Operation Red Nose is a safe and easy way to get a ride home during the busy holiday season. All you have to do is call 947-NOSE (947-6673) # NOSE (MTS cellular users) and within few hours you will be in someone else’s nice warm car on your way home.

If you would like to volunteer for the Winnipeg Operation Red Nose program call 949-1085 or email rednose1@mts.net

Cinematheque is Winnipeg's home of independent and home-grown Canadian film. Located at 100 Arthur Street in Winnipeg's industry-friendly Exchange District, it has boasted many an impressive marquis. Beginning March 16, Cinematheque and the Winnipeg Film Group are conducting a two-day "guerrilla filmmaking" challenge, the aptly named 48 Hour Film Contest. Registration takes place on March 16, and films in duration of 3-5 minutes must be completed and submitted within the 48 hours preceeding 8pm, March 18. If you've been a surreptitious Speilberg type with some great ideas, this is an amazing opportunity to have your work screened at a festival. If not, why not come down to see what Winnipeg's genuine amateur filmmakers (let us disregard that tacky mainstream euphamism) have to offer?

I think my favorite part of going to the Club Regent Hotel and Casino is the talking pirate skeleton at the entrance of the fish aquarium. When he is 'in the mood' to talk it is always fun, so if you aren't really into gambling try chatting up a dead pirate! Everyone should experience the aquarium tunnel at least once, it is a really cool display and always attracts lots of on lookers.

But what about eating right? Spending 15 hours in casino can leave you a little peckish. Luckily for you there are several options. You can grab an appetizer from one of the bars scattered throughout the casino, you can grab a bit to eat from the restaurant in the center of the Casino, or if you are really looking to fill up there is a McDonald's inside Club Regent. How convenient can you get?

The only real problem I have with Club Regent is the price of drinks can get a little high for my taste, but I guess that is why you have to win a few times right? Line your pockets and then buy the drinks.

Politicians from both sides their opinions supporting and denouncing the idea of having a new holiday. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer says he is in favor of the idea, but has to take everyone into consideration, and that includes the effect this would have on Manitoba businesses.

I'm really loving the idea of right now, especially when I'm praying for my car to start every morning in -30c weather. Is there anything negative that could come from one day off in February?

You can read the Winnipeg Sun article here and if you would like to show your support of the idea sign the petition here.

Sara's Top Ten DineAbout Restaurants

1. Wasabi
2. Amici
3. Dessert Sinsations
4. Ivory
5. The Current
6. Cafe Carlo
7. Taste of Sri Lanka
8. In Ferno's
9. Velvet Glove
10. La Vielle Gare

For more info and menu details, visit http://www.ciaowinnipeg.com/

Every year in the dead of winter, people from Winnipeg and around the world come out of hiding for a week and a half to flock to The Festival du Voyageur. Officially the Festival is a celebration of Canada's rich French heritage and culture. There are arts and crafts for kids, you can take a look into the past of Fort Gibraltar, check out some of the amazing ice sculptors, or just enjoy some great music, food, and friends. This year the festival runs from February 9th to 18th.

Festival du Voyageur park entrance Prices

There is really an no limit to what can do. Here are just a few highlight activities:

Le Boulevard 2007

A huge gathering inviting the whole province of Manitoba and its' visitors to celebrate the opening night of the 2007 Festival du Voyageur. Come experience our joie de vivre, our history and our culture through the legend, characters, music, dance, and games. This festival belongs to each and every one of you. Come take part in your history!

Admission: Free
Date: Friday, February 9th
Open: from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Torch Light Walk

We extend the invitation to all who are interested in joining in the Torch Light Walk. Departure from the Forks (junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers) is at 6:30 p.m. Arrival will be at the Esplanade on Provencher Boulevard at approximately 7:15 p.m.

In collaboration with Winnipeg Harvest, we offer a wide variety of activities for the young and the young at heart.

Date: Friday, February 9th
Open: 6:00 p.m

Governor's Ball

The Governor's Ball is an unforgettable gala event that will transport you back to the year 1820! Take part in this historical evening, feast on a five-course meal, dance to the dynamic rhythm of Blou, dress in 19th century attire.

Admission: $106/person - $1,007/table of 10 people
Location: Fort Garry Place
Date: Saturday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m.

Voyageur Survivor

Back by popular demand! Watch as three teams compete to see who is hardy enough to be called a real Voyageur. The Voyageur team will live inside Fort Gibraltar, the Aboriginal team will live in a tipi and the Modern team will have to camp outside! All the survivors will be put through a number of challenging competitions that will test their mettle as true Voyageurs. Challenges will be held throughout the first weekend of the Festival du Voyageur starting on Friday night and finishing Sunday.

Location: Fort Gibraltar
Challenge Schedule: Saturday, February 10th – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 11th – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Guided Tours of Fort Gibraltar

To make your visit more informative and enjoyable, tours will be offered in English and French on weekends.

There are even some really great concerts at the Festival that you can go to.

There is a long standing superstition among Winnipeggers that as soon as the festival starts the weather gets warmer, you know, because winter hates those amazing ice sculptures! There is something uplifting about seeing a giant ice sculpture slowly melting...It is a nice way to count down the days until we can all stop plugging in our cars at night!

So if you would like a little more information about the Festival du Voyageur before the snow melts check out these sources:

- Festival du Voyageur park entrance Prices
- The Official Festival du Voyageur 2007 website
- Festival du Voyageur - Wikipedia
- Fort Gibraltar

Unless you've spent the past seven years under a rock, you are most likely harbouring some resentment towards the forensic scientists (ok, ok...the casts) of CBS's assorted CSI teams. What makes them so special that they deserve a job that much cooler than your own? Well, if you're kickin' around Winnipeg between now and May 28, stop living vicariously through Grissom and get your butt in to the Manitoba Museum!

The gist of the interactive exhibit is pretty straight forward, following the formula of the popular TV show. It begins with a murder in the museum...moving from the initial crime scene to the forensics lab, participants analyze fingerprints, DNA, etc. to indentify the killer from a list of five suspects. The CSI exhibit is mainly geared toward adults and teenagers, but I've never been one to underestimate the deductive reasoning of children, and I think this could be fun for the whole family!

Admission is $6.50/adult or $20/family.

There is scam happening right now in Winnipeg apartments where some one will come to your door and request to use your phone they will say there cell phone ran out of minutes (or something to that effect) and they will order food from your residence.

After they thank you for using your phone they will wait downstairs in your Apt lobby until the delivery driver arrives with the food. Then they get as much change as they can from the delivery person and will say they only have $100 bill on them and need to go back upstairs and get smaller bills while letting the delivery driver hang on to the food. Then they never return with the so called "$100 bill" taking off with the delivery mans change/money. And leaving you getting all the angry phone calls.

So we suggest not letting anyone into your apartment suite that you do not know.

If this happens to you, you should call the Winnipeg police department at:986-6222

River East Transcona School Division has decided to jump on the No Smoking bandwagon. That means no one can smoke on the any school grounds or in buildings. The policy states that "out of consideration for the health and well-being of students, staff, parents and community, smoking is prohibited on all school property including all buildings, grounds, and school division vehicles."

As of September, the Division will join, Louis Riel, Seven Oaks, Pembina Trails, and St. James-Assiniboia all of which are completely smoke-free.

I can envision a lot of grumpy students AND teachers in the coming months. But will this stop anyone from smoking on the grounds? Or will all the schools with "Smoking Areas" need to assign a teacher to watch those areas at peaks hours like lunch and after school?

Maybe they should start handing out nicotine patches out in the school counselors office.

There are a lot of places to eat in the area, but my all-time favorite is the Underground Cafe. It is located at 70 Arthur St in the basement - hence the name I'm sure. It is a favorite of students and business people who come from all around to get a fresh bowl or soup, a sandwich, or pizza. The food here is amazing; always fresh, and always fun. Another great thing about the Underground Cafe is it is very Vegetarian friendly and offers a variety of delicious healthy meal choices.

The reason I love the Underground Cafe so much - is that when you are finished eating, you feel great. I've never left overstuffed or underfed, it just seems to be the perfect amount of food.

So next time you are hanging out downtown and need a bite to eat check out the underground cafe!

UNDERGROUND CAFE - Winnipeg MB
Open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM.
70 Arthur Street
956-1925