Winterlude -- A good excuse to go outside

If you live in Ottawa, then you must embrace our lovely tradition of Winterlude. If you are so brave as to sport a pair of skates, you can make it a point to get yourself to Dow's Lake and observe the Urban Art exhibit featuring the works of young graffiti artists. Or you can view the Eco Art exhibit featuring 32 environmental photos taken by young photographers. For a preview, check out the online Gallery.

Other fun things to do (if you can get past the plummeting thermometer) include watching the Opening Ceremony fireworks at 9pm on February 4th at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. And of course, the highlight of living in this frigid country is seeing the impossibily delicate Ice Sculptures in Confederation Park. This year's competition takes place from Feb 4-6, followed by a week or two of viewing as the creations slowly drip into oblivion.

Venues: Rideau Canal (Dow's Lake), Canadian Museum of Civilization, Confederation Park

Rating: medium (it's free but the price you pay is braving the cold weather)

Cost: FREE

OSPCA - A great place to shop

The next time you need to find that perfect gift for someone, consider shopping online at the Ontario SPCA. I recommend the Bella Ladies Sheer Rib T-shirt, the Shaker Knit Beanie, or a Stainless Steel Waterbottle with Carabiner. Proceeds from the sales go towards programs that help abused, neglected and abandoned animals. Who knew there was such a thing as guilt free shopping!

While online, take some time to check out the Ottawa Humane Society to learn more about its programs and plans for a brand new building.

Venue: shop online from the comfort of your own couch

Rating: so easy

Cost: $7-$65

50% off NAC tickets today only!

Check out the 50% off Boxing Day sale at the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), Dec. 26&27. There's a selection of music, dance and theatre performances to choose from--a great time to experience something new at a great price!

Exhibition: Who doesn't love horses?

This is your last chance to see the exhibition, The Horse, at the Museum of Civilization before it ends on January 2nd.

" For thousands of years, we have interacted with horses in many ways, creating hundreds of specialized breeds. Horses, in turn, have shaped human culture, affecting over the years how we worked, waged war, travelled, spoke, displayed our status, engaged in sports, harvested food, and soothed our souls. This
exhibition explores in depth how horses and humans have influenced each other. " - Canadian Museum of Civilization

Horses are beautiful and intellengent creatures and this exhibit gives you a chance to look into their facinating past and learn why humans are so interlinked with them. There are

As a bonus, while you're at the museum you can check out the Arabia 3d IMAX movie for an additionl $6 on your entry fee. Also showing until January 3rd are Hubble 3d and Santa vs The Snowman 3D.

Rating: easy
Venue: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Cost: $12 to the CMC, or $18 for CMC and IMAX

TV: Coming to CBC this season...Pillars of the Earth

Pillars of the Earth, a book by Ken Follett that became an epic in the literary world and captivated millions of readers, is now making its debut on the CBC. Admittedly, the book was reeeeaally long and repetative, but nonetheless it created memorable heros and villains and will likely translate well on TV. The Canadian-German 8-part co-production mini-series is scheduled to air on Tuesday evenings. Watch your local listings for the start date.

Actors Gordon Pinsent and Donald Sutherland are two of the Canadians to be featured in the international cast.

Channel: CBC

When: Tuesday evening, CBC 2011 Winter launch

Rating: easy

Books: Hon. Romeo Dallaire speaks to us about child soldiers

For those of you who have followed the career of Hon. Romeo Dallaire (Shake Hands with the Devil) and cheered him on as he confronted the subject of child soldiers in Rwanda, you'll now have the chance to hear him speak in person at the Mayfair Theatre, Ottawa, on Dec. 2 at 7:00pm. He'll be speaking about his new book, They Fight Like Soldiers, They Die Like Children.

Venue: Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St.

Cost: $15

Rating: medium (great experience to hear a national hero speak, but subject matter is difficult)

Music News: Great Bands at Capital Music Hall

If the falling leaves put you in the right mood to rock out, then check out these great bands coming to Capital Music Hall in downtown Ottawa:

• Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Oct. 25
• The Cooper Brothers and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Nov. 6 (so cool!)
• Bedouin Soundclash & Charlie Winston (UK), Nov. 11 (my personal favourite)

Venue: Capital Music Hall, 151 George St, Byward Market
Cost: $22,50 - $35 (advance) at livenation.com or ticketmaster.ca
Rating: medium (take an afternoon nap so you can watch the show until the wee hours of the night)