TED - the annual conference that brings together some of the planet's brightest thinkers returns to Vancouver once again.  TED2015  is packed with more innovators and game changers than ever, including space jumper Alan Eustace, TV producer Shonda Rhimes, former White House intern Monica Lewisnky and exoplanet expert Sara Seager.  Tickets for the 4 day conference are pricey but each day's round of speeches, which start as early as 8:30am and conclude as late as 7pm will be live streamed to locations throughout metro Vancouver, including select secondary schools, universities, libraries, community centres and non-governmental organiziations. 

Here is a current list of locations.  More venues will likely be added, as applications to host live streaming are open until March 9

• Vancouver Public Library
• Science World
• University of British Columbia, Faculty of Education and main library branch
• Vancouver International Film Centre
• Potluck Café Society
• Langara College
• Emily Carr University of Art + Design
• YWCA Metro Vancouver
• The AMP
• Vancouver Community Network
• Wolrige Foundation
• Stratford Hall Secondary School
• David Suzuki Foundation

In addition to Vancouver, live streaming will also be available this year in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, New Westminster, North and West Vancouver, Richmond, Squamish, Surrey, Victoria and Whistler. 

Looking for something a bit more out of the box for Valentines day this year.  How about snowshoeing your way to a chocolate fondue.  Vancouver's North Shore Mountains can be a winter wonderland this time of year.  Why not strap on a pair of snowshoes and a headlamp for a romantic guided trek under the moonlight with your special someone?  Local ski mountains Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain offer special showshoe packages, which include rentals, expert guides and -afterward-delcious fondue served inside cozy ski cabins and chalets.  Sounds like fun!

This weekend Grouse Mountain will be hosting their 24 hours of Winter Festival on February 7 until February 8 to celebrate the ever-lasting Olympic spirit.

From sunset to sunrise you can dance the night away or ski or snowboard down The Cut while taking in the fantastic Vancouver sunrise. There will be lots of family friendly things to do as well. It all starts at 9 am on Saturday and will finish off at 10pm on Sunday.  What a great idea!!

On March 7th to the 17th CelticFest returns with a packed lineup of familiar and new events where you can go an wear your green with pride.   The kids festival starts things off on March 7th with a tribute to the great Celtic punk rockers The Pogues at the Imperial Theatre on Main St..  The festivities will continue on Wednesday March 11th with a pair of whisky-themed events at the Belmont club on Granville Street where you can learn the basics about the most Celtic of spirits at the Whisky Tasting seminar.

Then start the weekend off with a thrilling show of Celtic oral power. On Friday March 13 the Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir with over 100 voices perform at the historic Christ Church Cathedral with the De Danaan Irish Dancers.  CelticFest will also take to the street with Celtic Village - where several blocks of Grnaville will be blocked off and filled with stages for live music, street performers, sword fighting displays and street food. 

There is plenty more planned including the 11th St. Patrick's Day Parade and the return of the infamous CelticFest Ceilidh.  For a complete line up and to purchase your tickets go to the official website.  Have fun!