Four excellent things to do in the next two weeks

I must becoming 'Sydney'. Because where previously I would always defend Melbourne as the epicentre of cool and interesting, now - not so much.

Not in the least because having just looked at my diary, I have four excellent, excellent things to do (yeah, well organise - kinda) in the next two weeks.

So in the nicest possible way, up yours Melbourne! Us 'special' kids up north are doing it even though if it means all of a sudden I have this weird dual-state personality thing and don't really know where my loyalties lie (those who have ever swapped football teams have an inkling of how I may been feeling).

Here's what's on.

GreenUps - TONIGHT

Green drinking for green thinking. It's the kick-of event for this year, come old, come new and find out about all GreenUps plots being hatched for the coming year.

The Falconer Cafe, Oxford St Paddington (near the corner of Riley St, head toward the park).

6pm till late

FREE

2. Karaoke for arrested elves THIS FRIDAY

In December last year, a troupe of merry Carbon Trading Elves celebrated an early Christmas with carbon trading profiteers, singing carols at corporate offices including Merrill Lynch and Macquarie Bank. Unfortunately our friends at the NSW police showed a distinct lack of holiday spirit, and now Holly, JP and Rachel are facing costly court cases.

What better way to support our carollers than to raise your voice in all its tuneless glory? Come along to our karaoke fundraiser, knock back some beers, and take on that torch song you’ve always sung in the shower…

Friday, 5^th February

7:30-12pm

The Workshop, 16 Sloane St, Newtown

(Map here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=16+sloane+st+newtown&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=16+Sloane+St,+Newtown+New+South+Wales+2042,+Australia&z=16)

$5+ suggested donation

Drinks and some snacks available

2. Launch of the Kitchen & Garden Project - THIS SATURDAY

Carriageworks Kitchen Garden Project is a series of free community activites and workshops based on the notion of creative sustainability .

Guest speakers include Michael Mobbs and Robyn Williams. There'll be a bunch of stalls with all the latest in lovely organic food, plants and Sydney community gardening shenanigans.

Saturday February 6,

1pm-4pm

Carriageworks, Eveleigh Street Redfern.

Free.

3. Reclaim the Lanes - NEXT SATURDAY

Grab your bike and join the roving street party to reclaim Newtown's lanes. Bands, installations and art along the way.

Begins at the Hub at 2pm

Saturday February 13.

Newtown.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=246612289646&ref=ts

4. Angel Street Valentine's Day Soiree - NEXT SUNDAY

Walked past a zillion times but never stuck your head in? Well here's your golden opportunity to drag your Valentine (or friend or Mum or kids) away for a day of music, gardening, workshops and yummy food.

There'll be Permablitz Speed-dating, workshops, solar-powered music (the Sunchasers), yumbo food and wormies.

Sunday February 14,

9am till 4pm

Angel Street Newtown, behind the Newtown Performing Arts High School

Free. Bring hats, sunscreen, water, and gloves.

Glory be bikes, worms, veggies, food and sunshine - get amongst it kids!