february2010 by Neighbourhood Express

UPtown market to open in March

Contests inside!

Wedding supplement

Human Interest

The mystery of the young hockey star D

GUY CHOUINAR

e held the fans mesmerized. All of the nearly 18,000 fans in the Quebec Coliseum at the 1967 January Pee Wee International Hockey Tournament focused their attention on the player as he swooped behind the net smoothly without a sound. Scooping the puck against the blade of his stick he glided effortlessly around players, turning left and right like a falcon in flight, and headed down the ice. He bore down on the goaltender deking him to the ice, and rang the puck off the goal post to the roar of the crowd. The team from Toronto carried the puck quickly back to his end, only to have the amazing player with the striking sweater—a large Pepsi cap crest on the front—snare the puck off the stick of an opposing player and move effortlessly, seamlessly, towards the opposing end. Once again he swept around the defense and in one stride came upon the goalie, stickhandling around him, and backhanded the puck off the crossbar. “He’s trying too hard,” one of our coaches behind me remarked. I had seen many of the players who had gone on to play for the Saskatoon Blades, and then the NHL, play hockey at the Avenue L Rink in Saskatoon where my dad had been the manager and where I spent my youth. Several of the players I had seen there dominated the game, scoring over a hundred goals a year. But I had never seen anyone skate so well as this kid with the huge Pepsi cap crest on his jersey. As years passed, I puzzled over who the player was, narrowing him down to French players my age who might have played at the Quebec Tournament when I did. I brainstormed with my friends. I thought maybe it had been NHL star Pierre Larouche who had been there in 1966-68, or maybe Wilf Paiment. Every replay I saw of a child prodigy athlete like Wayne Gretzky, or a young running back who dominated the opposition, I thought about that young player and wondered who that might have been. I even checked the Tournament’s

Editor’s Remarks

hen it comes to the theme Romance is in the air, winter days in Saskatchewan have it all. The pristine beauty of the cool crisp days provides a wealth of fun activities for everyone to take part in. Go cross-country skiing amidst the snow-laden pine trees. Look up at the stars on a winter’s night: how clear, how bright they dot and sparkle the dark sky. Get pampered at a spa. Increase your fitness and energy level by joining an exercise club. Whatever your interests – art, music, food or joining a friend for good companionship – we urge you to take time to enjoy the

web site for players who played there and had graduated to the NHL. I saw names like Greztky, and Mario Lemieux, who had played after me, or Brad Park and Guy Lafleur who played before me. I even phoned the Coliseum once to inquire, to no avail, and had once questioned a fanatic hockey fan and former minor league player from

Several of the players I had seen there dominated the game, scoring over a hundred goals a year. But I had never seen anyone skate so well as this kid with the huge Pepsi cap crest on his jersey. Quebec one afternoon on the Pepsi sweater, hoping it would narrow it down from there…but nothing. I tried once more in November, 2009 and the Coliseum gave me the phone number of Ghislain Berubé, who knew everything about the tournament, and had even kept records from its beginning in 1960. When I phoned I struck the mother lode. Within two minutes he solved the mystery of the player I had puzzled over for four decades. When I described the sweater, he replied “The Castors.” I asked, “What are the Castors?” “That is the French word for Pepsi,” he explained. One mystery solved. After I described the ability of the player, he answered, “That was Guy Chouinard. He played in the NHL with the Atlanta Flames from 1974 to 1985 and scored 50 goals in 1978.” I was elated. Not only had I found the player, but also he had become the kind of player I imagined he would become. Fifty goal scorers are a rare breed.

serene and relaxing environment of winter; it’s the perfect time and place for romance. February is also a month that’s full of romance. Weddings take centre stage in this issue in the form of fashions, tips and trends. Our special wedding supplement in Section B has been designed to help you create great and lasting memories. If you are planning a wedding, whether simple or elaborate, you will find the all the keys of a successful wedding laid out for you in this supplement. For those of you who are completely indifferent to weddings, surely you aren’t indifferent to love – the love of trees, cats, dogs, music, colour, video games, hockey, the Olympics, outdoor games and travel. And if

SPECIALTY

by Jim Germain

CHOICE

Ghislain Berubé went beyond being cordial and solving the mystery of the minor league player. As a bonus, he even had a program with our team and my name in it from 1967, and sent me the rare program with all the scores and teams who had played that year. I also received a program from 2009 that lists the 2,300 “11 and 12” year old hockey players from 16 countries from as far away as Moscow. Over 400 hockey players have gone on from that tournament to become professional. It even boasts a legendary story of Guy Lafleur breaking the glass with a slap shot from the red line as a 10 year old, and another fan offers a highlight reel for sale of Wayne Gretzky as an 11 year old. When I looked at the program from 1967, I noticed that we lost 6-0 to a team called the Toronto Shopsies that had future NHLers Dave Lumley and Tim Young. That was also the team that Chouinard skated through several times only to hit the goal post several times. Incredibly, he was only 10 at the time, two years younger than the rest of us. His team won the consolation side in 1967 and played two more tournaments after that. His ability even enabled him to play regularly for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL regularly as a 15 year old. Finally the mystery of the hockey player had been solved. I feel fortunate to have seen Guy Chouinard as a youth. I have the program to prove it.

you’re still indifferent to all that, you can go directly to Section B, page 3 for the “Sex after 50” article. Men, load up on your zinc! (You have to go to that page to see what I mean if you haven’t already gone there!) We know that pets are an important part of the family too. We will always bring you something about animals and pets. And if you don’t love these stories, at least you’ll find them lovable. For a romantic escape, take a trip to Mexico or enjoy the beauty of Laos. Mexico is a popular destination for Saskatonians. Asia has become popular, especially among the younger and more adventurous. To this end, we’re delighted to introduce a great new

young writer to The Neighbourhood Express, Mark Ferguson. We look forward to more of his travel articles. They will be aimed specifically at the low-budget back-packer. We maintain our commitment to publish local writers of interest. We are also proud to bring back some of the great writers who have graced our pages in the past. In this issue, we are delighted to bring you new articles from Dr. Steven Lake, Gregg Cochlan and Margaret Bremner. If February is romance, then these are some of things we love. Bev Dawson, Editor-in-chief Bruce Filson, Managing Editor

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Human Interest

by Robert White

served people in any way that he could. I moved to Saskatoon in September 2005 and my family came to visit me from BC. My father fell in love with Saskatoon and the friendly atmosphere that the community provided.” She said the idea to develop a grocery store came from hearing from friends who live downtown about the need for this service. The independent store, which will carry fresh produce, meats, dairy and other grocery store basics, is aiming to open its doors in March. Her dad, Rexy Silva, owner manager, is waiting for some freezers and coolers to arrive from overseas.

Uptown will be downtown

father and daughter team is behind the plan for Uptown Market, a new grocery store in the main level of 2nd Avenue Lofts. The downtown market outlet will offer the convenience of getting groceries and supplies without driving. “Ever since I was little, it has always been my dream to do something with my dad.” Tabitha Silva said enthusiastically. “He’s always been an entrepreneur and always

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get a quick bite to eat.” Silva is confident that the enterprise will do well so her dad and family can move here permanently. “We’re hoping to also bring in organic and local. My dad knows that the community wants to eat healthier. He wants to support the community. He’s been a supplier for downtown Vancouver grocers. There were a lot of immigrants who started their own little grocery stores. Because he’s such a social butterfly, he learned a lot from what these grocers had to say.” He will also be sensitive to affordability, she asserted. “Growing up in a third-world country, he knows that some people struggle.” They are open to suggestions and feedback. She said “My dad is going to put the names of all the people who contact us in a draw and when the store opens the first three names drawn will get a shopping voucher.” Email: uptown.market@hotmail.com.

Welcoming city Soon to open, the Uptown Market, a new grocery store in the main level of 2nd Avenue Lofts.

Tabitha was very clear about the practical emphasis of Uptown Market. “We’re going to be an everyday grocery store that has relatively the same price as a Sobeys or Safeway. We want to be welcoming to everyone. It is mostly for people working or living downtown. The bus terminal is kitty corner to us so people transferring from one bus to another can pick up a few groceries on their way home. Or just come and return on the bus.” Uptown Market will be open until 8 pm and will include a deli and “a little coffee corner where you can

According to the report by the Conference Board of Canada released on January 13, Saskatoon gets only an overall ‘C’ grade in terms of being an attractive city to move to. That report is based on comparative statistical analysis of 41 indicators for 50 cities. The interest in Saskatoon demonstrated by the Silva family, above, contradicts that hands down. “It’s a big city but it feels like a small town.” Tabitha emphasizes. “You run into people you know everywhere. You make connections in so many places and get to know people really quickly. For her Saskatoon has some of the feel she likes about her native Sri Lanka, where she has been a few times. “There, everyone matters.” She recounted. “They take the time of day to smile at you and recognize that you are there, even if it’s just for a brief moment in your life.” Tabitha is clear about the cultural differences, but she maintained, “Saskatoon is a very friendly community and it’s so important to keep that. People do take the time to say hello. Everyone is so proud of where they live. I love that and I feel welcome. It’s a very welcoming city – it’s wonderful.” Take that, Conference Board of Canada! (See page 9A for story on Tabitha as a talented “transplant” to Saskatoon.)

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On the Cover

Inside this issue Section A

Human Interest ��2-4,9 Sports & Travel ��6-8 Home & Garden ........................10-16 Green Lane �� 17 Journey of Faith �� 18 Pets & Families �� 19 Of Community Interest �� 21 Genealogy �� 22 Business & Technology �� 23 Section B

Healthy Lifestyles ��2 - 4 Romance is in the Air.......................5 - 13 Image & Self-Development �� 14 On The Edge ....................... 15, 18-19 Community Affairs ........................... 16 Experience Saskatoon �� 17

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Human Interest

A stitch in time

hat is time? We rush around because we don’t have enough of it. We want time off from work to relax and recuperate. Time flies by. An exciting event can be the time of your life. Old Man Time waits for you at the end of life. Time has many meanings but few descriptions. The Newtonian view of time is linear and yet my experience in life tells me it is circular. The sun rises and sets. I get up every morning and repeat the process the next day and the next. Yes, there are variations but variations only – the underlying structure remains the same. The Oxford definition is circular too but in a different way. It states that time is dura-

Dr. Steven Lake

tion, and duration is length of time. The next part of the definition is interesting. Time is defined as indefinitely continued existence; the progress of this is viewed as affecting persons or things. It is as if Time itself has a tangible effect. We age over time, trees grow and die over time, when bored we mark time. Oxford suggests that it is in the viewing of the passage of time in relation to objects or people that we experience time. Or do we use time as a concept to explain a process? Can we in fact experience time or, as the definition states, we just view its effect on life. Our society is fascinated with time. From Father Time to water clocks to the recalibrating of atomic clocks that measure time so accurately that the latest time machine,

The markers of time are all around us. Whether it is our watch or cell phone, we carry time with us. based on a single mercury ion, will neither lose nor gain a second in over a billion years. A billion years! I am losing precious time trying to contemplate a billion years. That’s one accurate clock and, theoretically at least, it has practical applications for quantum computing and superconductors. Physicists can be so dramatic and poetic. Astronomical time is known as ephemeris time and to make accurate clocks they must control forbidden collisions of antisocial atoms (a.k.a., fermions). Who knew that there were all these ragamuffin fermions colliding and causing havoc when in identical energy states – which they are not supposed to do! I say contain them in optical lattices at near absolute zero temperature (i.e. Saskatoon midwinter). That oughta contain them! It does. Ephemeral is an apt description of the insubstantiality of time. We can’t grab time (literally) though we may try to steal it (metaphorically). The markers of time are all around us. Whether it is our watch or cell phone, we carry time with us. When we leave the house there is usually a billboard with a digital readout somewhere. In the car there is a clock reminding us of the time. In schools there is the ever-present clock in each classroom we all stared at as children, our eyes glued to the inexorable yet excruciatingly slow transit of the second hand as it worked its way around to the final seconds of the school day. And then there is the experience of time. Sometimes it goes slowly and sometimes it proceeds with haste. How does that happen?

When we are totally focused on an activity, whether playing hockey or reading a book, our sense of time changes. We become absorbed in the activity and our awareness of time shifts. The opposite occurs when waiting anxiously for an event to occur – time drags on; it takes forever for the second hand to move. In those moments we are hyper aware of the seeming slowness of time. Stated another way, “How long a minute is depends on which side of the bathroom door you’re on” (Zall’s Second Law). And when we want an experience to last, to savour every moment – time rushes past us and the moment is over before it began. It seems that time is a paradox created by our minds to account for the changes we see and experience in our environment. The experience of time slows down and speeds up depending on our focus and mood and yet the construct of time can be precisely measured. Charles Caleb Colton sums up the nebulous nature of time this way: “Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires.” Steven Lake works as a consultant to individuals and corporations and can be reached at dr.steve@executivesupportnet.com or phone 604-505-3536.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Sports & Trav el

inter is a good time to visit Laos, the only landlocked country in South East Asia, but on this particular day, ash floats down from the sky like a dusting of powder snow. The air is too thick to see and the leaves are coated a dusty white, yet Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural centre of northern Laos, is no less inspiring than it would be on a perfectly clear day. A local newspaper indicates the fires began with farmers lighting their dead, dry rice stalks to clear the land in anticipation of the coming rains. There is little equipment and little money in the region, so burning is the easiest way

beyond capacity and those who arrive late are forced into small crevices on the floor near the front. Most passengers are locals but several backpackers are also hitching a ride. After about six hours on seats without so much as a cushion, some of the passengers are getting restless and stiff, enviously eyeballing passengers in the speedboats ripping down river at a breakneck pace. Most travellers are warned of the speedboats, because of their propensity to flip over or hit rocks, but those willing to risk it can reach Luang Prabang in just a few hours. An American ex-pat at the back of the boat notices my eyes fixated on the banks as we float on, watching men hauling

A boat trip through

northern Laos by Mark Ferguson

to clear the land and fertilize the soil. But now the fires have spread from the fields into the tinder-dry brush and forests, charring the earth as it moves. The air is so thick that many commercial flights in and out of Laos’ two major centres, the capital, Vientienne, and Luang Prabang, are grounded as smoke and ash clog up jet engines. An inconvenience turns into an opportunity to see the countryside from a different and far more interesting point of view: slow boat. The slow boats are a preferred method of transportation by locals given the cost and poor road conditions in the country. From the Thailand-Laos border, it is a two-day journey down the muddy Mekong River to Luang Prabang. From the sandy banks of the tiny border town of Chaing Kong, about 60 people board an unusually long barge by walking across a makeshift gangplank that bends underfoot. The boat has a centre aisle with hard wooden benches on either side. There is a roof overhead and open windows give way to panoramic views. The boat has seemingly gone

building supplies by elephant and women along the riverbank, elbow deep in the water using bamboo bound sifters. They are panning for gold,” he says to me. “There is not much there, but if they can find one ounce of gold, they can make enough money for their family for the year.” The man appears to be in his 50’s and is travelling to Luang Prabang to see his wife, a local woman he met during the Vietnam war. The journey is peaceful, aside from the diesel engine moaning from the rear engine room, and I listen to the American’s stories over Beer Laos purchased from a young girl, no older than 12, selling salty treats and cold drinks from a cooler. By about five o’clock, a pink sun dips lower in the sky, veiled by a thick blanket of smoke. The boat docks at the small riverside town of Pakbeng after nearly seven hours of travelling. Those of us docking are greeted by locals of all ages, attempting to lure us into their guesthouse for the night’s layover. There are a few other passenger boats docked

along a sandy embankment and each night visitors find some food and a place to stay before continuing the journey the next day. I enjoy a freshwater fish curry, some sticky rice and a Beer Laos by candlelight at a small restaurant before walking back to my guesthouse. The town generator shuts down at 9 pm every night and the town disappears in the smoky, moonless sky. The rattle of the generator is replaced by the chirp of crickets and the only thing to guide my way are a few candlelit restaurants that remain open along Pakbeng’s main street. I navigate my way back to the guesthouse and fumble into the room thanks to a couple of lamps in the hall. The following morning, day two of the trip, begins with a quick breakfast of eggs and bread prepared by the family running the guesthouse. I ask them to prepare a couple of baguette sandwiches for the day’s journey before thanking them for their hospitality. The boat is in the same spot we left it the night before, but it seems to be more crowded with the arrival of new passengers. Still suffering stiffness from the wooden benches the day before, I opt to stand at the back for the duration of the journey and listen to more stories from the American and proceed to drain the canteen of Beer Laos, much to the delight of the young girl working. After a short journey of what feels like only a few hours, Luang Prabang floats into view mid-afternoon. The colonial French architecture that has made the town famous can be seen from the river atop the small embankment running up to the street, and a taxi comes into view along the waterfront street. As the slow boat docks, the next leg of this journey is on foot, exploring the many monasteries and temples, coffee shops and baguette stands, and the famous handicraft street market. My first stop will be the famous market for a snack and as I walk by a Buddhist monastery in the centre of town, a few drops of rain begin to fall and for the first time in days, the luscious green leaves on the trees reveal themselves, out from under their dusty coat.

The slow boats are a preferred method of transportation by locals given the cost and poor road conditions in the country. From the Thailand-Laos border, it is a two-day journey down the muddy Mekong River to Luang Prabang. Photos supplied

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Photos by Doreen Kerby

Sports & Trav el

The El Carmen Hacienda is located 60 km west of Guadalajara. For those familiar with Puerto Vallarta and the beaches of Costalegre, it is 90 km east.

by Doreen Kerby

It is a strange feeling to enjoy a hacienda that dates back to 1569, the date when the King of Spain gave these 22,000 hectares to Francisco Merodio as a gift. After several owners and their descendents worked the land, it was eventually willed to the order of the barefooted Carmelites in 1722. Documents refer to it as the greatest earning livestock ranch in the country, half in the hills of Tequila and the other half in the hills of Ameca. Regardless of its history, it is definitely a place of charm, peace and elegance.

law of 1856, “Reforma de Juarez,” colonnaded courtyards and beautiful manidenied the Catholic Church the right cured lawns. to own real estate (half of Mexico was once owned by the church). Eventually the All activities are free to guests including property ended up in the hands of General a six-hole golf course. Some preferred the Florentino Cuervo. After many owners Dr. swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and workout room. Don Joaquin Baeza del Monte purchased it A former high arched, stone granary has been at the insistence of his wife Martha Serrano converted into an elegant full-service spa. in 1961. By 2001, under The attendants give great By 2001, under Martha’s tender care, it had massages. After soaking in become one of Jalisco’s best the hot pool, wet bathing luxury hotels with 26 suites Martha’s tender care, suits are exchanged for soft equipped with fireplaces, it had become one of bath robes so we could enjoy hot tubs, and adorned with lounging around on chaise antiques. Jalisco’s best luxury longues and eating papayas, oranges, grapes and drinkhotels with 26 suites ing herbal tea. The session Haciendas provide wonderful accommodations ended with a full body masequipped with firewhile providing an authensage. Totally relaxed, I fell tic taste of the real Mexico. places, hot tubs, and asleep. When I awoke, I Fantastic Mexican food was found myself covered with a served on the patio under adorned with antiques. comfy, warm blanket enjoygraceful arches, looking out ing quiet, relaxing classical on trees as old as the hacienda. The weather music in the soft glow of a candle-lit room. was perfect, without insects or mosquitoes. What an experience! The table was always set with attention to the finest details, and wine was served from the The Hacienda can handle conferences of courtyard bar. Colourful peacocks roam the up to 200 guests. Besides food and lodging,

income depends on the cultivation of sugar cane, corn, wheat, and some citrus orchards. Very appealing are the graceful archways, wide corridors and beautiful chapel. Colonial paintings, maps and historic photographs grace the walls. Yet it still offers the practicality that the modern age demands. For guests who like to ride horses, trails extend through the original cane fields and pastures as well as the mountains. A threehour trail ride costs $45.00 US and is safe for beginners as well as advanced riders. The property is adjacent to the little town of El Carmen where many of the workers at the Hacienda live. The contrast between our luxury and their poverty was haunting. A golf cart and driver were provided for tours of the little town. My young driver works on security, 12 hours a day, six days a week for $420.00 a month. Trips to Guadalajara during the day include full-day guided tours of the city with time for shopping and lunch. Tours are also offered to nearby Tequila, the center of blue agave cactus where the majority of the world’s tequila is distilled. The most interesting tour is to the archaeological museum in Teuchitlan and the ruins of the Guachimontones pyramids built by pre-Columbian Teuchitlan people over two thousand years ago. The site has ten circular buildings, two ball courts, rectangular plazas, residential units and cultivated terraces. The Guachimontones are circular stepped pyramids. The 60-foot tall pyramid at Circle 2 has 17 high steps leading to the altar and a posthole at the highest point. It was most likely used for volador ceremonies, the flying ritual performed by five dancers. The person

Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

who dances at the top of the pole plays a flute while the other four descend the pole circling around it with a rope tied to one foot. This site once housed 25,000 people who controlled 1,000 obsidian mines. In 1999, after intensive investigation and clearing, two of the three largest pyramids have been restored. Much has been learned from the shaft tombs, deep holes dug for burial chambers that might be up to 20 meters deep to protect the contents from looters. Unfortunately, only a few have been found untouched. One contains over 60,000 artifacts. A new stateof-the-art interactive museum, built round like the pyramids, is under construction, and will open this year. Finally there will be room to display the thousands of artifacts, skeletons and bones found at the site. A holiday in Hacienda El Carmen is an unforgettable experience. Our evening meals were often served out on the lawn, under the stars. We helped ourselves to barbequed pork roast, ribs, sausages and roasted vegetables. To add to our delight a mariachi band entertained us throughout the evening. It is so easy to fall in love with Mexico.

If You Go: Reservations: 01-800-561-40-53 General Manager: Monica Baeza mbaeza@lasauceda.com www.haciendaelcarmen.com.mx

Human Interest

Selecting Saskatoon as Home

abitha Silva is exactly the kind of “transplant” Saskatoon is aiming to attract and keep as suggested in a recent report by Next Generation Consulting. She is young, multi-talented, entrepreneurial, and has strong community-mindedness. She ended up here by serendipity but she is committed to staying and even bringing her Sri Lankan-born parents here from their current home in Abbotsford, BC. Silva is currently acting program director for the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery, a role she greatly enjoys. She is also a musician and one half of the entrepreneurial father-daughter team planning to open the new Uptown Market downtown. Silva came here with her best friend Heather to go to university, September 2005. They both wanted to move out of the nest. It was suggested by Heather’s parents that Saskatoon would be “a great city to start your career as an independent woman.”

She ended up here by serendipity but she is committed to staying. It didn’t take her long to start a career she loved. In early 2006 she was hired by the nursery. “I fell in love with it. I had done a few volunteer trips abroad. Then I went to Haiti and worked in an orphanage and couldn’t get enough of it. The nursery was a place where I got to know the kids of our community, their parents and families.” This also focused her educational goals and she began pursuing a social work degree. “I’ve been going to school part-time and working full-time. In taking my time, I feel that I learn the most being hands-on and

by Robert White

actually help us keep going – it’s really an honour to see how many people love who we are and want to be part of our family.” Silva has also brought her musical talent to Saskatoon, playing at different venues and hoping to record an album.

“I grew up playing the piano and, when I was 17, my mom and dad bought me a guitar. I write my own music and I write poetry. I’m kind of folky pop.” Silva is one of the many transplants, making Saskatoon thrive. Thank you, Abbotsford.

~ My time in Haiti ~ Tabitha Silva went to Haiti with a group of young volunteers in 2004-5. The people of Haiti had a lasting impression on her, as you can see: Silva is currently acting program director for the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery, a role she greatly enjoys.

learning from working. I love working for small grassroots organizations. When you work with the families and individuals on the same level you both grow together. I think there is a place for social services and the bigger institutions but I think that communities need to step up and help our neighbours in order for there to be an actual change, to really embody that we’re a really big family. That’s what I really love that about this place.” “The nursery has been around for 26 years and even just this past Christmas, I was blown away by all the donations that came in as Christmas presents, food, baking and financial donations. Saskatoon loves the Crisis Nursery, even some little girls bringing in their allowance. Instead of getting birthday presents, they bring donations here. I think that it’s a really beautiful thing that people want to be a part of.” Silva noted that the nursery also receives a lot of support from large businesses, clubs and community organizations. She added “being in my position and meeting the people who

“I worked at Haiti Children’s Home (HCH), up in the mountains of Haiti, in Mirebalais. As far as I know, from those I have spoken with, the orphanage is fine. No one was harmed.” “My experience in Haiti was unforgettable, and will always have an impact on my life. To be in a place of desperation and be able to help and encourage was more than I could ever ask for.” “I loved the people. Whenever there was music, the people of Haiti were dancing. The children at the orphanage loved with no expectations or reservations. I was truly inspired by the mother and daughter team running HCH. They were real superheroes. Patricia, the mother (in her late sixties) would roam around Haiti on the back of a motorcycle fighting for those who needed support and a voice.” “The hospital often brought premature babies to their care because Melinda, a nurse, was the only one in the area who could put an IV in a child that small. They are angels, and live a simple, but incredible life, loving those who need it most. In the home, there were over 45 children. Actually, recently, I heard that there are many children there who still have no potential for adoption.” “Haiti is beautiful, but also very broken. I think it’s incredible that many North Americans have been so generous during these times, but it can’t stop. We must continue to give, and advocate for our global neighbours.” Haitian orphanages and children’s homes are shelters for vulnerable children, often housing children whose parent(s) are poor as well as those who are abandoned, neglected or abused by family guardians. Political upheaval, violence and societal breakdown rooted in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and mass rural to urban migration, have created an estimated 380,000 orphans, 9.3 per cent of the children under age 15. With the earthquake this figure will certainly increase, but some reports of millions of earthquake orphans are not considered credible.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Home & Garden

Apple trees this spring!

s a landscape designer, I am always asked about some of the best trees to plant in a new backyard. To my way of thinking, apples have it all and are tops on the hit parade list. Twenty-eight years ago, my husband and I planted two small whips (a two-year-old tree). These are apples with potential for many years of fruit production. We planted a couple of new varieties at the time: a ‘Parkland’ and a ‘Norland’ for cross-pollination. We still have the ‘Parkland’ because its branches serve as the bird feeder in the winter. My apples are as large as the store-bought Macs and they are all organic. If I am about to spend time and money taking care of trees and shrubs in the backyard, then I hope to get something back for it. Apple trees have all the qualifications to be a great small yard tree. The scent and bloom in the spring are unsurpassed by any other tree. White or pink blossoms fill the yard with fragrance and attract bees from all over. The promise of fruit in late summer and early fall cannot be forgotten. I think that it is the sight of the wonderfully ripening fruit that I anticipate all summer. My fall yard is again filled with the scent of ready-to-pick apples blushed red with green and gold overtones. The trees become very beautiful with all that fruit hanging on it. Apple trees can grow 14 - 16 feet tall, which is small compared to most shade trees. They provide smaller circles of shade in their corner of the garden, and attract all kinds of wildlife. Pruning should be done in early spring. Because the flowers are not yet open you

VALON

By Janet Wanner

can see the forming, and branches that then harden are damaged the tree off or need to after the fruit be removed is picked by to shape the restricting tree. It is water for said that a three weeks bird should in the fall. be able to There are fly through some miniathe tree so ture grafted the branches Apples will produce the best fruit if they get a apples, but should be wide they tend to little fertilizer in the spring only. apart and evenget fire blight, ly spaced. Sunlight to the centre of the tree is because they are grafted onto the Ottawa 3 a good sterilant for disease control. root stock. If you want a good crop of apples, then Rick vanDuyvendyk from Dutch Growers, you will need two different apple varieties for who is very interested in all things apple, says your bees to cross-pollinate. It may be that that the four big sellers are: Prairie Sensation, your neighbor has an alternate apple that will Honey Crisp, Red Sparkle, and a combination serve as a pollinator if you have room for only multi-graft tree. one tree. Some of the other varieties commonly sold Apples will produce the best fruit if they are Norkent, Goodland, and September Ruby. I get a little fertilizer in the spring only. Water am trying a strong grower called Hardi-Mac, deeply once a week, especially when the fruit is which has not fruited yet. It can take five years

to see a tree start good fruit production. Any fruit production plant, from apples to raspberries, should be planted in a full sun location. Competition from other trees and shrubs should be limited and evergreens can be planted somewhere else as well. Apple trees can be infested with apple maggot as it comes into its production phase. The maggot is active in July and August when the fruit is expanding. Windfalls must be picked up and thrown away to prevent the worm from going into the soil for next year’s flies. There is a plastic set of apples that you can cover with sticky pheromone or Tanglefoot to help out. Why not consider a couple of apple trees in your yard this spring? Just think about going out into your space and picking a fresh warm apple and letting the juice run down your chin! Janet Wanner is co-owner of Gentle Earth Design Studios. She can be contacted at 3438594.

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

EXPIRES FEB. 2010

until February 6, 2010

Reddy for Valentine’s Day? By Margaret Bremner

In many cultures,

Home & Garden

colour was applied to the men involved. Red is used on Valentine’s Day, no doubt, because of its association with the heart. Happy Hearts Day!

red is symbolic of happiness and festivity.

hat does the colour red mean to us? What we call ‘red’ can vary all the way from almost orange to almost purple, and has approximately half a million measurable variations! As we trace a language back to its earlier forms, the number of colours with unique names grows smaller. Stephen Pinker, in his book The Language Instinct, states that if a language has only two colour words, they are for black and white - generally a simple distinction between light and dark. He goes on to say that if a language has only three colour names, they are for black, white, and red. Red is certainly a striking colour, but it has been proposed that the choice of red as the third distinct colour has more to do with the fact that red is the colour of blood, and is therefore viewed as the colour of the life force. I’ve heard that the Hebrew language has a series of expressions derived from the word dam meaning blood. In relation to the physical body, colour therapy deems red to be beneficial for circulation, chronic illness, non-infected wounds, and scar tissue. It is supposed to strengthen the kidneys, heart, muscles, blood, and lungs. In many cultures, red is symbolic of happiness and festivity. In China, prior to Chinese New Year, street stalls sell all manner of red banners, red lanterns, red socks, red flowers, red firecrackers, red window decorations, and more. Red is also the traditional colour of marriage robes. In India, Brahma, the creator of the world, is represented by red, the colour of joyful

On the negative side, red is also a symbol of ravaging fire, of anger and of war. The red planet was named Mars, for the mythological Roman god of war. Scarlet was also applied to women of ill repute. Interestingly, no specific

celebration Wedding saris are red. In the Hindu elements ‘fire’ is represented by a red triangle. Some North American Aboriginal traditions refer to the Red Road and the Black Road. The Black Road, running east/west, is the path of the physical and material world. The Red Road, running north/south, is the path of living in a way that honours and follows the sacred teachings, a path of spiritual awakening. The center of the circle, the place where the Red and Black Roads intersect, is considered to be holy. Perhaps that’s another way of saying, “Walk the spiritual path with practical feet” or “We are spiritual beings having a physical experience”. The Buddhist deity Amitabha, the buddha of measureless light, the Lord of the West (or “happy land”), is represented by the colour red. In Christian art, red symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the form of fire. According to Wikipedia, the red worn by Roman Catholic cardinals symbolizes a willingness to die for their faith. Scarlet, a rich orange-red, was originally the name of a kind of broadcloth, used in Persia for tents and flags. The fabric was usually dyed this particular red and, eventually, the name of the cloth became synonymous with the colour.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Home & Garden

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t’s that time of year again: cupids, heart-shaped boxes, long-stem roses, and chocolate-covered everything. Whether you love it, hate it or are simply apathetic to its existence, Valentine’s Day is here to stay. It all began during the reign of the Roman Empire when a festival was thrown every February in honour of the God of Fertility. The name Valentine is said to have been the last name of a Catholic priest who was secretly marrying couples against the wishes of the Emperor Claudius. When he was found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and given a death sentence. In his last days, he began writing letters to the daughter of the jail keeper and had soon fallen head over heels in love. It is said that it was in this very instant that the very first Valentine card was created. The last letter he wrote to his beloved was signed ‘From Your Valentine’. We’ve come quite a ways from the earnest beginnings of such a tragic holiday. It is true that it has become overtly commercialized, as with every other holiday, but we must remind ourselves of its intended significance—the universal language of Love. It is said that every action must be born from the resolution to love and do good for humankind. I really don’t see why we can’t do that every single day, but I think that it’s a great reminder to not take our loved ones for granted. Take the time to let your loved ones know just how much they mean to you.

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See www.stationarts.com or phone 232-5332 for info and tickets

Ideas of things to do for your sweetie

l 1 Prepare a dozen hand-written romantic quotations or poems and hide them in various places they are bound to come across the following day—their coat pocket, a book they are reading, a sticky note on their bathroom mirror. l 2 Turn your living room into your own private dance floor and show off your best moves. Set the mood with low lighting, candles and some great slow dance tunes. l 3 If your pocket book is feeling generous, why not spend Valentine’s Day abroad? Book a weekend getaway for the both of you and give the travel brochure of your destination as a Valentine’s Day card. l 4 Compile a play list of romantic classics on a CD and leave it for them on the car seat. l 5 Bake your significant other a giant heart-shaped cookie instead of giving the conventional box of chocolates. l Go skating an hour or so before sunset so that you can end the night 6 with some stargazing. Make sure you bring along a thermos of piping hot chocolate and a cozy blanket.

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l 1 Send yourself flowers at your work place and practice your surprised face as your co-workers cast sidelong glances, wondering about your ‘secret’ admirer. l 2 Go to the spa from the comfort of your own home by decking out your bathroom with candles, flower petals, fragrant bath soaps and your favourite cup of tea. l 3 Help brighten the day of someone who may also be spending it alone. I guarantee the folks at the nursing home will respond in kind if you send some love their way. l Invest in a fabulous new outfit, go out on the town and mingle with the thousands of other singles. 4 l 5 If you’re not apt to make a big deal of the holiday, veg out. Catch up on your favourite shows, get take-out from your favourite restaurant, snuggle up with a blanket and thank your lucky stars you get the remote all to yourself. l Invite over all your single friends and have an Anti-Valentine party; rent a karaoke machine with your favorite heartbreak songs and belt 6 it out, watch tragic romance movies and go around in a circle listing your favourite things about being single. Alina Andryeyeva is a local free-lance photographer. She also models for SHE modelling agency.

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• B e h i n d t h e Bi g Y e l l o w Do o r s •

by Alina Andryeyeva

Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

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Home & Garden

Winter workouts Building the home gym by Jennifer Lucky

s we start off a new year many Canadians are on a diet and exercise program to follow their New Year’s resolutions. Sadly statistics show that only 2% lose flab and keep it off. As a habitual yoyo dieter myself, getting in shape is my New Year’s resolution every single year without fail. And fail, I do…without fail. In a perfect world we would all hire a personal trainer who would come to our home and work with us. Lacking that, what can we mere mortals do to stay in shape? Joining a gym, a running club or a sports team is definitely an option. You can also build a home gym. There are many advantages to having a home gym. The dress code is extremely lax. Long shirts cover up the wobbly bits. No one is there to hear the panting, grunting and swearing as you pack it in for the day. If you happen to be considering buying a home gym here are some things you might want to think about: Do - assess the way you want to exercise. - talk to the experts. - join an outside gym for a while to make sure this is the level of commitment you really want. - finally, buy the best quality equipment you can afford. It is best to purchase one or two key pieces, something you know you are going to use regularly. Don’t - do NOT place gym equipment anywhere near a washer and dryer because it becomes a clothes’ rack.

A two-tone room in a horizontal wave-type pattern works wonders for keeping the energy flowing. Jeff at Flaman Fitness says the most popular piece of gym equipment is still the treadmill. People recovering from heart problems can benefit immensely at a walking pace on a treadmill and for those who don’t like going out in the cold winters and blistering summers it’s an excellent choice. Elliptical trainers and universal gyms like the Bow Flex are also big sellers. Free weights are not as popular but they can be purchased in increments of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 pounds and up. You can add even a small amount of resistance to your training. It will sculpt your body much more quickly. For your home gym room, Jeff recommends a washable floor like linoleum or tiles and rubber interlocking mats for under the gym equipment to save your floor from wear. These mats can be purchased at Flaman Fitness or at any home improvement store. Whether you choose a spare bedroom or a section of the basement for your home gym

do not multifunction that room if at all pos- television, an hour will pass before you know sible. It should be kept exclusively for work- it. It is also great for playing Wii or following ing out with no distractions. a workout DVD. One of the key elements in a gym room is The biggest key to making a home gym is good lighting: pot lights, track or fluorescent to keep it simple. You should be able to dislighting to give the room energy and a feeling mantle and change to another purpose when of wanting to be there. the time comes. This is a room where you should go wild Remember that any exercise is better than with paint colors. Choose bright, energetic none and you do not have to be hardcore colors like orange or yellow. A two-tone room about it. Stay healthy and fit in 2010. in a horizontal wave-type pattern works wonders for keeping the energy flowing. Paint a Jennifer Lucky is in charge of marketing and big circle on a feature wall in a rich chocolate promotions at Charter House Interiors at 331 brown and put a firefighter calendar or poster - 1st Ave. North. She can be contacted at 653of a well-toned person in the center of the 4634 or visit www.charterhouseinteriors.com. circle for inspiration. Commercial gyms are equipped with mirrored walls and your home gym should be the same. I recommend you go with one or two floor The 1011 and 769 high stability standing mirrors running shoe for men and women with a simple dark that features our ABSORB cushioning wood frame so that technology along with our TS2 and if you ever outgrow extended web stability for the need for a gym medial support to offer both smooth then the mirrors can and cushioned ride be moved to a differ(Ava. in multiple widths B to 4E wide) ent part of the home. In the meantime the mirrors reflect more light around the SAT FEB 20, 2010 room and you can work on maintaining proper form while watching yourself Celebrating 30 years of serving Saskatchewan exercise. A small wallmounted television is a very handy addition to the room. As you watch your favorite show on

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Home & Garden

Retirement – a mixture of Confessions blessings and challenges of a City Girl gone A Country blessing of retirement is that we have more time to do things we have long wanted to do. But many people find that hobbies and even volunteer work do not always meet all their retirement needs. Losing the contacts and stimulation of work can lead to emotional stress and even physical illness. This is especially true for people who formerly held positions of responsibility and challenge. Researchers have discovered abundant evidence of this problem. Retired business and professional people need the companionship and the intellectual stimulation of associating with people of similar vocational, educational or work backgrounds.

That is why Probus Clubs have been started in Canada and all over the world (approximately 300,000 members in approximately 4,000 clubs worldwide). The club can provide all the enjoyment of any service club without the obligations of fundraising, service work and attendance requirements. It is directed strictly towards acquaintance and friendship, is not competitive, political, or sectarian and is not involved in fundraising in any way. Because this is a club for retired individuals costs are kept to a minimum. The Probus Club of Saskatoon meets monthly for fellowship, morning coffee, a short business session and to hear an interesting guest speaker. They also have many ongoing special interest activities. Members participate in a Bridge Club, a Book Club, a Woodworking group, a Wine-tasting Club, and are just starting a Walking Club.

Upcoming classes/courses

Martial Arts for Family

Martial Arts 43 years

The Probus Club of Saskatoon meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Royal Canadian Legion Building, 606 Spadina Crescent West, Saskatoon at 9:30 am. If you are retired or semiretired and interested in visiting the club stop by on the first Wednesday of any month except July and August. If you want more information please call Karen 373-6801 or Lee 242-4835 or Ross 3844977.

of experience

For a Professional Quality Martial Arts Instruction Please call 880-6677 or 880-7243 $19 Introductory Classes SASKATOON UNITED SOCCER CLUB (ZONE 1)

HOLLANDIA INTERNATIONAL

SOCCER CLUB (ZONE 2)

Contact: 384-7872 (SUSC)

Contact: Sally Horel 934-7549

Registration:

Wed & Thurs Feb. 24 & 25, 2010 Confederation Park Mall (in the center of the mall)

Tues & Wed - Feb 23 & 24, 2010 Saskatoon Kinsmen Henk Ruys Soccer Centre

www.susc.ca

www.hollandiasoccer.com

6:30pm-8:30pm

6:30pm-9:00pm

AURORA SOCCER CLUB (ZONE 3)

Contact: Anne Ballantyne 373-4675 Registration:

Tues & Thu - Feb 23 & 25, 2010 Tues Evan Hardy Collegiate & Thurs St Joseph High School

7:00pm-9:00pm

www.aurorasoccer.ca

SASKATOON YOUTH SOCCER INC.

LAKEWOOD SOCCER ASSOCIATION (ZONE 4)

Contact: Kristi Baxter 373-7218 or 229-5027

Online Feb 1-28 or In-Person Thu, Feb 25 Online or Wildwood School Computer Room 7:00pm-9:00pm www.lakewoodsoccer.com

Registration:

SPRING REGISTRATION FOR OUTDOOR SEASON

MAY 2010

EASTSIDE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION (ZONE 5)

Contact: 477-2336

Call 975-3413 or visit: saskatoonsoccer.com

Thurs Feb. 25, 2010 Aden Bowman Collegiate-cafeteria Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm www.eastsidesoccer.ca

Registration:

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

by Sherry Richards

“Oh how I love that wool!”

h winter! There’s nothing more spectacular than a winter bonfire on a calm day with big fluffy snowflakes coming down. It’s a reminder that fire can mean the difference between life and death for anyone trying to stay warm in a Saskatchewan winter. The organic nature of my winter fires has somehow brought me back to an appreciation of natural fabrics too, especially wool. I rarely wore wool when I lived in Saskatoon. I preferred easy care products and polar fleece for it’s wash-and-wear warmth but something has changed and now I am on a constant quest for warm natural fabrics. I don’t wear any of my “city” socks anymore. My feet will only accept the opulence of merino wool coverings. Your hands can get pretty cold while sitting by a winter fire but mine are never cold because they’re wrapped in the love of Grandma John’s work. Grandma is a Dene artist who made some musher’s mitts especially for me. She does all the work herself, from tanning the hides to the impeccable stitching and spectacular beadwork. My mitts are one of my prize possessions and every time I look at them I’m grateful for the animal and the artistry that put them there. If it’s really cold I might have a thin pair of wool mitts inside to absorb any moisture and add to the warmth. Regardless of the winter temperature I always wear some kind of wool sweater. It might be a thin soft cashmere or a thick Icelandic but wool makes me warm in a way that other fabrics don’t. There’s always a wool hat or toque on my head and lately I have taken to loud colours and silly pompoms. Maybe it’s because no matter what head covering I choose, my husband Jack will make fun of it. He always takes one look, laughs and says “Oh, that’s attractive.” The only other part of my northern ensemble which needed adjustment was around my neck. I don’t like wool next to my face, that is, until I discovered qiviut.

Qiviut is the wool or down that grows under the long coarse hair of the muskox. Unlike sheep’s wool, it does not shrink in water and with good care will last over 20 years. Qiviut is eight times warmer than wool and twice as soft as cashmere. I could hardly wait for my new snood (or smoke ring) to arrive in the mail. When it did I fell in love. The scarf was so soft that I didn’t want to put it down. I wore it around the house because I loved how it felt next to my face. I took it to bed because I just wanted to keep caressing it. The rest of my scarves lie lonely and neglected in the closet since qiviut came into my house. I suppose I should find new homes for them. In the meantime word has spread about my love for wool. Friends have been passing along their handmade woolen gems that aren’t used anymore. I am thrilled to accept them and share the ones that don’t fit me with other woolites. This winter my favorite woolen clothing item has been my Dad’s old curling sweater from the 70’s. It has a bold geometric pattern that I choose to find quite fashionable. In fact I’m wearing it while I write this article, and as I gaze out the window I notice there’s no wind and it’s snowing. It looks like a perfect day for an outdoor fire. I can picture it now, the crackling, colourful fire, orange against the white sparkling snow. In the background the evergreens with their thin white frosting gaze down at the scene below and graciously accept the silent prayer of gratitude I offer for the warmth and beauty they have provided me on this day in a glorious Saskatchewan winter. After 22 years of living in Saskatoon, Sherry Richards abandoned her familiar surroundings and moved North to live in Saskatchewan’s boreal forest. She can be contacted by emailing tillee@xplornet.com

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Become a disputer

ou move toward what you are thinking about. Your present thoughts determine your future. Part of Saskatchewan culture is to sit around a table enjoying coffee with friends and neighbours while kibitzing on the latest topics of the day, from political, social, environmental and economic issues to the weather. Have you ever left one of these sessions more depressed than when you arrived? Sometimes the conversation is negative; sometimes it is positive. But the negative seems to have greater power than the positive. On any given issue, one complaint or negative comment seems to trump any positive comments. Although the economy has begun to recover since 2008 and Saskatchewan has fared better than most places, there is still much negative press – internationally, nationally and even locally. Some of it is true and accurate. I often wonder, though, how much negativity is absorbed without noticing. In leadership, you want to be able to clearly see the good and the bad, the positive and the negative. How you respond makes all the difference. Do you give sanction to negativity? A leading American psychologist, Martin Seligman developed the term self-talk. Self-talk simply means how we speak to ourselves. After years of study, he found a direct connection between the way we speak to ourselves, our self-talk, and our attitude. He found that people who had negative self-talk had a high level of depression and pessimism, while people who had positive self-talk had a dramatically lower level of depression and a greater sense of optimism. Even more interesting, Seligman determined that both responses were learned, meaning people learned to be optimistic or they learned to be pessimistic. What came out of this discovery is good news; if you can learn to be a pessimist then you can learn to be an optimist. But first you have to control your negative self-talk. Seligman went on to determine that you could control your self-talk in two ways. One is by not giving sanction to the negative (not accepting). The other was by becoming a disputer of the negative while at the same time giving sanction to the positive (accepting positive). Disputation involves mental reflection, not just thinking happy thoughts. The bottom line

Home & Garden B y G r e gg C o c h l a n

is simple: the only person who can control your self-talk is you. If you don’t control your self-talk, it will control you. Now, as much as I love Saskatchewan, we do have a tendency, historically, to give sanction to a lot of negative self-talk. Negativity can come from the media, from experts, from our friends, neighbours, families and most likely ourselves. Why tell you this? Over the last several years, Saskatchewan has experienced one of the biggest booms most of us have ever seen. And, while it is true that the economic downturn is a concern, we do not have to sanction the negative. We can become disputers. If we can control our individual and collective self-talk, we can influence what is going on in our province. This idea ties in with another principle central to The Pacific Institute’s leadership training: that you move toward what you are thinking about. Your current thoughts can determine your future. The point is that we had better be careful what we think about if we want to be persistent and creative problem solvers.

1. If we expect Saskatchewan to slip back to our mindset of five or six years ago, could we actually create it? 2. If we give sanction to the negative, could we actually create it? 3. What are we thinking about? Are we thinking about what could go wrong or what could go right? 4. How is your self-talk? 5. How is our collective self-talk? Gregg Cochlan is a leadership coach and management consultant. Based in Saskatoon, he is the Managing Director of Canada for The Pacific Institute, president of thinc. Corporate Change Architect and co-founder of the Strategic Intelligence Group. He published Love Leadership: What The World Needs Now in 2008. Visit his website at www/loveleadership.com

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Home & Garden

by Leslie vanDuyvendyk

nybody who knows me knows that I really don’t like My other favourite flower fix comes from primula. Primula winter. I complain bitterly about the cold and snow are found not only in pastels, but also bright colours such from when the first snowflake falls until the last snow as indigo blue, yellow, or red. Many will have bright yellow drift melts. To survive, I need my eyes or interesting markings on the flower fix from two of my favoublossoms. Their flamboyant flowrite flowering plants, primula and ers are often seen in spring displays cyclamen. in many botanical gardens. Like Cyclamen come in shades of the cyclamen, primula enjoy bright white, rose, red, pink, and fuchsia. indirect light and cooler temperaThe flowers bloom on tall stems tures. To prolong bloom time, trim over a sea of medium green leaves. spent flowers. Primula will wilt As with most things garden, if you quickly if allowed to dry out, so understand the plant and its natucheck at least every third day and ral environment you will be able water when the top of soil is dry. to grow it successfully. Cyclamen Both primula and cyclamen Primula are found not only are bulbs naturally found in the are bred to be temporary splashes Mediterranean. The bulbs start to color. Primula cannot be conin pastels, but also bright colours of grow in the fall, flower over the vinced to rebloom and are best winter and then return to dormancomposted when done. Cyclamen such as indigo blue, cy with warmer spring and sumare difficult, but not impossible yellow, or red. mer temperatures. As a result, the to rebloom. Reblooming instructwo keys to success when growing tions for cyclamen are found on cyclamen are temperature and watering. Warm temperatures the Dutch Growers web site. http://www.dutchgrowers.ca/ will trigger dormancy. The flower buds will stop forming and IG_cyclamenrebloom.html the leaves will become yellow. Daytime temperatures should To create maximum impact, I arrange spring flowering be between 15oC and 18oC during the day and even cooler at plants in decorative containers. Using the same principles I night, ideally between 12oC and 15oC. Cyclamen grow best use to create annual containers, I choose three elements: an in bright indirect light. upright plant like a dracaena for height, a trailing plant like Since the cyclamen is a bulb, it is sensitive to over-watering. an English Ivy or Baby Tears to spill over and soften the edges I water cyclamen from the bottom. Filling a large 12-14 inch of the pot, and of course a flowering plant to be the star of plant saucer with tepid water, I set the plants, pots and all, the container. I don’t transplant directly into the decorative into the saucer and let them absorb the moisture. When the container, but rather pop each potted plant into a high-top surface of the soil is moist, I remove the plants, let any excess plastic saucer and then arrange the plants and saucers in the water drain in the sink and then replace the plants in either container. For cosmetic reasons, I’ll cover tops of pots with their decorative container or arrangement. Spanish moss.

Recognizing the passion!

f your winter is starting to feel a bit long in the tooth then it is time to hasten the arrival of spring! However, since we have no control over Mother Nature it is necessary to be a little more innovative. I bet that you don’t think that living in a climate with a great change in the climatic seasons is a benefit! Yes, even at – 40oC there is a silver lining if you look for it! Look on the bright side — what could you possibly be doing outdoors when it is so cold that the trees might have a hard time surviving? This is an opportunity. Winter is when

After about a month, the flowering plant will be past its prime and it will be time to switch the old plant for whatever fresh plant strikes my fancy. While some of my favourite flowering plants include cyclamen and primula, I will also add spring bulbs like crocus or fragrant hyacinth as well. The dracaena and ivy will easily last until spring. When it finally warms up, I’ll recycle the dracaena and ivy into my outdoor Photos supplied

Cyclamen and primula

Cyclamen come in shades of white, rose, red, pink, and fuchsia. containers. Visit www.dutchgrowers.ca for a video demonstration. It is still winter. It’s still cold. I am definitely still complaining but, with flowers growing on my kitchen table, I know there is hope and spring is coming soon. Leslie vanDuyvendyk can be contacted at Dutch Growers Garden Centre. Visit www.dutchgrowers.ca.

By Patricia Hanbidge

we have less work to do in our daily lives – no gardening and only indoor chores! These cold winter months are a time for you to enhance your knowledge. Curl up in front of the fireplace or in your favourite easy chair and break open your newest garden book or picturesque gardening magazine. Even gardeners need to take time to refuel, stop to smell the roses – or in winter pause to reflect on what is to come next growing season! Learning is passionate! Gardeners seem to have this insatiable need to learn about anything and everything related to the field of horticulture. Few avocations are as rewarding in such a myriad of ways – physically, psychologically and spiritually. Each growing season we see the results of this great love of gardening in the display of the latest trends in landscape design to a variety of new developments in the outdoor living spaces. It all reflects the passion of those who tend the land. Horticulture is dedicated to celebrating the passion of avid gardeners who find gardening delightful. Gardeners are some of the most passionate people I know. They come from all walks of life but have one common thread – the passion of being in tune with the earth. This field is full of never-ending passions. A new passion can arise from something as simple as learning how to grow something different. Those who grow orchids are a really good example of how people can become truly addicted about growing something different. It is simply amazing to grow orchids. There is enough diversity in orchids to successfully grow them regardless of your growing conditions. A further advantage to orchids is the blooms that last for months.

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

A new passion can arise from something as simple as learning how to grow something different. Most of us need to work for a living. I have seen many people who become so passionate about gardening that somewhere in the middle of their life they realign their priorities, go back to school and start a brand new career in the field of horticulture! It is brave but it also makes sense. Live your passion and life becomes instantly more meaningful. There is nothing more beautiful than that! Patricia Hanbidge is a local horticulturist. She can be contacted through the Saskatoon School of Horticulture at 306-931GROW(4769) or through the website at growyourfuture.ca

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Green Lane The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games (VANOC) is looking for the gold for its efforts to be green. Organizers claim that they have built in new environmental standards for the Olympic movement. The 2010 Games are, after all, taking place in a city which is aiming to be the greenest city in the world at a time when environmental issues are front and centre. This article looks at the shades of green for the Games.

Let the Games be green equipment. New efficient refrigerant technology for coolers and vending machines will use hydrofluorocarbon-free compressor technology.

Carbon-Neutral? by Robert White

Gold for green The Games sustainability declaration aims to “harness the power of sport for change.” In designing the venues and programs there have been major efforts to protect biodiversity and habitat, reduce energy use and minimize waste. The following are highlights: • The curling rink’s refrigeration plant will be captured to heat the pool at the aquatics center. • Richmond Olympic Oval features a roof from salvaged pine beetle-infested wood. • The Athlete’s Village has LEED-certified modular units, which will be used for social housing after the Games. • The Buy Smart program weighs sustainability and Aboriginal participation with prospective suppliers’ bids and monitors compliance right down to the factory floor. • Some sponsors are using the exposure to up to three billion people to highlight green initiatives. Coca-Cola will feature its recently launched “PlantBottle” which has up to 30 per cent of the plastic made from a sugar cane by-product. It is vowing to recapture all distributed containers and recycle the plastic into a local legacy of benches and playground

For the first time the Games have an official supplier of offsets. Offsetters Green Technology Inc. is investing about $5 million in clean energy projects such as hydrogen fuel cells to offset 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions generated directly from the Games. However, an estimated 190,000 tonnes of “indirect” emissions, will come from flights to bring athletes, spectators and sponsors to Vancouver. It will be up to competing countries, sponsors and even spectators to buy their own offsets. To inspire individuals to contribute to this shortfall through their everyday activities, notable Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes have launched Project Blue Sky (projectbluesky.ca). It provides a tool that can be used across social networks to aggregate carbon-reducing contributions in one place.

Green legacy? VANOC asserts that they have set a new standard for green planning and buildings, green event management, and carbon management. In a BBC interview, David Suzuki, whose foundation did the carbon offset recommendations, said he hopes the green ini-

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Green watching While watching the Games you can be part of the solution. • Adjust your TV’s settings. Most TVs are very bright by default, and that leads to using more juice. Menu options allow a more subdued “home” option. For LCD TVs still using fluorescent technology, reducing the level of backlight can significantly reduce energy use and improve image quality. For plasma TVs, adjusting the brightness and contrast levels can also result in energy savings.

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tiatives will help “inspire the world to get involved in environmental solutions.” But, he pointed out that the sustainability budget of $15.6 million is only about half of the arts and cultural budget. Some social action critics point to companies sponsoring the Games as attempting to greenwash their corporate image. Other issues raised include major developments on unceded First Nations land, and the clearing of forests and wetlands for venues. If the 2010 Games achieve a new level of sustainability it is very appropriate. The future of winter sports, including the winter Olympics, is at risk according to On Thin Ice, a 2008 report released by the David Suzuki Foundation. Sports like skiing and snowboarding, let alone iconic Canadian pastimes such as ice fishing and pond hockey, may not be available by 2050 unless the climate change challenge is met.

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• Reduce phantom power loads by investing in a universal remote that can “power down” the TV and peripherals with a single button-press or manually turn of the power bar switch. • Turn off the HDTV quick start option as this uses more back up power when the TV is off. It only takes a few more seconds to start up the TV without this. • Control room lighting, watch TV together and while you are at it consider planet-friendly and healthy snacks. See www.datacolor.com/energysavings for more and, if purchasing, keep in mind that new California standards mandating greater energy efficiency in TVs sold in 2011 will push further innovations. Meanwhile, enjoy the 2010 Olympics.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Journey of Faith

True romance

“Y

by Jodi Kozan

ou will never know true happiness until you have truly loved.” Anonymous

• Philía love is focused more on our feelings towards others, for example: “Let us love one another, because love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7)

Being a mother, wife, sister, friend and ministry leader, nothing has been more apparent to me than a woman’s need and desire to be loved.

• Romance, then, is described as a deep love affair with emotional attachments. History is filled with songs, poetry, and folklore of romance’s sting and mystique. When it comes to raising my hopelessly romantic girls, it is important that they know what true love is. Romance is fleeting if we rely simply on emotional pursuits.

Love is often confused with romance however, when we don’t receive a version of love as defined by Hollywood, we feel absolutely jilted. I understand as I, too, am a hopeless (or shall I say hopeful) romantic myself. What keeps me grounded without flying off to valentine la la land is my understanding of the two kinds of love described in the Bible. The New Testament of the Holy Scriptures was originally penned in Greek. Although love in the Greek language has four words to describe it: agápe, éros, philía, and storgē, the types of love mentioned more than 700 times in the Bible refer mostly to agape love and phileo love. • Agápe love is a selfless and sacrificial. God Himself demonstrated this love by sending His Son Jesus to us as described in the book of John (3:16): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” A familiar scripture verse read at many weddings (including ours back in 1990) qualified what pure love is: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Agape love involves our mind and our behaviour towards others.

What keeps me grounded without flying off to valentine la la land is my understanding of the two kinds of love described in the Bible. As we discern our personal call, some are content in their singleness, whereas others, such as myself, are called to marriage. Although my husband swept me off my feet in our courtship, followed by a wedding and honeymoon reminiscent of true storybook romanticism, romantic love wasn’t enough to hold us together. We needed to learn about agápe love, the unconditional love Jesus gave us in order to find wholeness as a person and bring that love to the centre of our relationship. God is love. He created romance, but it was not meant to end with our emotional pursuit. It’s a deeply rooted romance, like the one described in the book of Song of Solomon, involves our entire being, mind, body and spirit.

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Eighteenth century theologian and commentator Matthew Henry wrote: “The woman was made out of Adam’s side. She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.”

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In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul encourages husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands (5:33). Albeit a controversial scripture for some, it’s a time-tested formula for true romance to continue when those principles are intact. Of course women require respect

and men need love, but most experts agree these are our predominant trigger points and core needs on the journey as husband and wife. Nineteen years later, Tim and I wouldn’t have made it had it not been our mutual submission and love for one another. Learning to humble ourselves and, in turn loving and honouring each other. That’s how true romance is established. Not perfect, not Hollywoodairbrushed fantasies, but a relationship born out of truth and grace. Jodi Koazn is the founder and director of Women’s Journey of Faith in Saskatoon. Their “Sharing the Journey: Growing in Truth” seminar is held April 17 at TCU Place. For more information go to www.wjof.com

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Pets & Families

“Love is in the air” goes to the cats!

t this time of year there is no truer phrase than with cats. That’s why animal rescue organizations advertise spay/neuter programs more aggressively these days. Intact (un-neutered) males, or tomcats, are usually the first to make us aware of this seasonal event with their behaviour. They mark territory, caterwaul and fight for the un-spayed females’ attention. Soon thereafter come the calls about kittens. How many kittens in seven years? The following math test was carried out at the University of Washington Mathematics Department. You try it. It’s not hard. Using data from Dr. Michael Stoskopf ’s population studies of feral cat colonies in North Carolina, calculate how many kittens will result based on these assumptions:

But what is heartbreaking is the fact that there are vast numbers of kittens who have a short and tragic life. • One female cat gives birth to six kittens per year. • Kittens are 50% female and 50% male. • Only 25% of kittens survive to reproductive age. • All surviving female kittens become adults and reproduce with the same birth and kitten mortality rates. • If no adult cats ever die, how many cats/

kittens would there be at the end of seven years? The consensus of five mathematicians was that one female cat and her offspring could produce between 100 and 400 cats by the end of seven years. The variation may result from whether you think 0.75 of a cat can reproduce or not.

Heartwarming Animal “Tails”

The

story of

n a cold, windy, November day, a scruffy, stray puppy found her way into the downtown jewellery store. It probably scurried in from the cold when a customer was coming or going. It wasn’t long before the little dog was spotted and the staff were fussing over it. The happy sounds of the attending women could be heard all the way up the stairs to the camera store on the second level. Dick, the camera store owner, made his way down to see what was going on. The huddled group stood aside to reveal the little dog. As he bent down to have a closer look the dog reached up and gave him a big lick on his face causing one woman to remark that the stray had now found its new “dad.” As the staff went back to their work, Dick scooped up the dog and carried her upstairs. She continued to lick Dick’s face and wiggle with excitement as those who worked at the camera store came to meet her. This was a Wednesday and I had planned to visit my friend Dick at the store. As I walked up the stairs to the camera store, he greeted me with a smile and announced that there was someone in his office he’d like me to meet. I followed Dick to his office and as the door was opening, there on the floor, and looking straight up at me, sat the dirtiest, scruffiest, but cutest little dog with the most joyful little face. With her tail wagging, she stood up against my leg and I reached down to pick her up. I loved this little creature immediately. It was apparent that wherever she came from, grooming wasn’t on the list of priorities. Her whole body was covered in matted, dirty hair and she smelled of stale cigarette smoke. But she exuded sweetness and happiness and I wondered who the owners were from whom she had escaped. By this time,

There is definitely more than just one cat roaming around Saskatoon. Every spring there are hundreds of kittens desperately looking for homes or, worse, dumped and left to fend for themselves. Kittens are amazing little sweethearts. They are also furry “kids” and need a lot of attention and guidance to keep them safe and out of mischief. We all love kittens, right? Okay, most of us love kittens. But what is heartbreaking is the fact that there are vast numbers of kittens who have a short and tragic life. What can you do to keep that from happening? Spay or neuter your cat and encourage everyone else to do the same. Keeping your cat indoors too would also be a big help, not to mention your legal requirement. Let’s make Saskatoon a city where every kitten born has a loving home to go to. We can do this. I have faith in the community of Saskatoon and all the great compassionate people who live here. “Spay and Neuter” saves lives. Let’s do it together. The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix will be promoting an online contest draw starting January 29, 2010. Keep an eye out for it on the blog “Pawsitive Thinking.” It includes free tickets to The Beach Boys concert at TCU Place on May 12. Article submitted by Linda Jean Gubbe, SCAT Street Cat Rescue Program.

Pull up a chair and grab a cup or two. These face-licking, tail-wagging, true stories from animal lovers in Saskatoon and area are sure to make you chuckle, recall fond memories of a special pet or just go home and hug your own pets a little tighter tonight.

DeeDee

BY MARLIES SODOMSKY

It seems that cold November day was the day that a little dog went looking for someone to give it the love and care it needed. I found in the most unlikely breed of dog, the love and companionship that filled a big space in my heart.

we believed the dog was certainly lost and would need to be taken care of until the rightful owner presented him or herself. We also discussed the possibility that this little dog would need a new home. Prior to this day, Dick had been trying to convince me that I should get myself a dog. I had been living on my own in a condo and though I didn’t mind living on my own, I often thought about my previous dog and how much I missed his company. But, I rejected Dick’s idea. I didn’t feel it would be fair for a dog as I was at work for most of the day. This is also where the thoughts about what I believed I liked and didn’t like, kicked in. You see, the little stray was a Shih Tzu and I didn’t see myself as being a Shih Tzu owner. Like many of us who have flipped through dog books, I looked at the dogs and thought that a certain breed of dog would work for me and others wouldn’t. The Shih Tzu was definitely one that wouldn’t. Especially since it seemed to be the dog du jour and every other person seemed to own one. I was also not particularly fond of the way the breed was

generally shown in the books, with the long hair and the bow in the front. This did not seem to be the dog for me, no sir! Now, the very breed of dog I really didn’t want to own, ever, was at my feet and despite my first reaction to her, I held onto my belief and declined the offer of taking her as my new dog. My friend, Dick, took her home that night and gave her a bath. And although she didn’t smell any more, her hair remained matted and her nails were in dire need of a trimming. There was no identifying tattoo and after a few calls to the humane society, etc., there were no reports of a lost Shih Tzu. On the telephone the next day, Dick continued to try to persuade me to take this little dog, but I held firm. Then he said, “just for one night.” I relented; “oh all right, just for one night.” And that night she lay on my bed, just like my former dog used to. At one point she moved onto my hip and settled in on top of me and her closeness gave me a certain comfort. Needless to say, one night turned into another and into my life came this being who has given such joy and friendship. It seems that cold November day was the day that a little dog went looking for someone to give it the love and care it needed. I found in the most unlikely breed of dog, the love and companionship that filled a big space in my heart. It’s been five years now, and DeeDee’s happy little presence continues to be a bright

spot in my life. Perhaps, when I used to think about owning another dog, I was putting those thoughts out into the world. DeeDee’s entrance into my life feels like an unlikely answer to those thoughts. Each day she serves as a reminder of how life sometimes knows what’s best for you, maybe even better than you do, if you’re open to listening. Moreover, Dick and I are now life companions, and, as he is now retired, they are with each other throughout the day. He takes DeeDee for daily walks in one of the best parks in the city. It’s a love triangle made in heaven.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

Activities & Events

Community Community Interest January 24, 2010 WinterShines Activities Farmers’ Market Square at Riverlanding Jan. 23 - Feb. 7 We invite you to create new memories and come and join us for some snow-shiny fun. Together we will kick off Saskatoon WinterShines with a winter BBQ and snow carving festival, followed by ice carving, wine sampling, star gazing, kiteboarding and a Winter Moon Shine party. Visit www.wintershines.ca

Immigrant Women Support Group Jan. 25 - Mar. 29 Every Monday afternoon from 1-2:50 pm at Queen Elizabeth School at Taylor and Eastlake. This is a 10-week program to provide time and space for women who would like to share their experiences, make new friends, learn about resources, talk about struggles and successes, as well as to receive some support. Personal counseling, home visits, childcare and transportation (if needed) will be provided. For more info call Eleanor S. at 653-4464 ext. 318.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Dr. Louis Francescutti and, back by popular demand, former FBI criminal profiler Dr. James T. Reese. For more info or to register for the Industrial Safety Seminar please visit the Saskatchewan Safety Council website at www.sasksafety.org or call 757-3197.

Genealogical & Archival Research Centre Feb. 1 at Métis Nation, 406 Jessop Ave., 2 - 4 pm The Grand Opening for Saskatchewan’s newest Genealogical & Archival Research Centre. For more info call 343-8285 or visit www. mn-s.ca.

Archives Week 2010 Feb. 1 - 7 Archives Week is an annual event showcasing the role that archives and archivists play in preserving and making available Saskatchewan’s documentary heritage. Activities in communities across the province include celebrity reading events, film nights, open houses, exhibits and more. For more info visit: http://scaa.sk.ca/archivesweek2010. html

Spotlight on the Past: Celebrity Readings from Archives in Saskatchewan Feb. 2, 7:30 pm Come discover Saskatchewan’s fascinating past – both playful and profound – with readings by Lorne Calvert, Jennifer Jellicoe, Gerry Klein, Guy Vanderhaeghe, Rosalie Woloski and Henry Woolf, as well as archival beat poetry by Shelly Loeffler. A reception will follow. Presented by the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists and the Saskatoon Public Library. Held at Frances Morrison Library, free admission. For more info visit http://scaa. sk.ca/archivesweek2010.html

“Muffins for Granny” - a look into Canada’s Residential School System Jan. 29 at The Roxy Theatre, 7pm Seven Elders talk about their personal experiences and the traumatic consequences in this documentary.

Fridays at the Hop! Begins Jan. 29 at Tomas Cook (8th & McKercher)

“How I Mirror my Faith in my Everyday Life” Feb. 7 at Unitarian Centre (213 2nd St. E) 4 - 7 pm Panel discussion and vegetarian dinner. Includes speakers from Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives. Event open to all but dinner costs $12 and requires a reservation. For more info call 477-2719.

Archives Pavilion at the Saskatoon Heritage Festival Feb. 7 at Western Development Museum, 2610 Lorne Ave. S., 12 noon - 5 pm This is your chance to ask about: what archives are; donating records to an archives; your heritage fair project; your family history; your community’s history; and more! Staff from the City of Saskatoon Archives, Saskatchewan Archives Board, Saskatoon Public Library Local History Room, University of Saskatchewan Archives, and the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists will be on hand. For more info visit http://scaa.sk.ca/archivesweek2010.html.

Artists for Station 20 West Feb. 7 at Grosvenor Park United Church, 8 pm A benefit for Station 20 West featuring singers such as Andrea Menard, Eileen Laverty, BC Read, and Gillian Snider. As well as writers like Yann Martel and Henry Woolf. Actor Kent Allen and many, many more. Come together for Station 20 West. Tickets are $30 and available at McNally Robinson Booksellers. Darren’s Music, Grosvenor Park United Church, and at the Station 20 West office (223 - 230 Ave. R S.)

Vote for your City! Deadline Feb. 7 A new Canadian version of Monopoly is in the works and Saskatoon is in the running for a spot on the popular board game. Hasbro Canada, the maker of Monopoly has launched a new website featuring 65 pre-selected Canadian cities including the Bridge City. Residents are encouraged to vote for their community. The 22 most voted for cities will be secured a spot on the new Canadian version of Monopoly. The most popular city will be placed on the highest rent property traditionally held by Boardwalk. Right now, Saskatoon is trailing at number 33 on the list. To vote for your favourite city, log onto www.monopolyvote.ca

Saskatoon’s first ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s night spot will Shake, Rattle, and Roll every Friday. This completely renovated Tomas Cook restaurant is located at the corner of 8th St. and McKercher Drive. Come and relive the golden days of Rock n Roll with different tribute acts including CCR, Buddy Holly, Elvis, and England Band. They’ll have you twistin’, jivin’, and rocking the night away. Call 955-4949 to reserve your table.

Laffing Out Loud Yoga Club Feb. 9 at Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Dr.) 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Escape Winter! Nutana Park Mennonite Church 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

The King of the Kovbasa Challenge features the finest gourmet sausage from top producers in the province. Ukrainian dancing performed by Yevshan, music by Mathew Gruza and friends, a silent auction, and a Grand Door Prize donated by GMG Jewelers. Tickets are $25 and available online at www.picatic.com or at New Community Credit Union. For more event information, contact Don Hrytzak at 664-0720 or dhrytzak@sreda.com.

Laugh like never before. Shed your inhibitions and feel great. $5 donations appreciated. For more info call 222-0563.

King of the Kovbasa Challenge Feb. 11 at Western Development Museum, 7 pm

Learn how to grow cucumbers and tomatoes year-round in Saskatchewan, or about home-grown remedies. Potluck lunch at noon. $50 for sessions. For more info call 651-1457.

Burning Man Film Festival Jan. 30 at Free Flow Dance Centre 6:30 pm - 2 am Free Flow Dance Centre (224 25th St. W.) will host a unique film festival featuring the art, people, and phenomenon known as Burning Man. Each year, tens of thousands of people flock to the Nevada desert for this gathering that attracts participants from around the globe. The evening will include documentary short and feature films, art films by local performance artist Adrian Stimson (Buffalo Boy), between show performances live on stage and unique artworks. Cost: $8.00 at the door. For more info call 665-5998 or saskatchewan@burningman.com

Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Festival and Workshops Feb. 13 at The Wadena Community Legion Hall, 1 pm The Wadena Arts Council is presenting a Bluegrass and Old Tyme festival and workshop featuring JJ Guy, Lone Tree Road, The Rose Valley Circle Jammers, The Belles & Bows, Shades of Bleu. All proceeds go to 2271 Pipeston RCAC Cadet Corp. Tickets $25 and available online at www.ticketedge.ca.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Forestry Farm House Feb. 14 at the Superintendent’s Residence Saskatoon, Forestry Farm Park, 5:30 and 7:30 pm

A Night at the Roxy Feb. 4 at The Roxy Theatre (320 20th St. E), 7 pm

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan will hold its annual ForgetMe-Not Walk . To participate, collect pledges for the Society to support programs and services for the 18,000 people in Saskatchewan who have Alzheimer’s disease. Bring your friends, family members and co-workers for a great morning of fun. For more info call 6513118 or visit www.alzheimer.sk.ca.

Will feature an evening of education and entertainment including short films from archives in Saskatchewan, with commentary by local historian Don Kerr. See Dief the Chief face political foes in finest oratorical fashion. Watch archival documents come to life while learning about “A Chaplain’s War,” “A Curious Friendship,” and a “Prairie Fire.” See if an archived ad can motivate you into “ParticipACTION.” And be swept off your feet in a “Prairie Romance.” For more info visit http://scaa.sk.ca/archivesweek2010. html.

37th Annual Industrial Safety Seminar Feb. 1 - 3 at TCU Place

Spirituality and Medicine: a presentation by Dr. A.M. Ghadirian Feb. 4 at Neatby-Timlin Theatre (Arts 241), 4pm

Forget-Me-Not Walk Jan. 31 at Saskatoon Field House

The Saskatchewan Safety Council is pleased to announce that the 37th Annual Industrial Safety Seminar will be held in Saskatoon. The 2010 Seminar will feature special presentations by former Canadian astronaut, Dr. Roberta Bondar, President-Elect for the

Sponsored by the Dept. of Psychology and the Culture and Human Development Program at the U of S. Dr. Ghadirian, has done extensive research on the subject and is the author of 10 books, including the Creative Dimension of Suffering and In Search of Nirvana: A Creative Perspective on Drug and Alcohol Dependency.

The Friends of the Forestry Farm House present their annual Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Superintendent’s Residence Saskatoon, Forestry Farm Park. Two sittings. $40/person. By reservation only. To book, please call 373-1787 or e-mail c.bear@sasktel.net

Celebrate Chinese New Year! Feb. 21 at TCU Place 2010 is the year of the Tiger. To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Federation of Saskatoon Chinese Canadian Organizations (FSCCO) will host a show featuring Acrobatics and traditional Folk Art by the Performance Troupe from Sichuan, China Professional Art Institute. Tickets are on sale now at TCU Place or the Chinese New Year Celebration Committee. For more information or to purchase tickets from the CNYCC please call Chun Chen at 270-7618 or Wey Lee at 955-1148.

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• Saskatoon • Section A

Genealogy

Romancing the archivist & the archives

ebruary is the month of love, a time to show a little romance. If your true love is for genealogy then a box of chocolates or a quiet supper may not be what you have in mind. February is a great time to learn more about and appreciate the institutions that care for the historical records of our ancestors. Knowing how to charm libraries, and museums can make your research a richer experience. Romancing your local archivist or librarian is not as difficult as you might think. Depending on the person, chocolates may be helpful but kindness and consideration can go far. It is their job to help you but you are not their only duty for the day. zx Coming prepared with your research plan by knowing or at least having an idea of who you are trying to research and what types of records you are interested in makes everyone’s job easier. zx Being aware of expected costs and hours of operation can save a lot of hassle for a researcher and staff. Retrieval cut-off times, lunch or closing hours, and holidays will affect the staff’s ability to assist a client and the client’s ability to complete their desired research. Parking or transportation costs may be an additional cost to the copying or access fees in place at various centres. zx Privacy laws, institutional policies and

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procedures are there for a reason: to limit the types of information researchers can access. The lack of available records or information on an ancestor is another pitfall. Controlling

Romancing the archivist with thoughtfulness, patience, and consideration enhances the relationship you build as a researcher. yourself and showing understanding and consideration for the circumstances presented is greatly appreciated by staff, instead of blaming the restrictions or lack of information on them. There is little that can be done by staff to change these circumstances. Any frustrations with the policies or the records should be directed at the appropriate sources in an appropriate manner. Is it really the archivist’s fault that your great-grandfather didn’t provide his place of birth in the census? zx Consideration, understanding, preparation, and knowledge show the staff that you are a confident and professional researcher. Basic traits of kindness may, in the long run, save you time, money, and possibly lead you

The beginning of February kicks off Archives Week in Saskatchewan. Here are a few events happening in Saskatoon: Monday 1 Métis Nation- Saskatchewan is holding it’s Grand Opening of the Genealogical / Archives Centre visit www.mn-s.ca for more information or call (306) 3438285. Tuesday 2 “Spotlight on the Past: Celebrity Readings from Archives in Saskatchewan.” 7 pm at the Frances Morrison Library. Free admission. Thursday 4 A “Night at the Roxy” at Saskatoon’s historic Roxy Theatre; 7pm at the Roxy Theatre. Free admission. Sunday 7 Saskatoon Heritage Festival noon to 5 pm at the Western Development Museum. Free admission. Friday 26 The Saskatoon Heritage Society Annual Fundraising Dinner Guest Speaker: Laurie Robson; 7 pm at the Delta Bessborough Hotel. Tickets: $60. each. Phone Ruth at 374-8572.

by Tammy Vallee

in new research directions. It is also the best way to win over the staff at any institute! zx One last method to keep in mind is the donation of materials, time, or money as a another means of showing appreciation not only to the establishment but also for the projects and work they do. Romancing the archivist with thoughtfulness, patience, and consideration enhances the relationship you build as a researcher. February is also a good time to recognize and acknowledge the importance of archives, libraries, museums, and societies who work towards preserving and promoting our history in Saskatchewan. Tammy Vallee is a Genealogical Speaker & Educator; Certified Saskatchewan and Aboriginal Researcher. She can be reached at tamw25@shaw.ca For more information on these or other events visit: Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists (SCAA) http://scaa.sk.ca/component/content/article/26top/144-archives-week-2010.html Saskatoon Heritage Society http://www.saskatoonheritage.ca/

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Breath of Spring Feb. 23 & 24

The Third Annual Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses April 14 at TCU Place

The Lung Association of Saskatchewan would like to bring you a Breath of Spring by delivering fresh tulips to your door. Only $7.00 per bunch (5 tulips/bunch).

Support the women in your community. The YWCA is proud to present the third annual Glass Slipper Benefit at TCU Place. Early Bird Tickets: $65, Table $520 until Feb. 28. Regular Tickets: $75, Table $600 until Apr. 7

Collect orders in your office and you will be entered in the provincial draw to win two WestJet tickets courtesy of Marlin Travel and WestJet and your office will receive one entry in the draw to win an Executive Gift Basket for every ten bunches of tulips ordered. Proceeds from this project support our important programs, services, and research in the areas of asthma, lung cancer, sleep apnea, pneumonia, and other diseases of the lungs. For more information or to receive an order form, please call 651-3347. You can also order online by visiting www.sk.lung.ca/tulips. Please note that all orders must be received and paid for by Feb. 12.

Loving kindness Day Feb. 28 at Renew Yoga, 626 Broadway Ave. 10am-4pm Cultivate a relationship of compassion. Beginning and experienced meditation practitioners welcome. Tea will be served. Donations accepted.

653-1064 (FAX)

Volunteer for READ Saskatoon Looking to volunteer as a part of your New Year’s Resolution? Volunteer as a literacy tutor for READ Saskatoon. Training and support provided. For more information visit www. READSaskatoon.com or call 652-5448

Integrative Leadership Programs Take a new approach to leadership with the leadership programs at the U of S. For more information about sessions being held in February check out www.learntolead.usask.

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

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Business & Technology

A look at the law

Prenuptial agreements & family property The Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) is a non-profit corporation that provides the people of Saskatchewan with understandable, useful information and education on our laws and legal system.

hen couples decide to marry or live together as spouses the possible end of their relationship is often the last thing they want to think about. There are, however, a number of reasons why a couple might consider a prenuptial agreement. Property is one thing that can be dealt with in a prenuptial agreement. Couples can choose how to divide property they bring to the relationship as well as property they acquire during the relationship. Before deciding what they might want in an agreement a couple needs to understand how our law currently deals with dividing property when couples separate. The law in Saskatchewan is that each spouse is generally entitled to an equal share of their family property unless it would be unfair to do so. For the purposes of dividing family property, the family home is treated somewhat differently than other family property. The family home will be divided equally unless it would be unfair and unjust to do so. The court will only consider it unfair if there are extraordinary circumstances or if it would be unfair to a spouse who has custody of the couple’s children. As a general rule, family property includes any real or personal property owned by one or both spouses, or by one or both spouses and a third person. Real property includes land and anything attached to the land, such as buildings. Personal property includes movable objects like household goods, jewelry and cars. Family property also includes

things such as businesses, pensions and bank accounts. This definition is very broad and includes things the spouses brought into the relationship and things the spouses acquired during the relationship.

Like any other contract, these agreements must not be made under duress or because of undue influence. Generally the fair market value, at the time the couple became spouses, of property brought into the relationship is exempt from being divided. If the original property is sold and other property is bought with the proceeds, the new property will also be exempt up to the value of the original property. The most important exception to this rule is the family home. Regardless of who brought the home into the relationship its entire value can be divided. If a couple does not want their property to be divided according to Saskatchewan law they can make an agreement to divide their property in whatever way they think is best. This agreement can be made before the couple are spouses or at any time during the relationship. Like any other contract, these agreements must not be made under duress or because of undue influence. Duress is if someone signs because they were physically forced to or because of threats to their safety. Undue influence does not necessarily involve physical violence. It means that someone has used improper pressure to cause the person

signing to act against their better judgment. specified in the Act, the court can change the Undue influence is very difficult to prove and way the property is divided. However, the the fact that one spouse insisted on a prenup- court would consider the agreement when tial under threat of calling off the marriage dividing the property. will generally not be considered undue influence in and of itself. This article is intended to be general inforTo be valid, the agreement must be in mation only. People who need advice should see writing and must be signed by each spouse their lawyer or other professional. in front of a witness. Each spouse must also get advice from his or her own lawyer before For general legal information on other areas signing the agreement. Each spouse then has of the law, contact Public Legal Education to acknowledge in writing, apart from the Association, 500 – 333 25th Street East, other spouse, that he or she understands the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0L4, Phone: agreement and its effect on his or her rights. (306) 653-1868, E-mail: plea@plea.org or see If the agreement is made in the manner our web site at plea.org. specified in The Family Property Act, a court will not change the way the property is divided, unless the agreement was grossly unfair and one-sided at the time it was made. The Supreme Court has indicated that courts should be reluctant to second#225 - 103rd Street Tel. 374-4585 Fax 373-7768 guess decisions made by the couple. The requirement that it be grossly unfair at the time it was signed also means that the courts will not take into account changes in the couple’s situation that happened after the agreement was signed. If the agreement is not made in the manner

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New Year’s resolution for business

Maintain good records! By Darwin Collins, CMA

aintaining accurate and up-to-date business records should be a top priority for business, but because owners and managers are often so busy with their daily operational duties, this important business function is sometimes overlooked and not given the attention it requires. There are several ways to maintain adequate business records. These include manual systems, spreadsheets, and computer software packages, all of which serve a purpose. What is important is for the users to know is how the record keeping system works, and that it needs to be maintained and updated regularly. Regular data entry and system maintenance is necessary if accurate and up-todate financial reporting is the goal. Maintaining the system helps to avoid needing to input large volumes of data at the end of a financial period and avoids the misplacement of source documentation which could ultimately affect the accuracy of the financial reporting. Accurate and up-to-date business records allow management to monitor the financial health of their business, and to make well-informed decisions and to take corrective action if required. Specifically, a good record keeping system will: 4 Track revenues, invoicing, and accounts receivable; 4 Track expenses, and accounts payable; 4 Reconcile bank and credit statements; 4 Complete cash flow projections; 4 Prepare financial reports of present and prior periods; 4 Prepare budgets and forecasts for future periods;

4 Complete ratio analysis to see how your business has performed;

4 Complete trend analysis to help identify future strengths and weaknesses;

4 Compile financial data for financial reporting and income tax purposes;

4 Clearly verify and substantiate business revenues and expenses if audited. Compliance with the federal tax authorities is vital. It is actually a requirement to maintain adequate books and records for specified periods of time. Generally speaking, the retention period for books and records is a minimum of six years after the end of the tax year to which they relate or, if the tax return in question is filed late, a minimum of six years from the date that particular tax return was filed. Books and records may be destroyed earlier if the federal minister gives written permission for their disposal. The provincial rules and guidelines for maintaining and retaining adequate business records are similar to the federal rules described. For detailed information related to the requirements of maintaining and retaining adequate books and records, business owners should visit the Canada Revenue Agency and the Saskatchewan Finance websites. I have dealt with inadequate business records as an accountant and as a tax auditor, and I can confidently assure you that the advantages and benefits of maintaining adequate and up-to-date business records far outweigh the potential costs of not doing so!

Darwin Collins, Certified Management Accountant, operates a Public Accounting & Taxation Office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and can be contacted at (306) 249-5595 or visited at www.darwincollinscma.com w w w . t h eneighbourhoodexpress.com

• Saskatoon • Section A

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Section A • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

Express Life is the lifestyles section of the Neighbourhood Express with information about family, health, self-development, and entertainment, including “Heartwarming Animal Tails,” “Journey of Faith,” “Experience Saskatoon,” “Of Community Interest,” and “On The Edge.”

André-Philippe Gagnon by Bruce Filson

When André-Philippe Gagnon started talking to me from his home in Westmount, Quebec I didn’t know who I was talking to. After all, Mr. Gagnon is arguably the best singing impressionist in the world. He can imitate any singer he wants to, with just the right pitch, tone and mannerisms, from Céline Dion to Rod Stewart to Bob Dylan to Susan Boyle, and I swear you would be totally fooled.

André-Philippe Gagnon launched his career at the age of 24 on the Johnny Carson Show imitating each and every singer who had contributed to “We Are The World,” a 1985 song written by Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson for African aid relief. It included stars like Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, and many others. The unprecedented occasion of gathering those performers together was a custom-made opportunity for an impressionist. Singing each one with every one of their signature quirks on the Carson show, his career was made, and the years that followed included shows in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, tours in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada. Gagnon has been out here before. He was at the Calgary Olympics in 1988, and in “all the CFL cities” out west, to put it his way. Of course he has been consistently popular in Quebec. Actually one of my favorites, and this may be an obscure cultural reference to those unfamiliar with Canada’s other solitude, is a cartoon character much loved in Quebec, a certain Fred Flintstone. Gagnon captures lovable Fred to a T. It is only natural that for him and his wife of many years, Montreal is their home. As he told me: “on avait déjà des amis…ça fait qu’on vit ici…mais moi, c’est… dans les valises.” [a free translation: He and his wife had many friends in Montreal so the family chose to live there, but he himself lives out of his suitcase a lot.] He also lived in Las Vegas with his family during the years he was a regular there. He made sure I understood that, because of his kids, they lived far away from “the strip”.

“Fortunately, positively so far,” he told me, chuckling. He imitated Frank Sinatra in front of Frank Sinatra. Sinatra said: “Get him out of here. He’s marvelous, marvelous. Get him out of here.” You can see Gagnon Feb. 19 at TCU Place. He will be in Saskatoon on his way through Western Canada to the Olympics in Vancouver where he will also perform. I do not recommend you go see him unless you are fully prepared to have the notion that star performers are inimitable shattered into tiny bits. You won’t be seeing the ordinary family man I spoke to. You

Begins Jan 29 at Tomas Cook (8th & McKercher) Saskatoon’s first ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s night spot will Shake, Rattle, and Roll every Friday.

See page 23a for contest entry form.

will be seeing a host of stars, each of which you would have paid way more to see individually in Las Vegas or Paris. This is André-Philippe Gagnon’s fourth Canadian tour. His new show goes through the history of rock and roll, including Bill Haley and the Comets, The Platters, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, the Woodstock era such as Santana, Joe Cocker; the 70’s like Elton John, Cat Stevens, James Taylor; Canadians like Gordon Lightfoot, the Guess Who; the disco era represented by the Bee Gee’s, The Village People; the 90’s including Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Sting; and the Australian invasion such as Midnight Oil and INXS. “Basically the 50’s to Susan Boyle,” he said, summing it up.

Enter to win two tickets to see

SAWYER BROWN with special guest

April 13

Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang You can see Gagnon Feb. 19 at TCU

See page 18a for contest entry form.

s s e r Xp st conte

Wednesday, March 17 7:30pm TCU Place

Fridays at the Hop!

Walking with the Dinosaurs!

How have the performers themselves reacted to his mockery?

Donny Parenteau

Page 19b

Photo supplied

mm, I thought. This must be the guy behind the voices then, an otherwise ordinary 49-year-old Québécois father who lives a few blocks from where I once lived for five years, on the mountain for which Montreal is named.

The tech burglar

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• Saskatoon • Section B

Healthy Lifestyles

Inner ear conditions – Part IV

Chronic dizziness and emotions

uring the last 13 years as a physical therapist I have assessed and treated many people with dizziness and balance problems. I have heard first hand what people are feeling when they are dizzy for a long time. As with all chronic conditions, every person has different coping strategies and different symptoms, but there are several concerns that are common. Symptoms of chronic dizziness may include vertigo, light-headedness, a lack of balance, vague wooziness, rocking or swaying, nausea, or just generally “not feeling right.” You may not be thinking clearly. Some clients feel foggy in the head. Others have memory problems, poor concentration or difficulty understanding simple instructions. Symptoms might increase with activity, so it is better if you don’t do anything. Dizziness may limit certain activities such as work, play, recreation, and social events. It may even affect all daily activities. Your relationships with everyone in your life may change, and in turn, will also change

healthier does taste better!

in how they interact with you. The bottom line is that there has been a change in you, and you are not the person you used to be, although you may look normal and healthy on the outside. Everyone will have different responses to this change. Some will be sympathetic and understanding, perhaps they have had this experience also, or they knew someone with similar problems. Others may be on the opposite end, and be skeptical and suspicious of your change, and may think you are making it all up. If you are stumbling or veering when you are walking, you are probably worried that everyone thinks you have been drinking. Many people who come to see me have not had a clear diagnosis. Many serious conditions have been ruled out (a good thing) but no one has been able to explain to them why grocery shopping is so difficult, or why they are having difficulty reading when their head is moving, or why walking in the dark is so difficult. Clients think they are going crazy since all the medical tests have been negative. But most of these concerns can all be explained in terms of the inner ear. If you have any of these symptoms, you may feel frustration, embarrassment, fear, anxiety, worry, depression, panic and/or anger. The more stress we are under, the tenser our muscles become. Our breathing can also change. Many people with inner ear problems are fatigued, which affects emotions. Emotions affect the body and vice-versa, so we see a downward spiral of symptoms and emotions over time. This can cause significant debilitation. In some studies, 25 percent of people with chronic dizziness have

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had a diagnosis of an emotional condition, usually anxiety or depression. Sleep can be disturbed by worry. Rolling can bring on dizziness. Anxiety can make people think the worst will happen. Worry ensues. Some feel there is nothing to look forward to, that life is just too hard, and withdraw from family and friends.

Your relationships with everyone in your life may change, and in turn, they will also change in how they interact with you. If you have chronic dizziness that has not been fully diagnosed, then a vestibular assessment may be a good place to start. The assessment can show if the inner ear has had damage or if there are other conditions that might be causing the dizziness. Dizziness symptoms can be magnified with neck problems and with anxiety. All areas need to be assessed and addressed in the course of vestibular therapy. Anxiety can cause dizziness by itself, as can problems with the neck. Symptoms will be magnified if there is more than one problematic source, whether anxiety, the neck or the inner ear. If physical findings prove the inner ear or the neck are contributing to your symptoms, an explanation by the therapist can really help you understand them. Many people are grateful to learn why they are feeling what they are feeling. This validation confirms they should expect those symptoms given their condition. This alone can go a long way in easing anxiety. Remain active as much as you can tolerate. Exercise helps to retrain the brain and devel-

by Robynne Smith

op balance control again. Exercise also causes the release of endorphins which can help you feel happier and healthier. One of the worst things a person with inner ear problems can do is to not move. This causes the brain to become less tolerant to movement, so that when you do have to move, you feel dizzier. Walking, gentle exercise and stretching will help. Tai Chi is also a highly recommended form of exercise. It helps with relaxation, concentration, balance and postural control. Vestibular rehabilitation takes you through habituation exercises as well as specific balance and conditioning exercises to help you improve. In some cases substitution and compensation strategies are needed if recovery is not possible. Consider seeing a psychologist if your emotions are too difficult to manage. Identifying and treating emotional symptoms will be of great benefit. There are many coping strategies to manage emotions. These may include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, music, and journaling your emotions. You can also learn how to manage your relationships with family and friends. Education of family members as to the symptoms you are having and why you are having them may be helpful in keeping the relationships from falling apart. I am sure there are many strategies that a psychologist could suggest. Chronic dizziness and balance problems will definitely change your life. Handling the change and dealing with your symptoms strategically can make a huge difference as to whether you cope successfully or are brought down by your symptoms. Robynne Smith is a physiotherapist at Off Broadway Physiotherapy and Dizziness Clinic. She can be contacted at 933-2619 or email saskbalance@sasktel.net or see www.SaskBalance. com

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Hospital

Healthy Lifestyles

p front and center on the essential nutrient list for a healthy love life is zinc. Zinc is the number one deficient nutrient in males, particularly boys in development stages. Zinc is essential for: • manufacturing genetic material • detoxification of chemicals, including alcohol • normal growth and development • healthy teeth, brain, bones, and skin • healthy immune system • healthy reproductive systems • hormone production The average adult body contains between 1.5 and 3 grams of zinc with approximately 60 percent of this in the muscles, 30 percent in the bones and six percent in the skin. The highest concentrations of zinc are in the prostate gland and sperm in men, and in red and white blood cells. The retinas of the eyes, the liver and kidneys also have high concentrations. Zinc is considered one of the most important nutrients for the immune system as it is necessary for healthy antibodies, white blood cells, the thymus gland and hormone function. It is therefore vital in maintaining resistance to infection and in the healing of wounds. Zinc is necessary for the secretion, synthesis and utilization of insulin. It also protects the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells against destruction. Zinc is also involved in the

Zinc is necessary for the production of brain neurotransmitters. Healthy liver function and release of vitamin A from the liver both require zinc. Zinc is also necessary for maintenance of vision, taste and smell and is the most abundant trace mineral in the eye. It is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and in the conversion of fatty acids to prostaglandin, which regulates body processes such as heart rate and blood pressure. Zinc is necessary for muscle contraction and maintaining acidalkali balance. Good sources of zinc include liver, shellfish, oysters, meat, canned fish, hard cheese, whole grains, nuts, eggs and pulses. More zinc is available from animal and fish sources as these high protein foods contain amino acids which bind to zinc and make it more soluble. Zinc from vegetables, fruits and cereals is less well absorbed as these foods contain compounds such as phytates and oxalates which bind zinc and reduces the amount available for absorption. Food additives and chemicals, which are used in food processing, can also reduce zinc absorption, as can large amounts of textured vegetable protein. The zinc in grains is found mainly in germ and bran coverings, so food refining and processing reduce the amount of zinc in food. For example, flour refining causes a 77 percent loss in zinc, rice refining causes a loss of 83 percent and processing cereals from whole grains causes

an 80 percent loss. Zinc absorption decreases with age. Excessive sweating can cause losses of up to three mg per day. Zinc is not well stored in the body and a reduction in dietary intake leads to deficiency fairly quickly. Plasma or serum zinc levels may not reflect body levels. Red or white blood cell measures of zinc may be the most accurate way to assess body stores. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include eczema on the face and hands, hair loss, mental apathy, defects in the reproductive organs, delayed sexual maturation, low libido, menstrual irregularities, decreased growth rate, body odour and impaired mental development. Deficiency may also lead to postnatal depression, loss of the senses of taste and smell, anemia, poor appetite, impaired conduction and nerve damage, white spots on the nails, mental disorders, susceptibility to infections, delayed wound-healing and impotence in men. Zinc supplements may be best taken first thing in the morning or two hours after meals to avoid the inhibition of absorption by other food constituents. Supplements should not be taken at the same time as medications, which reduce zinc absorption. More is not better. Generally adults supplement 15 mg per day.

You may also want to contact your health care professional for information and guidance to assist you in overcoming the challenges you may be encountering. Having started this article with a quotation, let me also end with one:

“There is no sexuality that is greater or lesser than another.” – Jasmine Guy

Zinc for a healthy love life

Sex over 50!!

hen deciding what type of health article to write this month and keeping with the theme of romance, I came across a quotation about sexuality: “Although it is widely believed that sex no longer matters after middle age, the opposite is true, and sex often becomes more and not less important as a person grows older. Because sex is among the last pleasure-giving biological processes to deteriorate, it is potentially an enduring source of gratification at a time when these are becoming fewer and fewer, and a link to the joys of youth. These are important ingredients in the [older] person’s emotional well-being.” – Helen Singer Kaplan There is a commonly accepted myth that sex after 50 either does not exist or that it is dissatisfying or dysfunctional. Some people think that as you get older it is “game over!” The fact is that the game is not over! We all have lifelong sexual feelings, interests, activities, and capacities.

Sexuality includes the way we think about ourselves as sexual beings, as well as gender roles and behaviours. Many people do not know the true definition of sexuality. Sexuality includes the way we think about ourselves as sexual beings, as well as gender roles and behaviours. It also includes the need for intimacy, ideas about reproduction, and the feelings of excitement and pleasure that are associated with sex. Sexuality embraces the entire range of sexual behaviours as well as the decision to be celibate. Most older adults still have a positive attitude toward sex. Research shows that most adults, regardless of their age, are interested in sex, find sex satisfying, and consider sex to be an important part of their lives. As we age our bodies change and we may respond more slowly or differently. Nevertheless, sex remains an important and

by Dr. Michele Kraklay

The highest concentrations of zinc are in the prostate gland and sperm in men, and in red and white blood cells. metabolism of the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, the ovaries and the testes. It is vital for healthy male sex hormone and prostate function. Zinc is essential for normal fetal growth and development, and for milk production during lactation. Maternal zinc levels are linked to proper formation of the palate and lip, brain, eyes, heart, bones, lungs and urogenital system of the baby. Adequate zinc is necessary for normal growth, birth weight and completion of full term pregnancy.

Dr. Michele Kralkay, DNM RHN is a complementary medical practitioner, health consultant, lecturer and author. She is certified in many healing modalities. Contact her at buildhealthnaturally.com or call 477-4480.

by Shelly Luhning

enjoyable aspect of life for older adults. Years of sexual experience may more than compensate for any decrease in physical responsiveness. The physical changes that occur with age can provide an opportunity to revitalize lovemaking. Many older adults take advantage of the chance to slow down and focus on intimacy. They spend more time hugging, cuddling, and caressing to express their affection. In one study of adults, aged 60 to 91, nearly 75 percent of those who remained sexually active reported that lovemaking had become more rewarding and more satisfying over the years. There are many benefits to maintaining a healthy sexual activity level as an older adult. Some benefits include: • Sex burns fat and causes the brain to release endorphins, natural chemicals that act as painkillers and reduce anxiety. • In men, sex stimulates the release of growth hormones and testosterone, which strengthens bones and muscles. • Sex also seems to prompt the release of substances that bolster the immune system. • The physical exertion associated with sex is about the same as walking up two flights of stairs. Sex is exercise. Continuing to have sex will preserve your sexual vigour beyond middle age. Sexually active people have higher levels of naturally produced sex hormones. As you age, you may find some of the following challenges involving sex: • It may take longer to become aroused. • You don’t have as much stamina as you used to. • You need more time to reach the same level of satisfaction that you once enjoyed. • Women may have vaginal discomfort, dryness or pain during intercourse due to decreased lubrication, the result of hormonal changes related to menopause. • Men may notice that achieving an erection may take longer and that it may not be as large or firm as before. Orgasms may be less intense than in their youth. These changes are normal and a result of a decrease in hormones. Discuss these challenges with your partner.

Shelly Luhning R.N., BScN MN resides in Saskatoon.

Open Monday to Saturday - Evenings Available by Appointment General Dentistry and Emergency Patients Welcome Dr. Damara Rayner

Dr. Sheldon Barkman

Dr. Shaun Brakstad Dr. Don Campbell

Dr. Tom Carlson Dr. Jocelyne Hodgson

Fax: 978-6587 Bay 1 - 50 Kenderdine Road (adjacent to Extra Foods Store)

www.kenderdine-dental.ca w w w . theneighbourhoodexpress.com

• Saskatoon • Section B

Healthy Lifestyles

A closer look at correct movement

by Kathy Morgan

In addition to the previous article we ran on the Mitzvah Technique & Itcush Method, this should help to clarify and emphasize the proper way to perform the exercise.

This example shows what most people tend to do.

o reiterate, the Mitzvah exercise is a set of simple movements involving sitting, standing, and walking. The movements involve changing from a standing to a sitting position, then back to a standing position, followed by a period of walking. They may be performed by anyone mobile enough to sit, stand, and walk. This well-designed exercise brings permanent, positive, and postural changes, and can be incorporated into the routine of daily life. Most of us sit and stand unconsciously, unaware of how we get into the chair or the way we get up from it and the harm it does to the body. Most of us habitually contract and lock the head and neck, back and down against the spine. This creates a lot of muscle tension and puts force on the spine. We are unaware there are more efficient ways of performing this act. Begin by standing and allow the head and neck (using the weight of the head) to fall gently toward the chest. Bend the knees in line over the toes and sit. To stand, allow the head and neck to fall gently towards the chest, tilt forward, knees in line over the toes, begin to stand up. Halfway through standing up release the chin and

Demonstrated here, is a better way to sit.

stand all the way up. Now pause for 10 seconds and then walk, allowing more changes to occur. There are more steps involved to sitting and standing, but allowing the head and neck to release in this movement is an important beginning. This act allows the muscles to release from the base of the skull down the sides of the spine and into the sacrum. Even if you only did this act, this alone would bring changes to the body. To learn to do this properly you need guidance from a Mitzvah Teacher. If you have any questions regarding the Mitzvah principle you may contact Kathy Morgan at 306-373-7351 or e-mail km.morgan@hotmail.com.

DIABETICS SHOULD NEVER BE TOO BUSY FOR AN ANNUAL EYE EXAM! DIABETES CAN CAUSE CHANGES IN NEAR AND FARSIGHTEDNESS AS WELL AS CAUSE PREMATURE PRESBYOPIA. IN ADDITION, PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN EXPERIENCE MORE CATARACTS (CLOUD OVER THE LENS) AND DEVELOP GLAUCOMA (PRESSURE IN THE EYE) AT A YOUNGER AGE. EVERYONE WITH DIABETES IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING RETINOPATHY, THE MOST SERIOUS FORM OF EYE DISEASE RELATED TO DIABETES. WHAT CAUSES DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye. If this condition is present and left untreated, blindness can result! There are several factors that increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, including smoking, high blood pressure, drinking alcohol and pregnancy. COMMON SIGNS OF VISUAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES Some of the visual symptoms associated with diabetes include fluctuating or blurring of vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field and flashes or floaters within the eye. A SOLUTION TO PREVENTING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY In addition to exercising and following a healthy eating plan, having your eyes checked by your optometrist once a year is essential, even if your vision is OK. Prevention and early detection of an eye problem, such as retinopathy , is much more likely to be successful at an early stage. THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING COMPREHENSIVE EYE HEALTH AND VISION EXAMINATION GUIDELINES:

INFANTS AND TODDLERS (BIRTH TO 24 MONTHS) - BY AGE 6 MONTHS PRESCHOOL (2-5 YEARS) - IMMEDIATELY, IF PARENTS SENSE A PROBLEM, OTHERWISE BY THE AGE OF 3 AND AGAIN PRIOR TO ENTERING SCHOOL SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN (6-19 YEARS) - ANNUALLY OR EVERY 2 YEARS OVER 19 YEARS OF AGE - EVERY 2 YEARS OR SOONER IF RECOMMENDED BY YOUR OPTOMETRIST

YOUR EYES DESERVE AN OPTOMETRIST!

Information taken from the Canadian Association of Optometrists pamphlet entitled “Diabetes”

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ROBINSON W. BRUCE DR. LUKENCHUCK DARCY DR. 1102 CN Tower

NAYLOR KENT DR. MURDOCH GREG DR. (8th Street Vision Centre) 103-3301 8th St. E.

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MATZ CARLA M. DR. BRAUN DENNIS DR. PITEAU SHERYL DR. (Grosvenor Park Optometry) #35-2105 8th St. E.

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KRUEGER JAMES A. DR. WILSON ROBERT DR. KENDALL TIM DR. (Fourth Avenue Vision Centre) 100-128 4th Ave. S.

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Section B • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

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Supplements, meal replacements or real food?

illions of dollars are spent annually on supplements and meal replacements in the hope of losing those undesirable pounds. Initially many people are successful with their weight loss attempts, however the universal stat is that 98 percent will put back all of their weight plus 5 to10 more pounds, 1 to 2 years after dieting. What goes wrong? Is this due to ‘lack of willpower’ or are there other underlying issues? The science of the body is very complicated. The human body since time immemorial has always needed and relied on ‘real food’ for fuel. In order for our body to function optimally we need to provide it with a variety of foods that have many vitamins and minerals. We can only receive these variables through real food. If our body is deficient in a specific vitamin or mineral, it will not get the message that we are low, say, in vitamin A. (Vitamin A is important for preventing eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system and is essential for the growth and development of cells.) Important bodily functions rely on foods that naturally supply adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. If we do not receive a sufficient amount of a particular vitamin or mineral over a period of time, our body will crave it. We will eat everything and anything in sight until our body finally finds the vitamins or minerals that we are deficient in. Unfortunately we will not receive the message that we need, for example, only darkcoloured orange or green vegetables such as carrots or pumpkin. Consequently, we overeat and again feel like a failure, beating ourselves up for our lack of willpower when in reality our body was simply seeking the deficient vitamin or mineral. When we understand the benefits and sources of each vitamin and mineral, it will make sense why we need to eat a variety of ‘real food’. The following is a Vitamin and Mineral “Food Value” listing. Let’s “get real” and start eating real food! Vitamin A: prevents eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system, is essential for the growth and development of cells, and keeps skin healthy. Good sources of vitamin A are dark-coloured orange or green vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and kale), and orange fruits such as cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, papayas, and mangos. Vitamin C: (also called ascorbic acid) is needed to form collagen, a tissue that helps to hold

cells together. It’s essential for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron and calcium, aids in wound healing, and contributes to brain function. You’ll find high levels of vitamin C in red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit, and orange. Vitamin E: is an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage. It is also important for the health of red blood cells. Vitamin E is found in many foods, such as green leafy vegetables and avocados. Riboflavin: (also called vitamin B2) is essential for turning carbohydrates into energy and producing red blood cells. It is also important for vision. Some of the best sources of riboflavin green leafy vegetables, broccoli, asparagus. Folate: (also known as vitamin B9, folic acid, or folacin) helps the body make red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA. Green leafy vegetables, asparagus, oranges and other citrus fruits, and poultry are good sources of this vitamin. Iron: helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include weakness and fatigue, light-headedness, and shortness of breath. Ironrich foods include green leafy vegetables, and raisins. Magnesium: helps muscles and nerves function, steadies the heart rhythm, and keeps bones strong. It also helps the body create energy and make proteins. You get magnesium from green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, kiwi, broccoli. Potassium: helps with muscle and nervous system function. It also helps the body maintain the balance of water in the blood and body tissues. Potassium is found in broccoli, potatoes (with skins), green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, bananas, peas & lima beans. Barb Maduck operates Partners in Fitness and Weight Management Studio at 1111-8th Street East in Saskatoon. She can be contacted at 979-7496.

Romance is in the air

A perfect

day

Endlessly glamorous, exceptional and beautiful. It is your wedding. Your day. Welcome to our special bridal section featured over the next nine pages. We offer tips and trends and showcase a collection of breathtaking gowns and ensembles. Also featured throughout you will find information on services and products provided by Saskatoon’s top wedding providers. Weddings of today are more relaxed and about what feels right for you. Whether you decide to take your wedding big and over the top, go ultra-elegant or keep it simple and classic, it’s all about your personal style.

w w w . theneighbourhoodexpress.com

• Saskatoon • Section B

Romance is in the air

Wedding Tips & Trends by Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz

arriage is a huge milestone and to many, their wedding day is the best day of their life. However, planning a wedding can be quite stressful between booking all the details, staying within budget, keeping track of the guest list and every other detail. Here are some great ideas from other brides-to-be and wedding experts to help you pull off getting hitched without a hitch.

Go green Many couples are being environmentally conscious when planning their wedding. They incorporate “green” in any way they can, from choosing eco-friendly decorations to opting for wedding rings made from recycled precious metals and stones. “Weddings can be so wasteful,” comments bride-to-be, Liz Kachanoski. “We are trying to be as environmentally-friendly as possible by doing things like having our invitations printed on recycled paper. In general, we are trying to reduce using anything that isn’t necessary.” Laura Mattila and her fiancé are also trying to keep their February 2010 wedding as green as possible. “We aren’t using any plastic flowers or buying things that will be useless after the wedding,” she says. “Also, all the ingredients on our menu were produced locally.”

“My fiancé and I chose to get married in Mexico,” says Jinelle Moleski, whose wedding took place December 31, 2009. “When we found out that it was advisable, legally, to get married in Canada beforehand, we decided to get married 10 days before our Mexico wedding, outside in Saskatchewan. It was -32 degrees, without the windchill, but we figured because we were going to Mexico, we might as well have a -30 degree and a +30 degree celebration.”

Read up on it It can be overwhelming planning a wedding, especially when it comes to booking your vendors. Do your research! Speak to others who have recently planned a wedding to find out about what they thought of the florist or venue they used. Read wedding magazines for ideas or attend bridal shows such as the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase being held February 7 at the Saskatoon Travelodge. The internet is also filled with great ideas for weddings. Bride-to-be Chantal Moloney recommends www.theknot.com as a great wedding planning resource. If you feel you could use help from an expert, hire a Wedding Planner as Martine Janssen did. “We are getting married 1200 km away from where we live,” explains Janssen. “So I hired a Wedding Planner to help me. She helped a lot with finding vendors and going over the contracts before I sign them.”

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Maybe it’s the limited summer weather available in Saskatchewan or the desire for something a little more exotic that entices so many bridal couples to choose destination weddings. Whether it be Mexico, Cuba, Las Vegas or any other fabulous destination, couples embrace the idea of adding some adventure to their wedding plans by tying the knot barefoot on a sandy beach or in a big city full of excitement. A destination wedding can offer a carefree wedding day as many places have wedding packages available. All you need to do on your wedding day is show up. However, to ensure that your destination wedding is stress-free, it is important do your research and talk to a professional. You’ll want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the marriage laws in the country where you are planning your nuptials as well as the contracts with your hotel, airline, and so on to ensure that both you and your guests have a great time.

The venue Michelle Szukaylo, Event Coordinator at the Travelodge, offers these suggestions. “Before picking a venue make sure to secure the person who will be performing the marriage ceremony (minister, priest, justice of the peace, etc.). There isn’t any point in booking the place of your dreams if no one is available to marry you that day.” She also suggests, when looking for your location, to be prepared to be asked how many people you are planning to invite and what ideas you have as to what style of wedding you are planning. She recommends sitting down beforehand and deciding on your budget. In some circumstances, the type of wedding you are planning dictates when you can book your reception location.

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Romance is in the air

The cake “Choosing your wedding cake is a special thing,” says Tangyne Berry of Simply Cakes. “Wedding cakes can be a centerpiece for the reception and should reflect something about the couple and their special day. For a recent wedding, the bride who was somewhat more traditionalist wanted the three-tier wedding cake while the groom had a funkier taste. So I did two – one three-tier chocolate fondant round cake with a well of chocolate mousse on top and one Mario Brothers Flying Luigi cake. Another couple got married in a National Park. They both loved camping so much that it was their wedding theme. So the cake had trees, a tent, a canoe, a pond and a fire with a blanket and a bottle of champagne in a bucket.” Berry recommends setting a budget as your starting point for deciding on a cake. Then set up some interviews with different cake designers. Bring pictures of cakes that you like and look through the designer’s portfolio as well as taste-test their cakes if possible. Because the cakes are made fresh, designers limit the number of cakes that they can make per day, so book early. “I have seen a slight trend lately towards individual mini cakes or cupcakes for guests, with a small cake for the head table that is used for the cutting,” comments Berry on current wedding cake trends. “However, there are still a lot of requests for the straight forward three tier round cake of simple elegance.”

The homemade touch Many couples are taking advantage of the talents of those around them or their own ambition during their wedding preparation. This can minimize costs, which is great for the budget but it also gives couples an opportunity to add unique, homemade touches. The couple will also share with loved ones, the memory of making their own wedding decorations or invitations.

“We love doing crafty things so my bridesmaids and I have been having a blast getting together and working on the decorations. Plus, the money we saved on decorations I was able to put towards buying the dress of my dreams,” explains Sara Johnson Wedding Favours: A good place to begin when deciding on your wedding favours, is choosing something that fits your wedding theme and colour scheme. For a garden wedding, you could give guests satchels containing tulip bulbs or for a Valentine’s wedding you could set a heart-shaped box of chocolates at each table setting. Consider also giving guests a personalized wedding favor such CD compilation of your favorite songs or using picture frames as place settings. Afterwards, you could send each of the guests your wedding photo for the frame. Many retailers offer unique wedding mementos. One of our favourites is from Oolong Teahouse. They specialize in miniature personalized tins of teas (pictured here). See saskatoonoolonghouse@ gmail.com for more information.

The (impossible?) perfect wedding T

here’s no avoiding it. Something will go wrong at your wedding, no matter how many guests you have, where you hold the wedding, or how well you have prepared. Contrary to most problems in life, these blunders often end up becoming endearingly funny stories that are fondly remembered for years to come. Here are a few good ones I’ve heard: “The night before the wedding I decided to iron my veil again because it wasn’t quite perfect. Instead, I burnt a big hole in it and had to cut off yards of beautiful netting. I cried.” “I prayed for a hot day and I got it – with the humidex it felt close to 50+ degrees and we were married mid-afternoon in a church with no air conditioning. Be careful what you wish for.” “We hadn’t planned a few details, like how we would get from the photo location to the reception. The rest of the wedding party left, each thinking we were with the other group. We had to get a ride in our niece’s babysitter’s Aerostar minivan to our reception.” “My husband and I stood up to do our ‘thank you’ speeches. I picked up the notes and started reading without really paying attention to what I had written or what I was saying. Then I heard myself say ‘raised me to be the man I am today’ I had flipped to the wrong page and was reading my husband’s speech! My face turned beet red.” “My husband’s humorous thank you speech included an unauthorized description of his previous day’s shopping trip – for “Spanx.” Although they were for a bridesmaid, I’m sure everyone assumed they were for me and were envisioning this ugly garment underneath my beautiful dress.” “I was dancing with my new brother-inlaw when he lost his grip and I fell flat on the dance floor. Alcohol was a factor.” “My husband forgot to bring my overnight bag to the hotel on our wedding night. I didn’t even have a toothbrush! The next morning we had to wear our wedding clothes to leave – at least I got to wear my dress again. It was our last ‘walk of shame’.”

they would give to a couple in the wedding/ marriage planning process. - “Don’t ask your fiancé to do anything.” (With tongue-in-cheek no doubt.) - “Wedding photos are very important – make sure you have a good photographer and a great location.” - “If you accept money from relatives to help with the wedding costs, remember that you are also giving them a say in the decision making.” - “Relax. I thought I was going to be so nervous, but I wasn’t at all. I was just really happy and calm.” - “Remember, destination weddings allow you to be a bride for a week.” - “People only seem to remember if the food was good and if the entertainment was fun.”

- “Make certain that you have plenty of alcohol.” (Contrary to wedding risk factors as noted above, no doubt so that you can have something to blame miscues on). - “Be prepared for the possibility of post-wedding blues once the day is over. So much energy goes toward it for so long, months and sometimes years...and then it’s all over in one day and the reality of marriage sets in.”

b y S u s a n B u ss e

And the answer that really sums it all up: - “As important as your wedding day is, it is only one day. My only advice would be to prepare for your marriage. Make sure you share the same values and priorities. It has been over five years since our wedding day and, as important as it was, it is our life together since that I cherish the most.”

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A couple of themes emerged: thank you speeches and alcohol are definite wedding risk factors. Next I asked the brides what general advice

Models by Masala Model & Talent inc. Hairstyles and make-up by Angles SalonSpa Tuxedos by Moores Clothing for Men Grand Door Prize provided by Battleford Furniture

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• Saskatoon • Section B

Romance is in the air

Wedding

The

Tips & Trends

Bride

sk any bride and she’ll probably tell you that one of her favorite parts of wedding planning is picking out her dress! With more options available than ever before this season, bridal shops are reporting that today’s bride is looking for a modern and unique dress as opposed to the traditional wedding gowns from years past.

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“Brides are also going for extremes,” says Rebecca Hunter, owner of Something Blue. “Either dresses with haute couture styling - dramatic details like flowers, oversized bows, unique beading and other glamorous, chic details - or very simple gowns with fantastic accessories - brightly coloured shoes, birdcage veils, feather fascinators or organza hair flowers, statement necklaces or vintage inspired jewellery. Brides these days are taking their cues from fashion rather than traditional bridal.” “This season’s bridal designers have brought in more figure-hugging silhouettes – mermaids, trumpets, sheaths and columns,” adds Glenda Edmunds, owner of A La Mode. “They modified the standard designs to add details that make these new designs possible for more figure types. You will see modern deep v-necklines or one shoulder designs that enhance well-toned arms and shoulders. Designers are using more soft and flowing fabrics such as organza and chiffon to play up tiers and layering details to skirts and trains.”

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“The biggest trend in bridesmaids dresses is individuality,” says Hunter. “More and more brides are letting their bridesmaids choose their own styles from the same designer (ensuring colour continuity) or choosing a dress and putting each bridesmaid in a complementary colour. Some of our chic-est parties have chosen dresses in one colour group but in different fabrics, patterns and styles! Brides are also foregoing traditional bridesmaids styles and choosing dresses that would be as cute at a cocktail party as at a wedding. And designers are keeping up - lots of cute details like fun fabrics, ‘50’s style boatnecks, flowers, ruffles and our favourite - pockets!” Both wedding gown experts also have some great tips to keep in mind when you are shopping for your dress. “Be comfortable shopping alone, or only with your most trusted family or friends,” says Hunter. “Surrounding yourself with good people is key- you want honesty, but you also want support.” “It’s important to bring along the proper essentials when dress shopping,” explains Edmunds. “You’ll want to bring shoes that are the same heel height and type as the pair you plan to wear on your wedding day. How you stand in your shoes will affect how your dress fits you. Remember to wear the proper undergarments for trying on a dress as well as have your hair in a similar style as your wedding day.”

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omen go crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man: Although, guys may not get as excited about shopping for their wedding attire, they still want to look good. Anthony Graham-Cutts, owner of Anthony’s Fashion for Men recommends giving yourself at least four weeks to find the find your wedding attire. If you have specific requirements as far as colour or fit, you may want to allow a little extra time in case what you had in mind is not readily available. Remember that special orders and alterations take time. Regarding what’s in style for suits and formal wear, Graham-Cutts had this to say: “Flat front pants are increasing in popularity for formal wear. It is mainstream in suits and other dress wear but formal attire has always been resistant to change. We have noticed a substantial increase over the past few years and the trend continues in a positive direction. Two-button jackets are very contemporary with three-button being more classic. Also most companies will offer a one-button that is either cutting edge or very old-school depending on your view.”

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• Saskatoon • Section B

Romance is in the air

Get me to the ch

urch on time

n u f e v a h o t t n a w t s u j s l r i G

Who will catch the bouque

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Shot on location at the Delta Bessborough Bride and bridesmaid gowns by Something Blue Men’s attire by Anthony’s Fashion for Men Models: Abdullah, Alycia, Andrea, Craig, Dustin, Fath, Kayla, Kayli, Megan, Rishi and Sarah. A special thanks to all the individuals and businesses who participated in our bridal fashion photo shoot.

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• Saskatoon • Section B

Romance is in the air

How to choose an engagement ring

b y S u s a n B u ss e

he engagement ring is a symbol of commitment, a promise of love and devotion. According to ancient Egyptians, the vena amoris (vein of love) runs from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. Thus the engagement ring is traditionally placed on that finger. You may be wondering, “How do I choose a ring that my sweetheart will love? The good news is that it’s becoming more common for couples to select the ring together, a sure-fire way to ensure that she likes the end result. Whether you’re going through this process together or on your own, below are nine things to think about:

Budget

The standard rule is two months’ salary, but this is also a rule that the diamond industry created! Figure out your personal budget based on comfort level. Prices vary widely, and a beautiful ring can be found at any point. If you have an extremely limited budget, you will find small simple rings for under $100 (as of the day of writing, SEARS. com shows a white gold engagement ring with cubic zirconia, on sale for $80.99). If money is no object, designer creations with rare stones can run into the millions (Donald Trump paid $2 million for Melania Knauss’s

ring). Shopping within your budget rather than first finding gorgeous rings that may be far outside your current financial reach helps avoid disappointment and financial resentment.

Style Your sweetheart is the one who actually wears this ring every day so it’s important that it suit her personality, lifestyle, preferences and fashion sense. The best clues come from the jewellery that she wears on a regular basis: does she prefer vintage or contemporary? Gold, silver or platinum? Solitaires or clusters of stones? Chunky or fine? Rounded or square? These are all important factors. If you’re not sure, check in with her sister, best friend, or mother.

Size You will score some points if you get the size right. That way she’ll be able to wear the ring right away, not wait for days or

weeks while it’s re-sized.

Professional help A great jeweller is worth his or her weight in gold. Ask friends and family for referrals. A jeweller will teach you everything you need to know to make this financially and emotionally significant purchase. After a 25-minute whirlwind ‘basics-of-engagement rings’ lesson, I soon realized that there is a lot to learn! Get professional help.

Diamonds If you’re not conversant in the 4 C’s of diamonds, the importance of cut, and how laser beams can measure how much a diamond will sparkle, seek more professional help.

Alternatives Perhaps the traditional diamond is not for you. There are endless alternatives. The most unusual one I’ve heard of is a tattoo-ring. Other choices such as coloured diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and culturally significant rings are growing in popularity.

Customized Design Goldsmiths are artistic craftsmen who create delicate items of beauty. They will design a customized ring based on your ideas, magazine ads, family heirlooms, or other jeweller. This is an excellent option, and not necessarily more expensive. On the contrary, it may be more economical than paying extravagant prices for a brand name. Ask your jeweller.

Plan If the perfect ring for you is not sitting in the display case, it may need to be ordered, sized, designed, engraved, etc. This could take days, weeks and sometimes months. Plan ahead.

Insurance Get a certified appraisal and insurance coverage. I shudder to think about it, but more than one engagement ring has been flushed down the toilet. The purchase of an engagement ring is one that you will remember for the rest of your life. Prepare yourself and go forward with confidence. Good luck with the proposal!

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Romance is in the air

Sparkling Moments

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A striking necklace or earrings are the ultimate complement to your gown. A glitzy choker or dainty strand looks smart with bare necklines. Accessories by Frakas

The bouquet is one of the most important elements of the wedding day. When you’re planning your wedding it can be difficult how to pick your perfect flowers so it’s advisable to turn your attention to ordering your flowers as soon as you’ve decided on the venue, the date and the dress. Flowers by Saskatoon School of Horticulture

Chic heels shine on your special day.

These practical shoes don’t lose their sexy look after the wedding. Pumps paired with a pencil skirt give a professional look and metallics jazz up any party dress. Shoes from Swanks Shoe Lounge

The romance of the flower

lowers are both beautiful and functional. We enjoy their colour and their scent. We often forget that the real significance of a flower from the plant’s perspective is to provide a means of reproduction. Flowers have played a role in many cultures throughout the years, symbolizing an identity, a goal or aspiration and even sometimes a special religious significance.

Roses have long been the chosen flower to signify love. Long-stemmed red roses are definitely the sell-out flower on Valentine’s Day. White roses symbolize purity; yellow roses, happiness and friendship. Lilies are often one of the most chosen flowers for both weddings and funerals, with white lilies being symbolic of the purity and virtue of the bride. Sunflowers symbolize warmth and happiness,

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while purple lilacs stand for first love. We also mark special days with flowers at births, deaths, weddings and a host of other special occasions to give thanks, to say “I love you” or to just say “I am thinking about you”. In fact, individual types of flowers have been given special meanings you may want to consider when giving flowers as a gift. Floristry is an important component of the

horticultural industry. If you are interested in learning how to design flowers as a new career or just for your own interest, check out the Saskatoon School of Horticulture. We offer a variety of options in the floristry field. Visit growyourfuture.ca for diploma or certificate program descriptions, upcoming community classes, and our event planning services.

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• Saskatoon • Section B

Image & Self-development

The beauty of masquing

’m sure you’ve seen the pictures: a woman with cucumbers over her eyes and various coloured facial masques – green, pink, white, beige – covering the rest of her face. Do these masques really do anything or are they just for show? A good facial masque is not just for show and can do wonders for the skin by tightening, toning, calming, clarifying, hydrating and more. Dry, oily, normal, combination – regardless of your skin type, your daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing sometimes isn’t enough. If you know your skin type you may be able to find a suitable masque at the drug store for home use. You can even place cucumbers or tea bags over your eyes to reduce puffiness. There are many recipes on the internet if you decide to try mixing up a batch of masque in your blender. Those containing honey, yogurt, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables are generally safe. Apply the mixture over cleansed skin, relax for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to remove all traces of the masque with a damp cloth and finally moisturize. Feel free to experiment at home, but if you have a skin condition such as acne, rosacea or extremely dry skin you will benefit from a skin analysis and treatment done by an esthetician or dermatologist. There are many professional masques the esthetician has to choose from. These can be applied with a serum under the masque to address your skin’s specific needs. I will talk about a few of the basic types here. Clay masques draw impurities from the skin. The clay is applied wet with a brush. In about 10 to 15 minutes the masque dries and tightens,

by Leondra King

pulling toxins to the skins surface and stimulating circulation. It is removed with a damp cloth. This works well on oily and combination skin, or skin with acne. A cream masque is just that, a cream with added nutrients for dry or normal skin. It is usually brushed onto the skin and left for about 20 minutes before being removed with a damp cloth. A modeling or modelage masque is applied over a treatment cream and/or serum and allowed to harden on the skin. Gypsum is the plasterlike ingredient that makes this masque harden on the face. It takes about 20 minutes to dry and is lifted from the skin in one piece. Good for all skin types. The thermo masque can be either paraffin or a self heating masque. The purpose of these is to warm the skin for deep penetration of creams or serums applied directly to skin. For the paraffin masque layers of gauze are applied over cream and then painted with the warm wax. There are self-heating masques that are applied in the form of a modeling masque. These gradually increase in temperature to 15 to 20 degrees C above room temperature, then allowed to cool before removal. It’s not for oily skin, acne, rosacea or coupe rose (red). It stimulates circulation, plumps and softens mature skin. Some of these masques are intended to be used in combination with ingredients that further enhance their ability to treat problematic skin. A few ingredients that are applied directly to the skin or into the masque itself include vitamin C, collagen, green tea, chlorophyll and other botanicals,

alginate and minerals of marine origin. There are hundreds more, and new ingredients are constantly being discovered, rediscovered and added to face treatments. There are even masques that give botox-like results, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements especially on the forehead and around the eyes. Whether you decide to try a home masque or have a facial

Book clubs have become highly popular in the last while. They offer an opportunity to meet new friends and to rekindle a romance with reading. The Book Review’s author belongs to a book club which usually meets on a monthly basis. The attendees of his book club place their names into a hat and the member who gets chosen from this random selection gets to choose the next book. The result is a very eclectic mix of books, varying from classical literature to modern fiction to non-fiction and the genres are very different from month to month. Book review highlights the monthly book selection of the author’s book club and offers a synopsis and review of the book based on the perspective of the book club.

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omewhere Else by Jan Guenther Braun begins with sixteen-year-old Jess Klassen, a homosexual teenager raised in a deeply religious Mennonite family in rural Saskatchewan. As her father is about to be appointed the president of the Mennonite College, Jess is finding it more and more difficult to reconcile her upbringing and her sexual orientation. Though she believed that she could turn to her family for solace, Jess quickly realizes that any discussion regarding the issue of homosexuality results in a heated argument or else being stifled. Upon reaching the breaking point, Jess decides to leave everything behind. She takes a train out, heading East with no destination in mind, thereby embarking on a journey of self-discovery and love. Somewhere Else is ultimately a modern “coming of age” story driven by a very interesting premise. Here Braun really excels in painting life into the relationships between the characters. From the fragility and naivety of Jess’s relationship with the first girl she falls in love with to the unpredictability and unconventionality of Jess’s relationship with Halfsteinn, a stranger she meets and develops an unconventional friendship with, Somewhere Else really captures the emotional depth of Jess’s journey. Braun’s depiction of the struggle between Jess’s search for who she really is and her religious identity is beautifully executed. The role religion plays in Jess’s life after having realized her sexual identity is dealt with in a manner that doesn’t cheapen Section B • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

Leondra King is the owner of Isis Laser and Wellness Centre. Leondra is a certified esthetician and medi-spa technician. She can be contacted at 922-1860 or by visiting www. isislaserwellness.com

by Stan Yu

Somewhere Else by Jan Guenther Braun

with a masque custom designed for you, it’s never too late to enjoy and experience the beauty of masquing.

the value of either side. Another strong point of the story is Braun’s exploration into the inner dynamics and tensions within this Mennonite family as they unravel, revealing the dark side of pride and the repression of feelings. On the other hand, at certain points in the book, Somewhere Else plays more like a teen romantic comedy, especially during the romantic sequences involving Jess. There is one scene in the book where Jess was complaining about a person who made an impression on her. Her two best friends begin to explain that she is in love, ask her how long it’s been since she’s been in love and that she should not be afraid to pursue this wonderful opportunity. This scene instantaneously evokes any romantic comedy readers have ever seen. Here I feel that the book becomes too clichéd and predictable. Reading Braun’s book, I was hoping to gain more insight into the Mennonite religion. Having come from a non-religious background, I was curious to see how a strictly religious community justifies its position on homosexuality and the specifics of why the Mennonite religion does not condone homosexuality. I was quite disappointed to find very little information within Braun’s book to satisfy my curiosity. Furthermore, the actual specifics of the Mennonite religion are non-existent in the book. It was just established and presupposed within the story. Certain characters may have portrayed a lifestyle, behaviour, moral teaching or personality trait that stems from their religious background. However, very little attention was paid to what the actual Mennonite religion is. I found that omission made me, as a reader, less appreciative Jess’s journey and less understanding of why her family would act as they did. In short, Somewhere Else is much more of a character-driven story with exceptional emotional depth, especially during the final act of the book. Though the protagonist is a female in her teens, it should not deter readers of any age group from enjoying this read. Having said that, I would not recommend this book for those who are using it as a source to gain insight on religion and homosexuality. To read previous book reviews or if you’d like to comment on any of the book reviews I’ve done, please visit: stansbookreview.tumblr.com

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Sa s katoon’s

t Factor’s album release show at Amigos last Jan. 9, tickets were sold out by midnight and crowds of people were getting turned away at the door. “It’s too bad because a couple of my good friends couldn’t even get in,” said Factor after the show, sounding almost humbled by the fact his new album, 13 Stories, is getting so much attention. “I mean, I wish they could have gotten tickets, but that’s what happens I guess.” This kind of situation is typical when Factor, a.k.a. Graham Murawsky, plays shows in his hometown of Saskatoon: The venue is packed and those who don’t show up early can easily miss out, just as a couple of friends found out that night. Those who did make it were in for a treat. Saskatoon’s DJ Chaps warmed up the crowd with a set. To introduce the show, without saying a word, Chaps put on a record of one of Factor’s best-known songs from an earlier album of the same name, Famous

Nights and Empty Days, and the crowd started to move towards the front in anticipation. Factor is joined by several guest rappers to sing over his beats. Without delay, he begins spinning his first record while local MC mainstays Kay the Aquanaut and Def 3 exchange lyrics. Kay and Def both appear on 13 stories (tracks 12 and 10 respectively) and both represent some of the talent coming out of Saskatchewan. Factor has worked heavily with both MCs on their solo projects in the past and he knows what it’s like to be a hip hop artist in a small market, especially when they are on tour. “It’s tough here,” says Factor. “You’ve got to travel everywhere, and the distance in Canada is tough for any artist. But there’s a good scene here too and people show a lot of support. Saskatoon is a good home base for sure.” From his studio in the basement of his home, Factor has been making music fulltime for nearly five years. Thanks to a grant

yl l loca

from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, he was able to create 13 Stories, recorded at the same time as an upcoming album, Lawson Graham. “That’s my grandfather’s name, very prairie sounding.” But Factor is venturing beyond his prairie roots. In the past year he played sold out shows in Hollywood’s well-known club, the Knitting Factory, with a couple of big names in the world of hip hop, Awol One and Xzibit. “Those shows were certainly highlights,” added Factor. “It’s a legendary venue, and later we went into the recording studio to do some recording with Xzibi.” For his new album, Factor draws on his skill and versatility as a beat maker and producer, drawing on elements of hip hop, rock, jazz, and grunge – a sound he garnered with instrumental help from Saskatoon musicians Gregory Pepper, Josh Palmer and members of Volcanoless in Canada, Levi Soulodre and Enver Hampton. But while the music is all Factor’s influence, the lyrics come from some talented rappers, and MCs singing on the album range from local talent like Kay and Def to more famous MCs like Joe Dub and Sunspot Jonz. Factor’s success in the U.S. means rappers are coming here too. The crowd really started moving at Amigos when Icon the Mic King from Philadelphia joined Factor on stage. Icon sings on track 9 of 13 Stories and both hip hop artists belong to the same record label, Fake Four, based out of Connecticut. “I’m gonna show you guys something you’ve never seen before,” shouted Icon to t h e

crowd, while Factor, still grinning, began spinning a couple beats for a freestyle. Intrigued, onlookers watched as Icon pulled a blindfold over his eyes while DJ Chaps proceeded to hand Icon objects from the crowd. While grabbing cell phones and cameras, sunglasses and beer bottles, Icon made up rhymes on the spot based on what he felt in his hand. The crowd loved it and shouted their approval, especially when he was handed a copy of 13 Stories to freestyle about. To finish up the night, L.A.’s Matre spits some of his lyrics to a now thinning crowd while Factor, still holding strong at the back of the stage, takes a sip from his beer. He doesn’t look like he wants the night to end. “It’s a lot of hard work with these new releases, but I’m excited about the future.” Pick up 13 Stories at a local music store (like the Vinyl Diner) and check out Factor on MySpace.

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Photos submitted by Mark Ferguson, Icon the Mic King Factor photographed by Kaid Huculak

performed to sold out house at Amigo’s n By Mark Ferguso

er n i loved Vinyl D

ne d&

Bridged

Fe vin ra e d your musical c

ost cities around the world harbor independently-owned, well-loved, small busi- usual, laid-back manner, “Good evening, the Vinyl Diner.” A genuine, friendly, familiar voice ness establishments dedicated to selling music records and CDs, and Saskatoon is and person like Stu will always not only attract back existing customers, but have them refer no exception! At the top of Broadway Avenue, just off the historic ‘five corners’ the store to others. Reflecting on the store’s local popularity, Stu says “We hope that we’re crosswalk, a sandwich board featuring Bob Dylan’s stencil spray-painted face reveals the Vinyl different than the chain stores, and that (customers) have a unique shopping experience. We Diner’s location, at 628 Broadway. Up the stairs you go, the walls fully lined with colourful hope that’s what draws people here, and that’s what draws them to come back.” The shop has show and album posters until you reach the second floor where the quaint and comfortable also attracted larger-than-life rock stars: “Definitely it was a surprise when Billy Corgan from music shop is located. A customer can expect owner Stu Cousins to be cleaning the Smashing Pumpkins came into the store one day. He had a bodyguard vinyl records behind the counter located by the store’s entrance, some with him, and a trail of fans behind him as well.” swell-sounding music being spun on the turntable, and Stu’s very Regarding the resurgence of vinyl records, Stu agrees that “vinyl friendly dogs lying around the store. The scene provides the sort has increased in sales every year over the last six years, each of feel that the customer has just entered Stu’s living room more successful than the last.” Providing a convincing rather than his place of business. Best of all, the Vinyl Diner insight to the correlation of the dropping CD and the rise sells and enthusiastically promotes a wide variety of local in vinyl, Stu believes that “downloading actually helped music! saved vinyl.” “Downloading made digital music Originally from Ontario, Stu and his wife have lived disposable, and people discovered that vinyl was a in Saskatoon now for sixteen years. Stu became a big physical, tangible product that could be collected fan of music “having moved to Toronto,” where he and had great artwork and sound.” He describes was introduced to popular indie bands like R.E.M.’s the most desirable way to release music these by Lévi Soulodre first-ever Toronto show, and the Meat Puppets, days, as the “ideal scenario. …To have the digital larger shows that he had never been exposed to preformat included for the portable listening device, viously. Through all the years previous to settling with the vinyl.” As such, most new releases are in Saskatoon, Stu worked in advertising in order to incorporating either the CD or an mp3 code for make the record store a reality. Originally, Stu had the entire album download with purchase of the planned on opening a record store in Vancouver, recording on vinyl format. then later decided “the record market was a little Adding to the store’s organic and vintage, if not over-crowded at the time,” so Saskatoon became the old-fashioned scene, no electronic tills exist at the spot. Family and friends already living in Saskatoon Vinyl Diner, which operates on a “sensible budget helped facilitate the move. - we don’t expend extravagantly.” Stu admits “it’s The Vinyl Diner opened its door (with emphasis on the definitely easier to manage inventory by writing it on a single door) for business in 1996 on Broadway, although sales pad.” He continues, “I like writing the stock down its original location is where Optika eyewear operates today. personally by hand as it helps me remember what needs to The Vinyl Diner moved to its next and current location in 1999, be ordered.” and remembers that while “we made modest profits the first couple Stu remains truly optimistic for music’s demand in the future: of years, but [it] certainly was a struggle.” The current location “has been “Hopefully Saskatoon keeps putting up lots of great local bands, hopewonderful.” The Vinyl Diner was voted by Planet S’s readership as “Best CD/ fully the music venues continue to thrive and hopefully people continue to Record Store” again last year, and the local newspaper-zine affectionately deemed the shop be interested in music in general.” Bridged deems it safe, if not certain to say that given a “Broadway institution.” Stu downplays whatever reputation his store might have, acknowl- music’s absolute importance to everyday life that the Vinyl Diner will remain open for all edging, “I’m not sure the store has prestige,” just as the phone rings. He takes the call in his music listening needs for many years to come.

• Saskatoon • Section B

Community Affairs

Central Cable & Supply Ltd. Bay 4, 1707 Saskatchewan Ave.

Bev Dubois is City Councillor for Ward 10. She can be contacted at 652-2576, by fax at 477-4168, by cell at 260-2360, or through e-mail at bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca. You can also visit www.saskatoon.ca or www. bevdubois.com.

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elcome to 2010! The month started out very cold and as I write this it is a very warm winter day.

Saskatoon hosts World Junior Hockey The IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Junior Hockey Championship was held in Saskatoon (with many games in Regina and smaller communities in Saskatchewan) from December 26 to January 5. Saskatoon should be proud of the event that was organized here. Despite the very cold weather, the tournament went off without a hitch! I attended many of the games, and was impressed with the hockey, the volunteers and Saskatoon Transit. Saskatoon Transit did a fantastic job of transporting people to Credit Union Centre from all over the city as well as from CUC to World Fest. I heard nothing but positive comments about our transit system and I want to congratulate the transit staff on a job WELL DONE! You made us proud! Congratulations Saskatoon! 2010 Capital Budget City Council approved the Budget Committee’s report recommending a total capital investment of $326.6 million for the 2010 Capital Budget. As Saskatoon continues to grow, the City of Saskatoon will be required to make strategic, long-term capital investments to ensure that residents have the necessary infrastructure and services they need to enjoy the benefits of a growing city. With its 2010 Capital Budget, the City of Saskatoon is beginning the process by making strategic and focused investments that will not only accommodate growth, but also: (a) improve mobility within our city; (b) protect our physical environment; and (c) enhance our quality of life. The 2010 capital investments include: • $119 million for the Circle Drive South Project (which includes the new south bridge; this overall project is $300 million); • $0.75 million for a new Mayfair Pool with an additional $4.25 million committed for 2011; • $7.5 million to divert organics from the landfill; • $5 million for the recapture of landfill gas with an additional $5 million planned for 2011; and • $71.3 million for land development projects. Community-wide vision for Saskatoon City Council approved the community engagement plan for the City’s Community Visioning initiative and Phase II of the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Review. As Saskatoon continues to grow and the issues facing us become more complex, there will be a need to engage citizens on a community-wide basis to ensure that civic strategies reflect those of the community. Administration is proposing to launch the Community

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Section B • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

Wind resource and environmental assessment City Council has approved that a consultant be hired to conduct a wind resource and environmental assessment for a tall wind turbine to be developed at the Landfill. This assessment is the next step in exploring the viability of constructing and operating a single tall wind turbine to generate clean electricity. The process now calls for the construction of a meteorological tower with instrumentation at the Landfill to gather wind data, as well as to conduct an environmental assessment meeting federal and provincial requirements. The 80-metre tower will be in place for 12 months. When the proposed turbine project is constructed, it has the potential of generating enough power for 600 homes and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by 4,500 tonnes per year. New calendars for automated garbage collection I am sure that everyone has received their new 2010 automated garbage collection calendars by now. The 2010 full-colour calendars include the collection pick up dates for all homes that have individual roll-out carts. To find your route, match your neighbourhood with the colour-coded collection dates on the calendar. The new calendars took effect January 1, 2010. The 2010 collection calendars also include information for multi-unit dwellings and households that use communal metal bins and communal 300-gallon black containers in their back lanes, as well as information on recycling, composting and proper disposal methods. Additional collection calendars are available for pick up from your neighbourhood libraries and City Hall, or online at www.saskatoon.ca (click on “G” for garbage calendars in the alphabetical listings). For more information, please contact the solid waste information line at 975-2486. Have a great month, have fun with your winter activities and be safe! Please remember if you have any questions, comments or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me! I like to hear from you!

drop-offs newsstands surrounding wn in small toSKATOON SA

1024A 8th Street East Saskatoon SK S7H 0R9

244-5050 Fax 244-5053

www.theneighbourhoodexpress.com Publishers: Bev & Bernie Dawson

The Neighbourhood Express is delivered door-to-door by Canada Post to more than 35,000 homes in specific areas of the city. The publication is also available at over 400 city wide and rural newsstand drop-offs.

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Notes

Visioning initiative which will pro-actively seek out, analyze, and document a community-wide vision for Saskatoon. The intent is to adopt a vision for our future that is clear, forward-thinking, sustainable, inclusive, and desirable to residents. The engagement process will provide an opportunity for the community to share their values and talk about what really matters to them. The feedback will provide direction to City Council and Administration, and will be incorporated into the long-term strategic planning process. The Community Visioning involves a Spring 2010 forum, followed by workshops in Fall 2010 and much of 2011. More details about the community visioning and how to be involved will be available in early 2010.

Over 100

Custom Splicing A vailable!

City Council

SPORTS January 27 WHL - Moose Jaw Warriors vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre March 11 Jesse Cook

MUSIC January 26 Billy the Kid with guests Amigos Cantina Eddie Robertson and The Electric Blues Band Buds On Broadway January 27 The Band Show featuring Johnny Goes to Nashville and Porno Al Buds On Broadway The Zolas Amigos January 28 The Classy Chassis Buds On Broadway Let There Be Theremin and The Sun Roosters The Roxy on Broadway

Putresence with Evil Survives, Mechanical Separation, and Untimely Demise Amigos Cantina February 8 Two Much Dakota Dunes Casino

February 11 Jenn Grant with Jason Plumb and the Willing Amigos Cantina February 12 The Swindlers Prairie Ink Restaurant Caraballo Dakota Dunes Casino February 13 Spring Breakup with John Wort Hannam Amigos Cantina

January 29 The Megan Lane Band Lydia’s Pub

Kerri Senkow Prairie Ink Restaurant

Dan Kosub Prairie Ink Restaurant

February 15 It’s all Good Dakota Dunes Casino

January 30 The Zolas with We Are The City Amigos Cantina

February 19 Shotgun Jimmie with guests Amigos Cantina

Faye Blais with Fisticuffs and Sarah Burton Caffe Sola

February 22 Old Tyme Rhythm Makers Dakota Dunes Casino

The Megan Lane Band Lydia’s Pub February 1 James Steele Dakota Dunes Casino February 5

The Amazing Love Songs tour featuring John Berry and Richie McDonald Dakota Dunes Casino Kayleigh Smith Prairie Ink Restaurant

TCU PLACE

February 14

Victorian Valentines February 6 WHL - Brandon Wheat Kings vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre Sawyer Brown April 7 Franklin the Turtle and the Adventures of the Noble Knights April 10 SSO Master Series 5 - Let the Trumpets Sound April 13

February 28

Paper Making

MENDEL ART GALLERY

February 7 Colour Magic: Make art by mixing colours like magic! , 2-4pm UFC 110 -free showing Dakota Dunes Casino

February 14

WHL - Brandon Wheat Kings vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre Walking with Dinosaurs March 19 Billy Talent with Alexisonfire & against me

February 19 André Philippe Gagnon

April 29 - May 1 The Man Show

PRAIRIELAND PARK March 26-28

February 23 WHL - Chilliwack Bruins vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre February 26 WHL - Prince Albert Raiders vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre February 27 WHL - Regina Pats vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre

BOOKS January 27 The Crocodile Connection by Myrtle Conacher, Reading and Signing McNally Robinson, 7:30 pm January 30 Longer than Life IV by Amanda Deitz, Signing McNally Robinson, 1:00 pm

March 8 Queen - It’s Kind of Magic

Pioneer Games and Crafts

Artist Trading Cards Workshop: Make and trade your own artist trading cards, 2-4pm

March 4-7

April 6 John Mayer with Michael Franti & Spearhead

March 6 Just for Laughs - Jeremy Hotz

February 15-19

Artist talk/tour with Marie Lanoo, 2pm

CREDIT UNION CENTRE

Celebration of Chinese New Year Acrobat & folk Arts Show - Art Troupe from China

Neil Roston Trio Prairie Ink Restaurant

February 19 WHL - Vancouver Giants vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre

Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang

February 6

Denise Hagan Elks Hall

February 17 WHL - Red Deer Rebels vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre

January 31

february 13 SSO Master Series 3 - Love Across an Ocean

The Sun Roosters Lydia’s Pub

February 10 WHL - Swift Current Broncos vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre

February 20

March 28 Tim McGraw

The Rebellion with Sly Business Amigos Cantina

MEEWASIN VALLEY CENTRE Beaver Creek Programming

January 30 Cheech and Chong

February 21

February 7 The Creative Process Frances Morrison Branch

Sundays in February

February 26 Woodhands with Brasstronaut Amigos Cantina February 27 Basi Bulat with Katie Stelmanis Amigos Cantina

February 4 Texas: The Lone Star State Mayfair Branch

March 17

February 10 Rural Alberta Advantage with The Wooden Sky and The Great Bloomers Amigos Cantina

January 28 Down With Webster & Inward Eye Louis’ Pub

Sarah and Mike Prairie Ink Restaurant

March 13 SSO Master Series 4 - The Power of Song

January 29 WHL - Swift Current Broncos vs Saskatoon Blades Credit Union Centre

Ten Tips for At-Home Car Maintainance Rusty Macdonald Branch

Gardenscape April 14-15 Western Canadian Livestock Expo March 18-21 Homestyles Show

PUBLIC LIBRARY January 27 Digital Photography for Beginners Frances Morrison Branch Sing-a-long for Literacy Cliff Wright Branch

Chinese Zodiac Animals: Make your Chinese Zodiac birth year animal, 2-4pm February 21 Transforming Masks: Create a mask that changes before your eyes, 2-4pm February 28 Artist Trading Cards: Make and trade your own artist trading cards, 2-4pm

OTHER January 27 - February 10 Home Ice Persephone Theatre February 4 Monthly Poetry Discussion Group McNally Robinson February 6 The Children’s Art Show McNally Robinson February 7 Sunday Lunch with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra McNally Robinson

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• Saskatoon • Section B

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Art ofWar Without any War! The

by Kane Wilde

Hours later, our team was finally evacuated. On our way back to base, via truck, we were ambushed! Men were shot and wounded; some died! We all bailed out of the vehicle. I had no weapon to use because I was the medic. I was shot in the arm. By the time I fought through the pain and recovered, we met up with reinforcements who came to the rescue. We regrouped and assisted this squad with their mission. Making it back to headquarters was the main thing. Hostiles were reported regrouping for a full frontal invasion on HQ. On our way back, we met up with a few that had set up a roadblock. A firefight broke out. We were at last victorious, but with casualties.

Journals of Private Wilde, Richard (ROME)

everal hours trudging through trees, water and mud. The smell of rotting wood everywhere. It was raining lightly. Each drop of water reminded us of how easy it was to get shot out here. Just the thought of professionally trained men risking their last breath to kill us has all of us shaking in our boots. We are hired mercenaries; we know what we are doing! When the time came, we would suck it up and fight our way through whatever “hostile” we met up with. My squad stopped for a short rest. There were only seven of us. The lieutenant checked the map. Our mission: to retrieve a downed satellite. Suddenly, there’s yelling, then gunfire. Everyone hit the deck! On the ground, we returned fire immediately. There was only one of them, and he was taken out fast. These things happen in the most unexpected moments. We were eating at the time.

By the time we made it to the hill, there were a few other squads there. 50 armed infantrymen were positioned on the hill waiting for the enemy invasion force to emerge. Long-range firefights ensued. As the only medic on the hill, I was responsible for the 50 wounded men. Too many were dying. I couldn’t save them all. The end of the day proved promising for us. For most of us, the operation was their final hour. For the servicemen and women who remained, including me, this operation was our finest hour.

Introduction to the Game Airsoft is played for the fun of it. Playing airsoft in the rain, mud, and that foul stench of rotting wood only added to this intense experience. I loved it: it was jungle warfare and nobody actually got hurt. I encourage everyone who enjoys playing outdoors to try out airsoft. It is awesome fun and the people are great! Airsoft is a recreational hobby that is similar to Paintball and Laser Tag. Airsoft uses 6mm plastic rounds. Paintballs leave paint marks on players’ clothing. In Airsoft, players

must be honourable and simply say they are hit when they get hit. Players call their hits even if they believe that they are mistaken (such as a twig snapping after the player steps on it). “When in doubt; say you’re out!” is the airsoft rule. The honour system also allows players to wear whatever clothing they wish, although military fatigues are popular. A player’s outfitting is important to their experience playing airsoft. Some people will play with hunting vests or military surplus vests, enough to store ammunition or anything else needed to play airsoft. Because airsoft is a fun game without a marking system of any sort, you can wear almost anything you wish. Airsoft is mostly military themed and excels at military simulation scenarios. Some people play in camouflage; others don’t. Blue doesn’t hide you in the trees. White is bad in the summer. Black is only good in the shadows. Airsoft players equip themselves with military-style equipment. The airgun is one of the most important aspects of playing airsoft. There are many different types of airguns that can be used in airsoft. New players are advised to play with an AEG. AEG stands for Automatic Electric Gun. It shoots every time you pull the trigger, or continuously until you let go of the trigger. AEGs require airsoft batteries that must be charged before entering the field. Resembling real guns, airguns use magazines loaded with plastic ammunition. When a player is out of ammunition, the player must reload an ammunition cartridge. Airguns fire plastic spherical rounds. They must be manually loaded into the magazine. Airsoft is still quite new. I believe airsoft will revolutionize war gaming. Airsoft gamers welcome everyone! The bigger the groups the better. I got hooked on this game. Try it! You might get hooked too!

KAL HOURD From Stockholm to Outer Space b y S u s a n B u ss e

ost artists don’t expect their debut album to rocket out of the stratosphere before it even hits the shelves, but that’s exactly what happened to Saskatchewan’s own singer/ songwriter, Kal Hourd. In the summer of 2009, Canadian astronaut Julie Payette took the first copy of Haven’t Even Met Yet aboard the space shuttle Endeavor on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. Hourd and his wife, Michelle, were invited to the launch in Cape Canaveral, Florida. From his beginnings as the ‘guitar-party guy’, Kal Hourd grew up in Stockholm, Saskatchewan, population 300. “I had the same dreams that a lot of people have - get a good job, climb the corporate ladder, have a home, family, be a hockey dad, cut the grass on the weekends. I got there and am still there, but it’s not all I want. Song writing is my passion.” “I always took my guitar everywhere, making up funny songs for people’s weddings, singing at parties, but I never took it seriously. It never really crossed my mind. About 10 years ago I won a ‘kitchenparty’ contest with Country 100 in Moose Jaw. The prize: new countertops, a microwave, a dishwasher, groceries and a private concert in my home with Brad Johner. After he finished the concert I picked up my guitar and we played around a bit. He asked me “So how come you’re not doing this?” I said “I don’t know. I didn’t know I had the option.” From that moment on, Kal began entering contests, playing local venues, winning contests and awards, and networking in the industry. He’s played to crowds in Nashville, at Craven Country Jamboree and all across the prairies. This past summer Hourd and his band played on the main stage at the Big Valley Jamboree. “You know you’re going

Section B • Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m

in the right direction when they give you main stage spots. There’s nothing else like the main stage at a festival. I was as nervous as can be at Big Valley last year and I rarely get nervous anymore.” Hourd is also known for his charitable heart, playing events such as local cancer fundraiser, Choc La’Cure. The day we met for this interview he told me, with a warm smile, that he had just come from playing for the residents of Parkridge Center, a long-term care facility in Saskatoon where a relative resides. It’s no surprise that fans and industry alike have taken a shine to Hourd’s style of music. Most recently, the single “Beautiful Sound” was popular on country radio. In 2009 Hourd was nominated for Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s Fan’s Choice Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year Awards. He took home the coveted Video of the Year Award for “When Pink is Just a Colour Again,” a heartfelt song inspired by the Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. When asked if he had any advice for people who have unrequited dreams, he responded frankly, “Dreams are scary but just do it. Find

the avenues to go as far as you can. Network. Find people who can help you. Just do it.” “We’re playing our next show in Saskatoon on Friday Feb. 5th at Rodeo’s Bar & Grill, 9 pm. We’ll play a lot of rockin’, upbeat music. We don’t play a slow song at a place like Rodeo’s. We do a good portion of the songs from the CD but we also play a lot of covers because that’s what people want. We play everything from Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels Band, Keith Urban, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to Lyngrd Skynyrd and AC/DC. Come out to the show, it will be lots of fun!” To get Kal Hourd’s debut album Haven’t Even Met Yet, visit his website at www.kalhourd.com or go directly to iTunes. Where will this singer/songwriter go after sending music into outer space? Follow Kal on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to find out.

Xxxxx & Xxxx

ion PS3 r collect God of Wa curtis chant by

o there I was... support hi definition 1080p graphics. That means that this is exactly Contemplating places in the world to run off to and visit the same game you remember but it looks newer and shinier than whilst I am still youngish. I started google map darts. This is ever before. The game also runs more smoothly retaining about 60 where you pick a random spot on google maps and keep zooming frames per second. You would be surprised at how much more easin until you reach the maximum zoom level. It’s akin to throwing ily playable this makes the game with no more chuggy moments. a dart at a map. I ‘threw’ my The only thing that doesn’t feel twenty-seventh ‘dart.’ It stuck like it was remastered were the in Greece. It landed right on cinematics. There are moments in Omirou street in the heart of the game where it cuts to a small Karditsa. I found my next vacascene with the in-game graphics. tion. Sadly, they were not tweaked with I was inspired to learn about the rest of the game so they make Greece. Greek salad came from the actual gameplay look prettier the Greeks, who knew?! Then, than the cinemas. Although the as with most children of this pre-rendered CGI cinemas still modern day ADD [attention look great. deficit disorder] world, I lost That means that playing the interest in merely reading. I had That means that this is exactly the same game original version now feels like I’m to experience it first hand. So I trying on my Grandma’s glasses did the only thing a nerdy, 1/3 you remember but it looks newer and shinier than while sitting in a massage chair. aged man would do. I grabbed ever before. The game also runs more smoothly One cool thing is that regardless the nearest video game that had of what PS3 console you have, retaining about 60 frames per second. any relation to Greece. you will be able to play this The God of War collection because the collection is coded seemed idiotically valid. in PS3 format so it is backwards Let’s just see if I can get my chain blades past airport security compatible on every system. now. Also, trophy support has been added for all of you hardcore gamIf you haven’t played any God of War yet… What are you, an erscore trophy collector addicts out there. I know who you are; we XBOX 360 owner?! huh?!... Oh. You are. Well, snag a PS3 from a can smell our own kind. friend for a while and at least try it out. I would say that you have to pick this one up if only to replay the For the new kids on the block, the games themselves are essen- originals before God of War III hits shelves, likely this March. Plus, tially a refined hack and slash with some challenging puzzle elements you can buy this collection of two of the better if not best PS2 games thrown in. Replaying the game I realized how elusive the solutions to for 40 bones. And you have a must buy! those puzzles can still be. The storyline is set around the Greek Gods, Kratos being the one who ultimately gets hosed by them. Zeus hoses a lot of people but Kratos is the fall guy this time. The God of War collection on PS3 is a port of the two PS2 games God of War (2005) and God of War II (2007) in their entirety with all of their extras included. With a few differences. Rating: 5 Zombies out of 5 All the textures are the same but the output has been jazzed up to Wow! We are on a streak!

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The tech burglar Let’s talk

wireless

by Shayne Zaba

hat does 802.11 mean and what’s the deal with the letters (b/g/n) that follow? 802.11 is a standard developed and accepted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers that specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station. The 802.11b or wireless b standard gives 11 Mbps (Mega bits per second), 802.11g gives 54 Mbps, 802.11n gives 100 Mbps. Okay, so now that we have all the standards and numbers out there it’s time to make sense out of all the data. It’s important to be aware of the difference between bits and bytes, and external and internal network transfers. There are 8 bits in a byte, and one million bytes in a Megabyte. Your average song is around 3 MB (megabytes), so if you are transferring at 54 Mbps (wireless 802.11g) then in MB you are transferring 54/8 or 6.75MB per second, or about two songs per second. It’s important to understand that this is your peak INTERNAL network speed, the transfer speed you’re going to get between one computer and another in your home or business. Your external network or internet speed is determined by your internet service provider (ISP) package. If you’re using, say, a $50 per month package from Shaw cable you are probably getting around 1MB down (or 8Mbps) and around 500kBps upload (or around 4Mbps). If you compare this number to even the lowest wireless standard in use today (802.11b) the 8Mbps falls well short of the 11Mbps possible transfer. This means that if your internet is running slowly the idea of speeding it up by moving from a wireless b device to a wireless g or n is not good one. You would be better off spending your money on a faster internet package from your ISP. Shayne Zaba can be contacted at Bridge City Computers

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