Bringing a Little Relaxation to Your Holidays
Dating back to the days of writing and creating our Kids Science and Environmental Show we started a holiday tradition at Ahimsa Media of sharing an activity that you could do with your loved ones or on your own. Typically, this activity has had a green slant to it. While this year’s could still be considered green, our theme this year is slanted a little more to unwinding and relieving stress … turning your tub into your own little spa oasis.
Have fun making these and then find a good book and go enjoy a bit of well deserved down time soaking in the tub!
Photo by Roger Mateo Poquet
Bath Bombs
This is an old favourite of ours from the days when we use to spin tales of magic for kids, while getting them excited about science through a potions class or two. For further details, you’ll have to chat with the Great Professor Ericacea.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of citric acid
- 2 tbsp of coconut oil
- 5 – 8 drops of food colouring
- 10 – 15 drops of essential oil
Whipping up a bit of Bath Time Bliss:
- In a dry bowl, mix baking soda and citric acid together.
- Melt coconut oil and mix together with baking soda and citric acid. This should make the dry ingredients clump together, so that you can mold the mixture into balls. If not, then melt and add in a bit more coconut oil.
- Add food colouring and essential oil and mix thoroughly.
- Shape mixture into the desired-sized balls (1 – 2 inches in diameter) and leave to dry on a plate for at least 24 hours.
Photo by Sharyn Morrow
Now all there is left to do is find a good book, run a warm bath, drop in one of your bath bombs and relax!
Finding Citric Acid
Back in the day, it use to be that citric acid was a relatively easy and inexpensive ingredient to find at the pharmacy. This is sadly no longer the case, but still needed in the bath bombs, as it and the baking soda are what create the fizz. So here are a few places where you should be able to find citric acid at a decent price:
- health food stores
- grocery stores, as a product called Fruit Fresh, which is usually found with the canning supplies
- home brewers / winemakers (rumour has it that prices here are excellent on citric acid)
And if all else fails, you can substitute cream of tartar for citric acid, but as cream of tartar is thicker, you will only need 1/2 the amount of cream of tartar to citric acid. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of citric acid, substitute in 1/2 cup of cream of tartar.
Choosing your essential oils:
The essential oil is the key ingredient to setting the perfect mood in the tub, so you want to make sure you find the right one for you. Here are a few of my favourites:
Lavender
- refreshing, relaxing and calming
- anti-inflammatory
- good for muscles pains, rheumatism, headaches, insomnia, stress, colds …
Grapefruit
- refreshing and stimulating
- good for anxiety …
Orange / Mandarin
- refreshing and relaxing
- good for anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, skin, stress …
Peppermint
- refreshing and stimulating
- anti-inflammatory
- good for nausea, fever, stress, headaches, muscle pain …
You can find essential oils at the pharmacy or health food store.
Simple Soaks
The beauty of the essential oils is they can transform your bath into a bit of bliss in a few seconds, minus much effort on your part. Here are a few quick tips:
- Simply add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to your running bath water.
- Create a milk bath with 1/2 a cup – 1 cup of powdered milk and a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
- Soak in a tub with 1/2 a cup – 1 cup of epsom salts and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. This ones great for aching muscles.
Photo by Mary Pattavina
Gingerbread Body Scrub
This scrub makes your skin feel lovely and is a great alternative to going in hunt of essential oils, as most of the ingredients are in your kitchen larder.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of epsom salt
- 1 cup of sea salt
- 1 cup of your choice of oil (almond, jojoba, olive, sunflower …etc)
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp of ground cloves
- 2 tsp of brown sugar
- a mason jar
Whipping up a bit of Bath Time Bliss:
- Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Transfer dry ingredients into a mason jar.
- Pour oil into the jar.
Now all you need to do is place the mason jar of scrub beside the tub and enjoy a few luxurious baths. Just don’t use the scrub on your face. You’ll also find that like with the essential oils, the spices have a few comforting properties of their own. You can read about them below.
Ginger
- warming and stimulating
- good for nausea, exhaustion, arthritis, colds, flu …
Cloves
- warming and stimulating
- good for headaches, stress, nausea, colds and muscle tension …
I hope this gets your 2011 off to a blissful start.
With love from the gang at Ahimsa Media.
Burnaby Village Museum – A Storyteller’s Delight
At Ahimsa Media the winter holidays are all about relaxing and spending time laughing and having fun with the folks we love. It is for this reason that Lori and I take a break from the pre-holiday craziness each year to laugh, be silly and shoot our holiday card together.
Erica and Lori captured on camera by Jeremy Lim, enjoying a goofy moment.
This year’s shoot was even more delightful than usual, as we were fortunate enough to shoot at Burnaby Village Museum, which is an absolutely magical place. For two storytellers, this was a wonderful present to the senses as we were surrounded by rich stories from the history of BC . Talk about inspirational!
If you haven’t been, you must go. Burnaby Village Museum is a living history museum, with historic interpretors dressed in period clothing spinning tales of BC’s history. Having worked in such environments in my teens and twenties, I can tell you I have discerning eye and am not easily impressed when it comes to interpretive sites. Burnaby Village Museum impresses me. It is a place of magic.
To experience a bit of the magic for yourself you can visit the Museum from noon until 8 pm each day, up until January 2nd, 2011. Who knows you may even see Rudolph. He was after all created there.
Burnaby Artist Denver Gillen's Illustration of Rudolph.
After that the Museum doesn’t reopen until May 2011, except for special event openings. Hoping they host their scavenger hunt again in February and March.
New Courses for the New Year
We are pleased to be ringing in the New Year with two new Interactive Storytelling Courses for Professionals at BCIT and Capilano University.
Photo Courtesy of John Biehler
The focus of both these courses are to inspire the participants to use digital tools, such as social media, to make your online communications more engaging, build community and to learn to use storytelling elements to impart information, whether about yourself, a brand or a more traditional story, such as a novel or a television series. We will look at the new world of transmedia storytelling and will explore the development of digital media strategies around your properties. The courses are hands-on and the goal is for participants to choose a project to focus on and build over the 8 – 10 weeks.
A review from a past student:
“Erica has the gift of making a very “technological” subject accessible and understandable for everyone… even those who are not quite up to speed yet with all the ins and outs of Social Media. Her wealth of examples and stories infuse what could be an overwhelming topic with a sense of normality and fun. Her willingness to go above and beyond when it comes to encouraging the learning process, creativity and support is highly appreciated and mark her as a very generous educator.” ~ Ina Stockhausen, April 5, 2010
Winter 2011 Interactive Storytelling Courses:
- BCST 1073: Interactive Storytelling (A Credited BCIT Course in Broadcast Communications)
Audiences today want to access media from multiple platforms: online, offline and on the go. Learn the art of interactive storytelling and learn how to use the tools, such as Twitter, WordPress, Flickr, YouTube, Facebook, podcasting and blogging, to tell your stories.
- 10 Wednesday Evenings, January 12 – March 16
- 6:30 – 10:00 pm
- Instructor: Erica Hargreave
- 3 Credits
- Burnaby Campus
- CRN: 77465
- $349.30
- Interactive Storytelling (A Capilano University Continuing Studies Course)
The face of media is rapidly changing. Join traditional and digital storyteller, Erica Hargreave, as she introduces you to the art of interactive storytelling and how to use tools such as Twitter, WordPress, Flicker, YouTube, Facebook, podcasting and blogging to tell your stories. Audiences want to access media from multiple platforms: online, offline and on the go. More and more audiences are demanding the ability to interact within the story, and with the characters and authors. The collective “voice” of media is changing, audiences desire a much more personal tone in what they read and interact with. This personal tone and voice extends beyond the story to the corporate brand as well. Audiences want the story behind the story, to feel that they are part of the story, the creators and the brand itself.
- 8 Tuesday Evenings, January 25 – March 15
- 6:30 – 9:30 pm
- Instructor: Erica Hargreave
- North Vancouver Campus
- CRN: 10047
- $329
Launch Party 10: A Vancouver Event Not to Miss (and where to win tickets)
Back in the days when I was a children’s and educational writer for television and magazines and first exploring the digital sphere, I was incredibly fortunate to be welcomed into Vancouver’s technology scene and shown the lay of the land by a few of the early leaders in the space. My guides and translators in the digital realm included Boris Mann, Megan Cole and the gang at Strutta. My first encounters with the folks at Strutta were at their inaugural Launch Party, which very much became an event that help me to meet and mingle with some of the brightest minds in technology in this fine city of ours and to spark my imagination on how some of their technologies could be used in telling stories. I’d be remiss here if I were not to mention one of the founders behind Launch Party, Maura Rodgers, who I have found to be one of the key visionaries in building Vancouver as an International Hot Spot in technology. Not only is she a forward thinker and a believer of life long learning, but she has been incredibly giving of her time over the years and has always offered her guidance and advice when I’ve needed it. While still involved with Strutta, Maura’s main focus these days is on Bootup Entrepreneurial Society, a community and mentor driven non-profit organization that was formed to inspire entrepreneurship in Canada and help Internet startups take their idea from conception to commercialization. And it is this organization that now hosts Launch Party Vancouver (LPV).
Launch Party Founders - Maura Rodgers, Danny Robinson & Dimitri Sirota - at LPV3, as taken by Phillip Jeffrey.
I’m telling this story as the next Launch Party – LPV10 – is this coming week on Wednesday December 1, 2010 at 6 pm at Canvas Lounge in Gastown, and I happen to know that Emme Roger’s is giving away a pair of tickets to the event. All you need to do is comment on her post, before 9 pm on Saturday November 27th, 2010, as to why you wish to go to LPV10 and she will stick your name in a hat and draw the name of one lucky commenter for the pair of tickets.
Regardless, as to whether you win or not, LPV10 is worth checking out, if you are already in the tech community and want to reconnect with others in the industry and check out the latest tech launches or are new to the world of technology and are there to learn and immerse yourself in the community. Just be sure to purchase your tickets before Wednesday December 1, 2010, as after that tickets jump in price.
Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!
Erica
Back to School with Multimedia Ed Packages for the Classroom
Having been a classroom teacher, I understand what a demanding profession teaching can be and the need for quality support material for teachers and the classroom. One particular source of frustration for me, as a teacher, was the unimaginative, rote learning materials that typically accompanied videos in the classroom – “watch the video and answer these questions”. Watching a video is already a very passive activity in the classroom. To turn it into an engaging activity, the teacher needs to accompany it with hands-on, thought provoking activities that stimulate discussion. Many Educational Support Materials for films fail to do this, an issue that we are more than adequately equipped to address at Ahimsa Media with our expertise in education and curriculum, in addition to that in broadcast and transmedia storytelling.
As such, we have recently developed an Education Guide to accompany, Mark Leiren-Young and Tony Wosk’s film, The Green Chain. This is the perfect cross-platform resource for the classroom, including The Green Chain Film, The Green Chain Book, The Green Chain Podcasts and the Education Guide (that is based around the film). The Education Guide includes hands-on activities, background reference material, blackline masters of worksheets, a unit project, answer keys and marking rubrics. It has students focused on a task during the film, doing individual and group assignments after the film, helping to engage them in research and debate current issues. These materials are appropriate for upper level middle school students, high school, and post secondary students studying Science, Environmental Studies, Social Studies, Geography, Global Issues, First Nations Studies, Natural Resource Management, and Forestry. For further information on The Green Chain and it’s Education Guide or to place an order, please contact Kinosmith at info@kinosmith.com.
We are also developing an Education Guide for Thomega Entertainment’s documentary series, Canada Remembers, which explores topics around Remembrance Day, our veterans, war and peace. This will be the perfect accompaniment and unit builder for upper level middle school students and high school students in History, Social Studies, World Issues and Geography. You can learn more about Canada Remembers and how to place your order here.
Back to School With Ahimsa Media – An Interactive Classroom This Fall
It never fails, since my third birthday the autumn still means it time to head back into the classroom for me, some more conventional, some a little less so. This is probably why in my mind the year runs from September to June and the new year starts for me afresh every September. With a life long love for learning, the autumn also bring with it a sense of readiness and anticipation.
This autumn is no different, although over the years my classrooms have changed as has my role within them. The classroom brings two most exciting educational opportunities for me this autumn. The first is my second Interactive Storytelling Course for Industry Professionals and other adults through Capilano University’s Continuing Studies Department. This promises to be 10 thought-provoking and inspiring Tuesday nights, in which we learn from one another and all come out of the course with the beginnings of our own online storytelling for self, business or a creative endeavour. Here’s a description of the course:
Interactive Storytelling (A Capilano University Continuing Studies Course)
The face of media is rapidly changing. Join traditional and digital storyteller, Erica Hargreave, as she introduces you to the art of interactive storytelling and how to use tools such as Twitter, WordPress, Flicker, YouTube, Facebook, podcasting and blogging to tell your stories. Audiences want to access media from multiple platforms: online, offline and on the go. More and more audiences are demanding the ability to interact within the story, and with the characters and authors. The collective “voice” of media is changing, audiences desire a much more personal tone in what they read and interact with. This personal tone and voice extends beyond the story to the corporate brand as well. Audiences want the story behind the story, to feel that they are part of the story, the creators and the brand itself.
- 10 Tuesday Evenings September 21 – November 23 6:30 – 9:30 pm
- Instructor: Erica Hargreave
- North Vancouver
- CRN: 30049
- $329
The second classroom is at the Merging+Media Conference that is being hosted by CMPA. I have had the honour of being invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the Conference and will be speaking on one of the panel. Its shaping up to be an interesting conference, exploring the worlds of transmedia and convergence and how we build stories to cross platforms. It has speakers from current transmedia projects, gaming, ARGs, technology, viral marketing and broadcast media. Promises to be an interesting conversation. Take a peek at the agenda. The dates to keep open are October 28th (Masterclass) and October 29th (Conference).
Hope to see you in the classroom!
Liz Joins #mobilersca to Experiment with the Android Galaxy Smartphone
Love any excuse to sing the praises of our team and I am most pleased that Liz Kearsley just gave us such an excuse.
Liz has been selected to be one of Canada’s first Mob!lers! Samsung Canada picked her and 29 other 20-somethings living in Canada to take part in a competition with their new Android Galaxy S Vibrant Smartphones. Liz and her Team Vansung will duel it out against five other teams in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver for cash and prizes, including a trip to Korea, in 4 challenges designed to experiment with transmedia with their Galaxy Smartphones.
Before the fun started, Samsung set the guys a mini challenge in Toronto which Liz’s Team Vansung won.
Mohammed Hassan-Ali
Here are Liz and her teammates:
Mohammed Hassan-Ali - @skysurfer64
Desired Superpower: To change the weather, so everyday he can avoid ever getting caught in those Vancouver downpours.
In Real Life: Grad Student studying Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology
Gyslain Lalonde
Gyslain Lalonde
Desired Superpower: Batman Wannabe
In Real Life: Server and reality TV talent
Chris McGuire
Chris McGuire @chrisonhismac
Desired Superpower: To be untouchable, yet imperceptible.
In Real Life: Web & Mobile Developer
Peter Verge
Peter Verge @peterverge
Desired Superpower: Snooping on Other’s Text Messages (a fly on the cell, if you will)
In Real Life: All Round Personality, MC and Broadcast Journalist in the making
Liz Kearsley
Liz Kearsley @LizKearsley
Desired Superpower: Information Osmosis (not surprising, as we see her similarities with an amoeba)
In Real Life: PhotoJournalist
Please help us to cheer them on in their last 4 competitions by keeping an eye on the Samsung Mobile Canada facebook page. Go Vansung Go!
Our Family is Growing
We our very pleased to announce that our family has grown!!! We have a few new additions to add to the Hargreave / Yearwood team, on top of our wonderful crew of educational and tech based contractors.
The first new addition to the family is Liz Kearsley, a photographer and journalist hailing from the UK. Liz has already been a nominee in an international photography contest since she joined our ranks and has had a few rather amusing introductions to Canadian culture, having joined us in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to help tell the Yorkton Film Festival’s story interactively.
3 of our new team members: Bronwyn, Liz and Alyzee
Shortly after Liz’s arrival, we had twins! No, really we welcomed two new interns from UBC’s English Department, Alyzee Lakhani and Bronwyn Malloy. Both have been a welcome addition to the team. They have been getting their feet wet writing on the Yorkton Film Festival Blog and helping Emme Rogers out with her prose. Currently they are busy developing a tween and teen friendly character for Erica Hargreave to talk about in the classroom, and they will be assisting Erica this summer with her programs for Capilano University and the Delta School District.
Liz, Alyzee and Bronwyn Playing with Imagery for the Shaw Rocket Fund
Finally, we are very pleased to have Susan Brinton acting as a business advisor to us on some interactive projects that we are building for the future. With over 20 years experience in film and television, including as an Executive in Charge of Production for CanWest and the Global Television Network, and as a Senior Policy Advisor for Television for both the Canadian Television Fund and Telefilm Canada, Susan’s advice and guidance is absolutely invaluable. We are thrilled to be working with and learning from her.
A New Classroom & Course for the New Year
Photo from The Hague’s Nationaal Archief
I’m excited to be embarking on a new educational adventure this year! My new classroom will be in the Broadcast Communication Program at BCIT and the Continuing Studies Department at Capilano University. At both schools I will be teaching Interactive Storytelling. Not completely sure, but I do think these are two of the first Interactive Storytelling Courses at Post Secondary Institutions in Canada.
So what is Interactive Storytelling?
I define Interactive Storytelling, as storytelling across platforms of media, some of which are interactive, allowing the audience to interact with the story itself, if they so choose.
For the purposes of these classes, whilst we will be looking at examples of other forms of interactivity, such as ARGs and Gaming, the focus of the class will be on using different forms of social media (such as blogs, twitter, facebook, blip.fm, flickr, podcasting..etc) to make traditional stories (such as novels, films, tv, articles, radio, plays, brands …etc) more interactive. Through the course of the class, the participants will use these social media tools to build an interactive component to a project of their own. This can be a project that they have developed in the past, are currently working on or are just using as a tool to experiment with telling stories interactively.
Who is this course for?
Anybody who has a story to tell, whether it is that of a place, a brand, a novel, a play or a film or TV series.
Here are the details on the two courses:
- Course Code: CRN 10020 – Interactive Storytelling
- 6 week course
- Tuesday Nights from 18:30 – 21:30 (6:30 – 9:30 pm)
- North Shore Campus
- March 2, 2010 – April 6, 2010
- This is a non-credited course through Continuing Studies.
- Course Code: BCST 1073 – Interactive Storytelling
- 10 – 12 week course
- 3 – 3 1/2 hours a week
- Course Date Pending: Either April or September
- This is a credited course through the Broadcast Communications Program, but don’t let that scare you off, as it is open to the public and you do not have to be a full time student to take it.
Also stay tuned for an Interactive Storytelling Course for Youth during the Spring Break with the Delta School District!
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