DARPAN MAY 2018

MAY/JUNE 2018

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REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

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ello readers, as summer heats up BC, we present our latest issue to give you company this hot season. The May/June issue is filled with interesting articles and tidbits that will enlighten and amuse you, and surely keep you engrossed.

On the cover is the fierce and powerful wrestling champion, Jinder Mahal, who is ruling WWE at the moment. The pro wrestler won his first WWE Championship in 2017, becoming the 50th recognized WWE Champion and the first of Indian descent. This year in April, he claimed the United States title at WrestleMania 34. Jinder is slowly changing the face of WWE with his power-packed performances, Indian appeal and energetic personality. He has won the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide and is generating interest and curiosity among WWE followers about India and Sikh culture.

Summer is also travelling season, and to prepare you for it, we have listed articles that provide relevant information and handy tips. Know all about the workings and benefits of Airbnb in our feature titled, ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb.’ The world’s biggest accommodation sharing website gives you access to millions of cheap and unique places to stay in over 191 countries. You can also learn the steps to become an Airbnb host. If you’re planning a road adventure, our tech feature talks about new tech-forward gear that will help ensure your trip is more convenient, safe and most importantly, fun. Enjoy the summer heat by indulging in some sinfully-delicious and innovative ice cream from the top five ice-cream shops in Vancouver.

We hope you enjoy the May/June issue and keep supporting us always.

Like our social media page on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get all the latest updates. Write your comments and suggestions to editor@darpanmagazin.com

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MAY/JUNE 2018 PUBLISHERS

WRITERS

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EDITOR

Catherine Tse

Petrina D’Souza

Garima Goswami

ONLINE EDITOR Sumesh Sharma ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vinay Giridhar

Benjamin Yong

Georgia Nichols Glen Konorowski Gurleen Kaur Bajwa Jaskirat Sahni Jorge Ignacio Castillo Muriel D’Souza

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PHOTOGRAPHY A Master Media AAA movies Pardeep Singh Photography JC Images COVER CREDITS Cover: Jinder Mahal

Naina Grewal

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Nick Hilden

Photo: Courtesy of WWE

Petrina D’Souza

CONTACT

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Tel: 604-572-0199 Email: info@darpanmagazine.com 340-8140, 128 St. Surrey BC. V3W-1R1

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DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bi-monthly magazine. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publishers. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2018 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

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CONTENTS

68

LIFESTYLE

M AY | J U N E

2018

24

68 TECH

Travel Trendy Gadgets for the Road

72 RECIPES

Chef Cyrus Todiwala

114 ACTIVITIES

76 HEALTH

Raising a Child with Autism

Your Guide to Vancouver’s Best Ice Cream

80 FITNESS

116 TRAVEL

Bienvenido a España

Fitness Myths you Need to Throw out

82 BEAUTY

116

Holographic Makeup: Embrace Your Inner Unicorn

COVER STORY

JINDER

86 FASHION PAGES 94 STYLE

MAHAL

Put your Best Foot Forward

100 HOME

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER’S REACTION

108 WEDDING BUSINESS PROFILE 34 Kraft Mortgages Canada

Jag & Christie

62 YOUTH COLUMN

10 DARPAN’S 10

The Key to Happiness

John Horgan

64 NEWS IN PICTURES

12 SPOTLIGHTS

142 GLOBAL INDIANS

Dr. Pushpa Chandra Joban Bal Gary Dhaliwal

Seema Bansal

144 HOROSCOPE

48 SALUTES Kailash Satyarthi, Against Child Labour

146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

90

Meet the Dadwal Family

FEATURES 36 POLITICAL FEATURE

90 EXCLUSIVE

The NDP’s Rookie Year in Review

Shyamal & Bhumika

52 SPECIAL FEATURE

96 FEATURE

Let the Race Begin

60 FEATURE Fastest Ways to Save for a Down-payment

ENTERTAINMENT

82

136 BOLLYWOOD

Bollywood Movie Calendar

138 HOLLYWOOD

Less is Beautiful

See it or Skip it?

104 FEATURE A Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb

36

AUTO

122 Land Rover Discovery 126 Cadillac XT5 Crossover 130 Nissan Qashqai 134 Top 6 Debuts from NYIAS

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eadcetiornss a

Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

e MARCH/ APRIL 2018

ASIAN LIFESTYL E REFLECTI NG THE SOUTH

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Vaisakhi 2018

FROM OUR SOCIAL FEED Vaiskhi Special Edition Review Great Vaisakhi Supplement So sad to hear that1 Sikhi Population is Only 1.4 % Yikes ~ We're Expecting (8) Eight More Babies (Hope that helps) * Gur Fateh/ (sic) Indi Kaur Sidhu/ Facebook 2018 VAISAKHI

SAF International Spotlight

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APRIL 2018 M A R C H / South-Asian Lifestyle Reflecting The

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PM 2018-04-11 5:35

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Celebration of South Asian culture Hello, my name is Kiran and I am a fan of your publication and regularly look forward to reading your celebration of South Asian culture.

– Kiran S.

Cover Story - Vidya Vox

Re: Thank you Kiran for the kind words. Your

Re: Hello Sriya, nice to know that you liked the cover story

support means a lot to DARPAN. I hope you like the May/June issue. Enjoy! – Editor

I really enjoyed reading Vidya’s article in your magazine.

I like her songs and she is very talented. – Sriya Nair

on YouTube star Vidya Vox. She is indeed very talented and is introducing Indian culture and tradition to the Western world. – Editor

Parenting

You are Welcome!

Thank you Darpan Magazine for featuring Be Your Own Best Friend Network in your latest issue. This was our PAINT NIGHT with Neighborhood Art Parties led by Preeti Dhillon. (sic) - Be Your Own Best Friend Network/ Facebook

Bridal Fashion Week Covereage

I received the amazing opportunity to write 2 articles for Darpan Magazine earlier this month. Both revolve around a topic I am very passionate about: Women Empowerment. Thank you to Darpan for providing me with this amazing opportunity, and I look forward to continue expressing my views through your commendable initiative. Darpan Magazine (sic) - Jaskirat Sahni/ Facebook

and children are very informative and relevant. We hope like you, other mothers and families enjoy them and are able to get more knowledge on child care and other related issues. – Editor

ADR Canada Thank-you @darpanmagazine for asking me to be featured in your latest issue. I enjoyed sharing with you the work @adr_canada is doing to prevent adverse drug reactions #genomics #cdnhealth (sic) - Amani Kaur Saini/ Twitter

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Thank you Andrew for all that you do!

We our so lucky to have you as our Leader. The Darpan Magazine is published far & wide & I try to never miss a copy. I love it! I'll be watching for the upcoming issue in which you are interviewed! Good on you! (sic) - Maureen Parks/ Twitter

Women Empowerment Articles

Re: Neeti, our articles on parenting

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Andrew Wilkinson Interview

A big #shoutout to one of the leading Magazine of Vancouver @darpanmagazine for this amazing coverage on @bridalfashionweekcanada (sic) - bridalfashionweekcanada/ Twitter

Darpan always features articles relating to children and I really like reading them. Being a mother of two kids, I like knowing tips or information on helping my kids grow up well. – Neeti Mayur

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About Vaisakhi article on Sikligars: Wow thank you for posting this. I did not know about this community. (sic) - Sabrina Kaur Brar/ Facebook

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In our first nine months, we’ve made real progress by eliminating MSP fees, getting rid of bridge tolls, building new schools, tackling housing affordability, introducing affordable childcare, reducing surgery wait times, and so much more.”

BC Premier

JOHN HORGAN 1 What are your major accomplishments as BC’s Premier?

After 16 years of neglect and bad choices by the BC Liberal government, I committed to working hard to fix the problems left behind and to make life better for people in BC. In our first nine months, we’ve made real progress by eliminating MSP fees, getting rid of bridge tolls, building new schools, tackling housing affordability, introducing affordable childcare, reducing surgery wait times, and so much more. And I’m proud that we did this while creating jobs and keeping British Columbia’s economy strong.

2 Do you regret any decision made in the past year as Premier?

We’ve faced some tough decisions on issues that people in this province care about very passionately.

As hard as these decisions have been I don’t regret them. We dug deep into these issues to understand what was in front of us, and we made choices based on the values we share with British Columbians.

Our goals are to make life more affordable for people, to build a strong, sustainable economy and to improve services like health care and education.

Guided by these values, we’ll continue to tackle the tough issues in the best interests of all British Columbians.

3 As Premier, you have been strongly opposing the Kinder Morgan project, do you think the federal government will revise or end the project?

I have had frank discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau where I made it clear that the

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es together. But we will always stand up for British Columbians, our environment and the thousands of jobs that depend on our coast.

6 Opposition to the project also means facing restrictions and consequences from the Alberta government. How are you going to deal it?

Our goal to protect our coast has generated disproportionate reactions from the Alberta government in past months. We took steps to protect our wine industry from the unwarranted trade action by the Government of Alberta and we will continue to stand up for any BC industry targeted or threatened by any unlawful actions.

7 What will be the impacts of Alberta’s Bill 12 on BC? Will it increase oil prices?

The fact is, Alberta can’t use this legislation to target British Columbians because to do so would be unlawful. Any attempt to restrict gasoline shipments to BC would not only violate the Constitution, but also the North West Partnership Agreement and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. We don’t expect them to try to invoke these extreme measures, but we are prepared to defend British Columbians with the full force of the law.

8 Are you working on collaborating with other provinces or oil/energy companies for a solution to Alberta’s restriction?

Alberta knows it’s against the law to enact this restriction against BC, and they likely will never use it. Even the Supreme Court of Canada has warned that attempts to punish other provinces through trade measures are not allowed. However, we are looking at every option available to protect BC should they go ahead with restrictions.

people of BC expect us to defend our province from the devastating consequences of an oil spill on our environment, our economy and our coast.

A single spill of diluted bitumen would threaten tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity. We are proceeding with a 9 If the Federal government goes ahead with reference case in court to affirm BC’s right, within the project, do you have any special conditions our jurisdiction, to defend our environment, our drafted that can limit the entry of oil into BC and economy and our coast.

4 It has been reported that your opposition

lessen the damage to environment?

We’re not going to stop standing up for British Columbia’s interests. We put forward a clear question to the highest court in BC in order to confirm the Province’s right to regulate to protect the environment, our economy and our coast. We are also We campaigned on standing up for our coast, working with the federal government to identify and and the jobs that depend on it, long before our close gaps in spill prevention and response in order government’s partnership with the Green Party. to improve protections for our coast.

All along, we’ve said what we were going to do, 10 What major introductions/developments can and then we’ve done it. We are continuing to stand residents expect from the NDP government in the up for our environment and our economy, and coming months? will settle the question of jurisdiction through the People in BC have seen a number of changes to make reference case we put forward to the BC Court their lives more affordable and to improve the serof Appeal. vices they count on over the last nine months. But the 5 Based on your recent meeting with PM BC Liberals left a lot of problems behind, like the Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel financial mess at ICBC, and our government still Notley, what do you think will be the outcome has much more to do to make life better for British of the project?

Columbians. We are going to continue taking steps As British Columbians, we should have a say over to tackle the housing crisis and bring more affordable whether we put our coast at risk. I had a conver- childcare to families. We are going to continue taking sation with Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier steps to improve our healthcare system. And we are Notley, and was clear about this. We believe we going to continue to support our strong, sustainable need to grow the economy, while protecting our economy by working industries to promote BC as a coast from the risk of a catastrophic bitumen great place to create good jobs – like the 3,000 new spill. We want to work to address these challeng- jobs just announced at Amazon in Vancouver. to the project is due to the NDP government’s partnership with the Green Party, and the province cannot override the federal decision.

What is your comment on it?

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

DR. PUSHPA

CHANDRA

BY JASKIRAT SAHNI

RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE This Vancouverbased physician is the oldest female to run

7 marathons within 7 days in 7 continents.

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ost of us find it very difficult to be motivated to wake up early and go to the gym. Often, we think that if we went once, that was enough to take the rest of the week off. However, for Dr. Pushpa Chandra, exercise is a passion that has become an extremely important part of her daily life. A naturopathic physician in Vancouver, Dr. Chandra has worked hard in providing medical care for

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over 27 years, while building her devotion towards running through numerous marathons and world-renowned races.

Growing up in a small village in Fiji, her association with running started from a very young age. She would run to school and save her bus fare to buy a Popsicle.

“Running became enjoyable and effortless, because it was associated with some sort of reward from the very

beginning,” shares Dr. Chandra.

As she got older, the rewards started changing, and soon the ultimate reward became finding the true meaning of life by using running as a means of meditation. “In places where I ran to exhaustion like on Mount Everest, I continuously recited my mantras and continued running because I have the determination to finish. Here, running is a type of discipline that requires you to put yourself

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DR. PUSHPA CHANDRA

through pain for hours on end,” she says.

Dr. Chandra has run over 500 marathons and ultra-marathons, and is one of only 18 women in the world who is a ‘North Pole Grand Slammer’ – one who has run marathons or longer races on all seven continents plus the North Pole. Recently, in commemoration of her 60th birthday, she participated in the 2018 World Marathon Challenge aka 777, making her the oldest female to run seven marathons within seven days in seven continents.

Running has helped her gain many skills which are beneficial throughout her life.

For instance, while taking part in the 250-kilometre race in the Sahara Desert, she quickly realized the challenges that came with being in a naturally dangerous place. “I had to be self-supporting – I was required to carry my own lodgings and had a GPS tracker given to me to self-navigate. Along with the extreme heat and hipdeep sand providing physical challenges, it became nearly impossible to convince myself

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Dr. Chandra has run over 500 marathons and ultra-marathons, and is one of only 18 women in the world who is a ‘North Pole Grand Slammer’one who has run marathons or longer races on all seven continents plus the North Pole. that I could master this race,” she recalls. However, her in-built strength from participating in other marathons gave her mental, emotional and spiritual empowerment to achieve the seemingly impossible goal.

Beyond running, Dr. Chandra

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also believes in charity and is involved in raising money to help children get proper education. In fact, another major reason for the marathoner to sign up for the 777 race was to raise $30,000 in order to provide education to children in India. Having worked at BC Children’s Hospital for 22 years in critical care, she was very touched by the children she met along the way. This inspired her to start working with a charity based in India called Schools on Wheels, that aims at improving the quality of education for underprivileged children. According to reports, there are 1 million children sleeping on the streets of Mumbai, a million each in Delhi and Kolkata, and many more areas across the country where the same issue persists.

“These children are often running away from home and end up on the streets because they are fleeing abuse, bad living conditions and extreme poverty,” points out Dr. Chandra.

Schools on Wheels goes to the streets of Indian cities and gives children two and half hours of education per day through their bus, until they reach a level of emotional stability when they can be placed into a school.

Celebrating her 60th birthday, Dr. Chandra has set a goal of placing 60 kids into the program, which already funds for 500 children. She works closely with Plan Canada, which overseas the work being done through Plan India and allocates funds to Schools on Wheels in a properly regulated way.

The 60-year-old is driven about providing education to children and helping them break the cycle of poverty. “I want people to realize that education is the intangible product that is the passport to a bright future, and is necessary for society in the most powerful way.” Her life being an excellent example, Dr. Chandra encourages young people to get involved in something they can make their passion, because “it will teach you skills about discipline, goal-setting, and confidence.”

Dr. Pushpa Chandra hopes that her story inspires others to be active and get involved in supporting a cause which can help the needy. She will continue to fundraise in order to reach her goal of providing 60 kids with a longterm education through Schools on Wheels. You can support her cause by donating through shiftworkershealth.com.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

The young hero began advocating for blood donation right from his schooling days.

JOBAN BAL SAVING LIVES

BY MURIEL D’SOUZA

J

BY MURIEL D’SOUZA

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oban Bal knew he’d have to be older than 15 to donate blood. But he also knew that age wouldn’t matter when he’d be out there to make a difference.

This young hero from Surrey began advocating for blood donation right from his schooling days at Tamanawis Secondary School. He spent countless hours volunteering for the Canadian Blood Services while also excelling academically.

Today, he is the founder and president of One Blood For Life Foundation, a blood and stem cell donation organization In his senior year, with the support of classmates, teachers, and local community members, Bal managed to set up the school’s first blood clinic signing up close to a 100 donors in a single day.

“Donating blood is one of the simplest things a healthy person can do. Unfortunately, we don’t. I don’t consider myself doing great

things. I do simple things. The results I see are great though,” shares the humble student, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Science at UBC. Bal had seen people’s lives change, merely because they were fortunate enough to find generous donors on time. He came to realize how precious life really is, and how much need there is for blood and stem cell donors. He states some hardto-believe facts, “One in two Canadians is eligible to donate blood, but only one in 60 step out to do so. The reason is, people haven’t been asked about it. We have received a tremendous response by just educating the youth. And once you see the impact you’ve made and the change you’ve caused, it’s hard to not do what you do.”

When Bal began volunteering with the Canadian Blood Services, he saw children young-

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT In September 2016, Bal founded the One Blood For Life Foundation – a group of people who believe there is a difference to be made in the world of stem cell and blood donation. The team is united in one blood towards one goal – life.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JOBAN BAL

er than him receiving life-saving stem transplants. He experienced the happiness of their families and watched their smiles grow wider. “I grew to appreciate the good health me and my family were blessed with. It

was then that I wanted to be more involved. I was too young to donate. But if I could urge others, it would still be some help,” says Bal. Noticing the need for donors, Bal and many other selfless young stars made it their life’s goal to educate people of how this small gesture can make a big difference. In September 2016, Bal founded the One Blood For Life Foundation (OBFLF) – a group of people who believe there is a difference to be made in the world of stem cell and blood donation. The team is united in one blood towards one goal – life.

The primary goal of OBFLF is to educate youth in high schools, universities, and colleges and create an atmosphere of altruism at a young age. “The more enjoyable we

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can make the entire volunteer experience and blood donation experience, the more youth in turn want to get involved in doing their part in helping saving lives,” adds the young founder, who considers himself lucky to have found his way to change the world early on in life.

Bal’s family has been extremely supportive towards him all through his journey. Selfless service or ‘seva’ has been part of their culture right from the start.

His fluency in Punjabi made it easier for him to put across his message to the huge Sikh community in Surrey. Usually it is the elders telling the younger generation what’s the right thing to do but this team of young and passionate change agents are definitely a pleasant surprise. “We should help those around us. If anyone’s mother, father, son or daughter is affected, they are all our family too. Just because it hasn’t happened to you or someone you know, doesn’t make it any less important,” says the 2017 Win-

ner of Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Awards.

Since its inception, OBFLF has grown tremendously and continues to spread its message to more and more communities. “With a team of dedicated volunteer executives that manage operations for the hundreds of events and projects we have done, we now have over 380 volunteers across the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, and other parts of BC,” says Bal proudly. The organization has signed up and has had 2,300 blood donations through its collective efforts over the years along with signing up over 780 registrants for the Canadian stem cell and bone marrow network.

The best things in life don’t cost a penny; neither does the joy of giving someone the gift of life. Donating blood or registering to become a stem cell donor will cost you nothing more than your time. So whenever you have some to spare, think about the lives you could save with it.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

DHALIWAL

BY HARJAN PADDA

LEADING THE GAME T

hough just 20 years old, Gary Dhaliwal already understands what it takes to be a good captain. The skilled hockey player is the captain of Delta Ice Hawks and diligently led the team to winning the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) Championship.

This season, Dhaliwal amassed 18 goals and 35 assists, placing him seventh in league scoring. He finished second on the team in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes while also leading the team with nine powerplay assists and six gamewinning goals.

In the playoffs, the talented captain had the third highest point total in the league while scoring 10 goals – the most for any player in the playoffs. He truly shined on special teams as Dhaliwal was able to score three powerplay goals and three short-handed

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goals. He had four goals and four assists in the championship round and also led the league with three game-winning goals in the playoffs.

Since a young age, Dhaliwal loved watch-

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ing hockey. However, a career in ice hockey would not have been possible without the support of his parents who encouraged him to play the sport he loved. “My parents were very supportive. They were new immigrants so they were new to the game of hockey. But they let me follow my dreams and I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me,” he shares.

The two-way player grew up watching the Canucks and idolized star player Markus Naslund. But when he started playing hockey, he chose to emulate a different player. “I look to model my game after Jonathan Toews. He is a great two-way center and also a strong team leader. His

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level of play on offense and defense is something I hope to bring to my game whenever I step onto the ice,” states Dhaliwal.

After playing junior for a few years, Dhaliwal was made captain for the Delta Ice Hawks team. “I was one of the few older players on the team as we had the youngest team in the league. It was just natural for me to be a leader for this team. I felt very confident and comfortable in this role and I’m happy that I was able to deliver with a championship for my great teammates and coaches,” says the team’s leader proudly.

The PJHL Championship win was very important for the Delta Ice Hawks. In 2017, they lost in the finals in game 6 but the hardworking team managed to rebound and prevail this season. Commenting on last year’s defeat, Dhaliwal says, “It was very devastating for everyone. But our returning players used this as motivation to win it this year. Our goal from the beginning was to win it and we dominated the season and playoffs. We had a chip on our shoulders which fueled the fire for this season.”

Currently, Dhaliwal is working with his family’s real estate development company as well as his family business at Real Lighting & Fireplaces. He is also enrolled in the Urban Land Economics Program at the University of British Columbia.

Looking ahead to the future, the hockey star has different options to pursue. As of now, he has several offers to play hockey at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) schools as well as an offer from Simon Fraser University in BC. He also wants to maintain his involvement in the sport by coaching hockey at the junior or midget level.

Dhaliwal’s long-term focus is to stay close to the game of hockey while expanding his family businesses. If his hockey career is any indication, he will thrive with increased responsibility and enjoy a successful future.

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ORY T S ER

COV

THE PRO WRESTLER WON HIS FIRST WWE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2017, BECOMING TH THE RECOGNIZED WWE CHAMPION AND THE FIRST OF INDIAN DESCENT. THIS YEAR IN APRIL, HE CLAIMED THE UNITED STATES TITLE AT WRESTLEMANIA 34.

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BY HARJAN PADDA

JINDER

MAHAL THE MODERN DAY MAHARAJA

A

name that has been lately echoing in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is that of Jinder Mahal. The Indianorigin wrestler has become a superstar among WWE fans and his wins at prestigious championships are proof of this stardom. Jinder won his first WWE Championship at Backlash on May 21, 2017, becoming the 50th recognized WWE Champion and the first of Indian descent. This year in April, he claimed the United States title at WrestleMania 34 after defeating Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode in a Fatal Four Way Match. Nicknamed as the Modern Day Maharaja, Jinder is slowly changing the face of WWE with his power-packed performances, Indian appeal and energetic personality Born as Yuvraj Singh Dhesi, what separates Jinder from other wrestlers is the look he portrays on and off the ring.

Possessing a towering height of 6’5” and build of 240 lbs, Jinder wears a beard and turban – that proudly represents his Punjabi culture. Ever since he entered WWE, the pro wrestler has adorned a traditional Sikh pagh (turban) at all or most of his ring appearances. “We are recognized by the pagh and I am very proud to represent it on a global stage like WWE. I have the utmost respect for

the pagh and have always been protective and respectful of it. It is a big deal for our community to be represented on an international program like WWE,” says Jinder, whose prominent look has placed Sikhs on the global map and is generating further interest among WWE viewers about Sikh religion and culture.

A resident of Calgary, Alberta, Jinder has grown up watching wrestling.

He is the nephew of Stampede Wrestling legend Gama Singh who performed all around the world in the 1970s and 1980, including several years with the World Wrestling Federation.

Jinder’s biggest idol growing up was Bret Hart, a very famous wrestler from Calgary whom he had an opportunity to connect with thanks to his stardom. Jinder began his professional wrestling career at the Martial Arts Fitness Center in Calgary. His uncle was one of his main trainers growing up and continues to work with him till date.

In 2011, Jinder made his televised WWE debut with The Great Khali. Today, he is a WWE celebrity. He has certainly come a long way from his time in Calgary, devoting much of his time during his youth to a career in pro wrestling. “It has been a long journey but I feel like it has just begun. I want to have a long career and the sky is the limit,” says the young champion who now primarily lives in Tampa Bay, Florida.

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COVER STORY

When I was a kid I didn’t have role models that looked like me in sports. With guys like Jujhar Khaira, Satnam Singh and Arjan Bhullar, our next generation has some people to look up to as representations of our culture in the world of sports.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF WWE

Coming back to his championships, Jinder’s last few victories have been the biggest highlights of his wrestling life. The 31-year-old loved watching WrestleMania as a kid and always dreamt of participating in it but it wasn’t until WrestleMania 34 in April that his name became synonym with the powerful event.

He fought against Jeff Hardy to win the US Championship. Reminiscing that glorious moment, Jinder says, “This was my first WrestleMania His biggest moment, however, moment and I am very happy that was winning his first WWE I won the title. Now that I have a Championship at Backlash in taste of it, I want to go again and 2017 where Jinder defeated take it to the next level. I am thankful Randy Orton to win the title. for the opportunity, but I remain “I was brought back to the WWE hungry for the main event and the in 2016 and won this [title] 10 chance to win the WWE champion- months later. Being the 1st ever ship at WrestleMania one day.” champion of Punjabi or South

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We are recognized by the pagh and I am very proud to represent it on a global stage like WWE. I have the utmost respect for the pagh and have always been protective and respectful of it. It is a big deal for our community to be represented on an international program like WWE.

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Asian descent is truly an honour,” he says of the win, further adding, “I still have a lot more to show and the best is yet to come. When it’s all over, I want to be seen as one of the best WWE wrestlers of all time.”

Jinder’s career was not all great from start to finish. In 2014, he was released by the WWE which was devastating for a man so passionate about his career.

He performed on the independent circuit for two years in one of the toughest times of his life. Yet, this phase did not deter him from his goal of making it back to the WWE. “I look back on it as the best thing that happened to me as it motivated me. WWE is a highly competitive entertainment business where if you aren’t up to the level they want, there are numerous others waiting to take your spot. You have to give your 100% every day. I had a lot of regrets when I got released, but I committed myself to making it back to the WWE and didn’t take anything for granted,” shares the dynamic individual who took advantage

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of every opportunity and relaunched a career that was past most people’s expectations. “I worked very hard to achieve those goals and I look forward to a long career. Winning the US Championship at WrestleMania in front of 78,000 people was awesome and I want to have more of those moments. I want to be a hall of famer so I will need to achieve my goals and work harder than the competition. It is not a one-time thing that you made it; you are being tested everyday as a challenge,” states Jinder.

It is pretty incredible to see how far this South Asian champ has come at this point in his career but to Jinder it isn’t all too shocking.

He worked for this recognition his whole life and it is paying off. “I have dreamt of this my whole life. You don’t win the WWE championship by accident, you have to dedicate your life to it. I visualize where I want to be in the future and I work relentlessly to get there.” His status as a recognizable superstar in the WWE is an indicator of the endless amount of hard work and effort he put in to get to this level. He remembers the days when he performed in front of less than 10 people early in his career. “When I was in high school in Calgary, I used to take the bus for over an hour in the winter to go train. I would be wrestling with grown men, then take the bus back in -40 degree weather to go back to school next day. It really is crazy to think about where I have come from and what

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COVER STORY

I want to see more Punjabis and kids of Indian descent become superstars.

I hope to inspire our Punjabi youth to not just become WWE stars but accomplish whatever they want to be in their life. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, anything is possible.

I have done to get here. I really appreciate all I have done and what my supporters have done for me to get to this level.”

On the topic of his on and off screen personality, Jinder reveals that aren’t many similarities between the two. “My character is more of a loud and angry type. I am actually a very quiet humble person at home.” His interest in fashion, however, is reflective in both personalities. “Just like in my real life, I enjoy donning fashionable attire like custom suits, Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton loafers, when I am on the show.”

Jinder’s success in the WWE has made him a household name in the US as well as in his home country India where people are not very familiar with professional wrestling. The Indian market has been largely untapped in terms of television ratings and online media as Jinder has amassed tons of fans in India. The Indo-Canadian wrestler is fortunate to have brought the WWE Championship to India.

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Last year, he competed against WWE legend Triple H in a successful event in New Delhi. “It has been a very positive experience in India. The fans are very loving and supportive and I am very happy and proud to be representing such a proud nation,” says Jinder. The last time a WWE event was held in India was in 2002 and there were no Indian wrestlers at the time. He also has been witnessing the increasing level of South Asian fandom from outside of India. In places like London, Saudi Arabia, New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, he has fought with noticeable support from Indian fans.

Jinder is also a role model for youth especially Punjabi kids. He is aware of this responsibility and has step up to serve as an exemplar for South Asians, not just in the world of sport but also when it comes to any career path a person may choose to pursue.

“I want to give back to my community who has supported me so much. It is my duty to repay them and pay it forward and inspire the future athletes of the next generation in our culture.” One of his goals is to inspire the next generation of Indian youth.

“I want to see more Punjabis and kids of Indian descent become superstars. I hope to inspire our Punjabi youth to not just become WWE stars but accomplish whatever they want to be in their life. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, anything is possible.”

The Modern Day Maharaja is proud that more and more sportsmen of Punjabi origin are proving their mettle in their respective fields. Young athletes are breaking barriers and establishing themselves on the global level in the world of sports. “When I was a kid I didn’t have role models that looked like me in sports. With guys like Jujhar Khaira, Satnam Singh

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I worked very hard to achieve those goals and I look forward to a long career. Winning the US Championship at WrestleMania in front of 78,000 people was awesome and I want to have more of those moments.

and Arjan Bhullar, our next generation has some people to look up to as representations of our culture in the world of sports.”

Jinder is currently looking at gunning for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He has lofty goals to shoot for the stars and make the WWE Hall of Fame. That is certainly an arduous process but he has proven that he can defy all odds with his level of hard work and determination to break through any barriers put in his way. The future is bright for Jinder, he knows it, and he will not stop working until he is remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. “The best part about my life is that this career has been my passion every since I could remember and I enjoy every minute of it. I am incredibly fortunate to have my passion as my career,” he says in conclusion.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

A

s the real estate market in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland continues to rise, another crucial element of the housing sector is gaining attention – the mortgage industry. This year, the introduction of new mortgage rules in BC is creating difficulties for buyers to purchase their dream home. In a situation like this, what a potential home buyer really needs is reliable advice on the best mortgage plans and step-by-step guidance on how to effectively utilize that plan.

This is where Kraft Mortgages Canada Inc. takes the lead. Client-focussed consulting and efficient customer care are the foundation pillars of Kraft Mortgages Canada, a well-known mortgage firm in BC. Kraft Mortgages Canada is founded

by Varun Chaudhry and Gursharan Dhaliwal, who have over 20 years of professional experience in the mortgage industry. A mortgage brokerage licensed in BC, Ontario and Alberta, it focuses on buying, refinancing and renewing mortgages for qualified home buyers.

It comprises of over 70 mortgage experts that promise excellent and timely service to all clients.

The desire to help others encouraged the co-founders to create the company in 2014. “I decided to become a broker where I could choose the best option for the client,” says Chaudhry who switched from banking to mortgage after noticing the various choices the industry offered to help its clients. They also wanted to establish a space where new and existing brokers could get access to training and tools related to the mortgage industry. “When I was new in the industry, no one helped me out. I did not have any guidance. I wanted to create an environment for new brokers so that they can avoid all the problems that I faced in the industry,” elaborates Chaudhry.

Today, Kraft Mortgages Canada is one of the leading mortgage firms in the region, boasting a long list of impressive clientele and professional brokers. The company has access to more than 50 lending institutions, including major banks, credit unions, trusts and other national and regional lenders. “Our goal is to provide good services to our clients,

give them the best possible solutions for their mortgage deals, and ensure that mortgage brokers get enough resources so that their business runs smoothly,” states Dhaliwal.

What sets this successful company apart is the diverse services it provides. Offering residential, private, construction and commercial mortgages, Kraft Mortgages Canada caters

Kraft Mortgages Canada is one of the leading mortgage firms in the region, boasting a long list of impressive clientele and professional brokers. The company has access to more than 50 lending institutions, including major banks, credit unions, trusts and other national and regional lenders. to everybody. “We specialize in everything so that we can categorize the client into the right place. If we understand all the aspects of the lending, we can choose the best direction for the client,” explains Dhaliwal. Another distinct feature is the team’s endless commitment towards their clients. At Kraft Mortgages Canada, customers are cherished and given unbiased and cost-effective solutions that not only benefit their present but also the future. “It is not about us, it is about the client. They are our number one priority. We want

them to be ahead of their game and we provide endless service,” declare the co-founders, whose firm was nominated by the Mortgage Awards of Excellence Committee for the Regional Brokerage of the Year Award.

Kraft Mortgages Canada prides itself for being a teaching establishment that believes in passing on valuable knowledge to its staff and clients. “We are support-driven for our brokers. It is very important for us to provide proper training and support to our brokers,” says Dhaliwal. Brokers associated with the organization are given training on a weekly basis so that they are updated on the latest developments of the mortgage industry. Catching up with the tech age, the co-founders reveal they also have an app for Kraft Mortgages Canada which provides brokers and clients with current mortgage rates, mortgage tools, calculators, amortization schedules and can even get their mortgage application submitted. This premium app is available on App Store and Play Store. “We have all the good tools for the brokers to help the client in a better way,” adds Chaudhry, who is listed among Canadian Mortgage Professional’s Top 75 Mortgage Brokers of 2017 and 2018.

Beyond professional work, Chaudhry and Dhaliwal are actively involved in the community and regularly donate their time and service to charity initiatives and social organizations. They are involved with Kids Play Foundation, Indo-Canadian Business Association, and India-based non-profit Ekal Vidyalaya.

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POLITICAL FEATURE

Does their commitment to change get a passing grade?

NDP’s Rookie Year The In

Review

By Ashley Stephens

I

n a historic turn of events one year ago, the BC NDP took to the helm of the provincial government. After 16 years in power, the Liberal government was ousted by John Horgan’s NDP and his agreement with Andrew Weaver and the BC Green Party. The past 12 months have brought about a mix of change, controversy and, of course, criticism, under a government that vowed to build a better British Columbia by increasing affordability.

It did not take Horgan long to deliver.

“The immediate success of NDP election promise came with elimination of tolls at the Port Mann Bridge, which was very popular with the South of the Fraser communities,” notes Shinder Purewal, political expert and Kwantlen Polytechnic University professor. The removal of tolls on both the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges less than two months after the government’s official start date garnered plenty of positive attention, as commuters reveled in the cost savings and quick

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follow-through of the new government.

Andrew Wilkinson, leader of the BC Liberal Party, did not share in the excitement, noting affordability within the province has changed under the NDP’s rule, but unfortunately not for the better. “They did remove the bridge toll but forgot to mention they’re putting four and half million dollars debt onto the rest of British Columbia,” he says, accusing the NDP of just offering “free stuff” including “free bridge tolls, cheap child care, a renters handout and dirt cheap student loans” without actually increasing affordability. “Eventually, we pay for this.”

“From day one, our government’s priority has been to make life better for people in B.C,” Premier Horgan told DARPAN. “We’re taking concrete steps to make life more affordable, improve the services people count on, and build a strong, sustainable economy that creates good jobs throughout B.C.” The government’s election platform promised the NDP would address the neglected concerns of British Columbians, many of which have been touched upon, for better or worse, in their first 12 months in power.

“Our first full budget took bold action to make housing more available and affordable for people, including closing loopholes and cracking down on tax cheats and housing speculators, investing in the homes people need and making our rental laws fairer for everyone.”

— John Horgan, BC Premier

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POLITICAL FEATURE

“BC has a highly educated workforce, world-class research institutions, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live – we should be capitalizing on all these strengths to ensure we are leaders in all the economic opportunities of the 21st century.”

— Andrew Weaver, BC Green Party Leader

KINDER MORGAN’S TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE SYSTEM

Kinder Morgan project are making investors nervous,” says Purewal.

Recent polls have shown the focus on their opposition to the pipeline may be causing support for both the NDP and Green Partys to drop.

The controversy surrounding Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline and a bitter battle with the Province of Alberta over the project’s proceedings have consumed much of the year. While the BC NDP have yet to take concrete action to block the expansion of the pipeline, their opposition to it has perhaps overshadowed other projects and proposals currently in the works.

“People are waiting on [other] promises but the flip-flop on Site C dam and attempts to block

“Tackling the housing crisis was the top priority for people in B.C., and is the top priority for this government,” says Horgan. “That’s why our first full budget took bold action to make housing more available and affordable for people, including closing loopholes and cracking down on tax cheats and housing speculators, investing in the homes people need and making our rental laws fairer for everyone.” He adds, “When there were concerns about the speculation tax inadvertently affecting some

HOUSING

“In general, [the NDP] are proving to be very good at raising taxes and not very good at governing. The fact that they put out their ‘so-called’ speculation tax, which is really a housing tax, is a good sign of that.”

— Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal Party Leader

vacation homes, we made changes,” he says.

Wilkinson didn’t quite see it the same way. “In general, [the NDP] are proving to be very good at raising taxes and not very good at governing.

The fact that they put out their ‘socalled’ speculation tax, which is really a housing tax, is a good sign of that,” he tells DARPAN, further pointing out, “Rather than reducing taxes so that people have more money in their pocket and making it possible for people to pay the price of things, they are increasing their taxes, which means less money in people’s pockets. And, it increases the cost of housing.”

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POLITICAL FEATURE

MINIMUM WAGE Ahead of the election, the NDP vowed to increase minimum wage to $15/hour. While the resolution is several years away, the government announced details early into 2018 that include a $1.30/hour increase in June 2018, followed by decreasing increases each subsequent June until 2021 when minimum wage will rise to $15.20.

CHILD CARE The NDP’s highly anticipated ‘$10-a-day’ childcare initiative doesn’t quite look like parents imagined it would. The government instead announced the Child Care BC program, which includes plans for a fee-reduction program as well as a new childcare benefit. “Their child care promise...has been largely forgotten and you’ll notice they’ve completely stopped talking about it,” says Wilkinson, explaining that thousands of daycare providers are not able to participate in the program for affordability reasons.

“It has fallen off the agenda in the last month because it’s proving to be a failure.”

“The George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project remains suspended while an announcement to demolish four-lane Pattullo Bridge to construct another fourlane new bridge does nothing to resolve the issue of traffic jams.”

— Shinder Purewal,

Political expert & KPU Professor

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MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN The government announced plans to follow through with their promise to eliminate Medical Services Plan (MSP) fees, phased premiums out

by January 1, 2020, over a year ahead of their intended plan. While it saves families from paying out of their own pocket, Purewal notes the burden is now being passed to employers, many of which are small businesses, health authorities and school boards “which were already suffering from underfunding.” “No such details were published in the NDP manifesto in 2017,” he says. “We’ve worked hard to deliver on our core commitments,” says Horgan, noting their investments in health care, education and the voting system.

Weaver’s sentiments echoed those of the Premier. “I am pleased with the overall progress of the minority government's first year,” he said.

“Banning corporate and union donations and placing limits on individual contributions is one of the most fundamental, long-lasting changes we could make to put people back at the centre of government decision-making in this province.

That’s why we ensured that was the first piece of legislation that was introduced last fall.”

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While it’d be hard to argue the NDP have had a busy first year, with the introduction of several taxes, dedicated funding for a new student housing program and promises to freeze fares on the major BC Ferries routes among other initiatives, there are still unresolved issues that deserve attention in the near future according to the many sides involved. Weaver believes more work needs to be done to address the affordability of housing in order to make BC communities more livable.

“The George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project remains suspended while an announcement to demolish four-lane Pattullo Bridge to construct another four-lane new bridge does nothing to resolve the issue of traffic jams,” Purewal says, adding the building of rental and co-op housing and the elimination of portables in Surrey to the list of promises requiring attention.

“BC has a highly educated workforce, world-class research institutions, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live – we should be capitalizing on all these strengths to ensure we are leaders in all the economic opportunities of the 21st century,” says Weaver.

While those making, keeping and potentially breaking the promises believe the government is headed in the right direction, the Leader of the Opposition is less than satisfied. “The NDP budget has proved to be a huge disappointment,” says Wilkinson, noting his displeasure with the NDP’s campaign promise of 114,000 new housing units versus the 1,700 rentals laid out in the budget.

“They raised taxes by 3.8 billion dollars and said they are going to deliver on child care and housing to make life more affordable. There’s no way their housing plan comes anywhere near close to addressing the demand and the cost of housing is being driven up by NDP policies.”

Criticisms and controversy aside, the province has seen many changes in the government’s rookie year, one promise everyone agrees they’ve come through on.

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POLITICAL FEATURE

WEDDING INVITATIONS LETTER HEADS BUSINESS CARDS ENVELOPES INVOICES

FLYERS FOLDING STITCHING DIE CUTTING RUBBER

STAMPS RECIEPT & CHEQUES BROCHURES LOG SHEETS SIGNS

BRITISH COLUMBIANS MIXED ON NDP’S PERFORMANCE

A

new poll from the Angus Reid Institute finds British Columbians feeling uncertain and anxious about the direction in which the province is headed.

On one hand, British Columbians support some key policy changes introduced by Premier John Horgan on the affordability file. On the other, they are expressing palpable unease over his party’s handling of an ongoing dispute with the Alberta and federal governments over the Kinder Morgan pipeline project.

WWW.KOHALYPRINTING.COM These findings reflect a British Columbia as divided as it was 12 months ago. Overall, more British Although two-in-five say B.C. is on the ‘wrong track’, Horgan remains most approved-of party leader Columbians say the province is on the “wrong track” Although two-in-five say B.C. is on the ‘wrong track’, Horgan remains most approved-of party leader (42%) than say it’s on the right one (29%).

May 9, 2018 – It’s been exactly one

One One year year later: later: British British Columbians Columbians mixed mixed on on NDP’s NDP’s performance, but support its One year later: British Columbians mixedpolicies on NDP’s performance, but support its affordability affordability policies performance, but support its affordability policies

Although two-in-five say B.C. isone on the ‘wrong track’, Horgan remains most approved-of party leader May 9, 2018 – It’s been exactly year since the historic 2017 British Overall, do you think British Columbia is on year since the historic 2017 British Overall, do you think British Columbia is on Columbia election threw province May 9, 2018 – It’s beenthe exactly one the right track, or the wrong track?

Columbia election threw the province the right track, or the wrong track? is on into months of political uncertainty that year since of thepolitical historicuncertainty 2017 British Overall, do you think British Columbia into months that eventually resulted inthrew a rare minority Columbia election the province the right track, or the wrong track? eventually resulted in a rare minority government. into months of political uncertainty that government. eventually resulted in a rare minority Today, a new poll from the Angus Reid government.

Today, a new poll from the Angus Reid 28% 29% Institute finds British Columbians 28% 29% Institute finds British Columbians themselves feeling uncertain and Today, a new poll from the Angus Reid HARWINDER GREWAL Email: info@kohalyprinting.com themselves feeling uncertain and 28% 29% anxious about direction in which the Institute findsthe British Columbians anxious the direction in which the BC Suiteabout 210-12837 76 Ave, Surrey, 604.594.2324 province is headed. themselves feeling uncertain and province is headed. anxious about the direction in which the On one hand, British Columbians province is headed.

On one hand, British Columbians support some key policy changes 42% support some key policy changes 42% introduced by Premier Horgan on On one hand, British John Columbians introduced

by Premier John Horgan on the affordability file.

On thechanges other, they support some key policy the affordability file. On the other, they 42% are expressing unease over on introduced bypalpable Premier John Horgan are expressing palpable unease over histhe party’s handling of On an ongoing affordability file. other, they Right track Wrong track Not sure his party’s handling of an the ongoing Right track Wrong track Not sure dispute with the Alberta and federalover are expressing palpable unease dispute with the Alberta and federal governments over the Kinder Morgan his party’s handling of an ongoing METHODOLOGY: governments over the Kinder Morgan Wrong track Not sure METHODOLOGY:Right track pipeline project.

Fabricating Beauty For Your Office! dispute with theHome Alberta&and federal pipeline project.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from May 4 – governments over the Kinder Morgan METHODOLOGY: The Angus ReidaInstitute conducted an onlinesample survey of from 4– 7, 2018, among representative randomized 809May adult These findings reflect a British pipeline project.

7, 2018, among a representative randomized sample of 809 adult These findings reflect a British B.C. whoInstitute are Horgan members of the Maru Voice Canada.

Forcent Premier has of 47 from per Columbia as divided as it was 12 Theresidents Angus Reid conducted anapproval online May 4 – B.C. residents who areonly, members of Maru Voice survey Canada.

For Columbia as divided as it was 12 comparison purposes a probability sample of this size would 7, 2018, among a representative randomized sample ofeither 809 adult months ago.

Roughly equal numbers of B.C. residents, more than approve of These findings reflect a British comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would months ago. Roughly equal numbers carry margin ofwho errorare of +/3.4 percentage points,Canada.

19 timesFor out of B.C.aaresidents members of Maru Voice say this government - supported by the carry margin of error of +/-leader 3.4 totals percentage points, 19 (26%) timesThe out Columbia as divided as it was 12 opposition Liberal Andrew Wilkinson or of 20.

Discrepancies in or between are due to rounding. say this government - supported by the comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this sizeThe would 20.

Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

B.C. Green Party – has equal helpednumbers or hurt months ago.

Roughly survey was self-commissioned and paid for by ARI. Detailed tables B.C. Green Party – has helped or hurt leader Andrew (34%) carry Green a margin of error of +/- Weaver 3.4 19 times out of survey was andpercentage paid for bypoints, ARI. Detailed tables them say personally. this government - supported by the are found at self-commissioned the end in of or this release. them personally.

20.

Discrepancies between totals are due to rounding. The are found at the end of this release.

B.C. Green Party – has helped or hurt survey was self-commissioned paid for ARI. Detailed tables A majority (57%) and continue toby support changing But overall, more British Columbians them personally. are found at the end of this release.

But overall, more British Columbians We Specialize in: say the province is on the “wrong track” (42%) than say it’s the right one the on voting system to (29%). ensure more proportional say the province is on the “wrong track” (42%) than say it’s on the right one (29%).

But overall, more British Columbians representation, and a similar number (56%) do not • Interior & Exterior More Keyprovince Findings: say the is on the “wrong track” (42%) than say concern it’s on the right oneof(29%). express that details a planned referendum on More Key Findings: Glass Railing the topic have yet to be released • Key Horgan has the approval of 47 per cent of B.C. residents, more than approve of either opposition More Findings: • Aluminium Staircase • Horgan has the approval of 47 per cent of B.C. residents, more than approve of either opposition Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson (26%) or Green leader Andrew Weaver (34%) Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson (26%) or Green leader Andrew Weaver (34%) • Sliding, swing gates & political partisanship and regional differences • Horgan has the approval of 47 per cent of B.C.Age, residents, more than approve of either opposition Automation • A Liberal majorityleader (57%)Andrew continue to support changing the system toWeaver ensure more proportional are voting key drivers of opinion on(34%) government Wilkinson (26%) or Green leader Andrew • A majority (57%) continue to support changing the voting system to ensure more proportional • Aluminium Fence representation, and a similar number (56%) do not express details of a planned performance, with concern younger that British Columbians holding & Railing representation, and a similar number (56%) do not express concern that details of a planned the topic havetoyet to be changing released the voting system to ensure more proportional • referendum A majority on (57%) support • Wine cellar Door more favourable views, and older respondents holding referendum on the continue topic have yet to be released representation, and a similar number (56%) do not express concern that details of a planned • Custom steel & more unfavourable ones of opinion on government • Age, political partisanship differences are key drivers referendum on the topic and haveregional yet to be released Aluminium decorative • Age, political partisanship and regional differences are key drivers of opinion on government performance, with younger British Columbians holding more favourable views, and older performance, with younger British Columbians holding more favourable views, and older holding more unfavourable • respondents Age, political partisanship and regionalones differences areholds key drivers of opinionadvantage on government The BC NDP a vote intention in the more unfavourable ones Call Nick, Cell: 604.760.5654respondents | Tel:holding 604.572.8585 performance, with younger British Columbians more favourable views, City of holding Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, andand on older Vancouver CONTACT:respondents holding more unfavourable ones

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DARPAN SALUTES

KAILASH SATYARTHI,

extend quality education to children that have suffered the exploit of child labour.

Satyarthi’s foundation Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) has liberated more than 84,000 children from 144 countries from the clutches of exploitation. “They are trafficked from their villages, sold to prostitution, forced hen Kailash Satyarthi won the into bonded labour, domestic work, and Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, he child marriages,” Satyarthi says. triggered a conversation that had lost Although the social activist was weight over the years. He was recognized 26 years old when he left behind his for his tireless advocacy of child rights, career as an electrical engineer to work for and global campaigns for abolition of the rights of children, his crusade to work child labour and exploitation. For more for children began when he was 11 years than three decades, Satyarthi has not only of age. With his friends, Satyarthi would been leading the dialogue on child labour collect used books and distribute them to and exploitation but has in fact been the children who were in need of them. His architect of the Global March Against foundation, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Child Labour, a worldwide network of which was established later in this trade unions, teachers and civil society career, evolved into a global movement organizations that work together to addressing the multiple forms of child eliminate all forms of child labour, slavery, labour. The strenuous and risky nature of and trafficking. Together, these forces act to the issue has led to Satyarthi being faced

AGAINST CHILD LABOUR W

By GARIMA GOSWAMI

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Satyarthi’s foundation Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) has liberated over 84,000 children from 144 countries from the clutches of exploitation.

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DARPAN SALUTES

Photos: Kailash Satyarthi/ Facebook

A major issue in Satyarthi’s fight has been exposing child labour in the carpet industry.

According to Satyarthi, 250 million children are laboured in this industry globally.

50

with threats and life threatening situations multiple times. “We can no longer remain silent spectators. Our silence is breeding more violence.”

But what led Satyarthi to pursue this road? He says, the issue of child labour is something that he has been passionate about since childhood. As a student in school and college his yearning to work for children solidified further as he learnt more about it. With more awareness and experience in the industry, Satyarthi realized child labour was a violation of fundamental human rights and so he decided to begin the fight himself. The fight was against the mafia and organized criminals. During this struggle, Satyarthi lost two of his colleagues – one was shot dead while the other was beaten to death. Satyarthi and his family have on several occasions faced a risk to their lives.

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“My family and I have been attacked on numerous occasions. So it hasn’t been easy.” Despite the risks, Satyarthi has persisted his fight against the issue and impacted thousands of children around the globe.

Talking about the rescue missions, Satyarthi says he finds children that are living and working in inhumane conditions for extended hours, are malnutritioned and face beatings from employers. These children, Satyarthi describes, have lost human emotions.

“They don’t cry. They don’t laugh.”

The rehabilitation centers that Satyarthi runs, focus on education and leadership building amongst these children.

His worldwide demonstration, Global March Against Child Labour, puts children at the front and center of TM

issues that impact them. Initiated in 1998, Global March has mobilized support of 103 countries and over 7.2 million child labourers, children rights organizations, trade unions, teachers’ associations, and concerned citizens.

A major issue in Satyarthi’s fight has been exposing child labour in the carpet industry.

According to Satyarthi, 250 million children are laboured in this industry globally. In 1995, Satyarthi initiated discussions with carpet manufacturers, exporters, non-profits, carpet importers in Germany and the United States. The amalgam of these conversations led to GoodWeave International, a network of non-profit organizations working to end illegal child labour in the rug making industry. The GoodWeave label on the rug means that no child, forced or bonded labour was used in the making of the rug.

The purchase of a GoodWeave labelled rug supports programs that educate children.

Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Malala Yousafzai for their struggle “against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” His contributions have deeply impacted the industry and won him several recognitions and prestigious awards over the years, such as the Wallenberg Medal and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award. He has addressed the issue on significant stages such as the UN General Assembly, International Labour Conference, UN Human Rights Commission and UNESCO. Awareness about child labour and exploitation has definitely made an impact.

To learn more about the issue and contribute to the fight, visit: satyarthi-us.org.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Who will be contesting for the position of Mayor of Surrey?

LET THE

RACE BEGIN

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA Being in public service for over three decades, Mayor Linda Hepner has seen “Surrey evolve from a modest suburb into the region’s second metropolitan centre and a globally recognized leading edge city.”

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n April 10, 2018, Mayor of Surrey, Linda Hepner, announced that she will not seek re-election in the Municipal Elections to be held in October. In the official statement, she said, “For 33 years the City of Surrey has been a chosen priority in my life and I have been honoured to serve the people

TM

of this City. Now after this four year term as Mayor, nine years as Councillor and more than two decades as a senior staff member, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of this Council term.”

Mayor Hepner leaves behind a legacy of development projects that have transformed Surrey into an advanced city. Being in public service for over three decades, she has seen “Surrey evolve from a modest suburb into the region’s second metropolitan centre and a globally recognized leading edge city.”

Through her role, she has actively spearheaded various projects that have improved the lives of Surrey residents. Her most rewarding and challenging project has been bringing Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Surrey. “When completed, Light Rail will transform and shape Surrey for generations to

“I have realized a deep respect for the challenges facing a growing city like Surrey. My finance background as a CPA and CFO, uniquely prepares me for this very demanding leadership role and the significant commitment that is required to be Surrey’s Mayor.”

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Councillor Tom Gill come. I am glad to say that we are at the finish line where all three levels of government are firmly committed to Surrey LRT and it represents the most significant transportation investment in the history of the city,” says Mayor Hepner proudly.

Post Mayor Hepner’s announcement, a few City Councillors, expressed their desire to run for the Mayor’s seat. “I am considering running for Mayor. I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to shape our growing city and I believe I have the experience, skills and vision to lead this community,” says Councillor Bruce Hayne of Surrey First party. He believes he has the well-rounded skill sets to be a mayoral contender. “A strong business background with seven years Council experience having been the past president of the Surrey Board of Trade and a long-standing volunteer in our community (Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, Sources Community Resource Society etc), I have demonstrated a passion and deep commitment to our community.”

Councillor Hayne’s vision for the city is youthcentric. “Investing in our educational system, youth programs, and opportunities for our youth to grow and learn will provide the foundations for

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SPECIAL FEATURE

“For 33 years the City of Surrey has been a chosen priority in my life and I have been honoured to serve the people of this City. Now after this four year term as Mayor, nine years as Councillor and more than two decades as a senior staff member, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of this Council term.”

Photos: City of Surrey, istockphoto, Jeff Hitchcock/ creativecommons

Linda Hepner, Mayor of City of Surrey

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the future. Economic initiatives that attract investment in our community will provide career opportunities for youth so they can remain in Surrey to build their careers and future right here,” he shares. Having a strong business and economic background, he wants to place more emphasis on investment to the community such as Health Technology (Innovation Boulevard) and attract more investment to the city.

Another strong mayoral candidate is Councillor Tom Gill, who received over 50,300 votes in the 2014 Municipal Elections – the highest among all the councillors.

Councillor Gill, also from Surrey First, states that past 13 years in city council have been invaluable to him in terms of insight and understanding. “Not only have I gained a considerable amount of knowledge, I have realized a deep respect for the challenges facing a growing city like Surrey. My finance M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 8

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background as a CPA and CFO, uniquely prepares me for this very demanding leadership role and the significant commitment that is required to be Surrey’s Mayor.”

Councillor Gill asserts that there is a need to create a strong and sound plan that addresses not only the future needs of the city’s business community but the present needs of its residents. “That plan includes things like job growth.

Job growth with tremendous potential in technology, creating high paying jobs in the tech industry by partnering with tech companies to build a technology sector and regional hubs in Surrey. We must also develop the ‘know how’ to utilize this technology to our advantage in order to enable us to collaborate and engage in civic affairs on a whole new level,” he adds. Like Councillor Hayne, his focus is on youth as well.

“We need to fan the fire in our youth.

“Many people go to council meetings and feel that decisions are already made behind closed doors. There is no one speaking up for all of Surrey right now.”

Doug Elford, president, Surrey Community Alliance This will be done by creating more postsecondary opportunities for our growing youth population. Opportunities that ensure they receive the best possible education at a practical and affordable rate.”

Coming from a CPA and senior management background, Councillor Gill feels process and policy is crucial to any success. “There is a strong need for high moral social responsibility and inclusion of community at a whole,” he points out, “My collaborative approach in bringing the right people with the right qualifications to the task, will serve me well in this new role. Fluid change process embodied by a culture that has best practices, continuous

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“I am considering running for Mayor. I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to shape our growing city and I believe I have the experience, skills and vision to lead this community.”

Councillor Bruce Hayne

improvement, creative and efficient use of staff talent and technology is where I want to take this city.”

He would also like to redirect some focus on creating a core Entertainment District in Surrey.

“Give our arts/culture centres the opportunity to flourish while also providing that same opportunity for the performing arts which are often left behind.” As Mayor, he hopes to build a Surrey where quality of life matters, for both current and future residents. “We have over 102 languages spoken in the streets of Surrey.

As mayor, it’s an honor to embrace the strength of all our unique cultures and provide them with the opportunities and resources to showcase their cultural heritage in an environment they can be proud of,” shares Councillor Gill, who has the support of Marvin Hunt, Liberal MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale. “I have served for many years with Tom Gill on Surrey Council and believe that he would make a great Mayor for this City,” says MLA Hunt.

Councillor Mike Starchuk is also considering the Mayor’s position. Being a resident of Surrey for over 50 years, the Surrey First party member has seen the city grow to where it is today. He wants to create a city that enhances the lives of both

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SPECIAL FEATURE

With the additional people coming into our City every year, we need to ensure there are jobs and housing options for those who want to work and live here. We need to continue to be leaders in the areas of climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases.”

Councillor Mike Starchuk residents and visitors. “With the additional people coming into our City every year, we need to ensure there are jobs and housing options for those who want to work and live here. For those visiting, we need to make sure our Arts and Cultural venues along with our Parks and Recreational venues continue to grow for those that wish to enjoy their spare time in our City.” Additionally, he states, protection of Surrey’s Agricultural Land Reserves from development is needed, to make these lands more productive to lessen their reliance on outside food production.

“The continued promotion of local sustainable food production must be moved to a higher level. We need to continue to be leaders in the areas of climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases,” he declares.

Two other political organizations – Surrey Community Alliance (SCA) and People First Surrey (PFS), are also gearing up to challenge Surrey First and win the Mayoral election.

The main aim of the SCA is to make Surrey

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a liveable city – one where its residents can thrive, conduct business, work without fear of crime, move around freely while preserving the greenspaces for future generations. “The SCA will work towards developing policies to ensure that people living in Surrey can stay and work in Surrey.

We will do this while balancing the need to absorb some of the many people who are coming to our province,” says Doug Elford, president of SCA. The party has yet to determine a mayoral candidate.

Rajesh Jayaprakash of PFS says the group was formed because its members believe the root cause of issues with democracy is the large campaign donations and politicians’ indebtedness to these donations. The party wants to change that and lead by example.

On the website, People First has listed 16 priorities that the organization aims to focus on in the next four years, some of them being issues concerning crime, housing affordability and transportation. “Our position is that Vision for Surrey should be created by the people of Surrey, not a few politicians and so-called experts. The main concern for Surrey First is that this vision is created by politicians and ‘experts’ who don’t know much about Surrey. They mostly omit public from the Vision development process,” states Jayaprakash, who most likely will be the mayoral candidate representing PFS. The organization also believes that LRT is an irreversible mistake, which will cause more road congestion in Surrey. “Our proposal is a SkyTrain with complementing bus network. But rather than deciding TM

“Our position is that Vision for Surrey should be created by the people of Surrey, not a few politicians and so-called experts. The main concern for Surrey First is that this vision is created by politicians and ‘experts’ who don’t know much about Surrey.”

Rajesh Jayaprakash, People First Surrey ourselves, we would conduct a voting in Surrey to decide between LRT and SkyTrain and different options for those. This way we give people the choice,” says Jayaprakash.

Both parties believe there is a need for change in the City Council. Surrey First has been dominating the council since 2008; last election, it won all the council seats, led

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“If we remain focused on Surrey First thinking they are the natural governance slate in Surrey, then we can see either Councillor Gill or Councillor Hayne becoming Mayor candidates. There is also a possibility of Councillor Starchuk coming-up with his own slate.

However, the anti-incumbency feelings are indicating a change in civic politics in 2018.”

SHINDER PUREWAL, political expert & KPU professor

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by Mayor Hepner. “Eight years of one party system on council is not working for us. Communities and neighbourhoods are telling us that the current council is too close to large developers and are not listening to the needs of the people. Many people go to council meetings and feel that decisions are already made behind closed doors. There is no one speaking up for all of Surrey right now,” expresses Elford.

Jayaprakash agrees, “We need a council that has the ability to listen, take feedback and refine. What we are proposing is a framework for receiving priorities from the public and publishing our plans before the elections and letting the public decide. The public shouldn’t have to blindly believe in a new “change” slogan during every election without seeing any real change.”

Shinder Purewal, resident of Surrey and KPU professor, states that calls for change are in the air. “Same politicians dominating the city hall far too long is going to be a major challenge for the incumbents, in particular a public perception that they don’t listen to common people of Surrey. One prime example of this elitist snobbery is a decision to bring Light Rail Transit (LRT) without any studies and public input whether it is the best solution for transport problems of Surrey.”

The names of mayoral candidates contesting the Municipal Elections are undisclosed and are expected to be announced around June. “If we remain focused on Surrey First thinking they are the natural governance slate in Surrey, then we can see either Councillor Gill or Councillor Hayne becoming Mayor candidates. There is also a possibility of Councillor Starchuk coming-up with his own slate.

However, the anti-incumbency feelings are indicating a change in civic politics in 2018. Who knows what may happen?” says Purewal in conclusion.

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DA R PA N

FEATURE

FASTEST WAYS TO SAVE FOR A

DOWN-PAYMENT

BY RENU SINGH-JOSEPH

Saving money is easier said than done, so where do you start?

H

ome is where the heart is.” Home ownership is a dream for many Canadians, and to achieve this dream, it’s often necessary to re-prioritize your personal and financial goals to be able to start saving for a down payment. Saving money is easier said than done, so where do you start? Here are five of the fastest ways to save for a down payment to make your home dreams a reality.

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1

Review Your Spending

When it comes to our daily spending habits, most people don’t know exactly where their hard-earned dollars are being spent. First things first, start to track your spending by using a journal, an app or a spreadsheet. You may be surprised by where your money is going, but this will force you to re-examine your priorities and create a budget/spending plan. “A budget provides an overall financial picture and

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it helps you prioritize what is important. Having a spending plan in place is important, as it will show you places where you can start to save for your down payment,” says Reema Alevras, an independent financial broker.

2

Pay Off Your Debt

In March, Statistics Canada revealed that the average Canadian household owes $1.70 in debt for every $1 of disposable income it earns.

So if you are anywhere close to the average, before you can start saving for your down payment, you’ll need to put money aside in your budget to tackle your debts, such as credit cards, line of credits or loans. Start by paying off your highest interest rate debt, such as a credit card, and then once that debt is repaid, move on to paying off the next debt.

Reema Alevras, an independent financial broker

3

Look For Alternatives

There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your expenses to free up extra money for your down payment.

“If you have more than one vehicle in your household, sell one car, take transit or carpool instead. You’ll also save money on gas, insurance and maintenance. This will free up funds in your budget, which can now be allocated towards your down payment,” says Alevras.

Furthermore, find ways to still have fun but not break the bank. Alevras shares some helpful financial tips: If you eat out frequently, start to cook at home and make your social outings special; cancel your expensive gym membership, go hiking with friends or take your workout (running, walking) outdoors; and when it comes to shopping, evaluate your needs versus wants to determine if it’s a necessary purchase – do you actually need this item? Or do you really just want it?

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The Government of Canada offers a Home Buyers’ Plan that allows you “to withdraw up to $25,000 in a calendar year from your registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to buy or build your first home.”

If you already have RRSPs, this is a viable option to come up with a down payment and even if you don’t, you can start to save money for your RRSP. “The only catch to this program is that you have to pay the money back to your RRSP within 15 years.

If you don’t repay the money, it is treated as income and you will have to pay tax on the money you withdrew as though it were income,” according to My Money Coach, a personal finance website.

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Increase Saving, Increase Work

Create a separate savings account and any raises, bonuses or extra commission you get at work, put it into this account. You can also set up automatic bi-weekly or monthly transfers to this savings account, even if it’s 5 to 10 per cent of your income, the savings will start to add up. “Keep this savings account as a deposit-only account to deter you from using it for anything else,” says Alevras.

Besides your regular job, look at ways to supplement your income – “take on a second job; pick up extra shifts at work; offer your services from home repairs and tutoring to something else you’re good at; or take in a boarder or roommate,” according to My Money Coach.

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As in life, it’s important to set realistic and attainable goals for making your home ownership dream a reality. Alevras compares saving for a down payment to making a New Year’s resolution, it is important to ease into a change of habits in order to sustain the change for the long-term. “Be realistic about the location, size and age of the home you want to purchase and then see if you are being realistic compared to your current income and debt levels.” Wishing you all the best in your journey to save money for the down payment of your future home!

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YOUTH SPEAK

Be Ambitious

THE KEY TO

HAPPINESS Five simple ideas to apply to everyday life

BY GURLEEN KAUR BAJWA Gurleen Kaur Bajwa is a student of Fraser Heights Secondary. She is athletic and considers herself an outdoors person.

She loves journalism and travelling.

H

appiness might be considered as the most elusive yet greatest achievement a human being can accomplish. It’s misunderstood, thrown away carelessly, and often found in the last place you’d look for. It is the ultimate underlying and unconscious goal of every human being. So, how do we achieve it? Here are a few simple ideas to start being happier right now.

Compete Only With Yourself The first thing we can do to start being happier is to deal with the most common and negative emotions we experience: envy

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and jealousy. They stem from the misled belief that we are competing with others around us. Logically if someone was to go through life that way, they would always meet disappointment, because there would always be at least one person better at it than them. It is more productive to focus on yourself and push yourself to do better than you did yesterday, rather than to think constantly about someone who might have gotten half a point greater than you on a paper. This mentality also helps bring joy into anything you do.

Master Your Relationships What essentially makes us human, is our ability to communicate, and form emotional connections with others. In other words, our ability to have relationships. While this may seem easy, the truth is, having meaningful and deep bonds with someone is difficult. It takes time, effort and is often very frustrating, to the point where sometimes it

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It is more productive to focus on yourself and push yourself to do better than you did yesterday, rather than to think constantly about someone who might have gotten half a point greater than you on a paper. seems easier to let a relationship fade away rather than put in the energy to make it work. Relationships which are hard and in which you are allowed to be you, are the ones worth keeping. Because self-love is a key to happiness, and there is no better way to learn to love yourself than be around those who love and respect you for who you are.

Have A Goal &

While it serves well to be content with what you have, life becomes meaningless if you are not constantly striving toward a grand goal or dream. For some it could be to visit every country in the world, while for others it might be getting a medical degree. Wherever you are in life, there must always be a goal you are reaching for and pushing yourself for. It is the lack of this goal, that make many of us feel repetitive, and unimportant in our own lives.

Be Grateful Many well-known names swear by the benefits of gratitude to not only making them successful, but happy. As it turns out, gratitude correlates positively with happiness, where one cannot exist without the other. No matter how happy you feel, without gratitude, it will always feel superficial, as well as fleeting. Gratitude is what keeps us humble and grounded, which leads to happiness and success. Do not underestimate the power of taking five minutes everyday after waking up to be thankful that you’re breathing.

Take Care Of Your Health Health is composed of three key elements; eating, sleeping and exercising. Strive to treat your body as a machine. A machine requires good fuel to keep running well for a long time. It needs to be used or it gathers rust. Finally, if it’s not powered off, it will overheat and collapse. So, if you are going to push your body everyday, make sure to put it in a state where that is possible. Keep in mind, that while machines can be replaced, we only get one body.

To contribute to this column, please email us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

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Vaisakhi Parade in Vancouver and Surrey Thousands of people attended the Vaisakhi Parade in Vancouver and Surrey and enjoyed a day full of festivity, vibrancy and delicious food.

Notable Government members and political leaders were present at the event, namely Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Liberal Party Leader Andrew Wilkinson, BC Minister of Citizens’ Services Jinny Sims, BC Minister of Labour Harry Bains and local MLAs and MPs.

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Boxer Eric Basran wins bronze at the Commonwealth Games

WickFest Gala 2018

Team Canada boxer Eric Basran won bronze in the 56-kg at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. DARPAN Magazine congratulates Eric on his win.

WickFest Gala was the first annual event to support former Olympic Gold medal champion Hayley Wickenheiser's quest to improve women’s hockey around the world. Current and former NHL players and stars and Olympic athletes attended the event. The goal of the Gala was to raise approximately $150,000 which will be used towards bringing the Indian Female Hockey Team to WickFest Calgary in November 2018 and towards constructing multiple rinks in Indian villages and lastly to promote female sports in the Lower Mainland through financial assistance for local female athletes.

Discussion on Art at Surrey Art Gallery A panel discussion was held at the Surrey Art Gallery where a new generation of South Asian Canadian artists, Nep Sidhu, Sandeep Johal, and Manjot Bains, shared their thoughts on the arts scene in Canada today. Photos: Pardeep Singh

SILK Dinner Lounge VIP Evening SILK Dinner Lounge hosted an exclusive VIP event featuring an evening of food, drinks, music and culture. Founded by Gary Sidhu, the Vancouver-based eatery offers a mix of Indian and French flavours, alongside a carefully thought-out decor that has been over five years in development.

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Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Awards Vancouver Fashion Week F/W18 The Fall/Winter season featured an epic line-up of design talent from across the globe. Showcasing the best in local Canadian talent as well as designers representing Australia, Ghana, Japan, Chile, Korea and more, VFW offered variety like no other.

Raasleela Bridal Fashion Week Canada Bridal Fashion Week Vancouver Canada, presented by fashion designer duo Parvesh and Jai, was a grand success. The four-day event was attended by fashion lovers and VIPs and gave Vancouverites a glimpse of the latest bridal trends. Wedding Vendors from Canada and abroad had individual stalls for a meet and greet, and the event also featured a stunning fashion show by multiple designers.

Photos: Denise Lin Photography

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Out of close to 100 nominations, the Surrey Board of Trade profiled Surrey’s Top 25 under 25 Award Winners. The winners were chosen based upon their business or community achievements, leadership ability, community involvement, professional achievements and uniqueness of their business or community projects.

Dhahan Prize launches 2018 Youth Award for Creative Writing in Punjabi The Dhahan Prize launched its youth Punjabi creative writing contest, while celebrating last year’s winning students with a published anthologyof their work, titled Lofty Heights. The literature prize encourages youth to connect to their mother tongue and preserve their culture through storytelling.

Eight prizes valued at $500 apiece will be awarded to Grade 11 and 12 students throughout B.C. who are enrolled in Punjabi language classes.

Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti at Indian Consulate The 127th birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar was celebrated at the consulate general office on April 13. The celebrations were hosted by the Consulate General in partnership with Chetna Association of Canada. Special guests who also spoke at the celebrations were Dr. Samir Gandesha (Director, Institute for the Humanities at Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Anne Murphy (co-director, Center for India and South Asia Research at University of British Columbia).

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Top five pieces of high-tech trip gear!

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ROAD

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eeing as how the weather is heating up again, people are quickly making plans to hit the road in search of their next sunny adventure. If you fall into this demographic, you won’t want to leave home without some of these latest examples of tech-forward gear that will help ensure your trip is more convenient, safe and most importantly, fun.

Red Paddle Co 10’6” Ride MSL Stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding is taking the leisure watersports world by storm.

Like standard surfing, getting into the sport can be a little overwhelming, not to mention intimidating, what with all the different types of equipment and the large footprint of the boards themselves.

Enter Red Paddle Co (RPC).

Although co-founded by a professional windsurfer, RPC offers beginner-friendly products like the Ride 10’6”, an inflatable SUP that fits neatly into the sturdy supplied carry backpack on wheels.

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Called a Swiss Army knife board because almost any rider can use it for any purpose, the board setup is almost as basic as flicking out the blade on the famous pocketknife. Simply unfold and inflate the SUP using the bundled Titan quick hand pump, and you’ve got a full-size, 120-millimetre thick board capable of supporting a maximum 100 kilograms. Every bit as sturdy as a hard variant, its 812-millimetre width provides a good base that’s easy to stay standing on. Three fins mounted on the underside assist the Ride in gliding straight through water and even a little surf smoothly and effortlessly, and turns prove to be cinch too.

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Samsara Luggage Everything seems to be smart these days. So why not luggage? Samsara is answering the call and attempting to combine technology and style with what it calls the world’s first smart aluminum suitcase.

The startup’s product is crafted from aviation grade aluminum for durability and weight savings. The design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional – when propped up, the perfectly flat sides turn the suitcase into a stable travel desk perfect for banging out an email or watching YouTube.

The minimalistic wheels are constructed in a way that reduces internal protrusion saving four liters of space in the main compartment.

An integrated power bank provides 10 full smartphone charges, there’s an LED nightlight inside, and if you download the soon-to-be-released Samsara app, it will tell you where your suitcase is and if it has been opened by an unauthorized party.

Photos: Courtesy of products featured

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Experts ready and waiting at your local Bell store Turning digital images on a mobile device into physical No appointment to help necessary. you do more and make more. All on your own schedule. photos is a snap: install the companion SP-3 app, and No appointment necessary. before uploading the shot to the printer, get creative and manipulate the image in different ways. For instance, you can combine nine separate photographs into one by choosing the Collage Template option, or For a complimentary consultation, visit: superimpose stylized text using My Template. Aside SURREY visit: from editing a raw image, the app can grab media For a complimentaryForconsultation, 7711 128th St a complimentary consultation, visit: SURREY from social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

604 597-3115 SURREY 7711 128th Or, if you have a compatible Fujifilm digital camera, 7711St128th St 604 597-3115 it’s possible to beam photos taken directly to the SP-3 604 597-3115 itself. Sold in black or white, the casing has a neat geometric appearance and is compact enough to throw into your bag.

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Fujifilm FinePix XP130

Tile

For those seeking to capture memories of their outdoor activities, look no further than the Fujifilm FinePix XP-series of lightweight point-and-shoot cameras.

The XP130 model was just launched, which is not only waterproof (up to 20 metres) but also shockproof (will survive a drop from 1.75 metres), freezeproof (can survive in -10 C) and dustproof so you can shoot while paddle boarding or snowshoeing.

Improvements over the outgoing XP120 include Bluetooth Pairing allowing images shot on the camera to be instantly retrieved via the FUJIFILM Camera Remote available for smartphones and tablets, or sent to an Instax SHARE printer. The XP130 boasts a 1080p HD movie recording capability, remote shooting function using a mobile device, and strategically sized and placed buttons made for one-handed operation.Â

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This American consumer electronics company has recently launched its most powerful line of portable Bluetooth trackers, called the Pro Series, as well as an improved app.

The Bluetooth range has doubled totalling 60 metres, the internal speaker volume made twice as loud, and the units are now waterproof up to a depth of 1.5 metres for 60 minutes.

Available in two flavours, the Tile Sport looks, well, sportier featuring a textured grid-like black cover and smoked trim, while the Tile Style has an elegant white slatted cover and gold accents. Operation is

simple: download the app, pair the devices with a touch of a button and afterwards it will show exactly where they are. As a bonus, you can also press the centre button on the Sport or Style causing your phone to ring if that gets lost instead. Wanting something to tuck into a wallet or stick onto a laptop instead? Check out the Tile Slim, no thicker than a couple of credit cards stacked together.

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DARPAN RECIPES

About the Chef Cyrus Todiwala is the Chef Patron of Cafe Spice Namaste, Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, Assado, and The Park Café in Victoria Park East.

The Mumbai-born Parsee chef was 2014 BBC Food Personality of the Year and author of five books: International Cuisine: India, Cafe Spice Namaste: New Wave Indian Cuisine, Indian Summer, The Incredible Spice Men with Tony Singh, which was nominated for a 2013 Specsavers National Book Award, and Mr Todiwala’s Bombay: Recipes and Memories from India, nominated for a 2013 World Food Awards Cookbook of the Year.

By Chef Cyrus Todiwala

With

Saffron & Cardamom

Crème Brûlée A delicious dessert that is apt for any celebratory occasion.

Ingredients • 450 ml double cream • 250 ml whole milk • 1 large or 2 smaller vanilla pods or a few drops of vanilla extract • 5-6 free-range or organic egg yolks • 100 g caster sugar, plus 40 g more, for topping • 40 g fresh ginger, washed and chopped coarsely with the skin

Serves 4

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• 4-5 green cardamom pods, smashed in a mortar • A good pinch of saffron powder

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Preparation • Pour milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan along with ginger and cardamom pods and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently scraping the sides of the pan clean regularly with the spatula. Cook until the milk is reduced to about 100 ml.

• Cool slightly, then pour the mixture into the blender and blend. Pass through a strainer squeezing out as much of the milk as you can, and then discard the ginger and cardamom pulp.

• Pour the strained milk back into the pan along with cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

• Split the vanilla pod/s with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pods (or the vanilla extract) to the cream and milk mixture. Stir well to combine and slowly bring it to a simmering point.

• Pour caster sugar into a bowl with the egg yolks and whisk together until well combined and frothy.

• Pour the hot cream and milk mixture (along with the vanilla pods, if using) over the yolks and sugar. Stir thoroughly for a minute or two to dissolve the sugar. Add saffron as desired.

• Discard the vanilla pod/s and pour the brûlée mixture into the serving dishes. Place them into a deep baking tray and pour hot water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dishes.

• Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas 2.

Place the tray into the preheated oven and cook the crème brûlées for about 30-35 minutes or until set firm but still with a slight wobble. Allow to cool.

• You can place the brûlées in the fridge at this stage if you’re not serving them immediately but as soon as they are completely cool, cover them with cling wrap so the top does not dry out and they don’t pick up odours from the fridge.

• For the topping, sprinkle half of the remaining caster sugar on top of the brûlées.

Heat the surface with a mini-blowtorch until it forms a thin layer of caramel.

• Sprinkle over the rest of the sugar and caramelize with the mini-blowtorch once again, to form a thick crunchy layer.

The crème brûlées are ready to serve immediately or in two to three hours.

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• 2 large carrots, grated • 4 tbsps freshly grated coconut • 4 or 5 mint leaves, shredded

By Chef Cyrus Todiwala

• Juice of ½ lime

Grilled Saffron

Prawns with Carrot & Coconut Salad T Photos: Courtesy of Cyrus Todiwala

A simple recipe that will keep seafoodlovers asking for more.

Serves 3 as a starter or light lunch

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• Meanwhile, start the marinade. Heat saffron threads in a small frying pan over gentle heat until crisp, then transfer to a small bowl of warm milk. Cover and leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes.

• Put yogurt and remaining marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the saffron liquid and whisk to form a smooth paste.

Add the prawns to the marinade and stir to coat, then cover and chill for at least two hours.

• Make the salad just before barbecuing.

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat; add mustard seeds and curry leaves and sauté until they release their aroma. Add ginger and stir for a few seconds, then take off the heat and set aside to cool.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp warm milk

• Put carrots and coconut in a serving bowl and add the cooked ginger mixture.

Stir in the mint leaves. Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt.

• 12 large raw tiger prawns, peeled but heads left on and deveined

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

• 1 in. fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped, then crushed in a mortar • ½ tsp red chilli powder, preferably Kashmiri • Juice of ½ lime or lemon • ¼ tsp ground white or black pepper • Butter to serve

• A pinch of saffron threads

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

• Rinse the prawns and drain well.

Combine ginger paste, chilli powder, juice, pepper and some salt in a bowl and mix well. Add the prawns and toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

raditionally, this dish is made in a tandoor oven, but those are few and far between in British homes. Not to worry, these prawns can be cooked in conventional ways too. The saffron must be toasted and soaked before use, so build time for this into your preparation.

For the marinade:

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Preparation

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• 100 ml thick Greek yogurt

• Light a barbecue; heat the oven to 240°C/475°F/Gas Mark 9 or heat a grill • ½ tsp ground mace to high. Thread the prawns on to metal or pre-soaked bamboo skewers, pushing the • 1 small fresh green chilli, finely chopped tip through the head and tail of each one.

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil • Suspend the skewers above the barbecue rack or over an oven tray (to prevent For the salad: sticking) and cook for about six to seven minutes, until the tail part becomes • ½ tbsp sunflower oil dark and the meat changes colour. Take care that the prawns don’t overcook and • ½ tsp black mustard seeds become rubbery; test by slitting one open • 6 fresh curry leaves; if using dried, to see if the meat is opaque. Brush with soak in water for 10-12 minutes and butter and serve with the salad. dry thoroughly before adding • ¾ in. fresh root ginger, peeled and grated

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1

example, these children may not be using the words which they may have been previously using to name or request objects, people or their needs. Parents or teachers may also notice that these children do not like playing with other children, or that their play lacks imagination.

For children who developed more typically but later lost their skills, the signs of autism are usually seen by the age of three.

68 children has in

been diagnosed

autism,

with with the condition

more

being prevalent in

What can parents do to help their child?

boys.

BY SHALINI DAS

CHILD

RAISING A

AUTISM

WITH

A

utism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that have at their core common characteristics such as delay in social skills, difficulties with communication, and repetitive or stereotypical behaviours.

Shalini Das is an Occupational Therapist and Behaviour Consultant, and owner of Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc. which provides a full range of therapy services to children with special needs. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, and is the author of many books and research papers in this field. Das recently received the Surrey Women in Business Award (Professional) 2018 and is a contender for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards 2018.

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How common is autism?

According to recent data from the US Center of Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children has been diagnosed with autism, with the condition being more prevalent in boys. Hearing about the rising number of autism cases in children must be alarming for young parents whose first child is

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diagnosed with autism, or even for parents who don’t really know what autism is.

Early signs of autism The symptoms of autism are quite challenging for parents to detect at an early stage. Parents should look out for the following signs: the child does not look at the parents (maintain eye contact) for more than a second or two, does not smile in response to their smile or most importantly, is not developing any way of communication. Some of these signs can be seen as early as 18 months of age.

For some children, parents notice typical development in the early years, followed by a loss of previously developed skills. For

Early diagnosis and intervention on children can make a big difference by improving their skills, helping them to be more independent, and have a better quality of life. The first step would be to see your family doctor. A family doctor will then refer to arrange for necessary assessments and work together with a multidisciplinary team of specialists consisting of a pediatrician, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, and an occupational therapist, to determine if your child has autism.

If a child has been diagnosed with autism, it is common for parents to blame themselves or each other for their child’s condition. As there is no definitive cause for autism, it has nothing to do with what you or your spouse did or did not do for your child. ASD cannot be cured with any medication. However, some studies have shown that medications may be useful in helping some children with their anxiety, hyperactivity and aggressive or self-injurious behaviours. You should consult your family doctor or pediatrician to see if medication is recommended or if other forms of behaviour interventions would be more suitable for your child.

There are many evidence-based strategies that can help these children develop their skills. Working with qualified professionals who are willing to jointly collaborate to develop an intervention plan for the child can make an immense

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positive impact. Parents can find a list of qualified professionals by searching the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). Speaking to other parents who have children with the same diagnosis and joining local parent support groups can also be a great support system for the families.

Intervention services for autistic children

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ASD cannot be cured with any medication.

However, some studies have shown that medications may be useful in helping some children with their anxiety, hyperactivity and aggressive or self-injurious behaviours.

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In British Columbia, the Ministry of Children and Family Development provides funding to support intervention services for children with autism. The funding is divided into two categories, based on whether a child is under six years of age or over.

The families can choose the practitioner they would like to work with from the RASP and have them bill the Autism Funding unit directly.

The schools in BC have Learning Support Coordinators or Integration Support Teachers who look into getting the child the necessary support to help the child succeed within the school environment. The schools also set up Individual Education Plans (IEP) for these children to ensure that any necessary modifications or adaptations to the curriculum or teaching materials can be done to help the child learn.

Various school districts and school boards have their own support systems in place. For example, the Surrey School District has a collaboration program with a child’s home team to ensure that there is coordination between the school and home programs. Schools also have Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) support workers and educational assistants to provide help as necessary while the child is at school.

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Interventions that can help an autistic child Scientists agree that the earlier a child receives intervention services, the better and faster they benefit from the intervention. Intervention plans for children with autism generally consist of services provided by behaviour consultants, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists.

Behaviour consultants may use many approaches to address behavioural challenges and teach required skills to children. The most widely used approach is ABA and it is considered by many experts to be the most effective evidence-based therapeutic approach developed to date for children with autism. In recent years, another approach has come to light which uses the principles of ABA but in a more developmental, play-based approach. This method is called the Early Start Denver Model and is gaining popularity among practitioners and parents alike.

Occupational therapy is often used as a treatment for the sensory challenges associated with autism. It is also used to help teach activities of daily living skills such as dressing and feeding, and fine-motor skills. Speechlanguage pathologists help improve a child’s communication skills and help them with strategies to express their needs in a sociallyappropriate manner.

The most important thing to do if your child has autism is to ensure you have a team who works collaboratively on your child’s plan.

A team approach has been known to gain better results in helping children with autism to reach their fullest potential.

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DARPAN FITNESS

S

pring is here, which means it’s time for two things – getting in shape for the summer, and spring cleaning.

Let’s take a moment to fuse the two together, and to clean out some of the fitness myths you might have heard. There’s a lot of so-called fitness “advice” out there that is misleading or just plain garbage.

It’s time to toss it out.

Here are a few fitness myths that you need to throw out with the rest of the junk.

Let’s take a moment to clean out some of the fitness myths you might have heard.

#1. More exercise and dieting means more results.

Photos: iStockphoto, image for representation only

FITNESS

MYTHS YOU NEED TO THROW OUT 80

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You’d think it was logical – the more you exercise and the more you diet the better your results will be.

But that’s simply not the case.

In reality, your muscles need rest to rebuild. If you work them out all the time, then you run the risk of what’s called “overtraining,” which can plateau your results, or even cause muscle loss and injury.

Similarly, if you restrict your calories too much then you can put your body into survival mode causing it to intentionally retain fat.

Don’t try to speed up your results by overdoing things. If you’ve been working out and dieting hard, but you’ve stopped getting results, it might be time to add in a rest day and start eating more (healthy, nutritious foods).

BY NICK HILDEN

#2. You can exercise your way to fitness.

means achieving actual weight loss is more dependent on what you put in your body.

There are a lot of people who like to If, on the other hand, you want to dream that they can eat whatever build muscle, all the weight lifting in they want as long as they get the world won’t make you stronger regular exercise. While the exercise unless you’re in a caloric surplus. certainly won’t hurt, it’s not going to This means that you’re eating more deliver results unless you combine it calories than your body needs for with the right eating habits. basic function, allowing the extra In order to burn fat, you need calories to go toward repairing and to be in a caloric deficit, meaning building muscle fibers. you are burning more calories than Bottom line – you really are what you’re consuming. Exercise can you eat, and you need the right only burn some 10-30 per cent of nutritional habits to support your the calories you eat in a day, which fitness goals.

#3. You can “spot reduce” belly fat.

This is a common myth – that you can target stubborn fat deposits with exercise, most specifically the ab region.

Wrong. When you exercise a specific part of the body, it doesn’t burn the fat that happens to be closest to that muscle. It burns fat throughout your body at a uniform rate. That means you can do all the crunches you want, and it won’t result in the reduced belly fat you’re looking for.

In fact, by placing too much emphasis on your abs you can actually get the opposite of a flat stomach. If you fail to burn off fat effectively while developing the ab muscles beneath, then you’re suddenly carrying around a belly of both fat and muscle.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if your goal is pure strength. If you’re going for that flat tummy, however, you’re going to have to go a different route.

Instead of trying to spot reduce fat, use cardio or HIIT to burn fat throughout your body.

#4. Carbs are bad.

We’ve all heard it, but it’s not true. Some carbs are bad, but some carbs are essential. I’m talking about the difference between simple and complex carbs.

No matter what type of carb you eat, it releases glucose into your blood stream. You need glucose to fuel activity and recovery in your body, especially if you’re working out hard. But with simple carbs (refined sugar, fruit, candy) you get loads of glucose dumped into your system all at once, causing a blood sugar spike which at best builds fat and at worst causes diabetes.

On the other hand, when you eat complex carbs (whole grains, sweet potato, green vegetables), your body breaks them down more gradually, causing a slow, steady supply of glucose. Essentially, this acts as a gas tank to fuel your exercise, recovery, and all-around body function.

So don’t slash carbs from your diet. Just cut out the bad, and fuel yourself with the good.

About the Author Native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Nick Hildenʼs career has spanned fiction, travel, advertising, journalism, biography, and more, and his work has appeared in publications such as the LA Times, Vice, LiveStrong, and Global Living Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @theDisembarked

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Eyes ­­­ There’s nothing more mesmerising than the flash of glitter and light with every blink of the eyes. Stila’s Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Cloud ($31) is a dreamy, foiled lilac base with warm gold shift particles. This product sets quickly, so work on one eye at a time, blending the edges before it sets. But because it does set so quickly and so well, this lasts forever even without primer.

in the beauty world often include the full rainbow-spectrum of colours. But what we’re seeing on the shelves and at counters are mostly examples of colour-shifting, iridescent, duo-chrome and even rainbow-chrome products – not true holographic.

That’s not to say they’re not extraordinarily beautiful or don’t produce desirable effects. Just be realistic when buying “holographic” makeup. While the packaging often truly is holographic, the contents inside are not.

AN P R DA

y t u a Be

BY CATHERINE TSE

For those who strive for a subtle, “lit from within,” no-makeup makeup look, this is not the makeup trend for you. But if your goal is to look like a unicorn, this is your time to shine. Literally.

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HOLOGRAPHIC MAKEUP:

Embrace Your

Inner Unicorn

H

ave you noticed the disproportionate number of shimmer and highlighter products out, each new release more intense in effect than the last? If you assumed this trend had reached its saturation point and was about to diminish, take another look.

Just when we thought things couldn’t get any glow-ier, enter: holographic makeup.

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For those who strive for a subtle, “lit from within,” no-makeup makeup look, this is not the makeup trend for you. But if your goal is to look like a unicorn, this is your time to shine. Literally.

Technically, however, holographic makeup is nearimpossible to achieve. True holographic effects produce 3-D imagery with incredible depth, and

Face Again, the holographic trend is an extension from highlighters, so face colour products might be the easiest way for someone to dip their toe into this trend if they’re intimidated by holo.

Sephora Collection’s Holographic Face & Cheek Palette ($35) is a generously-

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DARPAN BEAUTY

If it’s true holo you’re after, the quickest, surest way to achieve this – wallet-friendly to boot – is through nail polish. Micro-

colour shimmer to lips. Unlike many other lip toppers, this formula is thin and oil-based, making it extremely comfortable to wear.

To re-live your club kid days, MAC’s Grand Illusion Liquid Lipcolour ($21) in Lunar Module provides gloriously opaque, longlasting coverage in an icy pale blue, purple and pink iridescent pearl finish.

sized particles suspended to achieve an authentic holographic effect that far surpasses what creams, liquids and powders are sized palette containing three matte blushes and three corresponding pearlescent transformers. Add the colour-shifting toppers over the blush to instantly morph cheeks into something more light-catching.

The blush transformers also make for very pretty eye shadow toppers. For an otherworldly glow, Milk Makeup’s Holographic Stick in Mars ($34) is a pinky-peach stick with multidimensional shimmer that’s best applied with warm fingers helping to melt this onto the high points of your face.

For an all-over unicorn glow, Cover FX’s Shimmering Veil in Halo ($34) is a multipurpose product that can be added to your foundation for all-over glow or tapped directly onto cheekbones, eyes or lips for some serious, celestial shimmer.

Lips Holographic lip products range from barely-there shimmers to high-shine, chrome-tastic opaques. These products

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capable of. contain light-reflecting pearls in different textures that are whimsical but wearable.

Whatever you choose, you must do two things before application: exfoliate and moisturise. Because the holographic effect is dependent on light-reflective properties, having a smooth surface is key. So give your lips a light scrub and then put on a lip balm while you apply the rest of your makeup, then wipe off the excess before putting on your lip product.

For a sheer wash of iridescence, Dior’s new Dior Addict Lip Glow ($41) comes in two holographic shades, pink and purple. This is going to be the most subtle and sophisticated way to participate in the holo trend. It’s also a cinch to apply making reapplication easy on the go. To transform your everyday matte lipsticks, Stila’s Glitterati Lip Top Coat ($29) in the shade Transcend adds a dazzling, multiTM

Nails If it’s true holo you’re after, the quickest, surest way to achieve this – wallet-friendly to boot – is through nail polish. Micro-sized particles suspended in the polish are able to achieve an authentic holographic effect that far surpasses what creams, liquids and powders are capable of. The tiny particles reflect a rainbow of colours that shift in direct light, producing a colourful, magical 3-D effect.

The names of Nails Inc.’s unicorn nail polishes say it all: Sparkle Like a Unicorn in Dream Dust and Rainbow Wishes ($19 for the duo). Sparkle Like a Unicorn gives a high-sparkle payout with 3D pigment, while Rainbow Wishes gives more of a soft, dreamy rainbow wash. Revlon’s Transforming Effects Top Coat ($6.99) in the shade Holographic Pearls is beautiful but with a misleading name. This thick, opaque polish shouldn’t be used as a top coat – it’ll completely obscure any base colour you have. Instead, use this as a polish on bare nails and you’ll be rewarded with heaps of holographic micro-glitter that will keep your fingers wiggling in the sunlight. Ironically, you’ll want to use a top coat over this “top coat” as the finish is, while all holo, grainy and flat.

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Frontier bridal boutique

(604) 325-4424 â&#x20AC;¢ 8140 120 St, Surrey, BC V3W 3N3

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Frontier bridal boutique

Photographer: JC Images | Hair & Makeup: Vanitee MakeUp & Hair | Model: Diljott

(604) 325-4424 â&#x20AC;¢ 8140 120 St, Surrey, BC V3W 3N3

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Frontier bridal boutique

(604) 325-4424 â&#x20AC;¢ 8140 120 St, Surrey, BC V3W 3N3

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Frontier bridal boutique

Photographer: JC Images | Hair & Makeup: Vanitee MakeUp & Hair | Model: Diljott

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DARPAN

EXCLUSIVE

Ace designer Shyamal Shodhan talks about his brand’s latest collection and India’s evolving fashion industry.

Shyamal & Bhumika Creating Timeless Masterpieces 90

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By Petrina D’Souza

F

or renowned designers Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan, the journey has mattered more than the destination.

Since its birth in 2000, the brand Shyamal & Bhumika has gained global fame for its intricate style and elegant collections. “We have been on a mission to take the crafts and skills of India to the world.

We have been able to make some headway in our mission and establish a connection between the niche, multi-cultural population abroad and the rich Indian craftsmanship,” shares Shyamal. What distinctly defines this talented duo is their commitment towards reviving Indian

crafts. “As couturiers, we believe in promoting these ancient crafts and help in the advancement of those sections of society who would lose not only their heritage but also their livelihood if these crafts are not revived and preserved,” says Shyamal, who was in Vancouver recently to showcase the brand’s new Bridal Couture collection at House of Raina in Surrey.

In an exclusive interview with DARPAN, Shyamal shares interesting details about the latest collection and his views on India’s evolving fashion industry.

Q&A What is your new collection about?

Our Bridal Couture collection is about the clothes being light and airy, taking cue from Spring.

Master craftsmen have embroidered beautiful motifs that have been encrusted with numerous tiny beads and crystals. Using traditional techniques of embroidery, we have created ensembles which are light in weight, yet extremely intricate taking couture to the next level. Our aesthetics connect with brides who

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DARPAN

EXCLUSIVE

Q

Where is the collection inspired from?

Spring brings beautiful flowers and nature as inspiration. The freshness and playfulness of organic pastel shades with intricate light embroidery have been highlighted. Attention to design details with romantic floral crests and western silhouettes holds forth. Fairy tale romance wrapped in a rainbow of fresh colours inspires the vibrant collection.

Q “Our designs take inspiration from the rich Indian heritage that is well over 5,000 years old. We are constantly seeking ways to integrate India’s artisan techniques and design couture collections that would resonate with a modern as well as a traditional bride.”

What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

Our biggest highlight has been spreading the beauty of Indian craftsmanship all over the globe.

Today, we support diverse types of age old crafts; our most important project being that of reviving the ancient weaving technique from the Gujarat region which is the Amdavadi real zari weaving technique.

This was Bhumika’s final project in Design College and holds a dream of weddings in muted special place in our hearts. We palettes of blossoming flowers also work closely towards reviving conveying the various moods of lost worldcharms, artifacts and Spring. Dramatic contemporary architectural wonders that signify silhouettes in asymmetrical our collection and recreate the lehengas, gowns and long essence of the erstwhile era. jackets with ruffled flares and sheer sleeves have been made What inspires you keeping in mind a bride’s the most in fashion? wedding trousseau, formal dinner parties or even the grand operas. Couture holds its place Our designs take inspiration from the rich Indian heritage that is by giving all these trends the well over 5,000 years old. We much needed uniqueness as are constantly seeking ways to hand embroidered details help integrate India’s artisan techniques transcend the garments into and design couture collections timeless masterpieces.

Q

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that would resonate with a modern as well as a traditional bride. Our design philosophy is to revive some of India’s dying arts and crafts such as hand weaving, hand embroidery and bring these crafts back to the forefront.

We specialize in Laneway Housing!

We live in India’s first UNESCO world heritage city – Ahmedabad, and there are subtle inspirations all around us. From nature to architecture, monumental installations, creative textile archives, and our personal travels – inspirations are everywhere.

Q

Do you see a big market for bridal wear in Vancouver and among the Indo-Canadian community in BC? Vancouver, with its diverse ethnical population and dynamic lifestyle is a leading fashion market in Canada. It is a beautiful city with vibrant South Asian population. With its abundance of nature and diversity, it is one of the biggest markets in North America, being so close to the West Coast. We have been looking forward to meeting our brides and personally help them choose their wedding trousseau. We have interacted with some of them online and were more than happy when House of Raina invited us to come and meet the Shyamal & Bhumika adherent brides. House of Raina is currently our exclusive carrier in the region.

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New Patients & Emergency Dental Patients Always Welcome!

How is fashion in India evolving and influencing the global market?

Fashion in India has been true to its craftsmanship – interesting silhouettes, incorporating and reviving timeless weaves, attention to design details, to mention a few.

Indian brides living in the West like traditional Indian outfits with western silhouettes and a good mix of both sensibilities. The global fashion industry has always been influenced by the rich cultural references and the intricate craftsmanship of India. Today, brides and fashion connoisseurs alike are far more informed and do follow the trends and design evolutions with a keen eye.

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Nothing makes a better impression than a pair of right footwear

F oot Forward Best

Chic & Comfy Espadrilles Cosy, comfortable and chic, espadrilles are the hottest trend in the shoe department this summer. Whether you’re going to the beach or for a quick meal with friends, with their relax-lazy style appeal, espadrilles are your perfect summer companions. And before you shrug them off as casuals, these versatile shoes can also be effortlessly worn with formal office wear and cocktail dresses. Usually light in weight and hassle-free, espadrilles can be your new best friend this season. They are many options to choose from, go get your fav pair now.

“S

hoes are the finishing touch to any outfit, and it is important to complete a look with the perfect pair!” – a fact that is rightly put down by American fashion designer Tracy Reese. Shoes may be the last thing you put on before stepping out, but they are an essential part of your ensemble and need a regular update too.

Yeah, like your outfits the shoe trend is constantly altering, and there are endless options each season to choose from.

Wondering how to keep yourself updated with footwear fashion? Don’t fret, we have put together a list of must-have shoe styles that are dominating the footwear world this season. So, choose what suits your mood and wardrobe the best, and put your best fashion foot forward.

Fashionable Flats Whether you are barbequing, window shopping or just hopping around with your crazy bunch, flats are perfect for all those active souls who like to run around from one end to the other comfortably.

And when we say flats, we don’t mean boring. They can be as fancy and fashionable as any other shoe trend, and there are a plethora of options available in the market that are perfect for summer.

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Sleek Oxfords Usually, oxfords are associated with uniforms, but in the past few years, they have become huge in the fashion circuit and a must-have this season. Stylish, classy and androgynous, a pair of oxfords is ideal to make a stunning style statement this summer. They simply spell awesomeness when paired with feminine dresses, full skirts and skinny jeans.

Easy Slip-on Nothing fits better on your feet during summers than a pair of lightweight and hassle-free slip-ons. Comfy enough for a morning walk and chic enough to pair it with a summery dress, slip-ons take you from casual brunch in the morning to walking it all off while window shopping hours later. With a variety of colours, prints and styles to choose from, slip-ons will undoubtedly make your summer count.

Strappy Love The strappy shoe trend is eternal, classic and here to stay forever. They were dominating many fashion events too this year, and are a definite must-have in your wardrobe this season – especially the ones that strap up past your ankle and reach up to the calf a la gladiator style. What’s best about this trend is that it can be worn for casual as well as formal events.

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Put Your

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

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Get Sporty Athleisure is one of the biggest fashion trends this year and sneakers and sports shoes are perfect to complement this trend. There are tons of fantastic options available. Right from whites, neons to pastels with a variety of soles, these comfort footwears come in multiple styles and are sure to help you make a few style statements.

Iconic Platform Wedges Platform wedges undoubtedly are the season’s chicest style. Wedges are most comfortable to wear and look great with summer dresses too. From pop, to metallic, to sporty… they are available in a wide range, and you just can’t miss having them in your wardrobe this season.

Sparkling Affair One of the hottest trend in footwear this season is shoes covered with glitter. They are available in a variety of styles and can be paired with jeans and dresses. One can even wear them with socks to make a quirky yet bold fashion statement.

Buckle Up This retro style footwear is back on the fashion circuit. The versatile shoe can not only be paired with a variety of outfits but will also help you make a head-turning style statement. They are available in a variety of styles like buckle boots, flat shoes, and block heels. The shoe trend also made its presence felt at several runways this year. This style is a definite must-have!

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DARPAN FEATURE

MINIMALISM IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE ‘IN-THING’, AND IT’S TIME TO WELCOME THIS CONTEMPORARY STYLE IN YOUR HOME DÉCOR AS WELL.

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

LESS IS

BEAUTIFUL

BY JULIE ETTER

K

eeping it simple and minimal can never go out of style, and the popular mantra of minimalism is now happily adopted by most in all aspects of their lives, including home décor. Less is more beautiful today, and a clean, clutterless décor is the newest trend on the block. Minimalist décor not only looks fresh and neat but if done right, it also helps your house look extraordinarily sophisticated and sleek.

So how does one incorporate the simple basics in a budget-friendly way? Well, worry not, we have a few handy décor tips that will help you embrace the minimalist trend with ease.

De-clutter The key to nailing the minimalist décor is to get rid of all the clutter from your space. You can’t have a crowded space and think of having a minimalist style interior for your home. The first step is to start eliminating furniture and objects that aren’t essential. Break your rooms down to only what is necessary, keep in mind that every item in the room should serve some purpose so that you don’t end up cluttering the space again.

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Calming And Earthy Hues Choosing the right colour palette for your home is essential. Light hues like white, beige, greys and pastels perfectly complement your minimalist setting. You can add some brightness to the room with a few earthy hues, however, don’t go overboard with it. Yellows and blues work perfectly to break the monotony of the neutral shades.

Kitchen is an ideal space to add a spark of colour.

Light It Up

Add Textures

Your minimalist décor will not be complete if you don’t get the light right.

Natural light is always the best; keep the windows big and bare and let the sunshine create some magic in your minimal space. If privacy is your concern, opt for curtains in thin fabric or use blinds.

While investing in light fixtures, go for something contemporary and simple.

Even bare light bulbs hung from the ceiling can look phenomenal.

Enhance the look of your house by adding texture.

Throw in some knitted bed covers, coloured fur pillows, and chandeliers. Again, don’t go overboard and keep it simple and neat. Wooden floorboards can further add an interesting texture to your minimalist décor.

Strike A Balance Lastly, the trick of nailing minimalist décor is to strike a balance between everything. There has to be a visual balance – never too much and never too little that the room looks strangely vacant.

The furnishing shouldn’t be too big or too small, and the empty spaces should amplify the presence of your minimalist furniture. Less over more is what you need; think of splurging on quality over quantity as your goal. Maintain harmony in your space.

Sleek Stylish Storage Minimalist décor doesn’t necessarily mean you have no storage. It is obvious you would need a few things around to keep your home items in place. But avoid bulky pieces of furniture here. Invest in sleek, stylish storage that not only accommodates your belongings but also looks great in the rooms.

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Tips to declutter your home One room at a time It’s easy to get overwhelmed once we start to organize and clean out everything that we feel we don’t need. Start with one room of the house at a time and divide it into what you’re keeping and what you’ll be getting rid of. After you’ve decided on what you’re keeping, then it will be much easier moving the pile of “junk” out of the room.

Ask yourself tough questions How long has it been since I’ve used this? Do I even like it? Does it work properly or is it broken?

If I keep this, what will I get rid of to make room for this? The answers to these questions will help you figure out what to keep and what to let go of.

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Divide and conquer Make six categories and divide the belongings accordingly – keep it in the room; put it away in another room; donate it; recycle it; trash it; and sell it. This will help the decluttering make sense and seem like less work.

Write it down Sometimes when you write something down and you can physically see what it is that you need to accomplish, it makes completing the task much easier. Take a blank calendar and go through everything in the house that you would like to conquer. Once you have a list of the rooms and items that you want to sort out, take that calendar and start to pick days to complete the tasks on.

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OME H N A ARP

D

MirrorMirror

Wall on the

BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

I

t’s easy to take for granted certain elements of our home – the kitchen will have a sink, the bedroom, a bed, the powder room, and a mirror. But just because these details are expected, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some attention.

Mirrors show you what you look like and, with some careful design consideration, can also be a reflection of your style and the space they are in.

Mirrors increase light, create depth and add a decorative element wherever you choose to place them, with part of their

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Designing a space that reflects your style

beauty lying in their ability to be placed wherever you want. Mirrors are like moveable, decorative windows, allowing a customizable approach to bringing brightness and a great expanse to any area of your house.

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The most obvious benefit of adding a mirror to your space is its ability to reflect all that is in front of it. A reflection can emphasize an incredible view, expand an adjacent room or create patterns and special effects from existing colours and shapes.

While you might think you have the perfect place for a mirror based on your design preferences or open wall space, it’s important to consider the reflection. What does the mirror look back on? Will you be enhancing the room or potentially exposing areas you’d rather keep hidden? Will the reflected colours complement or compete with those on the wall behind the mirror? What benefits

does the placement of the mirror bring to your room?

A mirror doesn’t just offer a good place to check your own reflection but instead can create an aesthetically pleasing illusion. Add a mirror across from or adjacent to an amazing view and you can double your viewing pleasure. Or hang one at the end of a hallway and you instantly appear to have extra room. The strategic placement of mirrors around your home offers an easy way to visually expand your space.

Entryways are always a popular place for a mirror.

Without much natural light and often on the smaller side, a mirror can enhance the lighting, colours or artwork used to decorate an easily-neglected and often dark space. And, of course, a mirror in an entryway allows you a last minute look at your own appearance before running out the door.

If big and bold is what you’re going for, an extra-large mirror can be an audacious addition to your home. Simply framed or ornately enclosed, a full-size

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Keep in mind that mirrors don’t have to be rectangular.

Add a circle, hexagon or oval-shaped mirror to your space to up the design element.

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mirror can easily become a focal point in a room; it’s a work of art on its own with minimal work required to create maximum impact. Propping a large mirror up against a wall adds an inviting element to your space yet still appears dramatic and eye-catching.

Similar to works of art, mirrors should be proportional to the walls they’re placed on or the mirrors they are placed with.

A small mirror on a large wall should be avoided – consider

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instead grouping similar ones together in succession or create a gallery wall to improve the visual appeal. Treat smaller mirrors as you would framed photos or art prints.

Multiple mirrors can be visually stunning and still expand a room without the weight of one large mirror. Hang several long mirrors horizontally to stretch out your space or line a wall with a dozen square mirrors for a decorative and reflective addition.

A floor-to-ceiling mirror in a bedroom or bathroom can create the illusion of more space but serves the important purpose of helping one dress for the day.

Similarly, mirrors in front of sinks in your powder room or ensuite should enhance or embrace the decorative style of the space but also be big enough and well-lit for daily use.

Mirrors can add the perfect decorative touch to your

home, especially when framed appropriately. A frame can take a mirror from modern to vintage, rustic to minimalist or all things in between. Take inventory of the surrounding pieces in your home and pick a mirror – and its frame – to match.

A sunburst mirror may just be your style and the perfect addition to a front entrance or over your bed. Or maybe your guest room is shabby chic and a group of mirrors in vintage frames will complete the look.

Keep in mind that mirrors don’t have to be rectangular.

Add a circle, hexagon or ovalshaped mirror to your space to up the design element. The right shape can act as a piece of art or perfect the feel of your room while bringing all the benefits of a mirror surface as well.

Let the mirrors around your home reflect you and your design style. Pick the right mirror, put it in the perfect place and you’ll like what you see looking back at you.

Photos: iStock, Pictures for representation only

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DARPAN FEATURE One of the biggest disrupters of the hotel industry in recent years, find out why millions are flocking to this fast-growing travel accommodation service.

Photos: Airbnb/Facebook, iStock, @thewanderear/Facebook

A Beginner’s Guide to W hen you’re planning a vacation, staying in a stranger’s house instead of that swanky hotel might be the last thing on your mind, but that’s exactly what over 150 million travellers are doing, thanks to Airbnb, the world’s biggest accommodation sharing website.

Since it’s inception in 2008, Airbnb has grown into one of the biggest disrupters of the hotel industry, proving access to millions of cheap and unique places to stay in over 191 countries. Here’s what you should know.

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BY TARANA RANA

Easy to use online accommodation marketplace Airbnb is an online platform that allows people to rent out their spare rooms or entire homes to guests.

Hosts from all over the world list spaces available for short-term rent and guests can search for properties to stay in. All payments are made through the Airbnb website and hosts receive the money 24 hours after check-in.

Anyone can create an account

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for free – all you’ll need is an email address or register using your Facebook or Google+ account. When filling out your profile and verifying your identity, Airbnb keeps the process quick and straightforward, whether you’re signing up as a host or guest.

Justin Hansen from New South Wales, Australia, became an Airbnb host this past year and describes the sign-up process as incredibly simple. “Airbnb walks you through what it is you have to share and how you would like going about doing it.”

Usually always cheaper than a hotel Here’s why most people like Airbnb: the price is usually always right. Guests get great value accommodation in prime locations. Sabrina Pannu, an accountant from Surrey, BC, has been using Airbnb as a guest for the past four years. “I have used Airbnb in Canada, USA, and Europe and I think it’s amazing for group travel because you get more space for your money than a hotel room. Hotels are usually pricier in good locations.”

Airbnb also offers a range of price points for every budget. You can book an entire home or condo or opt to rent a room in a shared house.

One budget-friendly advantage of Airbnb is that you usually have access to a kitchen. Preparing quick breakfasts or the occasional dinner on your vacation is a sure-fire way to keep costs down.

Plus, many Airbnb hosts also offer free breakfasts or keep well-equipped kitchens with the basic necessities. “Most times I share complimentary breakfasts and dinners with my guests,” says Hansen.

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Besides the typical houses and apartments, Airbnb also lets you list and rent a variety of accommodation, such as castles, tree houses,

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cottages, houseboats and lighthouses to name a few, ensuring a trip you won’t easily forget. And while Airbnb guests should not expect hotel-quality service, many hosts are going out of their way to ensure guests have a memorable, comfortable stay.

“I ensure that my guests have an abundance of breakfast options, high quality bedding and towels, and I always make sure I provide new toiletries for each guest. Little touches like bottles of water by the bed and chocolates on the pillow go a long way,” says Hansen, who rents out spare rooms and on occasion, his entire house when he’s away. “I believe travellers...by choosing the Airbnb option, they are looking for that feel-at-home experience, so that is what I try and give them.”

Guests can also always communicate with their host with any questions or issues they face during their stay through the mobile app, which allows you to call and message the host.

Safety and security But is it safe? Since your Airbnb rental is not a hotel, there are certain safety tips guests should follow to avoid disappointment or worse.

The most important thing you can do is to shop carefully. “Read all the reviews, you can find good information in them,” advises Pannu. Airbnb listings all come with pictures, a write-up, a list of amenities and guest reviews. “Read a listing thoroughly before booking. Also check the house rules as sometimes a host is not very flexible with check-in and check-out times.” It is also advisable to contact hosts prior to booking a place – the ones who reply quicker are usually the better, more organized hosts.

Pannu recalls a disappointing experience in Rome, Italy, when her Airbnb host was three hours late to check her group in. “I also once had a host cancel a

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Airbnb also offers a range of price points for every budget.

You can book an entire home or condo or opt to rent a room in a shared house. One budget-friendly advantage of Airbnb is that you usually have access to a kitchen. reservation a few days before the stay.” Another way to avoid disappointing stays is to try and rent accommodation from ‘Super Hosts’ – these hosts are selected by Airbnb for meeting outstanding hospitality requirements and can be identified by a badge on their profile.

Airbnb has also implemented practices to ensure the safety of both guests and hosts by having users verify their identity, improving profile and reviewing systems and implementing a guarantee that reimburses eligible hosts for damages to their property up to $1 million.

So is it right for you?

Airbnb comes with its unique set of pros and cons but when used right, it can be a great tool for finding cheap and memorable places to stay.

However, it does pay to take your time doing your research, and interacting with the host beforehand. Above all, it also helps to keep an open mind and treat the property and host with courtesy and respect. “I have [also] been an Airbnb guest for nearly three years,” says Hansen.

“I’ve found it a wonderful way to travel the globe and meet new people.”

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DARPAN Weddings

Jag

e i t s i r h C &

Photos: Surya Studio and Production House, Meaghan Gipps of Gipps Media

As a team our goals are to be each other’s support in life by never giving up on one another, no matter how good or bad life can get. We are committed to bringing out the best in each other and achieving our dreams.”

How did you meet?

Christie: Jag and I met at the Malkit Singh concert back in February 2010 dancing to the famous “Tutak tutak tutiya” song.

What do you love most about one another?

Christie: I love his drive to succeed; he is the person that inspires me everyday to keep reaching for the stars. He is my rock in life and the one that supports me through all of my failures and successes.

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Jag: I love how she’s always there for me. No matter the situation, I know I can always rely on my best friend/my partner/my wife. She also pushes me and motivates me towards my goals when the going gets tough. It’s fantastic.

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Could you share your proposal story?

Jag: On August 25, 2015, I proposed to Christie right at sunset at La Jolla beach in San Diego in a small private area overlooking the water. I had her

take a selfie of us with the sunset in the background and when she turned around I had the ring out and asked her if she would do me the honour of spending the rest of her life with me. She said yes right away. I thought she was going to cry tears of joy but instead began to plan out our wedding immediately with the biggest smile on her face.

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DARPAN Weddings

If I had to choose one favourite moment, it would be our first dance together in Mexico. The weather was beautiful, our friends and family were waving sparklers, one of our favourite songs playing, and her and I looking at each other while dancing.

It was awesome.”

Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?

A: We had three weddings in the space of a week so there were definitely some interesting moments; one of them was in Mexico where we exchanged our vows and rings overlooking the water and palm trees! After the ceremony, we all got together to take pictures during the Mexico sunset and then proceeded to

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party into the night during our reception. It was just perfect.

Christie: Our wedding day was absolutely perfect, it was intimate with 40 of our loved ones there to witness us tie the knot. My favourite moment was reading my vows to Jag because I was able to truly express why he is the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Jag: It’s hard to pick a favourite moment actually. All of November was a blast – from

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the weekly events leading up to the sangeet here in B.C. to the amazing week in Mexico.

Seeing all our family and friends there was amazing and of course watching Christie come down the aisle was breathtaking. However, if I had to choose one, it would be our first dance together in Mexico.

The weather was beautiful, our friends and family were waving sparklers, one of our favourite songs playing, and her and I looking at each other while dancing. It was awesome.

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Christie: Our reception decoration was inspired by our favourite soccer team, FC Barcelona. It was outside on the patio in Mexico, overlooking the ocean and stars.

Some of the most significant parts of our reception were: the speeches our family and friends gave, the mother-son dance, and the moment my dad asked me to join him in the father-daughter dance.

Can you describe your outfits?

Christie: Our outfits were picked out by my motherin-law who has a keen sense of style. She coordinated the colour scheme, jewellery, and outfits so that they all complimented each other.

Where did you honeymoon?

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Jag: Since we are both soccer fans, we decided to do a three-week Europe trip travelling to seven different cities and watching five football matches; it was only fitting that we finished off our trip in the city we fell in love with, Barcelona.

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“My favourite wedding moment was reading my vows to Jag because I was able to truly express why he is the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

What are your goals as a couple?

Christie: As a team our goals are to be each other’s support in life by never giving up on one another, no matter how good or bad life can get. We are committed to bringing out the best in each other and achieving our dreams with our company BollyRoots Fitness.

What are the strengths of your marriage?

Jag: We have always believed in strong communication and complete honesty. With this understanding we make an effort everyday to grow as a couple and work through conflict together. Our goals and dreams in life have always aligned which we feel has made our marriage so much stronger.

If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be?

Jag: The main piece of advice would be to not jump into marriage thinking there is an easy way out. Understanding that marriage will require compromise, commitment and communication will only help in the long run, so find things to do together that help you grow as a couple.

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Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery 4090 Hastings Street

e d i u G r You

Ice Cream To Va nc ou ve r’s Be st

We’ve mapped out the top ice cream spots for you to hit this summer!

Step back in time at this old-fashioned ice cream parlour in Burnaby that looks like a classic 50s diner. Glenburn serves up hand-crafted ice creams, sundaes, ice cream sodas, to name a few. A must-try is their sweet and salty pretzel sundae. You’ll also be able to find other icy treats here, such as milkshakes, fountain drinks, egg creams and malts. This is definitely an ideal spot for some quality time with the kids.

BY TARANA RANA

S

Soft Peaks

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25 Alexander Street

Mister

Didn’t think ice cream could be healthy?

Soft Peaks might change your mind. Their special handcrafted ice creams are made from organic milk and ingredients that results in a cup of creamy goodness that’s all-natural and has fewer calories and fat than regular ice cream. A must-try option is their honeycomb peak – which is topped with a piece of local Okanagan honeycomb.

Located in Gastown, they’ve also opened another location at Kingsway in Burnaby.

Nitrogen-churned artisanal ice cream anyone?

Mister uses liquid nitrogen to churn their handmade ice cream for a denser, smoother and creamier scoop. Each cup is made fresh, right before your eyes and it’s definitely fun to watch.

They’re also pretty innovative when it comes to the flavours – they were one of the first shops last year to introduce the black ice-cream trend with their dark coconut ash flavour!

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ummer’s here and you know what that means.

It’s time to cool off and savour the sunshine and there’s no better way to do just that with some cold, delicious ice cream. For a rainy city, Vancouver is home to a number of creative and unique ice cream shops. So grab your kids, a friend or that significant other, here are the top five ice cream shops you need to visit this summer.

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Doolami Dessert

8030 Granville Street Ever had Chinese ice cream? If not, this is the place you want to try. This little hole-in-the-wall store in the Marpole area specializes in Hong Kong style desserts.

It’s a small place with limited seating, so get there early for a taste of Asian-inspired flavours such as matcha, mango and durian. You can also try their shaved ice creations, which are a popular Asian treat. End your experience by taking home a pint or two of their homemade ice-cream that’s made from fresh fruit.

La Casa Gelato 1033 Venables Street

Craving a taste of Italy this summer? Head to La Casa Gelato for some good, old-fashioned gelato and sorbetto. A Vancouver institution, La Casa Gelato have been serving up scoops of icy goodness for the past 34 years. You’ll be spoiled for choice here as La Casa Gelato has over 500 flavours...although only 238 are available in store at any time. Ever wanted to try exotic flavours like curry or jalapeno gelato? You know where to go now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarana Rana is a freelance writer in Vancouver, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city and discovering some of its lesser-known haunts.

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It

BY RENU SINGH-JOSEPH

Bienvenido a

ESPAÑA

had been 20 years since my last adventure in España, and this sunkissed nation celebrated for its fine wine, paella and tapas, flamenco and football and forward-thinking architecture was calling my name and I couldn’t resist! After spending a few days in Barcelona, as illustrated in my first installment, it was time to travel from the coast to Spain’s interior to its historic capital city of Madrid.

I had forgotten how stunningly beautiful Madrid was, but coming back after two decades, I quickly remembered. The buildings, fountains, monuments and grand plazas are architecturally decadent and rich in detail.

Home to the Spanish royal family and government, Madrid is the largest and most populated city in Spain with 3.5 million people.

This modern metropolitan city is surrounded by mountains and natural parks, and is the perfect city to walk around and take in the historic sights.

PART 2

My second stop in Spain was the stunningly beautiful city of Madrid. The nation’s capital is surrounded by mountains and natural parks, and is the perfect city to walk around and take in the historic sights.

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Madrid is home to a plethora of museums and galleries, but if you can only add one to your to-do list, visit the renowned Museo del Prado.

Celebrating its 200th year anniversary in 2019, the Prado describes itself as a “museum of painters, not paintings.”

Sights to See in Madrid

Madrid is home to a plethora of museums and galleries, but if you can only add one to your to-do list, visit the renowned Museo del Prado. Celebrating its 200th year anniversary in 2019, the Prado describes itself

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as a “museum of painters, not paintings.” The Prado’s permanent collection offers multiple styles, time periods and artists. Famed works include paintings from Bosch to Velazquez and Goya.

Take a few hours to visit the sprawling Royal Palace of Madrid and its manicured, surrounding gardens and parks; the beautiful Cathedral of the Almudena, dedicated to the Virgin Mary; the grandiose arcaded Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of the old city, is home to cultural buildings, restaurants and the famed bronze statue of King Philip III atop his horse; and Puerta del Sol, the Times Square of Madrid, is home to famous buildings and landmarks like its clock tower. An interesting fact, Puerta del Sol is at the very heart of Madrid at Kilometre Zero – the official starting point for Spain’s six national roads.

Madrid is known for its churros and calamari sandwiches, and a great place to visit is the wrought-iron-and-glass

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Mercado de San Miguel. This lively, bustling market featuring 33 stalls offers a smorgasbord of culinary delights from Spain’s traditional foods like paella and tapas to delicacies like caviar and stuffed sea urchins.

One of my favourite places in Madrid is Plaza de Santa Ana, a perfect blend of elegant architecture, electrifying energy and diverse restaurants and cafes with outdoor patios within the plaza’s square. As you sip on a specialty cocktail made with fresh ingredients at Lateral restaurant, you can admire Teatro Español and statues of writers Calderón de la Barca and Federíco García Lorca.

Finally, if you’re a football fan, Madrid is home to two world-class football clubs – Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. These clubs have some of the best and brightest players from Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa. It would be exciting to watch a match at either Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid) or Wanda Metropolitano stadium (Atlético Madrid).

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ME Madrid Reina Victoria Walking through Plaza de Santa Ana towards ME Madrid Reina Victoria, you stop and pause to admire its presence – this iconic, luxury hotel is an architectural masterpiece built by modernist architect Jesús Carrasco y Encina reflecting gorgeous Spanish details alongside its signature tower.

“ME Madrid is a lifestyle hotel with personality, which merges an innovative style with Spanish artistry captivating both guests and locals alike,” says Chiara Visconti, Director of Sales. “Our hotel showcases contemporary art and design, an international restaurant ‘Ana la Santa’ and musical offerings from around the world.”

After a total renovation, ME Madrid re-opened in April 2017. This stylish, artistic hotel is not only warm and inviting, but it’s all about the service and experience. In fact, the ME Madrid staff and its Aura team, a personal concierge service, go above and beyond to ensure their guests’ needs and expectations are met in a seamless fashion and most importantly, their stay is unforgettable!

A home away from home, ME Madrid is a sought-after destination for guests from all around the world, including politicians, footballers and celebrities. While staying at the hotel, you’ll want to check out its rooftop terrace, home to the awardwinning RADIO ME Madrid Rooftop Bar – voted the best hotel club in Spain for 2017. Located on the 7th floor, this Madrid hot spot showcases an exotic and elegant design with incredible panoramic views of historic buildings and Plaza de Santa Ana.

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This time, I chose to do the Gastronomic Tour – a dining and dance experience.

Before the performance, you are treated to a delectable gourmet dinner offering 44 specialties of Spanish and Catalan cuisine.

After this, you enter the vaulted tablao – a dramatic, yet perfect setting for flamenco – that can seat up to 180 guests.

Flamenco is a Spanish art form that combines dance, song and guitar playing.

Tablao’s flamenco dancers, both male and female, exude strength, vulnerability and beauty. As you sit and watch, you are captivated by the singers and guitar players and truly mesmerized by the brilliant dancers – an unforgettable evening!

Club Jamboree, Harlem Jazz Club & Sidecar Factory Club Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

PHOTOS: DANIEL JOSEPH, RENU SINGH-JOSEPH, ME MADRID, MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL, TABLAO FLAMENCO CORDOBES

Barcelona’s Arts & Cultural Scene After spending time in Madrid, we headed back to Barcelona for the last portion of our Spanish adventure. Barcelona has a thriving arts and cultural scene, a few highlights to add to your to-do list are:

Museu Picasso “Give me a museum and I’ll fill it,” said Pablo Picasso. As an admirer of Picasso, I couldn’t go to Barcelona and not visit the magnificent Museu Picasso, which houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s art in the world.

Showcasing more than 4,300 works from paintings and ceramics to a photographic archive, the museum takes you on a journey of Picasso’s formative years and provides a glimpse into the life of this artistic genius.

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A visit to Spain would be incomplete without experiencing the brilliance of flamenco. When I was in Barcelona 20 years ago, I experienced an incredible flamenco performance at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

And on this recent trip, I definitely had to re-visit this establishment, founded in 1970 and run by a family of artists. “We are the best kept secret in Barcelona,” says María Rosa Pérez Casares, CEO and daughter of the founder. “We welcome you to join us and experience all that flamenco has to offer.”

Club Jamboree has been a “part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage since 1960” and its stage has been graced by national and international musicians alike. We experienced an amazing jazz concert in Jamboree’s intimate setting featuring renowned Catalan musician Joan Chamorro and his promising musical prodigies – a night to remember!

Harlem Jazz Club, a musical hot spot in Barcelona for the last 30 years, showcases both up-and-coming and established musicians. This quaint club offers smooth sounds to upbeat, foot-tapping music in a sultry setting. On the night that we visited, we were in for a real treat – a musical extravaganza featuring Ray Cuza and Septeto Sazonando (a Cuban singer and band) – who had you moving and dancing to their soulful music.

Dance the night away to electro/funk/ disco beats at Sidecar Factory Club, a Barcelona staple since 1982. A fun experience with people of all ages, a refreshing change to North American clubs.

About the Author Renu is a Vancouver-based journalist with 13 years experience, who has conducted high-profile interviews with individuals from all walks of life, including politicians, celebrities and athletes. She was DARPAN's former editor-in-chief and enjoys writing for the publication. This foodie loves to travel around the world and share insightful, interesting features with readers.

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2018

BY BENJAMIN YONG

“Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV,” says Land Rover’s chief designer Gerry McGovern.

LUXURY SUV RECEIVES RADICAL REDESIGN

LAND ROVER

BY BENJAMIN YONG

DISCOVERY W

hen a vehicle enters its next generation, the evolution from one platform to the next can be subtle or significant. In the case of the new fifth-gen Land Rover Discovery, it’s definitely the latter, and then some. The British automaker has taken the cult classic and softened a few lines, infused

the latest technology and all the while keeping an aesthetic that should appeal to diehard fans and newcomers alike.

“New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely

HIGHLIGHTS

MSRP(as tested): $65,900 Motor: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel Horsepower: 254 @ 3,750 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 443 @ 1,750 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 18.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

capable premium SUV. We truly believe the result is a radical departure in design that will introduce the Discovery Family to a new, wider customer base,” says Land Rover’s chief designer Gerry McGovern.

Certain characteristic exterior elements have survived the overhaul: the angular A-pillars and that flat, boxy roofline prevalent throughout the lineage. Everything else, however,

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Levante GranSport. Yours. Well-equipped from $110,000* Finance from 0.9% on all new & in-stock Levante & Ghibli

MASERATI OF VANCOUVER 1860 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H1 schedule your test drive Jay Sidhu 604.614.6028 / jsidhu@fmov.ca MaseratiVancouver.com *Maserati Levante MY2018 base MSRP $96,250; Maserati Levante S MY2018 base MSRP $105,850. Not including dealer prep and transportation. A more expensive model may be shown. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, TM urges license and registration fees not included. Š2018 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati M you AYto/ obey J Uall Nposted E 2 0speed 1 8 limits.

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For the first time, Land Rover has done away with a two-piece tailgate, opting for a cleaner single-panel unit yielding a larger opening for luggage as well as more effective shelter during inclement weather.

curved LED Daylight Running Lights (DRL) show off the modern signature pattern.

The metal mesh grille is nearly equally as skinny, not reaching down far past the bottom edge of the light housings.

The side of the SUV borrows a few items from its smaller sibling, the Discovery Sport,

either improves on prior concepts or breaks the mould entirely. Looking at the body, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as though Land Rover smoothed over the entire surface, creating a slippery 0.35 drag coefficient in the process.

The headlamps undergo one of the most drastic changes becoming a sliver of their former selves, although they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been slimmed down quite as much as the units on the Evoque. Inside,

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namely the notched contrasting wheel arch flares that connect to the rest of the blackened lower bodywork.

Perhaps the biggest alteration occurs at the back.

For the first time, Land Rover has done away with a two-piece tailgate, opting for a cleaner single-panel unit yielding a

larger opening for luggage as well as more effective shelter during inclement weather. A powered cargo floor extension is included that, folded out, prevents scratches to the bodywork when loading and unloading, and acts as a handy seat to boot.

In-between the horizontally stretched out LED tail lamps lies an asymmetrical license plate

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recess. An emblem is inset into the narrow portion, and the plate is installed in the wider end.

Seeing as how this is at the core a go-anywhere vehicle, the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system inside displays a lot more than just audio and GPS information. A graphical representation of the suspension and differential articulation is shown on the widescreen touch-sensitive monitor in real time and adjustments can be made on the fly.

Should you decide to take your $63,000-plus purchase off-roading, the Disco has 282 millimetres of ground clearance – 43 more than the LR4. In other words, obstacles such as logs, ruts or rocks don’t pose much of a challenge. The SUV features Terrain Response 2 technology, optimizing traction for different environments like gravel, sand, snow, mud and so on. The real beauty of the system is the automatic setting, able to switch modes on its own when the multitude of onboard sensors detects changes in surface conditions. Even just driving on twisty, icy roads wearing M+S tires, I never once felt any real slippage.

There are seven seats in the cabin, all endlessly configurable using automatic switches.

Smartphone savvy users can also download the companion app and play with the positioning remotely on their mobile device. Note: like most seven-passenger vehicles, when the back bench is upright, there is very little storage capacity leftover. On a shopping trip, we struggled to fit even a few bags behind the third row.

The all-new Land Rover Discovery is sold in three trim levels – SE, HSE/HSE Td6 diesel and HSE Luxury – and two powertrains are available.

Both are 3.0-litre V6s, one a turbocharged diesel producing 254 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, the other a supercharged gasoline engine making 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

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2018

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

HIGHLIGHTS MRSP: $52,732 Horsepower: 310 @ 6,600 rpm Torque (lb. ft.): 271 @ 5,000 rpm Layout: Front engine, all-wheel-drive Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Fuel economy: 12.9 L/100 km city and 8.9 L/100 highway

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OFFERING PRACTICALITY & COMFORT

CADILLAC XT5

CROSSOVER O

ver the past 10-years I have become a real fan of the Cadillac line of vehicles as they are attractive and excellent handling and ridding vehicles. A model that satisfies these needs and my desire for something a little more practical is the XT5 Crossover. Since my wife and I like to carry a lot of bulky items,

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the XT5 is perfect for our kind of lifestyle.

The XT5 Luxury all-wheel drive (AWD) I was given to test is the upper model in the XT5 line.

As you might suspect it was fully loaded with just about all the items people have come to expect in a high-line vehicle plus a few extras I will talk about later.

The XT5 shares its shape with many of the other Crossovers in the GM line-up. The practical hatch allows for bulky items to fit in easily, and if needed, the rear seats fold easily allowing for even more space.

While we are on the topic of interiors, the inside of XT5 is roomy and hassle-free. The front seat leather buckets are comfortable and easy to get in and out of. The rear

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Something I really did like about the XT5 interior is its huge glass sunroof. Cadillac calls it the Ultra View and it lets in a panoramic view that can be enjoyed by the rear passengers as well.

to find and reach as you might expect. The instruments are easy to see and can be slightly configured to the driver’s needs if desired. A heads up speedometer is also standard, which I have to admit is convenient to see your speed in an instant. From the driver’s seat, the view is not too bad and

leather seats are comfortable too, with practical seating for two and three in a pinch.

Something I really did like about the XT5 interior is its huge glass sunroof. Cadillac calls it the Ultra View and it lets in a panoramic view that can be enjoyed by the rear passengers as well.

Sitting behind the wheel of the XT5 you find a fairly practical dash layout that is simple to get to know and learn. All controls are easy

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the mirrors adjust to give you a good rear view too. Lane control will keep the driver alerted when drifting into another lane – a nice feature if you are easily distracted with passengers

or the scenery. One last feature I really loved was the heated steering wheel, something I have come to truly love in cold weather that enhances better winter driving.

Keeping pace with the rest of the Cadillac line, the XT5 is equipped with a conventional 3.6L V6 with no overhead cam or cams for that matter. This variable valve engine produces a very healthy 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, which means that the XT5 will easily pull up the steepest mountain roads British Columbia has to offer. I have to admit I did like to give this powerful engine a run for it money which I paid for in poor fuel consumption, but none the less it was a lot of fun. Being an AWD, control in the wet was very secure and posed no problems even in some slippery and icy conditions I encountered.

Owning a Crossover myself, I have come to appreciate the practicality of owning a vehicle with a lot of space to carry simple things. In the case of the XT5, it does all this plus handles well, making it entertaining to drive and useful. If you are in the market for a practical but accommodating vehicle, the Cadillac XT5 is well worth taking into consideration.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

DARPAN AutoFEATURE

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2018

OFFERING VERSATILITY

NISSAN

A COMPACT-ER COMPACT CROSSOVER JOINS NISSAN SUV FAMILY

QASHQAI appeal to a broad audience and offers a wide spectrum of he Nissan Qashqai was features and price points for introduced last year to fill SUV buyers,” says Bert Brooks, in a gap on the smaller side of product planning senior the utility vehicle line-up, and manager at Nissan Canada. adds to a robust selection “While we expect Rogue to that continues to grow as the continue to appeal company recently announced to owners with young the impending arrival of the families, Qashqai fills subcompact Kicks. This a need for singles crossover with an interesting and couples moniker – pronounced cash- who want kai – is named after a group of settlers in modern day Iran, and according to the automaker, is aimed at city dwellers seeking something that is both practical and fun to drive.

“The combination of the new Qashqai and the popular redesigned 2017 Rogue will

BY BENJAMIN YONG

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more space and versatility than the average sedan for everyday urban use and social activities.”

As an urbanite myself, I do appreciate a smaller form factor for navigating narrow

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP(as tested): $19,998 Motor: 2.0-litre four cylinder Horsepower: 141 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 147 @ 4,700 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive Fuel economy: 9.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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0% financing is available on all new 2018 Mazda 3 & 3 Sport for 60 months, 2018 Mazda CX3 for 48 months, 2017 Mazda 5 for 84 months. Finance example of $10,000, the cost of borrowing for a 48/60/84-month terms is $0, monthly payment is $208.33/166.67/119.05, total finance obligation is $10,000. Lease examples apply to 2018 Mazda3 GX (D4XK68 AA00)/ 2018 Mazda 3 Sport (D5XK68 AA00)/ 2017 CX-5 GX (NVXK67 AA00)/)/2018 CX-3 GX (HVXK68AA00) and bi-weekly payments of $103/$123/$185$122 for 60 months, including down payment of $0/$0/$0/$0. $4500 cash rebate applies to 2017 MY Mazda5. Offers valid January 3rd –January 31st, 2018, while supplies last. Prices & payments are plus taxes. $425 Winter Accessories credit applies to all new 2017/2018 MY Mazda’s. Pay off trade & lease termination negative equity to be applied to new purchase. $250 lease termination payment in form of service credit at Langley Mazda. All finance & lease offers to qualified buyers.

parking spots and streets. Compared to bigger brother Rogue, the compact crossover is 307 millimetres shorter in length and 142 millimetres in height resulting in a highly manoeuvrable and tight-turning package.

It’s not a bad looker either, wearing the signature V-Motion grille and boomerang taillights and possessing sharp styling lines and body creases dubbed “emotional geometry.” Black fender arches, underbody accents and roof rails finish off the exterior. If the available foglights aren’t equipped, some tacky black covers are slapped over the recesses – functional vents would have been preferred, like the ones used on the Micra. Mid-level SV models receive 17-inch alloy wheels and the grade-topping SL gets 19-inch rollers – our base S tester had 16-inch steelies and hubcaps.

The interior isn’t exactly premium, especially in the lowest trim (upgrade to SL for leather, navigation seven-inch display and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera), but there are a few interesting items to note. The plastic steering wheel has a sporty flat-bottom shape, which is the first time I’ve seen that in an SUV. Standard audio is output via a decent-sounding four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo and a Bluetooth handsfree phone system is included, although programming in a device takes quite a few cumbersome steps involving speech. There’s loads of interior room, and when the second row is folded down 1,730.2 litres of cargo space appears, or 648.5 litres upright.

The sole powertrain consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine pushing 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. An Xtronic CVT is optional, the regular tranny being a six-speed manual. Shifting definitely makes the drive more engaging, although the crossover feels pretty sluggish in first gear. Front/ rear independent suspension is nice, and I found the handling felt sharp for its size.

Love it or hate it, hill start assist is built-in so starting on sharp inclines are a breeze.

Fuel consumption is above average, as I was in the low 9s for liters per hundred during most of my largely in-town travels.

“From Qashqai to Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and all the way up to the full-size eight-passenger Armada, Nissan has the perfect SUV for any buyer,” says Brooks.

“Qashqai holds its own with all of its portfolio mates, just as expected of any vehicle that wears the Nissan badge.”

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DEBUTS FROM

NYIAS LINCOLN AVIATOR

BY BENJAMIN YONG

From global announcements for the latest upcoming models to concept vehicles that aren’t quite yet ready for market, the show has

2019 KIA K900

a bit of everything.

W

hile Detroit often hogs all the glory, the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is actually North America’s most well-attended automotive exhibition, which originally set down roots way back in 1900. From global announcements for the latest upcoming models to concept vehicles that aren’t quite yet ready for market, the show has a bit of everything.

DARPAN has picked out six of our favourite surprises to come out of the recent show.

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Kia’s flagship K900 enters its second generation, appearing quite a bit different than the outgoing example. Jointly developed by the automaker’s design studios in Korea and California, the executive four-door car is slightly longer and wider than before and sports smaller “duplex” headlamps each housing new dual LED daytime running light strips.

Dashes of classy satin chrome can be found in areas like the base of the doors, and at the back, duplex combination taillights brings about a sense of visual completion to the overall package.

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A lot of vehicles today have ambient lighting, but how many setups were created in concert with the famous Pantone Color Institute? Among 64 selections, seven natureinspired colours, emanating from the overhead console, door panels and passenger foot wells, possess Pantone’s personal touch. In addition, an intelligent lighting system uses proximity sensors to brighten 20 per cent when a hand is detected reaching for a switch on the dash. Under the hood is the same 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 from the Kia Stinger, producing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.

The Lincoln Motor Company dug into its archives and resurrected a model not seen since the early 2000s: the Aviator.

The aeronautical-inspired name and the fact that it was a luxury mid-size SUV are among the few traits the past and future vehicles will share. Lincoln unveiled a pre-production version at NYIAS ahead of the 2019 launch, and here’s the big kicker: it’s going to have a hybrid option.

“This is the first time we’ve combined plug-in electric technology with twin turbos and you’re going to experience quick yet quiet acceleration of an electric powertrain, but without the range anxiety thanks to its twin turbocharged engine,” says Jim Farley, Ford president of global markets, during a press conference, adding that RWD will be the drivetrain of choice in order to preserve a level of performance consumers have come to expect.

The Aviator is perhaps the sleekest looking product to come out of the rebirth era of the premium marque, showing off the signature grille comprised of miniature repeating star emblems, a sharply tapering roofline and a confident stance.

Inside, three rows offer flexibility in seating yet doesn’t make the interior feel cramped. In fact the cabin is quite spacious, attributed to a clean and minimalistic layout. One might even describe the interior as evoking a sense of sanctuary, one of the four tenets – beauty, gliding, humanity and sanctuary – guiding the design philosophy behind the crossover.

Other highlights include the Lincoln Way app allowing drivers to fire up the ignition via their smartphone rather than carrying a key fob; Suspension Preview Technology that uses a camera to scan for imperfections in the road and then adjusts the damping level accordingly to minimize occupant discomfort; and the Co-Pilot360 suite of electronic driver safety aids.

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GENESIS Essentia Concept People got a taste of what could be a future Genesis high-performance battery electric vehicle when the upscale brand revealed the Essentia Concept, a zero-emissions gran-touring coupe. This EV is guaranteed to turn heads with its low-slung carbon fibre body, flashy butterfly doors and Genesis Quad Lights, which are razor thin, flush mounted laser optical head and tail lamps. A high-density battery pack and multiple electric motors help the Essentia get from 0 to 100 km/h in a flat 3.0 seconds.

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PHOTOS: AUTOSHOWNY.COM, NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW/FACEBOOK

2019 NISSAN Altima The best-selling sedan out of the Nissan camp is reborn boasting two new mills, automatic rear braking and, surprising for the segment, all-wheel drive.

Aside from the standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, customers can choose a variable compression turbo four-cylinder, the first such production-ready unit in the industry. In a nutshell, a proprietary device allows the pistons to independently travel varying distances within the cylinders that dramatically increases output and efficiency.

The BMW Group had one of the most fun world premieres at NYIAS: a fully electric powerplant stuffed into a classic MINI shell. The unique amalgamation is a way of celebrating a commitment to preserving its heritage, and to set the scene for the MINI 3 Door EV due out next year, coinciding with the nameplateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60th anniversary. The one-off restoration features dazzling red paint, a contrast white top and yellow MINI Electric badging similar to those on the plug-in Countryman.

2019 TOYOTA RAV4 The best-selling vehicle in Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lineup receives a complete overhaul for the upcoming model year.

Wearing the latest company face styling revolving around a bold hexagonal grille, the once diminutive SUV is not so much anymore gaining 30 millimetres in wheelbase length, 10 millimetres in width and an extra half-inch in ground clearance.

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The RAV4 will be sold in two 2.5-litre four-cylinder flavours, both utilizing new Dynamic Force tuning. One runs on pure gasoline, mated to an eight-speed DirectShift automatic transmission, and the other is a hybrid driven by a continuously variable transmission.

Toyota is also debuting an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring allwheel drive system on the platform significantly improving traction in different environments.

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DARPAN BOLLYWOOD

102 NOT OUT Release date: May 4 Directed by: Umesh Shukla Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor

T

his May release has been exciting the movie buffs like never before, and why not? The film brings back two stellar actors together on screen after 27 years and that too in a quirky-delightful avatar. 102 Not Out, starring the dynamic duo Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, is the most unusual father-son love story adapted from playwright Saumya Joshi’s famous Gujarati play by the same name. Mr. Bachchan will be seen playing the role of a 102-year-old father and Kapoor is portraying his 75-year-old son. Speaking about the concept of the film, director Umesh Shukla said in an interview, “Bachchan’s character realises that the Chinese man is living a long life because he never let any boring people around him. So he decides to put his boring son in an old age home. That is the funny catch.” The teaser of the film has already piqued the interest of every moviegoer and we can’t wait to watch this one on the big screen.

BOLLYWOOD

MOVIE CALENDAR

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

Block your dates now for the movie bonanza that’s in store for you in the coming months.

I

f pure entertainment is on your mind, then some of these upcoming movies are certainly not going to disappoint you. The lavish movie indulgence begins with 102 Not Out, a slice of life film that brings together on-screen two of the most prominent stars of Bollywood – Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, after 27 years. On the heels of this laugh-riot is Meghna Gulzar’s unique thriller – Raazi, featuring the talented Alia Bhatt; followed by Veere Di Wedding, a comedy that boasts of a stunning all-women star cast.

Last but not the least, comes the most-awaited Eid release Race 3. Loaded with adrenaline pumping action and packed with a stellar star cast including the favourite Bhaijaan of Bollywood aka Salman Khan in the lead, Race 3 is sure to catch your fancy. So block your dates now for the movie bonanza that’s in store for you in the coming months.

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RACE 3 Release date: June 15 Directed by: Remo D’Souza Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Anil Starring: Kapoor, Daisy Shah

R

ace 3 is one of the most-awaited instalments of the Race franchise. With some exciting additions to the cast, the upcoming film is sure to be packed with a lot of exhilarating action. Salman Khan who has joined the Race franchise for the first time is one of the biggest reasons why the audience is eagerly waiting for the film.

Apart from Salman, the film has a sizzling star cast consisting of Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah, and Saqib Saleem. Hollywood’s famous action director, Tom Struthers, has directed some of the high-octane action sequences in the film.

Struthers, who also worked with Salman in Tiger Zinda Hai, said, “Audience can expect the same level of enthusiasm and high-octane action in Race 3.” We definitely can’t wait for this Eid treat.

RAAZI Release date: May 11 Directed by: Meghna Gulzar Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapoor, Shishir Sharma

I

f thrillers get you excited, then this Alia Bhatt-starrer is something that you should wait for with bated breath. Based on Harinder S. Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, Raazi is a thrilling saga of an Indian spy who gets married to a Pakistani military officer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Film’s director Meghna Gulzar recently shed some light on the film’s central character – Sehmat, played by Alia. She said, “Sehmat is not a femme fatale, she is an ordinary college-going girl who gets picked up and is put through a remarkable journey. She is not a superhuman. There is a vulnerability to her, and that quality stays with her until the end of her story. On the face of it, the film may come across as this espionage drama or thriller, but it is not Mission: Impossible. It is not going to be a hysterical, exaggerated, espionage thriller.” Well, this one got to be watched first-day first show.

@adorebykanika

VEERE DI WEDDING Release date: June 1 Directed by: Shashanka Ghosh Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Shikha Talsania

M

ovies with female protagonists are the flavour of the season. Veere Di Wedding is an all-female-buddy comedy film starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania in lead role. It is a chic film that celebrates the spirit of these fantastic four ladies. The movie also marks Kareena’s comeback after her pregnancy. Speaking about the film Bebo said, “It’s a different kind of movie. It’s a story of four friends. It’s not the typical boy-meets-girl romance which I think I’ve done so much of. So I thought this should be different.

It’s a small film, made by women. The producers are women – Rhea (Kapoor) and Ekta (Kapoor). I think it’s a special film and people will appreciate it.”

604.803.2487 adoredesignsbykanika@gmail.com

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DARPAN HOLLYWOOD

BY JORGE IGNACIO CASTILLO

With rising ticket prices, strategic spending is the name of the game. We have an idea which films will give you the most bang for your buck.

SEE IT OR SKIP IT??

IT ?

DEADPOOL 2 May 18 Two years ago, the first Deadpool movie was treated as a curiosity by industry insiders: An R-rated, lowbudget (by comparison) superhero comedy, starring an actor better known for his high-profile bombs (Ryan Reynolds). The joke was on them: Deadpool went on to make US$ 783 millions worldwide. Unsurprisingly, the sequel is much bigger, and makes a bigger effort to insert Deadpool in the X-Men universe, an approach that may not be the most appropriate one for a character that doesn’t play by the same rules.

SUMMER AT THE MOVIES

LIFE OF THE PARTY May 11 There are two kinds of Melissa McCarthy comedies: The good ones (Spy, Bridesmaids) and the ones directed by her husband, Ben Falcone (Tammy, The Boss). Sadly, Life of the Party is one of the latter. In classic fish-out-of-water premise, a recent divorcée joins her daughter in college. Some hijinks ensue.

See it or skip it?: Skip it. A much better Melissa McCarthy movie (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) is coming out in October.

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See it or skip it?: See it. Either preserves the anarchic spirit of the original or goes down in flames. Plus, you can amuse yourself recognizing Vancouver vistas.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY May 25 This one looks messy. Original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (21 Jump Street) were unceremoniously fired mid-production, as their free-wheeling style didn’t mesh with the Star Wars production machine (journeyman filmmaker Ron Howard was brought in to reshoot the whole thing). Perhaps more worrisome, an acting coach was hired for star Alden Ehrenreich to mirror Harrison Ford’s turn as Han Solo closer.

See it or skip it?: It’s a tossup. While the movie seems troubled, Rogue One had similar problems and ended up being fantastic.

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JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM June 22 It seems people haven’t had enough of dinosaurs roaming the Earth: The previous chapter became the fifth highest grossing movie of all time. This time, the dinos themselves are in danger, as a volcanic eruption is about to wipe out their habitat.

Velociraptor wrangler Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and former park manager Claire Dearing June 15 (Bryce Dallas Howard) are One of Pixar’s finest hours, The Incredibles made willing to lend a hand, if they superheroes more relatable than any of their live-action don’t get eaten first. counterparts. The sequel follows suit by reflecting See it or skip it?: See it, if the changing dynamics in households everywhere: for no other reason than to Following the massive destruction caused by their bouts watch Jeff Goldblum as fussy with supervillains, superheroes around the world are mathematician Ian Malcolm. grounded until further notice. As a PR move, ElasticGirl

INCREDIBLES 2

is chosen to restore the good name of their kind, forcing Mr. Incredible to become a house-husband, a task made harder by Jack-Jack, the irrepressible baby unable to control his multiple powers.

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO June 29 Apparently, the team behind Sicario: Day of the Soldado didn’t get the #MeToo memo. Not only the saga remains a testosterone-fest, they got rid of the only significant female character from the first installment (Emily Blunt’s Kate Macer). Once again, the American government hires “Mexican consultant” Alejandro (Benicio del Toro) to get rid of a cartel don who is smuggling terrorists into the US. Unfortunately for the officials, Alejandro’s long dormant conscience reawakens, and the titular sicario finds himself at cross-purposes with the Americans.

See it or skip it?: Skip it. No Blunt, No Denis Villeneuve.

It’s hard to come back from two strikes.

OCEAN’S 8 June 8 A spinoff of the Ocean’s 11 saga, this one is femaledriven, with Sandra Bullock in the George Clooney role (they are supposed to be siblings), and Cate Blanchett as her Brad Pitt. The film doesn’t deviate from the formula: A crack team of thieves puts together a heist to take place during the MET Gala, one of the most heavily covered social events in the world.

See it or skip it?: See it. Seems like frothy fun. Plus, I would put money on the original gang making cameos.

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Photos: Lucas Film/Disney, Fox, Warner Bros. Entertainment

See it or skip it?: See it. No ifs, ands or buts.

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INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS

GLOBAL

INDIANS

SEEMA BANSAL

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

“Our company was truly built on trial and error and tons of research and perseverance. With each issue came a solution. I think that is a major aspect of starting a business, not focusing on the problem, but figuring out a solution.”

N

ew York-based Venus ET Fleur, a bespoke rose atelier, is an internationally recognized brand that has revolutionized the online floral buying experience. Offering roses that last up to a year, the floral company boasts of celebrity clients like the Kardashians and has delivered to DJ Khalid and Gigi Hadid, among other VIPs – that too within a short period of its existence.

Founded in 2015 by Sunny Chadha and Seema Bansal, Venus ET Fleur was born out of a budding romance.

On Valentine’s Day, Sunny sent roses to his then long-distance girlfriend, now fiancée, Seema, only

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to find that the flowers were of poor quality and almost damaged when they arrived. This incident sparked the couple’s interest in creating flower arrangements that not only represented freshness but also style. Long story short, Venus ET Fleur was born. Sunny and Seema’s search for the most beautiful and pristine flowers brought them to Ecuador, where they developed the proprietary treatment that become key to Venus ET Fleur’s renowned Eternity Rose Collection – floral arrangements that can maintain their freshness and

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elegance for up to a year.

“Our company was truly built on trial and error and tons of research and perseverance. With each issue came a solution. I think that is a major aspect of starting a business, not focusing on the problem, but figuring out a solution,” says Seema whose vision for Venus ET Fleur was “to create a brand that stood for a product and a service that was of high quality and made anyone who received it feel like they were of high standards.”

Seema says one of her earliest challenges was getting people to take them seriously. “They couldn’t understand how we were running such a large company at what people think was such a young age,” she explains. Today, with record-breaking growth and sales in 2017 estimated over millions, Venus ET Fleur has taken the floral market by storm and created a prominent spot among industry leaders. “I truly didn’t think that it would happen as fast as it did,” adds the entrepreneur.

Venus ET Fleur offers a wide range of products, all carefully crafted and customized to enhance the receiver’s celebratory moment or experience. The company delivers over 80,000 arrangements each year. Seema reveals that her favourite collection is the Lé Clair.

“This arrangement features a bed of roses on top and a drawer in the bottom to store all your precious pieces.”

A milestone for the couple was being featured in Forbes’ 2018 30 Under 30 list in the retail and e-commerce category.

A dream come true, Seema was honoured to be listed among many other amazing entrepreneurs and game changers. “It’s made us work even harder knowing that hard work truly does go recognized.”

Taking the company ahead, the cofounders are planning further expansion and creating more product categories.

They already have a few new products in the works. In her spare time, Seema enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, learn about new things, and practice meditation. “Anything to bring good vibes, clarity and positivity into my life,” she states in conclusion.

Q&A

How has the global floral industry changed since the launch of Venus Et Fleur?

The industry has changed quite a lot. We believe we revolutionized it.

We introduced a product that was a game changer. We continue to create and evolve the products we offer! Our service is extremely important to us and we make sure each client is treated to a luxury experience.

Indians around the world have made significant contributions to their immigrated countries, what do you think of this accomplishment?

I think that it is absolutely amazing.

India is a beautiful country and we are such hard workers. We tend to always strive to be successful for ourselves and our families. I’m extremely proud to be Indian and Punjabi! My father does amazing charity work every year in India and I plan to follow in his footsteps. We only hope to make our community and country proud.

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M AY- J U N E 2 018 By georgia nichols

HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

MAY: Money is on your mind this month. You might want

MAY: “You look mahvellous dahling!” The Sun is at the top

MAY: You’re giving thought this month to how you want to

to earn more money or get a better paying job. You might be involved in financial negotiations. You will focus on your assets and the things you own. Perhaps this is because this is your year to benefit from the wealth and resources of others, especially banks. Ka-ching!

of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. This is why others, especially bosses, parents and VIPs, are impressed with you. (You don’t have to do anything special.) Obviously, you can take this to the bank. Demand the advantage. Show the world what you can do!

JUNE: This month your daily pace accelerates with a busy

JUNE: This is a fabulous, popular month! Enjoy schmoozing

manage your life. What is your top priority? What are your duties and responsibilities? And what about your health? If you don’t take care of yourself, you are of no use to anyone. You will enjoy working hard; and you will enjoy earning and spending money this month. Relations with partners and close friends are warm and loving.

agenda. You’re involved with friends and groups much more than usual. (You might be in competition with someone).

Short trips, increased reading and writing plus lots of conversations and fun visits make this an interesting, fascinating month. Entertain at home!

with friends and being involved with groups and clubs.

Admittedly, relations with a close partner or friend might be strained and will stay this way until August. Actually, you can use this is an opportunity to practice patience. Whatever happens, your home and family scene will be beneficial and protected.

JUNE: Relations that began to warm last month are even

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 20, 21 JUNE 16, 17

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 1, 2, 3, 29, 30 JUNE 25, 26

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

MAY: Do whatever you can to travel and expand your world

MAY: It’s play city for Capricorns this month! Grab a vacation.

because you are eager to learn more and meet fascinating people. You will enjoy profound discussions about heady topics – philosophy, psychology, religion, politics and perhaps astrology. You have lots of energy for sports and social activities, especially with children. Your positive attitude is your greatest strength.

Enjoy schmoozing with others. Make plans for the theatre, dinner with friends, playful activities with children, picnics, barbecues and fun, sports events. Fortunately, with Mars in your sign, you have energy to burn and Venus guarantees success with others, (Mom always liked you best.)

JUNE: This is the month for you to make your pitch and

setting high standards for yourself this month. You want to be efficient, effective and productive! You want the best results for your efforts. You are ambitious to boost your earnings now and for the rest of the summer; however, you will also be spending big as well. (Keep your receipts.).

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 11, 12, 13 JUNE 8, 9

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) MAY: This is your hour! It’s your turn to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Take advantage of the fact that people and excellent opportunities will be drawn to you. Use this in your favour. You are ambitious and you can make money now. You’re also buying beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Happy birthday!

JUNE: Your ambition is still aroused this month and it will stay this way until late August. Yes, you’ve decided it’s time to go for the gold. Because your words are sweet and powerful, you can make money writing, selling, marketing, talking, acting and teaching. And perhaps even singing! (Most Taurus people have a great voice.)

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 14, 15 JUNE 10, 11

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) MAY: This is a quiet month for you. You need to lie in the tall grass and watch the world go by. However, it’s the perfect time to strategize and plan what you want for your new year (birthday to birthday) to be about. After all, this is your year to improve your health and improve your job. What are your plans to do this?

JUNE: This month you step out centre-stage because it’s your birthday. You are empowered and confident! You also see ways to boost your income. But what intrigues you now are opportunities to travel. In fact, until late August, grab every chance to explore travel plus avenues in publishing, the media, medicine and the law. You want adventure and a chance to learn more about the world.

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 16, 17 JUNE 12, 13

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) MAY: Make every effort to connect with friends and attend groups, clubs, conventions and associations because you will enjoy socializing this month. Venus in your sign makes you charming and diplomatic. (Admittedly, a partner or close friend might be annoying.) This is the perfect month to shop for wardrobe goodies. Go out and have fun!.

JUNE: This month you need to rest from all the to-ing and fro-ing and your busy escapades in May. Seek out solitude in beautiful surroundings. Take time to meditate or do yoga or practice any discipline that restores your soul. Avoid disputes about inheritances and shared property. Enjoy light-hearted activities with children.

do what you can to advance your agenda because people in power respect you now. (Timing is everything.) You have energy to work plus your positive attitude will attract people to you. You can’t go wrong!

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 22, 23 JUNE 18, 19

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) MAY: Increased chaos and activity on the home front will demand your attention. Meanwhile, intense discussions about inheritances and shared property are also likely. Fortunately, your reputation shines. You look marvellous to others, especially bosses, parents and VIPs. (In fact, a romance with a boss might begin.)

JUNE: Travel and escape somewhere will delight you.

Fortunately, the insanity at home has subsided. Now you want to focus on vacations, playful escapes, fun activities with children, romance, sports events and saucy flirtations.

(A friend might become a lover.) Woot!

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 24, 25 JUNE 20, 21, 22

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) MAY: You need more sleep this month. Respect your need for this. Your focus on a partner or close friend will be intense this month; however, you will also learn more about your style of relating to others. You will see how you have a choice of how to react. The other person is not in control of your happiness – you are. Grab every chance to travel for pleasure!

JUNE: Someone will ask for your creative advice about how to make something look better – composition, design, layout, gardening – could be anything. Because increased chaos and activity on the home front are maddening, escape through travel if possible. (It’s true that change is as good as a rest.)

Inheritances and shared property will be a focus.

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 26, 27, 28 JUNE 23, 24

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 18, 19 JUNE 14, 15

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warmer! You have a lot of energy to communicate to others this month, which is great news for those of you who sell, market, teach, act or write. Gifts and goodies from others will come your way so keep pockets open. Jump at any opportunity to travel for pleasure late in the month. (You adore travel.)

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ting

JUNE: Roll up your sleeves and get busy because you’re

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 4, 5, 31 JUNE 1, 2, 27, 28, 29

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) MAY: Home and family are your focus this month, especially your relationship with a parent. Social occasions, vacations and activities with children will be a joy. With Jupiter at the top of your chart, you are admired. Be aboveboard in all your dealings with others this month. If you try to be sly, you will be caught.

Don’t be tempted. Take the high road (Don’t give anyone a chance to gossip.)

JUNE: This is a wonderful, playful month. Get thee on a vacation! Enjoy social outings, fun times with children, the arts, sports, and all kinds of romantic rendezvous. This month it’s your turn to play. (A work-related romance will begin for some.) Whatever happens, you have boundless energy all summer long.

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 6, 7, 8 JUNE 3, 4, 30

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) MAY: Fasten your seatbelt because this is a fast-paced, busy month! Expect a busy schedule with appointments, meetings, conversations with siblings and relatives plus several short trips. Many of you will also be reading and writing and studying more as well. You will want to redecorate your home and invite guests to admire your achievements. Competitive sports in groups or with a friend are likely.

JUNE: Your desire to redecorate last month increases your focus on home and family this month. You might be involved with a parent more than usual. Vacations, fun times, especially with children, are on the menu. Grab any chance to travel because this is what you really want to do this year. You will also love to study and learn more. You want it all!

LUCKY DAYS: MAY 9, 10 JUNE 5, 6, 7

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CANADIAN SHARE THEIR IMMIGRANTS STORIES and soon got a part-time, entry-level job with First West Credit Union.

“Within the next year, due to his hard work, commitment and outstanding performance, he was promoted to a next level position in the official hierarchy,” shares Ruchi.

Ruchi, who previously taught middle school students in an international school of New Delhi, got a job in the banking industry within the first month of landing. However, since she had been an educator for five years in India, she decided to do what she is passionate about. “She wanted to pursue her career as an educator but her qualifications did not transfer over from India. She worked full-time for over a year with e h t t an educational childcare as a teacher e e M and simultaneously enrolled herself into a program with the Surrey School District,” shares Praval of Ruchi, who would soon be working with a School District supporting elementary and secondary school students.

What the couple likes most about Canada is that nature here displays incredible diversity in all her glory. start a fresh life – from car to furniture “Within a 45 minutes drive, we can

BY PETRINA D'SOUZA to groceries,” recalls Praval, who climb a mountain, dig our feet in the purchased a used car within the first sand or soak them in a water body.

Praval Dadwal is an investment week of landing. “Our driver’s licence There are roaring canyons, silent creeks advisor with First West Credit Union from India served as an international and lush green parks all around. We license for 90 days so we could explore can enjoy the cold white powder as Ruchi Dadwal is a teacher with an new places around and had plenty much as we can enjoy the warm blissful educational childcare of time to obtain our BC’s Driver’s sunshine,” express Praval and Ruchi Ana is 14 and Addy is nine years old Licence,” he adds. who love travelling and exploring Settling into the new country and new places and have visited numerous getting accustomed to the weather tourist spots in BC. “There are so many n 2015, Praval and Ruchi Dadwal, and people was easy for the family, more within Canada on our bucketmigrated with their children Ana and the challenging part was finding list. Proximity to the States is also an Addy to Canada. The country’s natural well-paying jobs in the areas of their advantage,” Ruchi adds. surroundings and clean environment, expertise. Soon after the move, Praval The family’s positivity is their biggest better quality of life, and great educational started working for a commission-based strength. “We are enjoying life, have opportunities for children encouraged job. But it didn’t align with his longa roof of our own over our heads, and their move from India. term career goals as he had served as a most importantly, our kids are super Having no relatives in North America, senior officer in the financial industry happy. On days when the “Sun” shines two family friends helped and supported in India; he wanted to build upon his on a Sunday, we are ready to explore the Dadwals during the transition. “They past work experience and work for a new place. For us, this sums up the found us a basement suite to rent and the banking or financial industry in definition of happiness, and we are helped us buy everything necessary to Canada. He kept applying for jobs living it,” says Ruchi in conclusion.

DADWAL Family

I

BIGGEST OBSTACLE FACED SO FAR IN CANADA: Finding a full time, well-paying job in the area of our interest and expertise.

Fortunately, we bought our own new abode before the real estate market prices started shooting up. However, it is really hard for a new immigrant to afford a roof of their own in this hot property market.

RESOLUTIONS MADE FOR YOURSELF OR FAMILY: To keep striving towards our life goals. All we want is a good career, sound health, quality family time, and loyal, loving friends.

ADVICE FOR IMMIGRANTS: When you decide to move to Canada, plan your financials for the intermittent time when you might not have a source of income or a stable job. Have an open mind and be willing to adapt to the good things of the new culture. Be loving and supportive to everyone around – you will get, what you give! Keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Meet new people, work on your communication skills, upgrade your qualifications, do what you love, and make new friends.

MEMORIES OF YOUR HOMELAND: We miss celebrating the Indian festivals with family. We have lived a majority of our life years in India, we miss the place, and its people.

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