SPRING2013
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ABandWelcome Riot: Busts Behinds For Top Spots Highball Riot
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Shambhala North? DJ Nige wants P.G. on music map
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Captain Planet:
She’s A Hero, Going To Take Pollution Down To Zero Chelsea Miller +
In Defense Of Civilian Goods Sheena McConnell
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Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Tasha Wall
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Highball Riot
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Throw Away the Razor for Laser The London
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DJ Nige
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Sheena McConnell
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It’s A Man’s World
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Fitting in Physical Fitness
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Chelsea Miller
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THE SCENE | SPRING2013
BAND BUSTS BEHINDS FOR TOP SPOTS By Charelle Evelyn
They rode into their first gig as a band in 2010 with no name, but Highball Riot has proven themselves worthy of the chance. Venues like Nancy O’s and DJs at 94X gave them the opportunity to shine and now the five-piece ska/rock outfit is a Prince George mainstay with a dedicated following, a beer named after them at Caribou Brewmasters and the chance to open for big names. Over the past couple of years, they’ve
warmed up Deep Purple, Midway State and 54/40. Highball Riot is Andrew Dorish (guitar), Kenny Pyne (lead vocals, guitar), Dan Knokes (drums), Duncan Baschand (keyboard, percussion) and Sam Wright (bass). And while they’re known as a party band that can get a dance floor going with covers of popular tunes, they’ve also carved out a niche and radio play for their original songs. Their song Sunshine – which can be heard on the local radio - has been played at every show, said Dorish, adding it was written before the band’s current lineup was ever finalized but wasn’t really finished until the newer band members added their touch. “It’s taken a while to properly find our style,” Wright said. Every band member has things they love from other music genres, which can’t help but influence their work when flexing their Highball Riot muscles. But now that they’ve locked into to it, they’ve recorded Sunshine along with three other tracks last summer at Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver. Those songs can be heard on SoundCloud or by picking up a handy Highball Riot flash drive at their shows. Working on their own without a producer, the recording process was a steep learning curve, Dorish said. But the members of Highball Riot are no strangers to hard work. The band puts in four to five hours of practice in their rehearsal space three times per week to polish their sound. Their hard work is paying off – in mid-February they returned to headline the Roxy in Vancouver, where they played only last year as an opening act. Over the next few months, the band can be seen doing what they love best - playing shows around town (check www.facebook.com/HighballRiot for dates). “I love seeing the looks on people’s faces,” Wright says about playing live. “I get to watch this screen of awesome.” Top left to right: Duncan Bachand (Bongos, Keyboard), Dan Nohes (Drums) Kenny Pyne (Guitar, Vocals) Bottom left to right: Sam Wright (Bass) Andrew Dorish (Guitar)
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r e s a l for
THROW AWAY THE RAZOR
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures. It is a non-invasive, convenient, and cost-effective method for the permanent reduction of hair growth on common areas like upper lip, face, underarms, legs, and bikini line.
Laser Hair Removal Technique
Lasers use a safe low energy beam to selectively target and disable the melanin or pigment in the hair follicle. The beam passes through the skin, travels down the hair shaft and is absorbed by hair follicles. As the hair shaft absorbs the laser, it heats up just enough to destroy the follicle, leaving adjacent skin unaffected. The process may take several minutes to several hours to complete, depending on the area being treated, hair thickness, and hair growth cycle. For effective hair reduction, clients benefit most from 4-6 sessions scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.
Laser Hair Removal Benefits
• A non-invasive, gentle technique that reduces unwanted hair from most parts of the body • Replaces waxing, electrolysis, shaving and bleaching • Minimal discomfort • No downtime • Cost effective • Time saving
Laser Hair Removal Considerations
• Not all skin types respond alike to laser hair removal • Treatments may cause temporary redness of the skin or mild swelling surrounding the treated area For best results, it’s very important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible before, during and after the procedure, making winter the ideal time to begin your laser hair removal program. Sunscreen should be applied on treated areas that may be exposed to the sun. Prior to starting any laser hair removal program, a consultation with a qualified laser specialist or aesthetic nurse is highly recommended. Plan and prepare for your initial consult by compiling a list of questions and concerns, and if necessary, seek a second opinion. For added value and significant savings, find a Med Spas that offers complimentary consultations and special student rates. Throw away the razor for laser, and enjoy a hair free carefree summer! Vitality Laser & Skin Care
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Don’t go for second best, By Charelle Evelyn
“You are beautiful. Pass it on.” Those words, hidden beneath the store’s awning, are a final parting gift from The London, a new spa and boutique in downtown Prince George. Owned and operated by Tanya Wood, the shop at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Vancouver Street, is a ray of sunshine for the soul. Wood opened the doors of the converted 1940s home Nov. 1 to add to the opportunities for women to get a little pick-me-up – whether it’s with a new outfit, a new hairdo or fresh varnish on their nails. Influenced by the businesspeople, especially the network of female entrepreneurs, in Florida, Wood wanted to fill a niche she saw as empty in her hometown. The London provides options that people would normally have to leave town for, including the brandnew-to-North America skin care line Priori and brands of jeans familiar to celeb spotters or royal watchers. More and more of us travel. We know what’s out there. It’s not a one-horse town anymore. “A lot of women don’t do ‘me’ things,” said Wood. A wife and mother herself, Wood wants women to leave their responsibilities at the door and put themselves in the hands of her staff (Jennifer Zanette, Danielle Greenslade and hairdressers Liz Moffat and Lorrie Parker). “This is about you.”
And it’s not only the customers who leave feeling a sense of self-improvement, but it’s also giving a boost to the downtown core. Wood doesn’t see more business as competition, but simply adding more reasons to come into the heart of the city. “You’re going to dine out more if there’s more restaurants, you’re going to shop more if there’s more stores,” she said. And that makes the downtown beautiful. Pass it on. See more of what The London has to offer at www. facebook.com/www.thelondon.ca and keep an eye out for its official grand opening early this summer.
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Dj Nige Wants P.G. On Music Map By Charelle Evelyn
Prince George could be Northern B.C.’s musical mecca if Nigel Rimmer has his way. continued on page 11
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Nigel Rimmer
For the past three years, Rimmer has been contributing to the city’s musical landscape as DJ Nige, spinning feel-good tracks to get people moving.
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The 27-year-old is also one of the brains behind Northern Lights Entertainment, an events and promotion business working to enhance P.G.’s burgeoning electronic dance music scene. “I can’t attribute the scene to just us, but I know we’re a major part to building it and providing people with a place to go if they like that type of music.” Over the past year, NLE has gone from throwing small parties at private venues to selling out to larger crowds. Now they’re getting the chance to take over the Generator from time to time. “I have to give thanks to those guys,” Rimmer said. “They’re catering to most of the bar crowd that likes Top 40 music, so for us to take over the decks and play electronic music like we do shows how far this town’s come.” Rimmer, along with his Northern Lights Entertainment partners and the crew of friends who volunteer to help them out, want to build something big. “We want Prince George to be part of the west coast electronic music scene.” By bringing in bigger name acts from bigger cities (Jpod, Wood ‘n’ Soo, Stickybuds) it not only exposes the locals to new sounds, but also creates ambassadors for Prince George. “We had four shows for Northern Lights with DJs from out of town and all of them had a great time and nothing but great things to say about our city,” Rimmer said. “That’s way more important than the dollar.” On March 15, NLE is hosting Vancouver’s Timothy Wisdom for a St. Patrick’s Day show at the Generator Cabaret. Keep an eye on their Facebook page (www. facebook.com/northernlightsbc) for more information.
“We want Prince George to be part of the west coast electronic music scene.”
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Enter to WIN a NEW LOOK
from Pine Centre with a
g n i p p o h S 0 5 $2 ! e e r p S
To enter, clip this entry form and drop it in the draw box at the Pine Centre Customer Service Centre next to the North Entrance/Toddler Play Area. Rules and Regulations will be posted at Customer Service.
3055 Massey Drive, Prince George • 250.563.3681
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In defense
civilian of goods By Charelle Evelyn
When Johnny Rotten growled about wanting to be anarchy, it became a rallying cry for disaffected youth across the world in the early ’70s. When Sheena McConnell sketches a bandana-clad businessman wielding a gas pump nozzle like a firearm, it became a rallying cry for those opposed to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. “It’s something I did to get it off my chest, because it’s an issue I’m involved in,” said McConnell, who by day works as a First Nations band manager, and was out of sorts after an oil-related argument with her sister. “A lot of people have seen that picture since then and want to use it for the anti-Enbridge movement.” That particular piece is a perfect example of everything Guns and Butter, McConnell’s boutique art studio and soon-to-be apparel line (T-shirts with the anti-pipeline sketch will soon be available at www.gunsandbutter.ca) that she started after moving to Prince George in 2011. “Some of my art, I just want it to be that expression of what I’m feeling at the moment,” she said. “The ones that are more politically driven, I want to make that point to people, just make them think about that issue.” For the Victoria native, practice makes perfect. And with
her own aversion to anything art school means the selftaught painter has put in a lot of practice since she began her artist journey as a child copying pictures of Betty and Veronica from Archie comics. “I’m not anti-art school,” she laughs. “But personally, art school didn’t work for me.” In fact, it drove her away from art for a while. Her first foray into acrylic painting came when she was a broke university student and recreated a Roy Lichtenstein piece as a Christmas present for her boyfriend at the time. Her work reflected that same Second World War pin-up girl aesthetic until she travelled to Eastern Europe and New York and was struck by the graffiti art with political messaging. “It was what I wanted to get across, but never thought I could do through art,” McConnell said. “Because it’s politically driven, the best pieces I have are when I’m staying informed on what’s going on in the world.”
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By Charelle Evelyn
Tasha Wall was sick and tired of being unhappy. A young woman in her early 20s, Wall would wake up every day with her outward appearance affecting her inner wellbeing.
“My weight would navigate my life,” she said. “One day, I said enough is enough… I don’t want to be miserable anymore.”
Over the course of a few years, Wall set out to change her body, and ultimately, her life. “Once I got healthy, I realized how much better the world was.” It was a world where her happiness wasn’t dictated by whether she felt she was having a “fat” or “skinny” day. It was also a world where she gradually felt comfortable enough to show everyone else who she had become. Booking photo shoots as a fitness model, Wall not only gets to take pride in what she has accomplished by reaching her goal weight, but also keep herself motivated to maintain it.
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Tasha Wall
“It’s kind of like documenting my success,” she said. It’s also fulfilling a long-time dream and throwing it in the face of the modeling scouts who told her they didn’t like her in Grade 7. Last year, the 28-year-old went national with a photo in Canadian male magazine UMM, which showcased her as the girl next door. In addition to being a personal goal, the photo shoots – of which she’s now booking more – also help spread Wall’s name as a certified personal trainer. After completing her weight-loss journey, Wall wanted to help others attain their goals and got a job at a gym before branching out on her own. “There were all these other things that were so amazing and after seeing how much better my life was I didn’t want anybody to feel like I felt [before losing weight], it having been such an awful time in my life.” And while she says she’s not Jillian Michaels, screaming at her clients until they reach their breaking point, she does encourage people to make a real commitment.
“I’m about making people like exercise,” she said. “You can’t look at it as an option, you have to keep your body moving. You have to accept the fact that it’s a lifestyle, not something you can do for a little while to get healthy.” The key to making exercise a routine is finding something you enjoy, Wall said. While she loves running outdoors, the P.G. native knows it’s not for everyone. “If you like sports, you can do that. If you like walking, you can do that,” she said, noting it’s a common misconception that you have to go hard and jump into something like P90X. “If you’re dreading it, obviously it’s not something you’re going to stick to for life.” Find Tasha online at www. Tashawall.com, www.facebook.com/tashawall.ptrainer or on her YouTube channel (user name Tasha Wall).
Tasha Before
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There is some new trim in town…. Tommy Gun's Original Barbershop has opened a brand new location in Pine Centre. The first location was December of 2009 and the success of the chain’s formula is apparent in the multiple locations that have followed. The shop offers everything guys want in a barbershop - quick, efficient 5 star service in a casual and relaxed masculine atmosphere. Open for only a short period so far, it has already been well received by Prince George and the excitement is clear in both staff and customers. Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop has a décor reminiscent of the 1930’s golden era, with the retro oldschool barber style feel Chicago or New York. To compliment the personality of Tommy Gun's diverse age of customer, the salon has been designed with the duality of the excitement of classic meets current. A special focus is catering to the male customer with services such as cuts, beard trims, facial detailing and hot shaves. In addition to creating appeal through the masculine, industrial look design and environment, Tommy Gun’s adds to the attraction by providing hitech in mirror televisions. This is ideal for the guys who want to relax while receiving their service and keep up with their sports at the same time. They also offer iPads, and arcade style games. Each haircut includes complimentary scalp message and beverage. Tommy Gun’s focuses on 5-star service and has a wide selection of professional retail hair care products and accessories. Convenience is a top priority and therefore, at Tommy Gun's no appointments are necessary. Tommy Gun’s invites you to come enjoy the service that will no doubt revolutionize the shear experience for fellas in Prince George.
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Fitting In fitness l a c i s y ph By Brandon Grant, Northern Health men’s health coordinator; Meghan Mcquhae, Northern Health men’s health program practicum student; and Jasmine Ford, Northern health men’s health program practicum student.
We’re all repeatedly told that physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but if you’re like me, tuition and rent take priority over an expensive membership to a local gym. So how can we add activity into our daily lives cheaply (or better yet, for free) and easily? Getting active doesn’t have to cost money or take time away from having fun. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of weekly activity for an adult - that may sound like a lot but when you break it down you’re looking at about 20 minutes per day of either cardio or weight training. The efficiency of these exercises depends less on the amount of time and more on the quality of the activity. If you need something more stimulating than running, try dancing. Dancing while you do the laundry or dishes is a great way to get your heart pumping. If dancing is not your thing, you can try using everyday household items to help you get active. Instead of expensive weight sets, it’s cheaper and just as effective to use cans of soup to do your bicep curls. If you find you’re already way too buff for cans of soup, try using your pickle jar, or if you’re really tough, try using your laundry soap. The key is repetition, so count to twelve on one side and then repeat on the other. When Friday night rolls around and you have a hot date, try to get active together! No, not THAT way - try taking a romantic walk around scenic Fort George Park or a bike ride along the Ancient Forest Trail. If you don’t have a special someone in your life, try getting together with your friends and forming a sports team of your very own! It’s easy to find local fields and parks which can serve as your own BC Place. Make sure to avoid mid-season in-
juries by wearing protective gear for the more physical sports. In my house, everything is a competition for who has to take out the trash or do the dishes. Next time you and your roommate, spouse or sibling are about to battle it out in an epic game of rock-paper-scissors, instead try making the contest physical. A race around the block or even competing to see who can build a snowman the fastest provides some much needed physical activity. Physical activity is just one component of leading a healthy lifestyle; remember to also eat healthy and follow Canada’s Food Guide. If you don’t have a sweet tooth for plants, try freezing a bag of grapes for a refreshing snack or sprinkling your apples slices with cinnamon and lemon juice. Daily physical activity and healthy eating have been shown to improve your overall health and as a bonus it makes you look and feel great! So get out there and get active, your wallet and your jeans will thank you. For more ideas on living healthy, check out the Northern Health blog at blog.northernhealth.ca and follow us on Facebook!
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CAPTAIN PLANET: SHE’S A HERO
GOING TO TAKE POLLUTION
DOWN TO ZERO By Charelle Evelyn
It took moving away to Australia for Chelsea Miller to truly appreciate how connected she feels to her home in Prince George. And even though she’s gone most of the year, she’s fighting on behalf of her northern home through her newfound voice of photography. Miller’s Portraits of a Pipeline series is thousands of words condensed into a group of shots of Northern B.C. residents who would be affected by the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project running from the Alberta oilsands to Kitimat, B.C.
It was while Miller was back home, taking a year off of school, that she got further involved with the antipipeline movement and wanted to add something to the discourse. Early last summer she shot the majority of the pictures that debuted at the UNBC Rotunda Gallery last November - the same time the quasi-judicial Joint Review Panel hearings for the Northern Gateway project were in town.
Her subjects, covered in black goop, are a stark contrast to the nearly idyllic wilderness setting around them. The series was borne out of Miller’s studies at Griffith University, Queensland College of Art where she’s earning her bachelor of photography. “You can’t just take pretty pictures… If they’re pretty, they have to be about something,” her instructors told her. “That was the first time I actually ever had anyone tell me these things and really introduced me to contemporary photography.”
“I just threw it up and I was amazed at how many people wanted to be involved,” she said. “It just reassured me that artists actually do make people think about things.”
Chelsea Miller
Before they hit the gallery, the shots were on Miller’s Facebook page and the response was huge. Her photos can be seen at pinenutphotography.com. Miller’s next thought-provoking set is an exhibition of abstract photos at Nancy O’s, which began midFebruary, where she experimented with the effect of
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household solutions (glue, drain cleaner, food colouring, etc) on film containing pictures of organic materials. Her struggle to turn an idea into art brought to light something she was told at school: that artists are not problem solvers, but problem finders. “We find a new way of looking at a problem.”
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