or single occupancy. Specials are on standard rooms only. (Book directly using booking code: CND11)
The following specials are available with Air Canada Vacations until April 16, 2011:
At True Blue Bay Resort & Villas, stay for seven nights and pay for five.

Stay for seven nights and pay for six at Blue Horizons Garden Resort (EP only).

Stay at Spice Island Beach Resort for a minimum of seven nights and receive one free spa treatment per adult (maximum of US $130).

Travel the weeks of April 2 or 9 and stay at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts for $898 (plus tax of $183), including airfare.
A visit to the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ and one of its many picturesque properties is sure to make for a memorable holiday.
About Grenada Board of Tourism

 For more information on Grenada, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism at 416-595-1339, email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/

How to Get to Grenada from Canada

Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal non-stop flight from Toronto to Grenada (Saturday departure with easy connections from 65 Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com) from December 18 until April 2011. AC operates year round daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada year round.

Post from Grenada Board of Tourism

IN ARIZONA, THE 33RD SCOTTSDALE CULINARY FESTIVAL, APRIL 5 - 10, 2011
Scottsdales Culinary Festival in Arizona is a six day celebration of the senses with the tastes, sights and sounds of Scottsdale. The festival features food, drink and music from the Valley's most notable personalities in those fields including nationally renowned chefs. Events at the Culinary Festival include a James Beard dinner, a Carnivale de Cuisine, Cooks and Corks, the Great Arizona Picnic, Le Tour Culinaire, Southwest Festival of Beers, Wine Country Brunch, Best of the Fest, tastings & Epicurean events.

For more information, please visit: Scottsdale Culinary Festival, http://www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org/



.

4TH ANNUAL CRUSH WINE FESTIVAL, APRIL 1 - 2, 2011 AT TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART.
Blending some of life's pleasures of wine, food, and art with some great experiences, the CRUSH WINE FESTIVAL at Tucson's Museum of Art has blossomed into one of Tucson's must-attend spring events.

The excitement begins with Mondays at the Museum, a series of art and wine seminars in the month of March. For three Mondays - March 7, 14, and 28 - guests will enjoy tasting and learning about wines followed by a gallery tour of the Museum of Art's current exhibitions. You can choose to attend one or all of them! $50 each or all three for $135.

For those interested in a more intimate setting, theWinemaker's Dinner at the CRUSH WINE FESTIVAL is Tuesday, March 29. Featuring John Conover from Plumpjack and Cade wines in Napa Valley, guests will feast on incredible food created especially for the evening by Daniel Scordato, Vivace with the perfectly paired wines. To top off this exclusive event, it will be held in a private foothills home.

Celebrate the "art" in "party" at the CRUSH WINE FESTIVAL'S party on Friday, April 1 in the courtyards of the Tucson Museum of Art. This fun and informal evening features more than 150 wines from around the world, food from some of Tucson's best restaurants, and a silent auction full of art, wine, services, and experiences at all price levels. Tickets are $75 in advance; $90 at the door.

For more information about the CRUSH WINE FESTIVAL, please visit: Tucson Museum of Art, www.tucsonmuseumofart.org.

Post from Arizona Tourism
Photo copyright Anne Gordon

The famous Fairmont Empress in Victoria on Vancouver Island

HOTEL GUESTS INVITED TO WATCH THE ROYAL WEDDING AT VICTORIA'S FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Rising regally on Victoria, BC’s spectacular Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress has been a longstanding host to many visiting royalty and is excited to celebrate the new generation with a month long series of events.

For the die-hard royal-watcher, hotel guests are invited to join the Rise & Shine with The Royals for Breakfast on Friday, April 29 at 3 am PST to watch the live broadcast of the Royal Wedding. Breakfast will be served from 3-6 am and is $39.00 CDN per person; guests wearing robes and pajamas are welcome and may request a late check out.

Later that afternoon, the front lawns of The Fairmont Empress will welcome the public for their Royal Subjects Tea, where “Afternoon Tea To-Go” is available for $20.00 CDN. This picnic treat includes a cup of tea, traditional scone, cream, jam, mini sandwiches, delightful Empress-made pastries and a flag to wave. Grab a hat, bring a blanket to sit on and be prepared for a special announcement from "The Queen" herself on The Fairmont Empress Flag Deck.

 Dog lovers are encouraged to deck out their canine companions for the best dressed doggie contest. And to top off the celebrations, The Fairmont Empress is hosting an exclusive Royal Dinner to be served on the Queen’s China, previously only used by Her Majesty. Expect a selection of dishes from Royal Menus that the Queen herself ate from on previous visits to The Fairmont Empress. Three exclusive dinners will be held on April 29 – May 1 for an intimate number of guests and tickets are $150.00 CDN per person. Reservations are highly recommended; for more information visit http://www.fairmont.com/empress/vanity/royalty.

Post from TourismVictoria

Nightime view of Quebec city gate for Red Bull Crashed Ice event

RED BULL CRASHED ICE EVENT IN QUEBEC'S OLD CITY
This spectacular event is back in Québec City!

On Saturday, March 19, watch skaters, participants isn the Red Bull Crushed Ice event, zoom down a 550-m (1815-foot) track of ice through the streets of historical Old Québec! A thrilling event not for the faint of heart! The competitors, all excellent skaters, need agility, strength and lots of courage if they hope to win. This is one race you won't want to miss!

Red Bull Crashed Ice, the year's top extreme sporting event, has been drawing crowds of 100 000 enthusiastic spectators since 2006, the year it was first held in the city.

Photo copyright Anne Gordon

Post from Quebec Tourism

http://www.redbullcrashedice.com/