Faces Magazine January 2014 - Rick Mercer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAGAZINE DIRECTORY Editor In Chief Justin MacKinnon Publisher Hank’s Paw Publishing (A division of 2384399 Ontario Ltd.)

6-11 | Rick Mercer Fashion & Beauty

You Need to Know About 26-27 | All Winter Trends

28-29 | Beauty: Best of 2013 30 |

Men’s Fashion: Peacoats

Getaways

35 | Best Valentine’s Getaways 12-14 | Shannon Tweed

36 | Reading Week:

Creative/Art Director Vicky Sun Photographers Valberg Imaging Greg Kolz Gord Weber Rick Millette Cover & Rick Mercer Photos: Jon Sturge Contributors Duong Hoang Carol Craig Alex Feeney Jacob Wright Carl Dupont Kaylie Sims Director of Marketing / Sales Kyle Turk

Staycationing in Ottawa

Communications Director Jordan Palleck Health

42-43 | Petra Januskova 15| Ottawa: The New Hollywood North?

44-45 | Jacob Wright 46 | Healthy Tips for

New Year’s Resolutions

16-18 | Vanessa Morgan

Operations Director Joshua Chartrand Accounting/ Finance Linda Zhang Advertising info@facesmag.ca Contact 613-591-6093 info@facesmag.ca @facesottawa www.facesmag.ca

52 | Mann & Partners, LLP: Better Safe Than Sorry

20-21 | Lianne Laing 54-55 |

22-25 | Faces Time Capsule Ottawa in 1994 Men and Women’s Fashion 4 | January 2014

50-51 |

Ottawa Pop Expo

Faces Magazine Bursary Winners

58 | Calendar

RICK MERCER

Unique. If there was only one word to describe Rick Mercer it would be unique.

Who else is able to interview an oyster fisherman one week and the Prime Minister of Canada the next without even batting an eye?

Probably the same guy who leans off the CN Tower with Jann Arden, goes bungee jumping with Rick Hansen and hovers like Iron Man over water. Yes, these things all happened.

With unprecedented success on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and The Rick Mercer Report, Rick Mercer has solidified himself as a welcome mainstay in Canadian television with an impressive 25 Gemini Awards under his belt. He is also the recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, honourary degrees from numerous Canadian Universities and The Rick Mercer Report won the prestigious Rose d’Or award for best comedy show in 2009. Mercer is even an honorary colonel in the 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron that flies Sea King helicopters.

6 | January 2014

Rick Mercer is able to take virtually any situation, topic or individual and accomplish two very difficult things: 1) put a uniquely Canadian spin on it; and 2) make it interesting and relevant. The witty man from St. John’s, Newfoundland is a Canadian icon who has helped us talk with Americans, not take politicians too seriously, and whose infamous rants have kept a pulse on current issues that help define what it means to be Canadian.

How is being a Newfoundlander impacted your views and opinions?

I think everyone who comes from Newfoundland thinks that it certainly has impacted ones views and opinions. I mean, it’s very natural to have an outsiders view when you’re from Newfoundland. Especially, my generation more so than perhaps younger people.

Newfoundland was the last into confederation, we’re geographically isolated, and when I was growing up we were the poorest province, and often the butt of many jokes. It was very easy to feel like an outsider and to have an outsider’s perspective.

We were very much a part of Canada, my generation, but most of us had parents who were born previous to Newfoundland joining confederation. An outsider’s perspective is a good thing when it comes to writing satire or looking at politics, or even at the country. I think it’s one of the reasons why Canadians, in general, are successful as comedy writers in the US. As Canadians, we look like Americans and talk like Americans, we understand American culture inherently. But at the same time, we are not Americans and that gives us an interesting perspective. I think the same thing can be said about Newfoundladers.

You once mentioned that you personally have ownership in all parts of Canada – what do you mean by that?

I do believe I have one of the best jobs in the country. One of the things I love about my job is that I get to travel around the country nonstop. I realize that most Canadians are not in a position to do that because: a) they have their own lives; and b) unless you’re doing it for work, you just can’t devote six months of the year to travelling around Canada.

When you travel around Canada as much as I do, I think you start feeling more and more at home in different areas of the country. You get to a point where you look at the Rockies and you take a pride of ownership.

Maybe ownership is the wrong term, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I saw the Rockies or the Pacific Ocean, but now, everywhere I am in the country, the landscape speaks to me. I think for most people, when they return to where they grew up, the landscape speaks to them in a way that other parts of the country don’t necessarily do. I’ve found that now, because I’ve been travelling non-stop, it all speaks to me in a way and I feel at home wherever I am in Canada.

Who was your biggest influence when you were growing up? Who did you look up to, in terms of television and broadcasting? Do you try to emulate any of their styles today?

I wouldn’t say I try to emulate anyone’s style today, but when I was a kid there was a TV show in Newfoundland called The Wonderful Grand Band. There was comedy and music on the show, so it was a hybrid, and it was a regional CBC show. It’s hard to explain to people how big that show was. It was the biggest show on television, and it was made by and featuring Newfoundlanders with Newfoundland music, Newfoundland comedy and it was about Newfoundland. It was the biggest show – there was nothing bigger!

At the time, Dallas was the biggest show in Canada and the US. In Newfoundland, it was The Wonderful Grand Band. Much as English and French Canada had been referred to as the two solitudes, and you could see that in their cultural choices, Newfoundland, in those days, was very similar. Our biggest music and movie stars didn’t live in Los Angeles or New York, they lived down the street. That show was the biggest influence on me both in the style of comedy that they were performing, and the attainability – it told me that you could work in comedy and television because there were people in my own community doing it.

I don’t know of anywhere else in Canada where that happened. In the first 6 or 7 seasons, it was only on in Newfoundland – it was a purely Newfoundland show.

There were no bigger stars in Newfoundland, which was a very strange thing. Most people grow up thinking, “well, if you want to be on Broadway, you go to New York. If you want to be a movie star, you go to Los Angeles. You want to be a rock and roll star, you go to New York or Toronto at the very least.” I never thought that way because the biggest stars were just down the street.

You have done so many amazing things on the shows you have done over the years. You did the CN Tower Skywalk, the Iron Man water-hover, which did you like the best and why?

The show always changes. The format of the show stays the same, but the types of pieces we do are so different.

I mean, years ago we won this award called the Rose d’Or award, which is a very prestigious comedy award overseas. Traditionally, when a show wins the award, other countries start sniffing around for format rights – they want to emulate the show in their country – and that happened with us. They came from Germany and five other European countries, Australia, South Africa, and they all wanted to know what the format of the show was that made it so popular.

“When you travel around Canada as much as I do, I think you start feeling more and more at home in different areas of the country.”

When they saw the format they were entirely confused because they couldn’t figure out how a comedy show existed where one week I’m with the Prime Minister at his house, and the next week I’m with Jann Arden on the CN Tower, then the next week I’m with a lobster fisherman. They would ask, “is the show about politics because there are politicians on the show? Or is it about music because there are rock stars on the show? How do you even end up with a lobster fisherman on the show? We can’t do this. Who would watch this show?!”

But because the pieces are so different, it’s very hard for me to pinpoint a favourite. I could say bungee jumping with Rick Hansen, because he’s a personal hero of mine. Or I could say flying in a fighter jet, which is incredibly exciting. But again, one of my favourite pieces was talking to an oyster fisherman in Prince Edward Island. It’s all apples and oranges. You can’t really compare being in a fighter jet to going oyster fishing, but that’s the format of the show. It’s a much shorter list of things I haven’t enjoyed – that’s probably only 7 or 8 pieces in 11 years. The rest of the time I’ve just

always enjoyed the opportunities I get to do on the show every week.

You talk about the format being unique, especially uniquely Canadian. You are exposing the best of Canada and Canadiana to the country. How did The Rick Mercer Report come to be? Did you always want to have your own show?

I think I always wanted my own show, but I certainly wasn’t focused on it early on. When I started on This Hour Has 22 Minutes as one of the creators of the show, I was very fortunate to get to do what I wanted to do in the framework of the show. As time went on I wanted my own show because I grew to understand the television is a

producer’s medium, and I wanted to be a TV producer as well as a writer and performer. The TV producer basically owns the show. So that meant leaving 22 Minutes and creating my own show.

In many ways, it’s no different than a chef who is working in a good restaurant, but decides that he wants to start his own restaurant – you just want to expand your skill set.

We had done some travelling on This Hour as the show progressed, which I really enjoyed, but I only got to visit some select places. I had always wanted to go to Nunavut and was always trying to come up with reasons to go, but there was always a reason not to go. Some of those reasons were legitimate – it’s expensive to go, weather is a factor, etc... – but when I got my own show we opened in Nunavut. Doing that was important to me, but there were some people out there who were saying, “you moved to Toronto to do this show so you have to open with a big Toronto story. That’s where the millions and millions of viewers are. You don’t open in Nunavut, because even if everyone there tunes in it won’t help in the ratings.” I just felt that people would be interested in me showing

off Nunavut to the rest of the country.

That’s my favourite thing in the world to do – find something or someone interesting in the country that we can just show off to the rest of Canada. I don’t think there is anything better.

Your segment, Talking to Americans, is so popular and appealing to Canadians – why do think that is?

It wasn’t an original joke by any stretch. Americans have been showing up at the border in August looking for the closest ski hill for a very long time.

I think it was popular for a couple reasons. For one, I think Canadians inherently realized that the joke couldn’t be reversed. Usually jokes can be reversed, but this one couldn’t.

Years later, when Talking to Americans kind of broke in the US and was on Good Morning America, Ted Koppel Tonight, etc... every one of them sent a crew to Canada to do the reverse.

They wandered the streets of Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa and said, “The President of the United States, John Wayne, says that we are going to legalize insulin.” And everyone looked at them telling them who the real President was. It just didn’t work.

Another reason is that it was very much our joke and our joke alone. When I did the segment it was before YouTube so if I ever went down there and came back feeling guilty, I knew they would never see it. Of course, five years later YouTube came about and they were all watching it.

You mention that Talking to Americans isn’t unique, but you have created something unique with The Rant – the no nonsense, but sometimes serious or comical one-on-one with you and the camera covering a range of current affairs. How did that segment come to be?

I was doing commentaries that were somewhat similar on a TV show called Midday, but I don’t know how many I did – maybe 6 or 10 – when the opportunity to create 22 Minutes came about. The creation of 22 Minutes was a very intense, conflicted process. There were four very strong individuals with four very different views of what the show could be. We had only a few weeks to create the show, and there were only ever going to be 6 episodes because there was no mechanism in place for the show to continue.

It was just supposed to be a six-pack, one-off

RICK MERCER

I came up with the notion of the rant, which was shot without any editing because it’s all one take. I knew that no matter what else happened that it would stick because it was so bloody cheap to produce.

experience. This allowed for lots of crazy ideas to float around and, in the midst of it all, I wanted to be able to point to something and say it was entirely mine inside that show.

I came up with the notion of the rant, which was shot without any editing because it’s all one take. I knew that no matter what else happened that it would stick because it was so bloody cheap to produce. I mean, it was just me and a camera man out on the docks. It didn’t involve wigs (for the first 6 episodes we only had 1 wig on a sketch show!), a studio or TV crews – it was just simple. From a mercenary point of view, I felt that my ace in the hole was that it was so stripped-down, straight-ahead commentary, and it just stuck. It became an important cornerstone of 22 Minutes.

Some of your rants have taken a more serious approach. Being in Ottawa, the story of Jamie Hubley comes to mind. Why did you feel compelled to highlight this tragic story?

I don’t feel like I have any mandate with the rant – it’s very much a personal commentary.

As a rule, I try to make it funny. What appeals to me is the absurdity in public life or politics often lends itself to a comedic treatment, but obviously the Hubley rant was different.

Jamie Hubley’s death struck me very hard, like I think it struck every Canadian hard. I happen to be gay so I suppose I related to him on one level, but I don’t think me being gay means I was anymore affected than anyone else. It’s just a terrible tragedy.

What really struck me when I went to write

9 | January 2014

that rant is how angry I was – I don’t think I’ve ever been angrier. I had written essentially the same rant probably two years earlier when another young man in Ontario took his own life under almost the exact same circumstances. I was angry and struck by the fact that nothing had changed. Here it was two years later and I was ranting about the same thing. I’m not saying my rant should have had any influence, but I just didn’t feel like we were moving forward on the issue. Sometimes the rants take hours and hours to write, but this one just happened naturally.

You never know what will go viral, but if I had to choose something to have gone viral it would be that rant. It’s something I am clearly quite passionate about. I still don’t know what impact it had in the grand scheme of things, but I was glad I had the opportunity to at least put it on television.

Sometimes you have to be critical of politicians. Have you ever experienced any backlash from them over the years?

Politicians, by in large, have pretty thick skin.

They have to be to be in that business. I actually think I’m pretty fair. I try not to resort to name calling even though it’s obviously very tempting.

Mostly who you hear from are the people who work for politicians. If you’re in Ottawa you know what I mean.

You look at a Cabinet Minister in their 40s or 50s who have been through thick and thin in their long political career. But all of these people, from the Prime Minister on down, have these staffers who are 21 year olds. I don’t want to be ageist, but these people haven’t really experienced that much. They have very powerful positions and every one of them thinks that their minister is not only the greatest minister ever, but likely destined to be Prime Minister. To use an over-worn phrase, “they have drank the Kool-Aid”, and they are shocked and appalled when anyone would say anything negative about the minister who they work for.

10 | January 2014

It doesn’t matter if their minister is caught stealing, lying or something that is untoward because they still think their minister is virtually infallible.

Rob Ford is a perfect example. There are probably young people or staffers around him that I’m sure, 6-months from now, are going to look back and go, “what in God’s name was I doing?!”

Working in politics can be like working in a bubble, and many people who leave politics realize this only after the fact. Once you’re inside the bubble you don’t really have a perspective about what the rest of the country is thinking.

Living in Ottawa, I’m sure some Canadians feel that everyone in the city is indirectly in that bubble even if they don’t work for the government.

That infuriates me. As I mentioned earlier, one thing I learned as I first started travelling to the mainland is that if you told someone you were from Newfoundland they would make some ridiculously insulting comments. It’s just the nature of the beast. You don’t hear that very often now because we have oil, but it happened a lot then. I always felt a kinship to Ottawa because I know people in Ottawa who experience the same thing! Instead of talking about the Prime Minister’s Office or the House of Commons, they comment on the city as a whole.

It’s like a friend of mine who is a lawyer – he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known – who has only ever done incredibly decent work for essentially NGOs and charitable organizations.

But I’ve been in situations where someone says to him, “what do you do?” When he responds that he’s a lawyer, people essentially imply he’s a terrible person!

Have you ever thought about running for office?

I became interested in politics at an incredibly young age and thought about it then more so

than now. This is primarily because I’ve found a way to be involved in politics without ever actually entertaining throwing my hat in the ring. I also think you need to know what your strengths are. I mean, if you’re a baseball writer you could be a great writer, but it doesn’t mean you could coach a team.

The people I admire in politics the most are those who have had some experience in the real world; they have had different careers and bring experience to the table. I think that’s one of the problems we have in Canadian politics right now.

If you look at Stephen Harper’s cabinet there are an awful lot of people who went directly from high school student council, to politics at the university level, directly into provincial or federal politics and then directly to the House of Commons. Look at Pierre Poilievre. I ran a contest on my show to see if anyone could provide evidence that he ever had a job, and nobody could do it! I’m not saying he’s insincere with what he does, I would just personally prefer somebody who would choose to go into politics after having experienced the real world.

What do you think about the recent Senate scandal? Do you think that the Senate is obsolete?

I go back and forth on the Senate. The notion of the Senate on paper, a chamber of sober second thought, appeals to me in many ways. But it has been a very long time since it’s been anything but a dumping ground for hacks. I think there’s some really good Senators out there, but I think the problem is that Stephen Harper has an opportunity to appoint someone from Prince Edward Island to the Senate, where there are a whole bunch of honest men and women and are exactly the type of people you would want in that position, but instead he chose Mike Duffy.

That’s where it all falls apart.

If I was the Prime Minister of Canada and a position came up for British Columbia, I would

put Rick Hansen in the Senate and sleep well at night knowing he wasn’t a political hack. I would sleep well knowing that I had appointed a great Canadian who has accomplished a lot in his life, and has a lot of great experiences. He’s exactly the type of person you would want in there. The problem is the people that the Prime Minister chooses to put in the Senate.

Put my father in their instead. I can assure you that he is an honest man. He’s never going to fudge his expenses. All of these problems would just not occur. My father worked for the Department of Fisheries and after 32 years he retired and returned the sleeping bag he received 32 years earlier! And he never even put in for a new one. I think he even returned the stapler.

Who was your favourite interview over the years and why?

There are a lot. Jann Arden is one of my favourite people, and I just always love having her on the show. I also mentioned Rick Hansen earlier – that’s probably the only instance where I had someone on the show who I was so incredibly nervous to meet. Jean Chrétien was always a great interview because he’s a great story teller. Preston Manning I always found a straight-shooter who I enjoy talking to. Back in the day, Deb Grey of the Reform Party was someone I enjoyed having on the show.

Aside from politics, what else are you passionate about?

Like anyone else, I enjoy travelling, eating and having a good time. I obviously enjoy current events as well. I’m also a big music fan, and The Tragically Hip are one of my favourite bands.

I don’t really have any strange obsessions (laughs) like Russian tea dolls or anything. No there’s nothing like that. I’m a pretty normal guy.

What do you like best about Canada?

That’s tough to sum up. We are incredibly lucky, obviously. I think there’s a sense of fair play in the country, and I like that about the country.

I could go on and on about what’s great about the country.

What do you like best about Ottawa?

I love the Parliament Buildings. I love the fact that you can get out of Ottawa so quickly, and I mean that in the best possible way. When I moved to Toronto the first time I didn’t have that much experience with the city. I remember calling a friend saying I wanted to go for a swim and he said it would take 4 hours to get there. What I love about Ottawa is that everything is right there – the Gatineaus, Wakefield, Chateau Laurier (my favourite hotel in the country), beautiful countryside, bike lanes, etc...

I like the fact that government brings people from all over the country. I also love the Ottawa Valley, which reminds me of Newfoundland

because there are lots of Irish people.

What led you to write, A Nation Worth Ranting About? Do you have plans to write another book?

The rant is something I do on my own. Because it’s current affairs it’s a natural progression to collect them in book form. It was also really easy – just Select All, Print and “hey, I’ve got a book!” I’m also in the works on a new book, but I’m not in a position to talk about it just yet.

Tell us about your charitable involvement.

Spread the Net is the one that I am most involved with in terms of a commitment. We’re partnered with Plan Canada now, and it’s something I’m pretty proud of because we are able to incorporate the TV show.

Every year we do this Spread the Net Challenge (http://plancanada.ca/spreadthenet) where students across the country raise millions of dollars to support an extremely important cause that helps purchase malaria bed meds, which is the number one cause of death for children in Africa. We are very fortunate that it’s a very tangible solution to a serious problem. $10.00 buys a net and saves a life, and kids react and respond to that.

It’s funny when you have a public life and get attention for charities when all you might have done is a benefit, which is the equivalent of volunteering for 3 or 4 hours. It’s just that when I do it I get all sorts of accolades because I’m doing it on a stage somewhere. I’m just thankful that I can bring my skills to the table. Some people volunteer and their capacity is a nurse, trucker or lawyer or, in my case, someone who can host a show.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Well, I hope most people don’t know very much about me (laughs). I’ve been accused of being pathologically distant about my private life. I’m not really. When the Jamie Hubley thing happened, where people thought I wasn’t “out enough” as a gay person, it was kind of interesting. It’s just the one thing I don’t talk about – myself. But there’s not really anything surprising.

Watch The Rick Mercer Report Tuesdays at 8:00pm (8:30pm in Newfoundland and Labrador) on CBC Follow Rick on Twitter @rickmercer

Yes, Shannon Tweed has come a very long way since her days living in Ottawa as a teenager in the late 1970’s. We caught up with her this week to discuss her career, her family, her time in Ottawa and her new reality show: Tell us some of your memories from growing up in Newfoundland.

It was a place where people didn’t lock their doors. I don’t think they do now either though. It was country living – my father had a mink ranch so we were always surrounded by chickens, sheep, horses, dogs, cats – I don’t think spayed and neutered applied. It was nice because we were always outside barefoot playing in the yard. It was a time when your mom told you to play outside and not come back until dinner.

You won the Miss Ottawa pageant in 1978 and then won the talent competition at the Miss Canada pageant, what were these experiences like for you?

I really didn’t know what I was doing. I had just got an agent for modelling work, and he asked

if I wanted to be a part of the pageant. I don’t think I had officially graduated high school yet, which was one of the prerequisites. They were like, “we won’t tell” and then I ended up winning it. The Miss Canada pageant was a little more nerve-racking because there was a talent competition. I was very nervous and I had never sung before. I wasn’t a singer, but I only sang that day.

Do you have any aspirations when it comes to singing?

I have terrible stage fright when it comes to that.

You lived in Ottawa for several years, what part of the city did you live in and what memories do you have of your time here?

I had a place on Bank Street for a while and I worked at a little café called Peppers. I lived in a loft apartment and if you went too far to the one side you’d crack your head (laughs).

How was your experience on Days of Our Lives? Do you prefer television or film?

I enjoy television more than film as a rule, but

I mostly like sitcom work. They’re shorter days and it’s typically taped in one day. Plus, they’re funny and a lot more light-hearted.

How did you end up meeting Gene Simmons, was it love at first sight?

I met him at a party at Hugh Hefner’s house, the Playboy Mansion. I wasn’t seeing anyone and he made the introduction because he had met him before. Along with a record producer, Richard Perry, they both walked me over to him and introduced us. I didn’t really want to meet him because he wasn’t really my type. but I guess we got along (laughs).

Where did you go for your first date?

The first date was the next day. He said he was going to come over and bring me breakfast, take me out and everything. When he got to my place I asked him where he parked and he said that he doesn’t drive and that he has a driver. My first thought was ok here’s a winner (laughs). He also followed up by saying that he wanted to take me to breakfast, but that he forgot his wallet. I had to leave to go to the airport because he took so long to come, and I left him

Shannon Tweed FROM MISS TEEN OTTAWA TO MRS. GENE SIMMONS Shannon Tweed has had a successful career in film, television and in modelling.

She is married to a music icon. Her family starred in one of the most successful reality shows in history, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels”.

12 | January 2014

“They’re the best thing that ever happened to us. They’ve never folded under any kind of peer pressure – they’re really great kids.”

13 | January 2014

to go off and see a movie. Afterwards, he called me every day at my hotel until we met a couple months later – our first date lasted about three months in New York.

Were you a fan of KISS before you met him?

I didn’t know them.

Did you end up going on tour with him afterwards?

Of course, he was working.

Tell us about being a mother, and what are you proudest of about your children?

They’re the best thing that ever happened to us. They’ve never folded under any kind of peer pressure – they’re really great kids. They don’t drink, smoke and haven’t been to rehab or anything. They’re hard working and want to make a name for themselves. They don’t want to hang on their fathers coattails, which is hard to do when you’re known as Gene Simmons kids – it’s hard to shake that. They want to accomplish things without having him make a call.

How was it for your family starring in a reality TV show called Family Jewels? How has it changed your life?

I didn’t love the idea at first, but it turned into a positive show – it wasn’t a car wreck so we had a lot of fun doing it.

You and Gene Simmons were together for 28 years before getting married, what was your wedding like and was it everything you hoped it would be?

We had a family, lived together, I’d call it a marriage but officially we weren’t married. The cake was fully baked already, but when he finally proposed it was icing on the cake. He’s a much better husband than boyfriend I’d have to say (laughs). He’s more subtle and focused, certainly much calmer.

Why do you feel the show had so much success?

I don’t know. Other than we were one of the first few reality TV shows that came out so there wasn’t a hundred different ones. There weren’t many where bonafied superstars showed what their actual life was like. Aside from Ozzy and Sharon there wasn’t really any insider looks at real famous people. There were semi-famous people, losers, some people that wanted to be famous but nobody that wasn’t a car wreck, famous and lived a surprisingly normal life. I think that normalcy was our car wreck (laughs).

Who are some of the most important influences on your life today?

I don’t know that there’s any one that stands out.

My mom is a role model because she’s so strong.

My dad was too – he didn’t pass away until I

was 24 so we had a good relationship. In terms of celebrities I don’t really have any role model celebrities.

In 2009, the city of Ottawa had planned to honour you with Shannon Tweed day.

(Laughs) No stop. Ottawa wasn’t planning anything. It was a girlfriend of mine, it wasn’t serious. It wasn’t meant to be so serious. It was a suggestion from a girlfriend of mine that worked on the hill and they took it serious I guess. I didn’t even know about it - it was funny. There is no reason why I should be honoured that way.

What is the biggest difference between life in Canada and the US? The nature of the business is different here (LA).

The weather and lifestyle is pretty casual in California, I don’t know that it’s that much different.

Can you tell us a little bit about Sophie’s Place and how it got started?

Sophie was approached by the mayor of Surrey, BC to lend her name to a place where children could go to report physical, mental and sexual abuse. They would receive treatments and report their issues in the same building so they wouldn’t be shuffled around big grown up places with overhead lighting. The conversion rate is higher because it’s a place where they feel comfortable telling their story. It’s a kid-friendly place where they can go and feel safe.

She’s traveled around the world working with children and established a good reputation. She’s hardworking and charity is something that we instilled in the kids early on.

How is the new series that you and your daughter Sophie are filming right now? Will we be seeing you in a different light?

I don’t know that it will be all that different because it’s a kind of continuation of her life. It’s a focus on Sophie and what she’s up to. She’s 21 now and has more of a professional life – she’s not as shy, she’s dating and she’s focusing on her career stuff. I think it will skew a little younger and hopefully it will be funny. We’re best friends and do a lot of things together. We hope to show how a mother-daughter relationship isn’t necessarily one dominating the other, but that she’s all grown up and I’ve done the parenting thing.

You’re never really done parenting, but now we can have fun.

I think it’s only airing in Canada so far on the W Network, looking at a spring release. We don’t have a date or title for the show yet.

www.shannontweed.com @shannonleetweed

Shannon Tweed 14 | January 2014

OTTAWA: THE NEW HOLLYWOOD NORTH? Not quite… but Hollywood superstar Jennifer Lawrence did come to the National Capital Region in 2010 to film the thriller, “The House at the End of the Street”, which was released in 2012.

Here are a few of the movies that shot in our great city (according to IMDB): 1. The House at the End of the Street (2012) 2. The Sum of All Fears (2002) 3. Batman and Robin (1997) 4. Alien: Resurrection (1997) 5. Sacrifice (2011) 6. Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) 7. Trailer Park Boys 3: Don’t Legalize It (2014) 8. Summer’s Blood / Summer’s Moon (2009) 9. Source Code (2011) – no deal with VIA Rail so it was moved 10. Mr. Nobody (2009)

Junior Miss America winner, Olympic promoter, fashion reporter, Amazing Race star and‌vampire. Vanessa Morgan has accomplished quite a bit in a short time. Her natural beauty has won her pageants. Her natural talent landed her television, movie and singing acclaim. Her natural charisma has won over countless fans. Vanessa has managed to accomplish much in the entertainment industry and still graduated high school with honours, and is currently completing her BA. Despite her busy schedule, Faces caught up with Vanessa to learn more about one of Ottawa’s top female talents.

VANESSA MORGAN What was life like when you were younger living in Ottawa?

Life in Ottawa was great. I was raised in Palm Springs, CA, but moved back to Ottawa (Nepean area) when I was 10. I attended the Elmwood School for girls in Rockliffe before I went to high school at Colonel By Secondary School. I had great teachers there and really enjoyed it, but I was gone a lot for acting. I started filming “The Latest Buzz” when I was in grade 9, which lasted for 3 years. In my final year, I was filming “My Babysitter’s a Vampire”. I was only in school for about 4 months out of each school year. When I think of Ottawa I think of being home with my family, Christmas time, skating on the canal and all the beautiful snow.

On your website homepage (www.vanessamorgan.ca) you have a photo in front of the locks beside the Chateau Laurier. Is there a particular reason you chose to shoot your photo at that location?

Nothing in particular, I just really love the landscape. I used to go for walks, runs, working out there and doing the stairs.

You won the Junior Miss America Pageant in 1999 when you were quite young, what was the pageant experience like for you?

I kind of did it as a joke. I was walking by with my family in Palm Springs and saw a pageant for Little Miss Palm Springs. My sister told me I should do it. I thought maybe I’d do it as a joke - as it was like those reality TV shows where the girls are all dressed up, with make-up and their hair done. For me I wasn’t like that at all - I just had a curly afro. I got a dress made and then the only make-up I had was a little bit of mascara with blush. I went up and had a big fro, personality and voice. I ended up winning and thought to myself maybe I’d do it seriously.

That’s when I went to the Junior Miss America Pageant.

I remember the moms looking at me and thinking I didn’t have a chance because I didn’t do any walking lessons or anything else. They thought I should be done up more and I was walking freestyle. I stood up on the stage walking with my afro, winked at the judges, did my talent portion (singing) and won! I think it was because I was a bit refreshing for them compared to what they were used to seeing.

Is that when you decided you wanted to be an actress and singer?

It was a part of why I did the pageant, but also because there was a singing portion to it. It was another place where I could sing in front of an audience and practice. I was always singing when I was 5 and 6 years old. I did a couple musicals in the community in California. I was singing in girl troops and that sort of thing. I never thought about act-

ing, but then an agent saw me singing at a festival in Palm Springs. It kind of took off from there. I got my agent when I was around 6. I started doing some commercials and that sort of thing. I really enjoyed doing the Panasonic commercial for Japan. Another one I enjoyed was a God Bless America commercial.

What was The Amazing Race like for you? Do you feel closer to your sister because of the experience?

It was amazing - one of the best things I’ve ever done! We were already really close, but the show made us closer than ever. During the show we were stuck with each other 24 hours a day, and couldn’t be more than 20 feet apart. We made it so far in the race, and accomplishing that together is something we can take with us and made us closer.

What’s next for you with your singing career?

I’m currently working on my demo. I’m working in Toronto with some great people including a recording artist called “iSH”. He has a song on the radio right now called “Rollin”. We have really good things coming and I’m really excited! I would say to expect it around the end of 2014.

Who are some of your favourite artists?

I listen to so many people; I really love country music Hunter Hayes, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice and a lot more. I love Rihanna, Drake and all kinds of artists.

What’s it like living in LA? I love it, but sometimes it can get a bit lonely. A lot of my family and friends are in Canada. I’ve met some really great people here in the industry and I’m starting to get more comfortable, but I’m a Canadian girl at heart. I see my family all the time and still see them about once a month.

Who is someone that you admire and why?

Celebrity-wise I admire Oprah and Beyonce - they’re both really inspirational. I love Beyonce as an artist because she hasn’t tried to sex it up or do a cliché publicity stunt to stay relevant, which a lot of other artists have done.

I also admire my mom. She’s a really strong person who has made me as determined as I am to succeed and overcome obstacles.

What was your biggest obstacle so far?

Every audition is an obstacle. Every role that you get is overcoming an obstacle. There are hundreds and hundreds of girls auditioning for parts, especially for “My Babysitter’s a Vampire”, and also being a bi-racial lead. They wanted someone white for the lead, and being the lead for a Disney Chanel show is definitely overcoming an obstacle. Being in the industry you have to lean out the shady people - it’s

“Never give up and keep following your dreams. One thing people always do when they have great ideas is to not follow through with them. Following through is a huge part of success. “ another obstacle that you face. Like people who tell you they’re this when they’re not, or people in the music industry trying to get you to sign contracts, etc...

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Never give up and keep following your dreams. One thing people always do when they have great ideas is to not follow through with them. Following through is a huge part of success. I have so many people say to me that they want to do what I’m doing, but they have to do this and that, which is why they’re not doing what I do.

I had someone comment on my Instagram photo from singing the anthem at the hockey game. They said that they wished that we were all blessed with such amazing opportunities. It really bothered me because those kinds of people don’t know what I’ve been through to get here. I wasn’t born wealthy or into a situation where these opportunities were just given away. I’ve had to struggle to get out there – like spending money going to auditions, not going to school, etc...

The situation I was blessed with is having a mom who sacrificed her job to travel with me to auditions and staying with me on set. But I also get myself out there by contacting directors and producers – I will always try to get projects on my own. If you’re trying to do something then just do it and follow through - don’t just talk about it.

You sang the anthem at the Kings vs.

Senators game on Dec 14th. You currently live in LA - were you cheering for the Sens or Kings?

I was torn - they’re my two favourite teams playing against each other.

Because I sang at the game, I wanted the Sens to win!

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution for 2014?

To do more for my career than I have in 2013. Some people might think I’ve done a lot, but I want to push myself to the next level. I should never have nothing to do.

What are your goals for the next 5-10 years?

Hopefully booking a new series, working on cool projects, acting in movies and I hope my music goes really well.

Once my album is done I hope people like it and that it gets really good feedback.

What are your favourite movies/ TV shows?

I love Game of Thrones, Orange is the New Black, Nashville and 90210.

Avatar and A Walk to Remember are my favourite movies. I saw We’re the Millers this summer and really liked it too.

What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?

“My Babysitter’s a Vampire” is definitely in my top 3. I loved doing the movie “Frankie and Alice” where I played the young Halle Berry because I got to work with such great actors and get mentored. Singing for the Toronto Olympic bid in Moscow with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was also a great honour. Amazing Race Canada was something that I did not just by myself, but with my sister, and coming so far was definitely another accomplishment I am proud of.

Can you tell us something you’re doing that we may not know about yet?

My sister, her Brazilian friend and I are starting a bikini line, which should launch in next June/July. The bikini line is called “Brazilian Coconut” and will be manufactured in Brazil. www.vanessamorgan.ca www.hercoconuts.com @vanessamorgan

18 | January 2014

VANESSA MORGAN

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

You were a provincial gymnastic champion by age nine, was this what started your love of fitness?

I was born into an active family where we participated in a tonne of sports growing up – biking downtown from Nepean or skiing at Mont Tremblant was a normal weekend activity. My mom was fit and active, as was my dad, so I never questioned the importance of physical activity.

My mom owns the Corona Nepean School of Gymnastics so I grew up in the gym. I was lucky that I had passion and talent for the sport at a young age.

I trained for four hours a day from a very early age.

For me, getting in an hour at the gym isn’t a drag; it’s something I really look forward to.

What was it like attending the University of Massachusetts on a full NCAA gymnastics scholarship?

I worked incredibly hard to get the scholarship to the States – it’s something I had to really work for as a Canadian. I loved traveling every weekend competing in the NCAA. It was a job and a passion at the same time. I actually became a better gymnast the older I got, which is unusual in the sport.

The school was committed to sport, but there was an equally strong commitment to academics, which helped me to graduate with two degrees. Sport in the States is a very different culture compared to here in Canada, but I always loved being an athlete!

You started your broadcasting career in Ottawa by covering sports – what was it like doing your first segment?

This job literally fell in my lap – right place, right time and I ran with it. I used the commitment I had to training and put it into learning everything about this business and the world of television. I felt comfortable in a sports environment, but I had to learn how to use a camera, do interviews, edit, write scripts and go on live TV. The first few years had a steep learning curve and then eventually I figured it all out. I felt that I had found the perfect job for me… especially covering sports. I understood the athletes and what they were going through, which helped with how I told stories.

What sports, aside from gymnastics, are you most passionate about?

I have never been passionate about anything like I was about gymnastics. I wish it was a sport I could have done in my later years. These days I love to hit the gym and feel like I’m still in great shape. I enjoy playing golf and skiing, but I have never taken up another sport.

20 | January 2014

Your husband is also involved with sports as a highly-known artist, any favourite pieces of his work?

Tony also comes from an athletic background – he was an OHL goalie and a quarterback at Bishop’s University. His sports background is reflected in many of his paintings because he creates a mood, moment and feeling to the athletes he paints. I love the Ken Dryden painting he finished last year, and have a special connection to the piece he did for Chris Phillips to commemorate his 1000th game. His painting of Roger Neilson, created for Roger’s House, was the starting point for the change in what he paints.

Do you have a routine you follow every morning to get ready for CTV Morning Live?

(Laughs) A routine for getting up at 3:45am? I just pray I hear my alarm and don’t sleep through it! I jump out of bed, NEVER hit snooze and head to work with soaking wet hair from the shower. I come to work in sweat pants and, once we finish our morning meetings, I head back to the makeup room, do my own hair and makeup and change into the days outfit. I always start the show with a fresh cup of tea!

Why is health and fitness such an important part of your life?

It means everything to me. I understand the importance it has on our everyday lives. I rely on my workouts to release toxins in my body and get my endorphins going; it helps me think and sleep better.

I know it may seem selfish that I want to get in a workout every day, but I don’t see it that way. I’m a better person and mom when I know I’m taking care of myself, which helps me take care of my family.

Is it difficult teaching your two daughters about health and fitness?

It hasn’t been difficult at all. They know the difference between healthy snacks and treats and the importance of enjoying both. We’ve tried to open the doors to a variety of sports and activities and let them pick what they want to try. We encourage active play, but still let them “veg” on the couch. They know that it’s important to both their parents that the family is active together.

We ski, ride bikes, hike, swim and enjoy the freedom of movement. They are also the first to know that mom and dad are trying their hardest to stay fit and healthy so that we can enjoy a long life with them.

Tell us about your work with local charities.

Over the last 16 years of being in this industry, I have been introduced to a variety of charities, events and initiatives. I speak and emcee at dozens of events and galas throughout the year. I sit on the executive board for the Snow Suit Fund of Ottawa and have been the

Lianne

gala co-chair for a number of years. I also sit on the board for the Youth Services Bureau Foundation and I am an ambassador for the Ottawa Senators Foundation. As a mother of two, I feel it’s important for them to see the value in giving back to the community and being involved. We can’t always be in the position to donate money, but we can volunteer our time and that’s important as well.

What’s on your playlist right now?

In my last purchase from iTunes I added, Kesha, Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Passenger, One Republic and Great Big World. I love music I can work out too as well as the sappy love ballads. I’m a huge fan of Mumford & Sons. I like to think that I enjoy a large variety of music, but I skip the hard rock on the radio dial all the time.

What do you like best about Ottawa?

We live in a beautiful city. Having been born and raised here, I have seen its growth, from the infrastructure to the people. To this day, my favourite thing to do is drive along the canal to watch the people skating in the winter. I also love my runs beside the canal in the summer. It’s a city that continues to grow, from the restaurants to the shops, and the nightclubs to the community groups. No matter where you live it’s the people that make the difference and when I meet so many interesting people every day, it makes me appreciate Ottawa even more.

Who was your favourite interview over the years?

We recently had astronaut Chris Hadfield on the show.

There was a buzz in the building when he arrived. He isn’t a movie star or rock star, but I listened to every word he had to say. He is a brilliant man and I appreciated his time and honesty when he talked with us. I’ve met so many celebrities and professional athletes over the years that sometimes they blend together. Chris Hadfield stood out.

What’s something most people don’t know about Jeff Hopper?

(Laughs) Jeff is a great friend and we have a lot of fun doing the show together. He hates having to try on anything during the show that will affect his hair (like putting on a hat). He is a kind soul who would do anything for his friends. He’s the same genuine person on TV as he is in person, but we have had to help him out every once in a while with clothing (he is colour blind).

Watch the CTV Morning Show weekdays at 6:00am.

Follow Lianne on Twitter @liannelaing

Laing

FACES TIME CAPSULE Ottawa Senators in January 1994 Leading Scorers:

Craig Billington sets a new franchise record for wins in a season with… 11!

Senators’ season record 14 - 61 - 9.

nhlsnipers.com

Penalty Minute Leader: Dennis Vial (214 minutes).

bleacherreport.com

Alexei Yashin

Alexandre Daigle

Baseball strike cancels world series (Montreal Expos were in 1st place at time of strike).

Key Events of 1994:

Cowboys beat Bills 3013 in Super Bowl 28.

Houston Rockets beat New York Knicks for NBA title in 7 games.

Oscar Best Picture: Schindler’s List.

Kurt Cobain suicide (Age 27).

thenewportbuzz.com

Nancy Kerrigan, US Figure Skater, attacked by associate of her rival, Tonya Harding. pitchfork.com

OJ Simpson accused of killing his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, starting off the trial of the century.

1994 Grammy Best Record: Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love you.” dailymail.co.uk

22 | January 2014

Forest Gump top grossing movie of 1994.

vimeo.com

Ottawa in 1994 Ottawa at a Glance Mayor of Ottawa:

ncc-ccn.gc.ca

Jacquelin Holzman

New York Rangers Beat Vancouver Canucks in 1994 Stanley Cup Final Game 7 ending Rangers 50 year drought.

Brazil beats Italy in a shootout to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Prime Minister of Canada:

trialx.com

Jean Chrétien

Gas Price in Ottawa in 1994 – 52.5 cents a litre (Average).

Ottawa Rough Riders finish season 4-14 and make playoffs with Danny Barrett as the Quarterback, losing in the East SemiFinal to Winnipeg.

Bluesfest opens/starts for the first time in 1994 at Majors Hill Park.

Born in 1994 – Justin Bieber, Eugenie Bouchard.

One Hit Wonders of 1994: “Mr. Vain” – Culture Beat, “Here Comes The Hot Stepper” Ini Kamoze.

Big Mac Combo - $3.99.

NAFTA goes into effect.

Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford were People’s Sexiest Man and Woman Alive in 1994.

fanpop.com

Top selling Car: Ford Taurus.

fanpop.com thisisposter.com

Canada Won 3 Gold Medals at 1994 Winter Olympics (2 Myriam Bedard – Biathalon, 1 Jean-Luc Brassard – free style skiing).

23 | January 2014

FACES TIME CAPSULE Women’s Fashion Designer Clothing

Hippie Look The mid-1990s saw a revival of 1960s fashion from 1994 onwards, including hippie-style floral dresses, turtleneck shirts, lace blouses, and Gypsy tops.

In America, Britain and Australia, long floral skirts, olive green dresses and yellow or blue denim shortalls, a version of overalls in which the legs of the garment resemble those of shorts, were very popular.

Around this time in Europe (especially Italy), it was also fashionable to dress entirely in black or wear designer clothing displaying Italian or French labels (such as Lacoste, Yves Saint-Laurent, Armani, Gucci, or Chanel) as a way of demonstrating one’s apparent social status and wealth.

Popular accessories during the mid-1990s included conch shell necklaces, straw hats, chunky wedge heeled platform shoes, knee high boots, and dolly shoes.

FACES TIME CAPSULE Men’s Fashion Grunge Look

Grunge-style flannel shirt and curtained hair, 1993

wikimedia.org

In the early 1990s, flannel became very popular and lasted through most of the decade. Unlike the fitted Western shirts of the 1970s which fastened with pearl snaps, the flannel shirts of the 1990s were padded and loose-fitting for optimum warmth. Men also wore Acid wash denim jackets, wool sweaters, black leather jackets, sheepskin coats, corduroy, anoraks, and polo shirts.

The drainpipe jeans popular among metalheads and fans of new wave music went out of fashion in favor of straight-leg jeans like Levi 501s and baggy carpenter pants popularised by rappers, skaters, and grunge bands.

Surfers favored baggies, colorful board shorts, and cutoff jean shorts.

In Britain and the US, popular accessories included Converse All Stars, trapper hats, tuques, white Adidas trainers, Doc Martens Boots, Aviator sunglasses popularized by rock star Freddie Mercury, and neon-colored trainers (sometimes incorporating flashing lights and elastic self-tying laces).

Modern Preppy

Preppy clothing was popular in the US, where wealthy young men wore khaki slacks, canvas boat shoes, and navy blue blazers with breast-pocket monogram or gold buttons bearing a family crest.

In general, 1990s preppy was more casual than the almost dandified look of the 1980s as young men abandoned ascots and Oxford shoes in favor of Nantucket Reds, nautical-striped T shirts, loafers, and madras cloth or gingham short-sleeved shirts.

Tartan

Punk’d

Suits You

As seen at: Saint Laurent, Mulberry, Givenchy, Versace

As seen at: Versace, Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent, Haider Ackermann, Chanel

How to wear: Check, plaid, tartan - call it whatever you please, just make sure you invest in it this season. As our deputy editor asserts “every girl has something tartan in her wardrobe”.

Layer it up, like Hedi Slimane has at Saint Laurent, for a morning-after-a-marathon-party mood.

How to wear: Picking up where plaid left off, punk stylings are revisiting our decades-old obsession, as exhibited by its recent Met Gala appearance. For those who hated those seasons of endless 80s nostalgia,rejoice: we’re onto a tougher period, so give it some grit and add patent, or a saucy suit with nothing underneath, gauzy chiffon and spikes.

As seen at: Victoria Victoria Beckham, Carven, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, House of Holland How to wear: Skirts had a moment in spring/ summer 2013, when everyone was concerned about the length of hemlines. For autumn, the classic skirt suit is deconstructed. Wear with a more casual appeal: add a jumper or try matchy-matchy prints for a look that’s perfect for the office and after-hours fun.

All you need to know 26 | January 2014

Oversized Outerwear

Menswear Moment

As seen at: Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, Peter Pilotto, Carven, DKNY

As seen at: Richard Nicoll, Emporio Armani, Diesel Black Gold, Antonio Berardi, Haider Ackermann, Donna Karan How to wear: Wear with confidence, and a good cut. Menswear doesn’t have to mean trousers suits, so pay attention to the tailoring and use your shoes and bag to give an outfit a feminine flick.

As seen at: JW Anderson, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Valentino How to wear: This one’s not for the faint of heart. Pious can be pretty with the right structure and accessories. Dolce & Gabbana took a more overt approach with saints and rosaries playing leading roles on the catwalk. Look to McQueen or Valentino for prim yet structured detailing for a modern twist.

about winter trends 27 | January 2014

Source: glamourmagazine.co.uk

Photo Credit: GoRunway

How to wear: In the winter, most of your wardrobe will be covered by your coat, so why not make it a statement? This styling tip does what it says on the tin, so embrace it and stay warm this season - who says fashion can’t be cosy?

Church & State

BEAUTY: BEST OF 2013 Best Buys for Eyes

Best False Lashes

Best Eye Shadow Palette

Ardell Duralash Naturals Knot-Free

Dior 5 Couleurs

Best Eyelash Curler

Best Gel Eyeliner

MAC No. 217 Eye Shadow Brush

Shu Uemura

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Source: instyle.com

Best Eye Shadow Brush

Best Eye Shadow for Dark Skin

Best Eye Shadow for Olive Skin

Best Inexpensive Eye Shadow

MAC in Amber Lights

Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Illusoire

Maybelline New York Color Tattoo

Best Mascara

Best Eyeliner Pencil

Best Eco-Friendly Eye Shadow

Dior Diorshow

MAC Eye Kohl

Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes

MEN’S FASHION

Peacoats

Burberry Brit Peacoat - $680

Scotch & Soda Slim-Fit Peacoat - $294

Maison Martin Margiela DoubleBreasted Peacoat - $1296

Shipley & Halmos Peacoat - $725

Tommy Hilfiger Classic Peacoat - $175 Rip Zone Cadet Peacoat - $89 30 | January 2014

Source: askmen.com

Luminox Recon Nav SPC - $450

The Citizen Men’s EcoDrive Stiletto - $475

Bulova Men’s BVA Series Dual Aperture Dial - $499

Tissot Men’s Chronograph - $495

Mondaine Men’s Sport $495

MEN’S WATCHES Highest Quality Watches for Under $500

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him Although Valentine’s Day is all about the ladies, most men can also appreciate a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day-specific – like flowers or a novelty bear – because it should reflect something unique to him. Whether he’s into looking good, sports or video games we’re guessing that at least one of the 10 gifts listed below will cater to your Mr. Right’s tastes.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

8

10

1. Cuff Links ( Bulgari) 2. Wallet 3. Utility Knife (Bessey) 4. Netflix 5. Cologne (Polo) 6. Xbox One or PS4 7. Sens Tickets 8. Beer 9. Whisky Stones 10. Watch (Michael Kors)

Personalized

1

2

Gifts For Her 1

4

Candy Jar - $30 memorablegifts.com

Necklace - $34 2 Monogram etsy.com

3 3 Phone Cases - $15-$35 gelaskins.com

4 Old Fashioned Wood Coasters - $29 creativelasering.com

5

Bars - $6 5 Chocolate etsy.com - $35 6 Cheeseboard findgift.com

7

of wine - $20 7 Bottle personalwine.com 8 Bottle of Moet and

flutes package - $99.99 personalwine.com

Love You Poster - $8 9 Ietsy.com

6 9

10 Scented Candle - $19 etsy.com

8

10

FACES

34 | January 2014

AROUND THE CITY

Tired of Ottawa winters? Head south to the Caribbean and warm up on the beach! Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba all offer reasonably-priced trips in the sun, and February is a great time to go south.

Whisk your partner away to the sun-drenched south to spend some quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of the snowy city.

Go South – Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba

Stay Local – Montréal While Paris may be known for romance, Montréal is no slouch. Some of the best fine dining and shopping spots in Canada can be found in Montreal. The city also offers stunning views from Mount Royal that would put anyone in a romantic mood. But if it’s a unique experience you’re looking for, snuggle up to your loved one at the Ice Hotel in Parc JeanDrapeau.

European Romance – Paris

Arguably the most romantic city in the world, Paris is known as the city of love and lights. Europe’s most famous city offers many romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day like fine dining, amazing museums and late night walks with breathtaking views. Book your trip as quickly as possible because Paris is a Valentine’s Day destination for many couples around the world.

Adventure Getaway – Tanzania If it’s adventure you and your partner crave then look no further than Tanzania. Pack your hiking gear and chart a course to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Working together and challenging each other can be fun and extremely rewarding. Plus, you’ll have to stay close at night to keep warm!

35 | January 2014

Museums Canada’s capital is home to some of the best museums in the country. Whether your interest is art, war, history, nature or science there is likely a museum for you. Plus, most offer students a discount or free entry.

Nightlife Ottawa bars, pubs and clubs know that all students aren’t leaving the city during reading week. That means that most places are offering discounted drinks, themed events or live music choices to compete for student attendance.

STAY-

CATIONING IN

Parliament Hill You’ve probably driven or walked by them 1,000 times or more, but have you ever ventured inside Canada’s government buildings? Tours are offered for free and you can learn about Canada’s political history… it’s not as boring as you might think.

OTTAWA Skating

The Rideau Canal should be good and frozen when February hits. Strap on your skates and tour the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. You can cap the day off with hot chocolate and a beavertail – it really doesn’t get much more Ottawa than that!

36 | January 2014

Comedy

Casino

Laugh away the winter blahs at Ottawa’s conveniently-located comedy clubs. If the comedians are good or bad you’ll get a laugh either way.

Book a room at the casino and forget about school for at least one night. The only work you’ll have to do is counting the money you win (or lose) playing games.

www.andysparks.ca

Happy New Year!

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THE TOURIST:

HOTELS/RESTAURANTS /NIGHTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY JOHN DOE

FEATURING:TORONTO STAY:

THOMPSON TORONTO Opened in 2010 in the diverse and artistically-driven King West Village, this Studio Gaia-designed hotel features 102 ultra-sleek guestrooms with sweeping views of Toronto’s cityscape. The hotel offers three exceptional dining options: Thompson Diner, Scarpetta and Wabora Sushi. Other amenities at this sleek boutique hotel in Toronto include a state-of-the-art screening room, 1812 Lounge, a yoga studio, and Toronto’s first and only rooftop pool bar and lounge.

550 Wellington Street West

EAT:

DRAKE HOTEL’S KITCHENS This hotel offers something for everyone. “Right on the mark”, is what the local media have dubbed the kitchens of the Drake Hotel. Whether you stop by for an early breakfast in the Café, a burger and beer in the Lounge, an exciting dinner in the decor-rotating Dining Room, or just to say cheers with a Paper Plane cocktail on the Sky Yard – food should be fun with great company. Everybody is a hipster at heart.

1150 Queen Street West 38 | January 2014

BAR:

COCKTAIL BAR The Hoof’s atmosphere resembles prohibition-era speakeasy bars. The menu is almost as fun to read as it is to drink through.

With house classics such as the Vieux Carré, daiquiri and Martinez mixed memorably and presented in vintage crystal or the signature drink, a perfectly concocted Manhattan, this location has it all. An all-round excellent stop for excellent for, as the name states, cocktails. Stay here all night or make it your pre-nightclub stop.

923 Dundas Street West

NIGHTCLUB: F-STOP

Catering to a young, trendy, professional, fashionable and upscale crowd, this nightclub is the place to be and be seen. With 3,300 Square Feet (multi-tiered floor plan), F-Stop accommodates a capacity of 300 people along with a 500 square foot private outdoor patio. With 9 VIP booths, state-of-the-art AV and sound system featuring some of the hottest local and international DJs, this venue is perfect for a night out in Toronto.

420a Wellington Street

MUST SEE: CN TOWER

A 553.33 m-high (1,815.4 ft) concrete communications and observation tower in Downtown Toronto, the CN Tower is the 5th largest free-standing structure on land in the world and 3rd largest free-standing tower. There are lots to do and see: you can walk on the glass floor 113 stories above ground, enjoy a meal at one of three restaurants offered, but for the brave is EdgeWalk - the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. Visitors are

301 Front Street West

attached through safety rails and harnesses 116 storeys above the city below.

39 | January 2014

TIPS TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Focus on only one resolution The fewer things on your mind, the easier it will be to accomplish it and stay focused.

Get someone to hold you accountable If you have someone that holds you accountable, you’ll have to show your goals and actual results to keep you honest and on track with your resolution.

Often resolutions are big and general, making them hard to attain. A tangible goal and the more specific you can be, the easier it will be to reach your goals.

Give yourself a trial run

Give yourself a trial run to work out the kinks, where you can let yourself stumble a bit and tweak your goals to something better suited for success.

Source: lifehacker.com

Set specific goals

Visualize the end result

If you’re having trouble staying motivated, focus on what you’ll get from your end goal.

Closely measure your progress

If you’ve reached a daily goal mark it down somewhere as a sense of accomplishment to keep you properly motivated.

Remind yourself of your goals every day

Make realistic resolutions

The only way to have a successful resolution is to be realistic in your expectations. If your goal isn’t realistic, you’ll give up quickly and won’t see any results.

Source: ilifehacker.com

Set a phone alarm, write it on a post-it note, write your goals on your bathroom mirror with a dry erase, etc.

DYLAN BLACK The Bear 106.9 Host

At what point did you decide you wanted to be on the radio?

I attended high school in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. I was the Student Council President and one of my duties was to read the morning announcements. There was just something about it that I got a thrill out of – a rush. I recall a teacher saying to me “Hey, you should consider a career in radio!” That being said, I was accepted into the Concurrent Teacher Education program at Trent/Queen’s University. I gave it a try but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I then decided radio may be my true calling.

n’ Roses! If it’s well written and well produced, I usually like it.

Where did you go to school for it?

Loyalist College in Bellevile, Ontario. I graduated from the Radio Broadcasting program in 1999.

What do you like most about your job? What is the most difficult part of your job?

I love the fact that I can use my platform for good. I feel that I am able to make a larger difference in my community because of what I do. I know that each day is a new day to make a difference for someone. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s a challenging career. It’s important to always be on your game. I used to do a morning show – getting up at 4 am was tough!

What makes you and your show different than the others in the city?

I do everything I can to connect with the listener – I pride myself on that. I respond to any and all questions that come in whether it is through the request line or social media. I also do my best to be informative and entertaining.

Community is a major part of my radio life and show. I also play the “Cookie Monster Goodbye Song” at the end of most shows. Who else does that?

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re off the air?

Anything and everything. My favourite artist is Michael Bolton and my favourite band is Guns

Who has been your favourite person you’ve met through your job?

There’s no way I could choose just one. I’ve been very fortunate to meet some amazing people throughout my career including world famous celebrities and musicians. Honestly though, it’s the everyday people I meet that impress me the most. Everybody has a story.

Some are unknown, yet amazing!

What advice do you have for anyone trying to break into the industry?

It’s just like any other career really – never give up. It’s a tough business to break in to, but if you are willing to work extremely hard, be positive and be versatile, it can work! You have to jump in face first and be a team player. I wouldn’t trade a minute of what I’ve experienced during this career! @dylanblackradio

Petra Januskova

Petra Januskova is one of Canada’s rising tennis stars. The Ottawa-born athlete is a recent graduate from Penn State University (PSU) where she holds the record for career double victories and the second best all-time record for career single victories. Petra has won multiple national titles in Canada, NCAA accolades and competed in the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

In 2014, Petra Januskova is setting her sights on becoming one of the top ranked Canadian female tennis players in the world.

When did you first start playing tennis?

I started playing tennis at the age of four.

How has your family played a role in your growth as a player?

My family has helped me grow as a person, leading me to grow as a tennis player both on and off the court.

They have supported me throughout the years and have put an enormous investment into my pursuits, so that I could reach my dream of becoming a professional tennis player.

You enjoyed great success during your NCAA tennis career at Penn State University (PSU). What was the NCAA experience like for you playing in the US? My four years at PSU was a remarkably, unforgettable experience. I couldn’t have asked to attend a better school. Penn State’s school spirit is very strong and the support for their student-athletes is amazing. Penn State gave me the opportunity to work with top strength and conditioning coaches, play at great facilities, and compete against the best in the nation. Off court, I walked away with a Marketing Degree from a very

42 | January 2014

highly respected business program.

How do you prepare for a match/tournament? Do you follow a routine or have any superstitions?

It really depends on the day and how I’m feeling, but I usually have a light 30-45 minute practice about two hours prior to match time. After a light hit, I will listen to music to get relaxed, focused, and pumped up. About 15 minutes before match time, I will go through a warm-up routine to get my body ready to go. I will also text my coach, my parents, sisters, and close friends to let them know I’m going on court so that they can follow my live-scoring online.

As a professional tennis player, you have travelled the world. Which type of surface is your favourite to play on?

My favourite type of surface to play on is hard court; clay court would be my second favourite.

What accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your career?

So far in my journey of competing professionally, I am most proud of playing at the Rogers Cup in Toronto this past summer. It was an amazing experience and gave me a taste of how much I want to be in the top 100. It also made me realize that I am not too far from the other girls and that I can compete with the best from around the world.

Are there any players on the WTA that you look up to? Who are some players that you would really like to compete against?

Ever since a very young age, I have always looked up to Martina Hingis. My game was always compared to hers

and I really enjoyed watching her play. I also looked up to her classy attitude both on and off the court. Some of the players I would love to play against would be: Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki.

You play both singles and doubles tennis - do you have a preference of one over the other?

I enjoy them both in different ways. If I had to choose a favourite, I would pick singles because I enjoy the individual competition; battling all by yourself and for yourself. Although, doubles is fun too and it is nice having someone to strategize with.

What are your goals for 2014?

My goal for 2014 is to break through the top 350 WTA in singles.

Aside from tennis, do you play any other sports?

Aside from tennis, I like to play ping pong, volleyball, and basketball. When I was younger, I used to be a competitive rope-skipper, which earned me a National Championship.

How do you spend your off-days, do you have any particular hobbies or pastimes that you really enjoy?

On my days off, I enjoy going to the movies with friends, hanging out with my sisters and parents, and watching hockey.

What advice do you have to young, aspiring tennis players?

The advice I would give to young, aspiring tennis players is to: never give up, follow your heart, and work hard!

What are some of the things you enjoy the most about Ottawa?

The things I love most about Ottawa are: the diversity and culture, the many festivals we have, and the close-knit community. I also enjoy the small things including skating on the canal, grabbing Bubble Tea from Chinatown, walking downtown, attending Ottawa Sens games, and hiking in Gatineau.

What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome so far in your career?

At the age of nine I tore my ACL completely, causing me to play with an abnormally large knee brace throughout my juniors career, until I could get the surgery done (once I stopped growing). I didn’t let this stop me; instead I learned the power of mental tenacity and how to play more strategically.

You have just turned pro - why is it so important for you to find sponsors for the upcoming season? How do companies contact you if they are interested?

This is the toughest part. Traveling and accommodations are very expensive.

Without the support and generosity of sponsors, I will not be able to pursue my professional tennis career and dream of reaching the top 100.

Companies may either email me at januskova.petra@hotmail.com or contact my tennis coach at tr@ottawaathleticclub.com. www.petrajanuskova.com @petrajanuskova

43 | January 2014

Jacob WRIGHT

Jacob Wright Education: Graduated with an Honours Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

CSCS

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Currently working on Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification.

The month of January always presents an interesting time of year in the health and fitness world. With new gym outfits ready to be debuted and an onslaught of new members crowding the squat racks and cardio machines, things tend to get a little crazy. Gym revenues rise, only to see retention die come February.

resistance training for hypertrophy, etc. But even the best health tips are useless if no one can follow them.

That’s why I’ve given you a step-bystep plan to help you modify your behaviours and make your New Year’s fitness resolution become a reality:

The big question is: why do so many New Year’s resolutions fail? There is no one solution to achieving resolutions, as we are all individuals with different goals and different lifestyles. Research suggests that as little as 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolution. Is it a lack of commitment? The inability to change? Or just the fact that there isn’t enough good information out there to guide people to success?

someone smart once said’ “if you fail to plan, than you are planning to fail.” This couldn’t be truer when it comes to success in the fitness world. Simply going to the gym just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Map out your goals and create your path as to how to achieve them.

At the end of the day, most of the advice out there is going to be fairly consistent: Drink water, eat protein with every meal, watch your heavy carbs, eat lots of veggies and fruit daily, take omega 3’s, do cardio for fat loss and

44 | January 2014

Strategize:

Take before pictures:

I’ve always been a believer that anything in life worth achieving requires some degree of hard work. Taking a before picture and comparing it to a progress picture showing 8 weeks of hard work can be one of the most rewarding feelings. It will turn your initial surge of motivation into something that lasts long term, and set you on track for a year of success.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

Don’t be a bandwagon jumper:

most trends are called trends for a reason.

They are something new that people become obsessed with, but that have no sustainability, and eventually disappear into thin air quicker than Clay Aiken’s music career. Stick with the basics: adopt simple, sustainable methods that have produced results over and over and over again.

probably not the best thing you can do for yourself. Your body isn’t a fitness punching bag. Be sure to implement proper sleep, nutrition/hydration, deload weeks, mobility, soft tissue work/massage and downtime into your routine. Driving your car at 6000 rpm’s will cause your engine to burn out. Do the same to your body and you should expect the same results.

Get help:

Don’t beat yourself up:

if you know you’re not intrinsically selfmotivated, or you’re just plain clueless when it comes to exercise and diet modification, then hire help. There are a plethora of health and fitness professionals out there looking to guide you through whatever your hurdles may be. Hiring help doesn’t have to be a year-long commitment either. Finding someone to help get you on track may be all you need to get your body beach ready by the summer of 2014.

Rest!:

beating yourself up day in and day out is a sure-fire way to derail your motivation wheels quickly. As cool as it seems to brag to your friends about how you ended your workout off by puking all over your new gym shirt, it’s

everyone misses workouts, everyone has cheat meals they shouldn’t have, and everyone has days where they just aren’t in the mood. Don’t let one day or one week ruin your entire plan.

Negative self-talk and stressing over the extra 1,500 calories you shouldn’t have consumed for dessert won’t do you any good. Focus on the bigger picture, and always stay on track.

There are 365 days in a year - that gives you plenty of time to turn your goals into reality.

In the gym, long term success is achieved through small sustainable changes. Going from zero to a hundred is a sure-fire way for you to get discouraged and fall off the wagon.

Follow the steps, stay on track and most importantly stay positive and change is bound to come. Happy New Year!

How to get in contact with Jacob at Greco Kanata Location: 100 Schneider Road, Kanata, Ontario Phone: 613 591 0348 Email: grecokanatanorth@grecoleanandfit.com

Healthy Tips for New Year’s Resolutions Most people use a new year to make a positive change in their lives.

For some, this means sticking do a diet and exercise routine. For others, it means learning new things and spending less time in front of the TV. While some use a new year to improve their self image. The good news is that there are some that may help you reach your goals, or to help maintain and improve your current routine.

Losing Weight Many weight loss supplements are a not recommended by doctors and experts. The claims haven’t been proven and some may have unwanted side effects. However, there are some supplements with a proven track record of weight loss benefits:

Calcium:

whether research shows that calcium may help you lose fat while preserving muscle.

Brain Boosting Many weight loss supplements are a not recommended by doctors and experts. The claims haven’t been proven and some may have unwanted side effects. However, there are some supplements with a proven track record of weight loss benefits:

Fibre:

feeling full helps you cut back on the amount of food you eat. Fibre is your friend!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

your brain is comprised of fat and a big part of that fat is DHA. Studies show that omega-3 may improve memory and could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Compared to the other options, omega-3 is your best choice for brain boosting benefits.

Better Looking Skin Many weight loss supplements are a not recommended by doctors and experts. The claims haven’t been proven and some may have unwanted side effects. However, there are some supplements with a proven track record of weight loss benefits:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

research suggests that omega-3 can work at a cellular level to regenerate new skin cells and help reduce inflammation.

46 | January 2014

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

Johnny Farina

Ottawa Pop Expo

50 | January 2014

51 | January 2014

Better Safe Than Sorry Written by Carol Craig

As a family law lawyer, I spent the holidays resting, getting ready for a busy January.

Sadly, in my profession, January is known as “Divorce Month”, as many couples decide to end their relationship at the start of the New Year. Whether this can be attributed to the pressures of the holidays or simply to the fact that couples wait until the holidays are over before announcing their intention to separate, many people start the New Year by making this significant change in their personal lives.

The separation process can be a difficult one to navigate, one fraught with animosity and conflict. It can also be an expensive process, particularly if emotions dictate choices. Many people are unfamiliar with their legal rights and many misconceptions abound as to what is possible and what is not. Often, people wait until long after they have announced their wish to separate before seeking legal counsel. On numerous occasions, I meet with new clients and wish I had had the opportunity to provide them with some key pointers long before they stepped into my office. By doing so, I would have helped prevent them from making some costly mistakes. If I had this opportunity, I would tell them the following: Protect your children and keep them out of the separation process. Threatening to limit or deny visitation is a powerful threat and the fear of losing access to a loved child can seem

Jonathan Wright

like an easy way to “persuade” your former partner to agree with your position. However, this type of behavior is damaging to all parties involved. If you are on the receiving end of such a threat, do not respond in kind and remember that all communication between you and your former partner could end up in a court record one day. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Try to take comfort in knowing that in the majority of cases, the truth will come out. If you have been a good, responsible parent, your spouse likely cannot deny you a chance to see your children on a regular basis.

More importantly, the court won’t allow it in most instances.

Be careful when listening to advice from family and friends. Urban legends abound; everyone has a story about what happened to someone they know when separating. Many of these stories are incorrect or are, at best, based on selective facts told from a very onesided view point. Although the people who care about you have good intentions and are trying to help, the information they are providing is often false. The sole reliable source of information is your lawyer.

Keep good records. Do not rely solely on your memory. Keep a journal of events that happen as this will help you recall specific details at a later date. You should take notes, documenting dates and additional details about times

Mimi Marrello

Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500 www.mannlawyers.com 52 | January 2014

Kathleen Wright

spent with your children or times your partner refused you contact with the children. Jot down specifics about any discussions or arguments that occur and their outcomes. Collect details about you and your former spouse’s financial situation. You will need to make sure your Income Tax Returns have been filed and you have copies of your last three years’ Notices of Assessment. You will need copies of bank account and RRSP statements, information about pension plans etc. Keep track of payments made on joint debts as well as any payments made to or received from your former partner. Details are important.

Finally, keep a low profile on social media.

Do NOT publicize your separation on Facebook, Twitter etc. In particular, do not post compromising photos of your ex in retaliation as this is potentially a criminal offence. Remember, every action you take could be part of a public court file.

There really is no good time to separate, but if you have decided that your relationship cannot be salvaged and you need to separate, there is no better time than now. A little information goes a long way, helping prevent costly mistakes. Our team of family lawyers is here to help if you would like to learn more about your legal rights and obligations in the event of separation.

Caspar van Baal

Carol Craig

Andréanne Dazé La Cité collégiale

You studied Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa before switching to Respiratory Therapy at La Cité Collégiale, what made you make the change?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go to university. I thought it was so prestigious compared to college and, since I was a straight-A student, I knew I belonged there. Unfortunately, I realized in grade 11 that the only university that offered the respiratory therapy program in French is in Moncton, New Brunswick. Not wanting to move out just yet, I decided to take HK at the University Ottawa because I was always interested in anatomy and fitness.

Tell us about your volunteer work.

During the 2 years I was at the University of Ottawa, I coached the under-17-18 Phoenix volleyball club. I couldn’t play varsity volleyball, so

F A C E S Why did you choose to do a degree in Aviation Management?

I chose Aviation Management at Algonquin College as I want to pursue a career as an airline pilot. I have always loved travelling and especially flying ever since I was a kid. I find airplanes fascinating and hope to achieve my dream of one day being in control of these sophisticated machines.

Tell us about your current community involvement.

Currently, I am in my final semester at Algonquin College. At the same time I am continuing my flying lessons at the Ottawa Flying Club (OFC), as well as working part time at the club.

In October, I was a volunteer at the Club during the Fly Day weekend event, where anyone interested could come in to the club and do a city tour.

You won a “Stars of the City” certificate; can you elaborate on why you received this?

Ottawa Tourism “Stars of the City” is an organization that encourages, promotes and recognizes outstanding customer service (especially towards visitors) in and around the city. Anyone can nominate an employee for the service they provide.

In my case, I was working at the OFC one morning when a family flew in from the US and

54 | January 2014

I was ecstatic when I was offered the position of assistant coach! Between practices, team bonding, tournaments and time spent at home calculating stats, I totaled over 500 hours of volunteer work.

How do you feel playing sports has helped you succeed in school?

Being a student athlete has taught me discipline – I learned how to use my time wisely and be organized. I have also acquired leadership and communication skills playing volleyball.

What advice do you have to others hoping to find a work/school/sports balance?

Organization and discipline are very important.

Plan ahead and use your time efficiently; it’s the only way you’ll be able to get all your school work done without compromising work shifts and/or practices. Also surround yourself with positive and encouraging people. I wouldn’t be able to do it if my teachers, friends and family weren’t a 100% behind me like they are now.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I hope to ace my national exam, get my license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and then land my dream job at CHEO! Oh, and of course get back to coaching volleyball!

M A G A Z I N E Giovanni Ruscito Algonquin College

they were looking for a ride to their hotel. That day, car rental agencies were all sold out and taxis were hard to come by, so I offered them a ride to their destination as well as on the return trip the next day. I was advised a short time later that this family had nominated me to “Stars of the City”. I received a certificate in recognition of this service.

What are your plans for the future?

Once I complete my program I would like to begin a second program in Aviation Maintenance while I accumulate flight hours and experience.

My number one goal is to pursue a career in aviation. The bursary will certainly help towards this very expensive program.

What is something interesting about yourself that you’d like to tell the readers?

I love to travel and have been fortunate to travel to Europe on many occasions (Italy, France, Portugal and Spain).

Jennifer Gedeon University of Ottawa

Why did you choose to do a Masters in Globalization and International Development?

I had a great interest in health and health systems so I had completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and then Bachelors in Social Sciences (Minor in Public Administration). While I enjoyed health care as well as our country’s political and regulatory system, I wanted to learn more about how Canada could impact developing countries in this sphere. The Masters in Globalization and International Development was the perfect program to elevate healthcare to a global level and to examine cross-cultural practices and systems across the world.

Can you tell us more about your academic performance?

I always strive for achievement and work hard to excel in everything I do – this ambition has helped me win awards and scholarships. I also

B U R S A R Y Why did you choose to study Commerce?

I chose to study commerce at the Sprott School of Business because it exposes students to an array of commerce-related topics. I wanted to experience aspects of management, accounting, marketing, international business and economics. Commerce opens the door to many different careers, and my involvement in the program thus far has allowed me to learn about all of these components in my first and second year.

Tell us about your current community involvement.

I am currently tutoring Carleton students taking first and second year business math courses. I meet with students to go over topics that they don’t understand and answer additional question they have, such as how to prepare for midterms and finals. I have been a teacher’s assistant for operations management since 2013. The position is interesting and challenging – I hold review sessions before midterms, work with students and I grade midterms and quizzes.

What do you say when you give tours to new students?

I have been a Sprott ambassador for over two years. I have assisted in general event coordination, attended networking events (both on and off campus) and assisted in organizing tours for parents and students coming to see Carleton University for the first time.

worked hard to prioritize my academics while maintaining work, volunteer and social commitments. I learned that it’s important to maintain a balanced lifestyle and time management was the best tool I had to do so.

Tell us about your current community involvement.

I’m a member of my workplace youth network and am an active community volunteer. This past year, I completed a trip to Nicaragua to build houses in Managua, and I am planning on travelling to Costa Rica with the University of Ottawa in May 2014 for a reforestation project.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the near future are to complete my Masters degree and move on to work in international and foreign policy, which explains my interest in international volunteer initiatives.

I’d like to be able to work on health programs being delivered in developing countries to really be able to bridge that global gap and promote a healthier world. I’d eventually like to pursue my PhD in this field.

What is something interesting about yourself that you’d like to tell the readers?

I am a huge foodie, but I don’t cook!

W I N N E R S

Sara Faisal Carleton University

I tell students where they can find important resources for papers or studying, for example, the MacOdrum library – a newly expanded and renovated library. I share with new students the various places on campus they can study, such as Dunton Tower. I think it is important to share that Dunton tower has computers accessible on several floors, study rooms and Sprott advisors.

What are your plans for the future?

During third year, a partner and I had the opportunity to design and create my own business plan. We are looking forward to furthering our business plan with the introduction of ‘Reign’, an online male and female accessory line in 2014.

What is something interesting about yourself that you’d like to tell the readers?

I enjoy travelling; I have been to Ethiopia, Dubai, and Germany. I am also signed to an international modeling and talent agency.

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

INTERIOR TRENDS WITH LECLAIR DECOR

*1

What’s trending for 2014.

GOLD, BRASS & COPPER These metals have made a comeback with jewellery and watches recently and are now finding their way into your home. Incorporate them with frames, accessories & lighting fixtures. *1 - Artichoke Thistle Pendant - The Modern Shop

NATURAL WOODS Natural looking woods are quickly becoming the popular choice for furniture and floors.

Don't be shy to mix different tones together! *2 - Solid Teak Wood Stool - EQ3

*5 *2

WALLPAPER Wallpapers have come and gone over the years but are now here to stay and the selections are endless.

Use them to accent a wall in your bedroom, dining room or powder room. *3 - Abstract Blue Wallpaper - Muralswallpaper.co.uk

*4

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS Add modern style to your home by bringing in this element with pillows, curtains, rugs, art or wallpaper. *4 - Cotton Canvas Zigzag Curtain - West Elm

VELVET This vintage fabric is making a strong comeback for 2014.

Lookout for it in pillows, sofas, chairs and headboards. *5 - Everett Armchair in Performance Velvet - West Elm

Leclair Decor is a local Husband & Wife design duo specializing in staging, colour consultations and complete home decorating services. www.leclairdecor.com *3

JAN 2

JAN 9-15

Ottawa Senators Vs. Winnipeg Jets Canadian Tire Centre

2014 National Skating Championships Canadian Tire Centre

JAN 11

JAN 16

JAN 21

The Hockey Sweater National Arts Centre

Ottawa Senators Vs. Montreal Canadiens Canadian Tire Centre

Jim Belushi and the Chicago Board of Comedy Centrepointe Theatre

JAN 25

JAN 26-27

JAN 28-30

Catwalk for the Cure uOttawa National Arts Centre

Craig Ferguson Centrepointe Theatre

Canadian Sport For Life National Summit Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel

JAN 30

JAN 31

Brent Butt Centrepointe Theatre

Jully Black National Arts Centre