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INSIDE THIS WEEK You’re All Just Jealous of My Jetpack by Tom Gauld
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DEAR PORTLAND
Hi there, it’s Vancouver. I just want to let you know... well...l really like you. I lay awake at night and think of you. So close in distance and head space; but so different at the same time...You are what I want to be! Portland you make me a better person.You have a food truck scene that I try to emulate – one way to instantly build hipster cred is the ability to buy a taco from a food truck and you guys got that covered! You have cheap, quality beer all over the friggin’ place, I think the whole city is naked as there is so much burlesque on the go, a massive bookstore, and no sales tax. I’m happy to copy you for now…I’m getting there. I get a little tired of being compared to you all the time, but I still think you’re really neat. I think I love you. Wanna grab a coffee? Hugs and kisses, Vancouver
KINDER MORGAN, YOUR DAY IS DONE
Do not underestimate the power of this protest over the drilling dispute on Burnaby Mountain. This mini-conflict
may seem like a mere “tempest in a teacup” in comparison to the major scheme-ofthings, but…is it? Kinder Morgan, you seem to have your head buried in the tarsands! But I don’t believe it! I believe you realize that the writing is on the wall for the fossil-fuel industry, but you continue to push anyway because, either you don’t know what else to do, or you think that, just maybe, you can squeeze out that last bit of available revenue. In and of itself, this little survey and drilling operation you need to carry out for your pipeline proposal is no big deal…supposedly. However, you are treading on people’s toes, one way or another, and a lot of people do not like that. That physical protest is the mere tip of an iceberg. It’s the thing that shows itself. But underneath it, watch out! I would be totally surprised if the National Energy Board didn’t approve your pipeline proposal. But it doesn’t really matter. I will bet you, Kinder Morgan, $100 that your new pipeline will not ever go through here, or anywhere
else on the Canadian West Coast. You will end-up like Enbridge’s Gateway project, almost fossilized in itself, caught in limbo and battling an endless number of things, things that will never be solved. Although oil will always remain useful and needed, there is going to be no more real demand for your fossil-fuel product as an energy source. This situation is like looking at a star – you see it as it was many, many years in the past, but in the actual present, that star may no longer be in existence. – Frances Dietz (This rant was edited for length. To read it in its entirety, visit Westender.com)
SERIOUSLY, WTF. . .
To the person who persists in “dog-pooping” the interior of the 24 newspaper box at Comox and Chilco Streets: I’d love to meet your mother so I could convey to her what a filthy, disgusting, and useless piece of human detritus she brought into this world (YOU, you cretin!). – Comox St. Resident
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December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 3
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Donate with dinner STAFF WRITER westender.com
Dine with your conscience and feed the hungry this holiday season with StreetSmart Canada – a charity that enables Vancouverites to donate to the food bank with each dinner out. So far this year, 24 restaurants in Vancouver have partnered with StreetSmart, giving their guests the opportunity to contribute a few dollars to their local food bank when paying their bill. Participating restaurants include Provence Marinaside, Lupo, España, The Fat Badger, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, Fable, La Cigale French Bistro, The Fish House in Stanley Park, Hamilton Street Grill, Chambar, and all four Milestones in Vancouver. This year, StreetSmart is also expanding to Whistler, Kelowna, Mission, Hope and Quesnel. StreetSmart was first established in London, England in 1998. It expanded to Vancouver in 2012 and to Victoria, Toronto, and Kingston last year. To date, there are 50 participating
4 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
restaurants across Canada. “Most people think about what they want to eat, not whether they will eat. In November and December – a time when people are in the spirit of giving – people are encouraged to dine at a StreetSmart participating restaurant,” said Ron Josephson, founder and chairman of StreetSmart Canada, in a press release. “When they are there, they can make a donation by adding a few dollars to their bill. Onehundred-percent of every dollar donated in Vancouver goes to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) with all expenses covered through sponsorship.” Last year, StreetSmart raised $7,500 through 23 Vancouver restaurants for the GVFB. The food bank provides assistance to more than 28,000 people per week, through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and North Vancouver. “We are excited to see the return of StreetSmart again this year,” said Aart Schuur-
Trevor Bird’s Fable is one of 24 Vancouver restaurants taking part in StreetSmart Canada’s food bank fundraiser. Rob Newell photo man Hess, CEO, GVFB. “Every dollar we receive enables us to purchase three dollars’ worth of food, so the generous contributions of StreetSmart diners goes a long way in helping families in need throughout the holiday season.” For a list of participating restaurants or to become a participating restaurant visit StreetSmartCanada. org. W
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YOUR CITY The Syrup Trap: Satire, silliness, and The Onion
Security video footage from the Lux Hotel captured Const. Taylor Robinson pushing Sandra Davidsen to the ground.
STEPHEN SMYSNUIK web@westender.com
VPD officer gets six days for push MIKE HOWELL mhowell@vancourier.com
In an act he called “callous and reckless,” an adjudicator presiding over a public hearing has ruled that a Vancouver police constable who shoved a woman with cerebral palsy to the ground in the Downtown Eastside should be suspended without pay for six days. The constable, Taylor Robinson, pushed Sandy Davidsen to the sidewalk June 9, 2010 after he claimed the woman, who also has muscular sclerosis, was going for his gun. “The act of pushing Ms. Davidsen to the ground was callous and reckless,” said retired judge Wally Oppal in his written reasons, which were released Nov. 28 after he delivered his decision at the conclusion of a hearing at the Robson Street courthouse. “She was clearly vulnerable. The officer took no steps to assist Ms. Davidsen. This is a clear violation of public trust.” Oppal said it was also “somewhat disturbing” that two other officers walking with Robinson that afternoon never bothered to assist Davidsen after she was left on the ground outside the Lux social housing building at 65 East Hastings. Pivot Legal Society lawyer Douglas King, acting on behalf of Davidsen,
requested a suspension of 15 days while the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner suggested 10 days. Robinson’s lawyer, David Crossin, argued for a two-day suspension in line with what a VPD superintendent concluded in a separate investigation. He said Davidsen was disappointed in the ruling and always wanted her case to go to criminal court. Robinson was charged with assault but the charges were stayed after he agreed to an alternative measures program that involved a three-day conflict resolution course at the Justice Institute. Sgt. Randy Fincham, a VPD media liaison officer, said in an email that Robinson “has taken responsibility for his actions and has apologized. We respect the decision of the Police Complaint Commission adjudicator.” Davidsen, who didn’t attend the hearing, denied going for Robinson’s gun. She didn’t believe Robinson’s apology to be genuine. The case took more than four years before Oppal imposed the six-day suspension for Robinson. Oppal agreed with the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner that the delay was unnecessary and unacceptable. W –Courtesy of Vancouver Courier
Unless you’ve been hiding from the Internet over the past month, you’ll have noticed a batch of silly articles from the Vancouver’s satirical upstart The Syrup Trap filling up your social feeds: ”Vancouver ranked the most city in the world”; “TransLink unveils tiny bus program”; “North Korea releases fifth album”. The Syrup Trap, for those unawares, is fast becoming Canada’s best humour site. Its tackled issues as varied as NHL violence to rampant gentrification with a lighthearted satire that’s actually funny. At least, that’s judging from reactions on Twitter. The National Post’s Tristin Hopper recently tweeted, “@ CBCPunchline gets $1000s in federal dollars and sucks ... hard. @SyrupTrap makes nothing and is wicked funny.” And it’s true. The Syrup Trap makes no money, which is why the site launched an appropriately satirical non-Kickstarter Kickstarter campaign while people behind the site determine how to monetize moving forward. Westender spoke to The Syrup Trap’s founder and editor-inchief, Nick Zarzycki about the role of satire in media, evolving reading habits online, and the importance of never taking yourself too seriously.
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Tickets $16. Order by email at: giants@nvmha.com. Westender.com
Was that a steep learning curve, finding that balance between presenting satire in a way that’s obviously satire, versus satire that’s just confusing? The internal discussion we’re always having is, how can we make sure what we’re doing isn’t just clickbait? The solution we’ve come to is, and what we’ve been doing at least for the last couple of months, is ensuring that there’s at least a joke in the headline. If there’s no joke in the headline, if the headline doesn’t make you laugh – and if someone has to click on it to figure out the joke, if there even is one – then that’s clickbait and it’s real satire. The headline has to make you laugh, and the headline
How did the Syrup Trap come about? I basically discovered there was this thing called Colleg-
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eHumor that many colleges in the United States have, where people can go to write silly things and have a lot of fun. I thought that would be really cool to have at UBC, so I decided to start a humour magazine. I started publishing things on the website that I threw together in three days and people started contacting me. Eventually it became this thing on campus that we continued doing.
has to be silly in some way. Let’s take the article about Stephen Harper refusing to answer questions about his cape. Having looked at the reaction of that piece, I’d say about maybe about 25 per cent of people reacting to that article online still think it’s real. The Photoshop job is quite well done, and there are people out there that think Stephen Harper legitimately wore a cape to question period. That’s bumped up the views and it’s bumped up our audience. But the majority of people are laughing at it, playing along with the joke, and it’s kind of obvious from the beginning that this is something silly someone has written. Getting jokes in the headline – and I’m guilty of this too – people are going to laugh and they night not click through the article at all. They’ve gotten the joke already. But they might share it, though. I’m not interested so much in click through as I am interested in people showing it to their friends, you know? Your recent articles seem to have expanded the focus beyond UBC and are now looking outward at Vancouver and the rest of Canada. What’s you’re ambition here? We want a Canadian audience. That’s the goal. We have an audience here at UBC and we’ll continue publishing pieces that are, if not directly about UBC, then are at least about campus and college life. But I graduated from UBC last year. I’m not actually there anymore, so writing about more general stuff that
appeals to a general Canadian audience is one way to stay enthusiastic about this thing. I’m no longer a student and I no longer care about stuff that’s happening on campus. A lot of us are graduating, and a lot of us see that there’s an appetite for silly writing [in Canada]. The ambition is to get more of a national audience and see how big we can make this. Why do satire at all? Why not humorous criticism of real Canadian issues, similar to what John Oliver does? One thing I like about the group of people that’s doing this, and one thing I like about our meetings and our discussions and that jokes that come out of them, is we don’t like taking ourselves too seriously. We don’t see ourselves as overtly political. It’s pretty obvious that, on balance, the writers for the Syrup Trap are left-leaning liberals, and if we do make any kind of statements or value judgements in our articles, it’s going to slant that way. But overall, the goal here is to write silly jokes that will make people laugh. That is the number one goal, regardless of what else we do. That’s why we don’t engage with issues more directly. The goal is to be silly and funny, and one way we benefit from that is it allows us to incorporate a broader range of voices in the writing room. There are people in the Syrup Trap that would describe themselves as right of center, and I don’t think that’s possible at a publication that’s overtly political and has to choose between being a leftist or a rightist publication. W
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A Vancouver stylist and personal shopper suggests stepping into pants for a holiday party look that’s comfortably chic. Jessie Carlson, known for her trademark clean, classic aesthetic, recommends three outfits – with trousers – that will get noticed for all the right reasons. What’s the appeal of pants for parties? “Everything: Pockets, comfort,” says Carlson, a fast-talker whose arsenal of fashion knowledge after more than a decade of dressing women shows with her rapid-fire responses. There’s no question pants will stand-out in a sea of shimmery dresses, but Carlson offers expert tips for paring them with the just the right dose of decorative trimming. The first outfit she suggests is a Topshop ensemble. The British line, known for being on trend and affordable, is carried by Hudson’s Bay (the Canadian retail giant has also undergone a recent re-brand, embracing its classic name). Carlson recommends Topshop’s Flat Front Luxe Jogger ($70), a harem-style pant with a
Harem pants are a stylish and functional choice for the holiday party. Rob Newell photo. relaxed fit, Roll Neck white blouse ($68), and a statement necklace ($56). “Harem pants are everywhere, they don’t have to be from Topshop,” says the stylist, who runs Jessie Carlson Wardrobe, which helps women purge and replenish their closets. Carlson is also a personal shopper at The Room, Hudson’s Bay’s luxury de-
partment at its downtown location. Finish the Topshop ensemble with a pair of black pointy pumps, a no-fail shoe that goes with everything. Opt for a quality designer pair if you can swing it, Carlson says. Lastly, go for a simple clutch. In fact, every woman should have a timehonoured black rectangle clutch in her closet, she insists. Moving on up in price point, Carlson coordinates an outfit from the White Space, an area at Hudson’s Bay that carries contemporary brands like Phillip Lim, Vince, Theory, and Helmut Lang. Pair slouchy tuxedo pants ($355) with a double-breasted blazer ($545) and a silk camisole ($195) from the distinctly Parisian fashion line Sandro. Again, throw on those no-fail black pointy shoes. As for jewelry, Carlson says try a simple gold necklace from Hudson’s Bay’s lowcost house brand Expression and grab a brighthued clutch. “When you have this black tuxedo [look], you can be a little more adventurous with the clutch,” Carlson explains. “What I typically do with a tuxedo or a jumpsuit, that’s all
black, is just do a really bright lip or have a bright clutch.” For a higher-end version of the same theme, she expertly picks a black jumpsuit with a sheer top by Maison Martin Margiela ($1,795) from The Room. “It’s just a really simple jumpsuit with pockets,” says Carlson. Opt for Proenza Schouler’s dreamy Pochette clutch ($895) in grapefruit for a dose of colour. Again, finish with a simple pointy black pump and bold necklace. As for common holiday party dressing blunders, “too tight, too short,” the stylist says. Another no-no: Wearing clothes outside your comfort zone. “I think one of the mistakes people make is they don’t buy a [new] cocktail dress for parties because they just don’t think they need it, and they always do, and then they wear something that is 10 years old,” Carlson says. “People don’t put enough thought into holiday party dressing, and then they feel uncomfortable, and they are, like, tottering around. It’s awkward for everybody.” For more tips on savvy dressing for any occasions, including your next bash, visit JessieCarlson.com. W
Street Styles: Sid Dickens underfoot Jennifer Scott A Good Chick to Know
@Jennifer_AGCTK
1100 Davie Street Open everyday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm 604.682.7116 State of Mind Boutique
When we think of dressing a room, the primary thoughts go to neutrals for the large furnishings, texture within the drapery and area rugs, and colour and pattern via smaller textiles, accessories, and art. Generally, this is a great rule of
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thumb for a well-designed room that is both stylish yet offers longevity in it’s décor. However, as experience has shown, some rules are meant to be broken. Certain décor pieces, styles, or an overall ‘feel’ can lead you to blend the composition within a room and gain visual aspects from unexpected areas to create a unique effect. By this, I mean that we can find interesting pieces that go beyond their expected
function and visual purpose, offering an additional décor element to a space. One such example is the newly-launched Sid Dickens rug collection for Burritt Bros., Vancouver’s flooring fashion house since 1907. The forward-thinking team behind Burritt Bros. has become well known within the design, fashion, and art communities for bringing these industries together via collaborations with leaders in the creative
THE
NATURAL TEXTILE C O M P A N Y
fields. A long-time client of the flooring house (with an admitted weakness for beautiful area rugs), I am so appreciative of the support they offer our local arts scene here in Vancouver; I fell head over heels with the line they did with my lovely friend Zoe Pawlak, and am once again met with results beyond expectations with the Sid Dickens collection.
Continued on next page
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6 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
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Shop Talk: Pop up mall sets up one-day shop in Chinatown NIKI HOPE westender.com
• A massive concept pop-up shop is on this weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre. Chinatown Mall, described as Vancouver’s original popup streetwear marketplace, is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11am to 6pm, at 50 East Pender. The pop up aims to connect smaller brands, designers, and artists with shoppers on the hunt for rare goods and cool finds. The marketplace features a curated selection of local goods combined with collectors selling vintage and almost new apparel, sneakers and accessories from coveted brands like Alexander Wang, Cheap Monday, Opening Ceremony, and many, many more. Chinatown Mall will feature 40-plus vendors, along with dance performances, DJs, fashion shows, and art installations. The event is presented by Paper Route, which has produced dozens of pop-up shops, markets, and other fashion events. Visit PaperRouteOfficial.com. • Walter’s Son, a new made-in-Vancouver menswear line, recently held its launch party at Litchfield in Gastown. Designer Kyle Parent showed his sourced high-quality Japanese cotton and soft Quebec leather shirts. The distinctly mod-
ern collection is proudly manufactured in Vancouver and features three unique styles by Parent, who started designing after apprenticing as a tailor. His original goal was to make clothes for himself, but when people responded positively to his creations, Parent was encouraged to start designing for others. The fall/ winter collection is inspired by broad monochromatic gestures, woodcuts, and clean architectural lines, according to the designer. See Walters-Son.com. • Blanche Macdonald unveiled the next generation of Vancouver fashion talent at Wandering Stars. The fashion and beauty school held its annual fashion show on Nov. 25 at St. Andrew’s Wesley Church, where talented fashion design grads showcased their unique creations. Good luck to the grads: Mimi Bargaoui, Tessa Blaiklock, Kathryn Brown, Marissa Campbell, Shin-Yi Chi, Aila CrowtherHayward, Manjola Cuko, Klaudine Garcia, Jonathan Hercia, Pamela Honor, Victoria Hu, Chantel Lafreniere, Jessica Lee, Maegan Lyons, Joanna Pang, Elya Postma, Katie Shaver, Chloe Smith, Liis Sober, Daria Volokhova, Jiayun Wang, Zhuowei Wang, Mia Wu, Dream Zhang, Tia Zhen, and Ella Zhu. W
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Continued from page 6 The line is derived of a soft hand and calm palette, yet offers the illusion of striking texture through the an artistic approach to pattern. The neutral colourway of these rugs is an inviting – and often recommended – choice for many people, while the pattern and visual content of each piece offers an artistic style that carries the rugs from the realm of a functional layering piece within décor, to that of a vibrant visual element within a room. In short, this collection brings
art from its usual place on the walls, underfoot. Sid Dickens is a local talent who’s artistic journey is rich with story, heritage, and experience – the culmination of which is what makes his work so inviting. From a childhood offering the remoteness to foster freedom, curiosity, and imagination, to the exploration and travel of Europe and Haida Gwaii, Dickens shares the inspiration of his voyages through his work. After training his artistic eye at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Dickens explored his abilities in pen and ink, sculp-
The Sid Dickens collection of rugs is available from Burritt Bros. ture, and true mixed-media and eventually found much success with plaster. The Sid Dickens Memory Blocks have become a solidified art form
that he continues to refine and explore in his studios in both Vancouver and Haida Gwaii; Sid himself describes the six-foot by eight-foot storyboards as his opportunity to bring “places and times and faces and feelings to a tactile reality.” Now, as Dickens’ art takes a new tactile journey with his collaboration with Burritt Bros., we are able to see how art can be both explored and exposed in unexpected forms to create expressive layers within the home. The collection is now on display and available at the Burritt Bros. showroom at 3594 Main. W
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December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 7
EAT // DRINK
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DINING OUT
Au Comptoir delivers an authentic Parisian experience Anya Levykh Nosh
@FoodGirlFriday AU COMPTOIR
2278 West 4th 604-569-2278 AuComptoir.ca Open Wednesday-Monday, 8am-10pm for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. No reservations. I was happy from the moment I walked through the door of Kitsilano’s Au Comptoir. A bright sky-lit space with a fabulous tin bar (imported from France) on one side, and vintage sewing machine stands serving as tables in the dining area, Au Comptoir is both comforting and innovative in look and feel. The design gives subtle, tasteful nods to its location, like the living herb wall behind the bar. The brainchild of two young French industry veterans, Julien Aubin and Maxime Bettili, Au Comptoir is a reservations-free café/brasserie that offers the best of French service and hospitality principles, at prices to which Vancouverites need not turn their
Anya Levykh Fresh Sheet
@FoodGirlFriday SCENE // HEARD
The Parker vegetarian restaurant has new executive chef. Felix Zhou, a Vancouver local, has previously worked at the Michelin-starred La Chapelle in London, as well as locally at West under chefs David Hawksworth and Warren Geraghty. Most recently, he was executive sous chef at Whistler’s Nita Lake Lodge. This is Zhou’s first executive position and he has launched an all-new menu at the restaurant. TheParkerVancouver.com
Au Comptoir in Kitsilano offers a wide assortment of sweet and savoury French treats, such as the chou pastry. Submitted photo
It was an extraordinary and wholly surprising dish, with perfect flavour balance and textural contrast. And, please don’t miss out on dessert. The revolving dessert carousel at the back of the room tells its own story, and the tarte citron ($7) is excellent. Crème caramel ($7) was nice, but not memorable. Much better was the wine list, which features a handful of reds and whites by the glass, and a good assortment of bottles at reasonable markups. My Chateau Peyros ($11) was excellent value for a hearty pour, and there are quality hops for those in need. Au Comptoir has quickly become a hot spot, but I’m thinking – and hoping – this is more than a fleeting trend, and that’s worth a santé! or two. W
noses up. Both Aubin and Bettili have plenty of experience on the local scene, including stints at Les Faux Bourgeois, Bistro Pastis, and Jules Bistro. What’s unique here is the completely à votre plaisir feel. Stay for an hour or three, and the service is the same. This is something unique to France, where tipping is not the norm. How well it will translate
in Vancouver is yet to be seen, but it was lovely not to be rushed through a meal, despite the growing line on several evenings. The food was another point of pleasure. Classic bistro plates like bavette (skirt steak) are done ridiculously well. The perfectly medium-rare slices ($24) came with France’s version of tater tots, otherwise
known as pommes dauphines. I would seriously recommend the Roquefort sauce for the steak; it was rich without being overly stinky (as blue cheese sauces are wont to be), and was nicely offset by the simple and elegant mixed greens. A “unilateral” salmon ($24) at first caused some confusion (were we at a political rally?) but was quickly
clarified as salmon grilled on one side only (the skin side, of course), and served with wilted kale and tagliatelle in a tarragon beurre blanc. If you can, come on a Monday to try the weekly “Parisian sushi,” another of those tasteful nods to its location. One night, this was a foie gras maki with pear, topped with chives and crumbled hazelnuts ($19).
Hear Anya every Monday on CBC Radio One’s On the Coast and find her on Twitter @foodgirlfriday and Facebook. com/FoodGirlFriday. FoodGirlFriday.com
Chef David Hawksworth has revealed the location of his second restaurant, slated to open late-2015. The space at the MNP Tower at 1021 West Hastings will feature an interior designed by Alessandro Munge, of Munge Leung, which was responsible for the design at Hawksworth Restaurant. The 120-seat space will feature waterfront views and a “laid-back” atmosphere.
Vancouver Foodie Tours is offering gift certificates for their popular Granville Island Market, Guilty Pleasures, and World’s Best Food Truck tours, as well as special private tours over the holidays. FoodieTours.ca
the jambon des Ardennes and jambon de Bayonne have been aged 18 months and are only available in December. OyamaSausage.ca
of homemade cranberry preserve for everyone to take home. Minimum four people for the prix fixe reservation. ForageVancouver.com
DC Duby Wild Sweets, the bean-to-bar online chocolate shop, is opening a pop-up brick-and-mortar location at The Atelier in Richmond, open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm during December. WildSweets.com
Executive chef Alvin Pillay has launched a new brunch menu in all Donnelly Group pubs and restaurants that focuses on local BC ingredients. New dishes like avocado with soft-boiled eggs on sourdough and the Hangover Burger include naturallyraised beef from Two Rivers Meats, free-range eggs from the Fraser Valley, and breads from A Bread Affair. DonnellyGroup.ca
Bar is launching a new weekend brunch menu starting this Saturday, Dec. 6. The new menu features the likes of Nutella-stuffed French toast, oeuf en cocotte, wild salmon chowder, Korean rice bowls, and Oyama truffle duck sausage pizza. BoulevardVancouver.ca
The upcoming season of Chopped Canada on Food Network will feature Vancouver’s own Daryle Ryo Nagata, co-owner of Seventeen89 in the West End. The new season premieres on Jan. 10.
The Hastings Park Winter Market is now closed, but the Nat Bailey Winter Market is still open Saturdays, 10am-2pm, through the winter until April 25. EatLocal.org
DRINK // DINE
Oyama Sausage Co. is once again holding tastings of their annual Swedish hams on Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Both
Forage Restaurant is open for holiday lunch Dec. 1-19, Monday to Friday. Chef Chris Whittaker is offering a four-course menu for $35, with the bonus
Boulevard Kitchen &
Food: ★★★★★ Service: ★★★★★ Ambiance: ★★★★★ Value: ★★★★★ Overall: ★★★★★
Pan Pacific Hotel is once again holding their Santa’s Sunday Brunch on Sunday, Dec. 7, complete with a separate children’s buffet, face painting, balloon artistry, and a visit from Santa. $77 per adult, $39 per child 6-12 years old. PanPacificVancouver.com W
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EAT // DRINK
SPECIALS FOR DEC. 4-11
DINING OUT
Adventures in Persian cuisine Mijune Pak Follow Me Foodie
@FollowMeFoodie Last week I asked Vancouver, “Where are all the Middle Eastern Restaurants?” It’s a cuisine often overlooked in our multicultural city and with our limited options, it’s worth a closer look. I set out on a mission to breakdown this hodgepodge of Middle Eastern cuisine and learn more about it – starting with Persian cuisine. When I think of Persian cuisine I think of the days chef Hamid Salimian was taking a modernist approach to his Persian inspired menu at The Apron and later at Diva at the Met. It was something relatively new and exotic to the majority, but sadly that is often a tough sell for Vancouverites. Unfortunately Chef Salimian is taking a break from the restaurant scene teaching future chefs at Vancouver Community College, but fortunately it’s not over for Persian cuisine. The fine dining version of Persian cuisine may be on temporary hold
a Persian signature with two skewers of premium ground beef (instead of pieces of meat), seasoned with onions and spices, and broiled to perfection. It’s apparently the favourite for those unfamiliar with Persian food as well. Typically it’s made with 80 per cent lean meat and 20 per cent fatty meat to give it flavour and it’s surprisingly moist with that ratio. Sometimes an egg or breadcrumbs are added as a binder, similar to making meatballs, but with the right composition of meats and execution, they’re not needed. It’s very mildly spiced without being spicy, and it’s a solid beginner’s dish for all ages. I’ve tried other dishes from their menu but I’m fond of these two. While there are other Persian restaurants, Zeitoon was the one I tried and would return to. I haven’t tried enough to put it in context of other Persian restaurants of same caliber, but after talking to reliable palates who have, it’s a reliable restaurant serving traditional Persian cuisine. To suggest Middle Eastern restaurants tweet Mijune at @followmefoodie W
until he’s back on the scene, but the traditional familystyle version is the root and typically where to start. Most of the city’s Persian restaurants are in West Vancouver and North Vancouver, so when the craving hits I aim that direction. It’s arguably where “the best” ones are too. The “go-to” tends to be Cazba, which has a location in downtown and North Vancouver, as well as a food truck called Cazba Express. It’s a good standard according to those experienced with Persian cuisine, but another option is Zeitoon, with locations in North Vancouver and downtown. The kashke bademjan (deep fried eggplant, mashed and topped with whey, flavored with sautéed onions, garlic and fresh mint) is one of my favourites, more commonly known by its Arab name, baba ghanoush. I could eat it by itself, but it is supposed to be enjoyed with warm lavash flatbread. It has a savoury and tangy flavour, which is partially from the kashk - a drained yogurt or a type of cheese that tastes like sour cream. Another one of my favourites is the koobideh kabab,
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EAT // DRINK
WINE
Five wines to pair with any takeout order Michaela Morris By the Bottle @MichaelaWine
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At this time of year, I barely have time to grocery shop, let alone cook. You’re more likely to find me making the rounds of some of my favourite take out joints. Asian cuisine is a given with Chinese winning out when I’m famished and Japanese when I’m pretending to be healthy. I crave Indian when I really want to warm up and Thai when I desire an explosion of flavour. When I start to get bored, I shake things up with Mexican fare. And if I am inviting friends over, it’s Memphis Blues BBQ. In terms of wine, I always have something sparkling in the fridge. It makes the meal feel more celebratory than last resort. I open Cava when I am broke and Champagne if I’m flush. Both work so well with sushi, too. Most takeout cuisine tends to be boldly flavoured so I look for equally assertive wines. Aromatic whites like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Torrontés, and Albariño possess pungent aromas and persistent flavours that will stand up to exotic dishes. With extremely spicy food, watch out for higher alcohol wines as the spicy heat will accentuate the alcohol burn. Instead, a low-alcohol wine with a little sweetness is a much better foil. Think off to medium-dry Riesling. While whites generally work best, the chilly weather may have you craving red. Lighter, fruity wines with low tannin such as Pinot
Noir, Beaujolais/Gamay and Valpolicella are the most compatible. But when only a big bold red will do, I opt to eat barbecue or Indian. Even with these, the soft, supple tannin of a Zinfandel, Shiraz, or Merlot is preferred to more mouth-drying reds. Just make sure you always have plenty of wine options on hand. It will save you a trip to the wine store when you are rushing home to dig in.
I’ll be cracking this the next time I order ginger beef and chicken fried rice. 2012 Tabalí Reserva Pinot Noir • Limarí, Chile • $19.99, BC Liquor Stores Soft, light tannin with pure cherry and strawberry fruit make this Pinot exceptionally food friendly. My go-to when I’m looking for a red with Chinese or Indian food.
2012 Domaine Wachau Terraces • Grüner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria • $17.99, BC Liquor Stores With lime, white pepper, and anise notes, this dry white is bright and vibrant enough to stand up to the assertive favours in Japanese food, but delicate enough not to overwhelm sashimi.
2012 Balthazar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett • Rheingau, Germany • $24.99, BC Liquor Stores Yes there’s some sweetness here but it’s so beautifully balanced by spine tingling acidity. And along with modest alcohol (8.5 per cent), it is the ideal solution for hot Thai cuisine, as well as spicy fish tacos.
Corvezzo Ikaro Raboso Spumante Dry • IGT Delle Venezie, Italy • $19.99, BC Liquor Stores It’s red, it’s sparkling, and it has a touch of sweetness. This may sound odd, but it totally works. The natural bitterness in the Raboso grape balances out the residual sugar while the bubbles scrub out the mouth between bites.
2012 Ridge Three Valleys • Sonoma County, California • $37.99, BC Liquor Stores Just because it’s takeout, doesn’t mean you can’t splurge a bit. This full-bodied, fruit forward Zinfandelbased red is perfect with barbecued ribs. It’s also a surprisingly great match with the exotic spices in Indian dishes. W
‘Modernization’ of liquor laws brings us into 1960 Stephen Smysnuik The Growler @StephenSmys
Last month, the BC government formally announced its changes to our liquor laws, touting them as good for consumers and small businesses alike. This was the headline on the press release, in fact: “Latest liquor changes good for consumers, small businesses.” Indeed, some of these changes seem a’ight. BC Liquor Stores are extending their hours of operation during the week and will now be open on weekends (wahoo!). These stores will now be “allowed” to sell cold beer and
10 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
wine, which is actually a huge advancement and brings British Columbia squarely into the modern age of 1960. The biggest news would appear to be the store-within-astore model for grocery stores that will take effect on April 1, which is actually the perfect day because the whole thing is kind of a joke. This model ensures that there will technically be a onestop shop for alcohol and groceries, since the booze will be available under the same roof as the bananas. In truth, it will remain a two-stop-shop, since the model requires a designated area and checkout (read: another line) for alcohol. The system is designed to “ensure continued restricted access to
alcohol by minors,” though why a separate check-out is necessary for this is unclear and seems like a cumbersome and needless process. Granted, figuring out how to sell alcohol at grocery stores would have been a very complex process. How, for example, would the companies deal with underage employees walking through the aisles with booze? Would they have to sell it behind the counter like they do cigarettes? It’s a byzantine process, so maybe this isn’t the worst possible solution. But this is not, in fact, the biggest issue here.
Continued on next page Westender.com
EAT // DRINK
DINING OUT Continued from page 10 A new wholesale pricing model for wine and spirits has been announced, as well as a new volumebased wholesale pricing model for beer, with a graduated mark-up system, “allowing small- and medium-sized breweries to grow their product lines and create jobs.” So while this will may benefit the 94 (!!!) breweries in BC, in ultimately means higher profit margins for BCL stores, meaning they’ll start selling their cold beer at exactly the same price as private liquor stores. Which means a new era for consumers buying beer. Right now, government liquor stores sell beer warm as piss, but at a lower cost, while private stores sell beer cold-and-ready (with often far better selections) but at a premium. The new plan is meant to “level the playing field” between government and private liquor stores, which have been implemented to “[address] the calls of consumers.” But what we’re going to see with the graduated markup system is now, beer,
wine and spirits prices will be priced at competitive rates at all stores. This will most likely mean increased beer prices at BC liquor stores. I reached out to Ken Beattie at the BC Craft Beer Guild, but he declined to comment because it’s still too early to tell just how this will affect consumers, since the criteria surrounding the markups hasn’t been announced yet. But by creating an environment where grocery stores and government liquor stores are competing with small liquor stores and specialty wine shops – who now have to purchase their alcohol at the same the cost as their bigger competitors – it tilts that playing field unfairly, rather than leveling it. John Clerides, owner of Marquis Wine Cellars, told The Tyee last week: “What is ‘level’ about what they’ve done?... The regulator, the wholesaler and the retailer – the Liquor Distribution Branch – are making the rules under which you’re competing!” Which doesn’t sound very promising, now does it? Bottom line: Expect to pay more relatively soon. W
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ARTS // CULTURE
WESTENDER.COM
MUSIC
White Lung on the long road to success In Michael Azzerad’s seminal rock manual Our Band Could Be Your Life, he says “You could be beholden only to yourself and the values and the people you respected. You could take charge of your own life.” White Lung are the kind of band Azzerad would have loved. Does love. So much so that frontwoman Way frequently contributes to Azzerad’s website, The Talkhouse. White Lung are a band that have done everything the right way. Not the easy way, but the right way. Now full disclosure: Frontwoman Mish Way not only writes a column for Westender (see “Sex With Mish Way”, p.29), but is a dear friend of mine. We’ve played music together, drunkenly watched Stevie Nicks on YouTube till 5am, and a few more things I best not mention in print. We connect via the internet in her adopted home of Los Angeles, where she is decompressing from one tour and gearing up for the next. You’ve become a thinking person’s household name. What’s it like, after being a band since 2006, to finally gain this kind of recognition? I did this interview the other day where the writer implied that my band was undeserving or that people thought we were undeserving because we did not work very
hard or something of that nature. We have been around for a very long time. We have dragged our asses around the continent over and over. We pushed ourselves because no one else was going to push us. I am glad that we are getting some recognition and that things are going well. I am also glad we are not some flavor-of-the-week band who will evaporate as quickly as they came. That is not our story. Do you ever find it tough being in punk, where your peers are predominantly male? I don’t have any issues with the so-called male dominance of punk. It has never caused me to feel inadequate in relation to my peers who also make music. I have a bigger problem with being clumped together with other female front women who’s musical style and political views have ZERO to do with mine, but because we are both front people with tits, our names become glued together. That infuriates me. That’s sexist. That’s lazy. How has touring changed for White Lung since your humble minivan beginnings? Touring is the same except we get treated way better. There’s hotels. There’s a
REVIEWS // AZEALIA BANKS
Broke With Expensive Taste (Prospect Park) Three years have gone by since Azealia Banks broke out with her excellent 1991 EP and its slick smash single “212”, one that had her on the tip of everyone’s tongue, showering the planet with her icy profanities and rapid fire rap skills. From then until now she has gone through the meat grinder that is the music in-
dustry, and somehow landed on her feet, releasing Broke With Expensive Taste after ending her relationship with Interscope Records and walking away with the rights to the songs you will hear on Broke.
White Lung: Kenneth William, Anne-Marie Vassiliou, Mish Way, Hether Fortune. Samantha Marble photo green room with food and alcohol. But it’s still the same deal: Driving all day, loading gear, etc, etc. You know how it goes. There’s more airplane rides. There’s more expenses, but you are being paid more so it evens out. The stress is the same, even when you have a tour manager (glorified babysitter who has the most annoying job in the world, god bless all TMs). The only thing that really changes at this level is the slight upgrade in amenities. The job itself, putting on a great show, is still the same. In a generous 16 tracks, she goes from Caribbeandistilled techno in opener “Idle Delilah” to big chorus R&B pop “Chasing Time” to her flawless Spanish rap in the latter half of “Gimme a Chance”. There are a few recycled hits on here, take the aforementioned “212” and “Luxury” from her 2012 mixtape Fantasea. Both are great songs, but feel a touch dated and out of place. While Broke With Expensive Taste may not make her a household name, it is an inspired, creative,
I recently re-read one of your pieces about how being in a relationship fucks with your creativity. You are now getting married. Are you worried it will affect your writing in any way? It’s hard not be scared of this…especially when we have always thrived by writing about our frustrations and what is the most common, consistent human frustration? Sex and love. It’s a limitless topic that kind of just drags you in circles. I am terrified because I know I can’t fall back on this subject anymore for songs. I also don’t have a
drug addiction to write about anymore, so that’s off the table too. My two favorite subjects: Sex and drugs. I am going to have to look beyond that and start telling stories that do not necessarily belong to me. Or maybe something terrible will happen? GOD FORBID. I have a hilarious memory of you from the tour we did together that involved you waking up from a van-nap and immediately opening your computer to start writing a sex advice column. How do you maintain such a prolific
stand alone work coming from a clearly frustrated star. – Louise Burns Rating: ★★★★★
SLIM TWIG
A Hound at the Hem (DFA) Having a cavernous, baritone croon a la Nick Cave or Tom Waits can be pretty cool. It can also be pretty awful if done in the form of imitation. Lucky for Toronto’s Max Turnbull, known to his public as Slim Twig, his sound is more twisted-circus-goth-
parade than sad-bastardwannabe, and for that we salute him. Twig’s first release on renowed indie label DFA, A Hound At The Hem could be a soundtrack for a Vincent Price B horror film, begin-
writing career while touring so extensively? I actually feel like my writing has suffered this year with my touring schedule and it has made things quite difficult. When I was freelancing full time a few years ago, I would publish three to four articles for Noisey a day, plus a few more in other random magazines, I’d be doing locals a few times a week and doing copy writing for apps as well as sex advice for a men’s website, working mostly on campaigns sponsored by razor blades because that copy pays. I was hustling. I would keep a log of how much money I made every day and I wrote seven to nine hours every day. Now, I’m so lazy. This next year White Lung has a big break from touring and I am focusing on some new projects. A lot more writing. It has always been a challenge, but a great challenge. I will never stop writing. Finally... the inevitable: What’s next for White Lung? A big, fat break and then we write our next masterpiece. W White Lung are Mish Way, Anne-Marie Vassiliou, Kenneth William, and Hether Fortune. They play Electric Owl on Friday, Dec. 5. Advance tickets $13. Doors at 8pm, show 9:30pm. ning with the opening scene “Heavy Splendour” with the eldritch string arrangements of orchestral pop darling Owen Pallet. But there will be no celebratory handclaps and feel good violin sweeps at the Hem – this is the Slim Twig show, and just as you imagine the curtain rising, someone tears it down and sets it on fire, leaving a skeleton doing the jig to “Clerical Collar”. A work of nocturnal necromancy for those who favour mood over feel-good. – Louise Burns Rating: ★★★★★
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Westender.com
ARTS // CULTURE
MUSIC
Johnny Marr moves ever forward with ‘Playland’ way. I do have my moments, fuckin’ hell, I shouldn’t, but I do.
LOUISE BURNS music@westender.com
Recent recipient of NME’s “Godlike Genius Award”, ex-Smiths guitar hero and occasional member of Modest Mouse and The Cribs, the ever-relevant Johnny Marr will be gracing us with his presence next week at The Commodore to promote Playland, his sophomore album. We reached Marr by phone somewhere in Montana and talked musical obsession, egos and being an icon, and the mawkishness of nostalgia. How old were you when you first picked up a guitar, and who inspired you to get into music? Well, I started playing a proper guitar when I was 10 or 11, but I had a guitar when I was three or four – it was the first toy I ever liked. I literally can’t remember a time when I didn’t have one. I have no idea what inspired me to really love that first guitar, but it was my first proper toy: My parents were very into music to the point of obsession. The first person to really influence me was Marc Bolan from T. Rex. That’s really stuck with me. But I’ve been doing it seriously since 14 or 15. How does it feel to listen to a generation of guitar players who have essentially used your style as a prototype? I can only react to that in one way, and that’s on a human level, and take it as the ultimate compliment. It’s incredibly flattering and humbling. Whenever I’m asked about it I can’t really talk about it in any depth. I can’t really get my head around it in any other way than to just be touched by it... There’s just something about somebody discussing their own work with any significance that seems unpalatable to me. It’s great to be liked. But I abso-
Johnny Marr. Jon Shard photo
lutely don’t know why. I like a bit of mystery in life. I was half expecting an answer like this, because I’ve read over and over that you are this grounded, cool character. Almost the anti-rock star. I have my moments; don’t believe what you read! (laughs) I’ve got no interest in having people around me who make any kind of concessions to fame or notoriety. That isn’t because I’m such a good guy; it just seems fucking useless. I want my friends to be proper people, and therefore my friends are very interesting and can hold their own and treat what I do as a fortunate thing to be around, but judge the same way they judge everybody else. Even in the Smiths days, my friends around me would [prefer] to listen to The Velvet Underground than what I was doing with my band. I’d go home from a recording session for one of our albums, and [my friends] would be a bit pissed that I’d take off the new Gun Club album to play my new shit. I could imagine that’s kind of humbling! And that’s the way it should be! It was very good for my music and good for the group that at least I was surrounded by people that really weren’t that fucking impressed that I was on Top Of The Pops. My friends have always been that
Though you have been collaborating at a prolific rate since leaving the Smiths, Playland is technically your second solo record. What took so long? [Modest Mouse] wanted to take a break, which turned into an extended break. I didn’t want to take a break. [So] I fell into making a record with The Cribs, and that went so well that we toured it. When The Cribs wanted to take a break, I still didn’t want to, but I knew I didn’t want to join another band. So I did this movie soundtrack to Inception. That went really well. But this notion of not wanting to join an existing band but having this record to make was still in the air. So after Inception I just went “Ok, it’s going to have to be a solo record”. Had Modest Mouse or The Cribs not wanted to take a break, maybe some of these songs would have made their way to those bands. I just had this music that I needed to get out. So about two weeks into writing [what would become] the first record, The Messenger, my friend said to me, “Why don’t you just finish this yourself and call it a solo record?” That’s when I got the idea of putting my own band together. Playland happened because when I went out on tour with Messenger, I was doing something that people who like what I do, really liked. And I guess my audience just gave me encouragement and enthusiasm to keep going. Let’s put it this way, when songs are coming to you at a quick rate, and they’re sounding pretty good, you should really take advantage of it and don’t stop. W Johnny Marr plays The Commodore on Dec. 7 with special guests Hooded Fang. Doors at 7. Tickets $44 in advance.
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The Vancouver Giants are proud to support minor hockey! Purchase your tickets as the Giants host the Saskatoon Blades and our popular Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, December 6.
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ARTS // CULTURE
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FILM & TV
The Bensons go to Whistler Sabrina Furminger Reel People @Sabrinarmf
What an Idiot might be one the most perfectly-titled films in the history of cinema, because, as I screened this movie in advance of the Whistler Film Festival – where it will have its world premiere, I found myself muttering, “What an idiot!” over and over again. Shot in the 604 a couple of years ago and featuring a crazy-long list of local talent, What an Idiot is Peter and Julia Benson’s follow-up to their 2012 horror feature Death Do us Part (which the married couple starred in, co-wrote, and produced). This time around, Peter and Julia developed the story themselves, and Peter slid into the director’s chair – oh, and they produced and co-starred, too. We learn quite a bit about Peter’s character, Nick, in the first few minutes of the film. He’s unlucky in love, but he’s yearning to connect with the right woman. He’s goodnatured. He values his bros.
He works really hard at his office job. But it’s not until he interacts with the character of Jackie – played to ballsy perfection by Julia – that we learn the most important thing there is to know about Nick: He’s an idiot. Nick is hot for Jackie, and because she’s his new boss (and the first impression he makes is less than stellar), she’s not interested. It isn’t until Nick and his bros (the dynamite trio of Kerr Smith, Benjamin Ayres, and Dave Collette) spot Jackie in a nightclub, surrounded by a posse of gay men, that his bros identify her as a “fag hag” (a term I personally abhor, however descriptive). Nick doesn’t set out to do what he does next. It all happens so fast, as the most embarrassing and awkward situations often do: Nick blurts out to Jackie that he’s gay. Jackie’s delighted; now they can be friends! And then, because Nick’s head over heels for a woman who’s only interested in hanging with gay dudes, he’s got to keep the lie alive – even though it’s absolute torture. What an idiot.
“We tried to think of the dumbest obstacle somebody could put in their way when trying to connect with a woman, and somewhere we came up with, ‘What if he blurted out he was gay and had to work against that the whole time,’” says Peter in a recent phone chat. As with their previous feature, What an Idiot was an opportunity for them to work with their actor friends, many of whom – although regularly employed – don’t usually get cast in the kind of parts that they get to play in Benson movies. “There’s so much talent in Vancouver, and so often we don’t get to do these sorts of comedies,” says Julia in a recent phone chat. The cast includes Aleks Paunovic, Emilie Ullerup, Michael Eklund, Kyle Cassie, Nicholas Carella, Adam DiMarco, Leah Gibson, Zak Santiago, Jill Morrison, and dozens more. This was Peter’s first time directing a feature, but juggling all of the different hats (actor, writer, director, executive producer) felt right. “It was a lot to take on, but it was something that I really wanted to do, and Julia was
right beside me making all of the decisions with me,” says Peter. “Julia and I both seem to do better when we take more on. We get into the zone.” If there’s one thing the Bensons present, it’s a united front of mutual admiration and awe. “Peter was amazing to watch, as a director and an actor,” says Julia, whose lengthy filmography includes plum roles on Stargate Universe, Cedar Cove, and the upcoming web series Paranormal Solutions Inc. “Comedy is where he lives. This is his world.” “Everybody does go, ‘wow, you directed it and acted,’ but Julia took the reins with producing, which is, especially in the indie world, a lot of work,” says Peter, a busy actor who’s appeared on Hell on Wheels, Supernatural, Arrow, Arctic Air, and in one of the break-out hits of the 2014 Vancouver International Film Festival, Black Fly. “It was some of the most amazing multitasking I’ve ever seen.” W What an Idiot screens Dec. 5 and 6 at the Whistler Film Festival.Visit WhistlerFilmFestival.com. Sabrina will be live-tweeting from the festival; follow the fun at @sabrinarmf.
GEMMA BOVERY
Starring Gemma Arterton, Fabrice Luchini Directed by Anne Fontaine Life imitates art in the latest effort from Coco Before Chanel director Anne Fontaine. Alas, the film itself never comes to life, simply going through motions that were established over 150 years ago. Having abandoned Paris for the tranquility of rural Normandy, sexagenarian Martin (Fabrice Luchini) finds his idyll disrupted by the arrival of new English neighbours: Charlie (Jason Flemyng) and Gemma Bovery (Gemma Arterton). And while many men might fixate solely on Arterton’s physical attributes, Martin intersperses his leering with observations about how Gemma’s life eerily mirrors Emma Bovary’s fictional reality. In short order, he’s creepily tailing her as she sneaks away for liaisons with an Adonislike neighbour (Niels Schneider). In Martin’s estimation, Flaubert’s classic text is “a mundane story told
by a genius.” It was also an exercise in precision. Conversely, Fontaine’s languid film is saddled with a burdensome flashback framing device, sapped of any melancholy by its coffee shop folk soundtrack and prone to strained attempts at comedy. To wit, a sequence in which Martin must suck venom from Gemma’s hard-to-reach bee sting is about as ribald as a Three’s Company rerun. While Arterton makes a convincing object of desire, she’s unable to bring much depth to a character frequently stripped of as much agency as clothing. Even her ennui isn’t particularly palpable, leaving viewers with little to invest themselves in. Ultimately, the scenes that arouse the most sympathy are those that find Martin rolling his eyes at his neighbours’ inane blathering. As he shifts anxiously, desperate for anything of consequence to be broached, we understand precisely how he feels. –Curtis Woloschuk • More movie reviews online at Westender.com
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WHAT’S ON Th/4
Fr/5
Sa/6
Su/7
Mo/8
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
LISA LEBLANC Folk-trash chanteuse brings some Maritime grit to the stage in support of her EP Highways, Heartaches and Time Well Wasted. 8pm at Fox Cabaret. Tickets $13 at Red Cat, Zulu and Tickets.NorthernTickets.com
JOHN REISCHMAN AND THE JAYBIRDS Juno-nominated acoustic bluegrass outfit takes the stage in support of their new EP On a Winter’s Night. 8pm at St. James Community Hall. Tickets $24 at Rufus Guitar Shop, Highlife, Red Cat, Prussin Music or RogueFolk.bc.ca
THE ROSETTES PIANO TRIO A fundraising evening of classical music with the Vancouver formed trio, Esther Hwang, Trisha Doo, and Linda Ruan to support their NYC audition for the Melbourne International Chamber Competition. 7pm at Vancouver Academy of Music.
JOHNNY MARR Legendary British singer-songwriter, and former guitarist of The Smiths appears in support of his second solo album Playland. 8pm at Commodore Ballroom. Tickets $32.50 at Red Cat, LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster.ca
RYU GOTO Japanese-American violinist accompanies the VSO performing Tchaikovsky’s exciting Symphony No. 5. 8pm at Orpheum Theatre. Tickets at VancouverSymphony.ca
WHITE LUNG Mish Way fronts this punk outfit from Vancouver with special guest Mormon Crosses and Flowers & Fire. 9pm at Electric Owl. Tickets $13 at TicketWeb.ca
CHRISTMAS WITH COASTAL SOUND YOUTH CHOIR Celebrate the joy of the season with this award-winning choir, a holiday tradition featuring carols old and new. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Tickets $20 at CoastalSoundMusic.com
ASHANTI The Princess of hip hop and R&B tours in support of BraveHeart with special guests Janelle States and Doron Bell. 8pm at Vogue Theatre. Tickets $70 at Tickets.NorthernTickets.com FRAZEY FORD Canadian roots singer-songwriter and member of the Be Good Tanya appears in support of Indian Ocean with guests Nothingness. 8pm at Rogue Folk Club. Tickets $24 at Prussin Music. DEAFHEAVEN San Fran black metal band play Vancouver for the first time to support their critically acclaimed 2013 album Sunbather with guests Sumac. 8pm at Rickshaw Theatre. Tickets $17 at Red Cat, Scrape, Neptoon, Zulu and TicketWeb.ca
COMEDY RON VAUDRY A ‘comic’s comic’ with a unique perspective, mastering his field of hard hitting social and political satire. A favourite at Just For Laughs and The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. 8:30pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets $15 at TheComedyMix.com
THEATRE/DANCE CHRISTMAS QUEEN The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents an improvised story about a villain who is out to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk. 7:30pm at The Improv Centre. Tickets at Tickets.vtsl.com. Runs until Dec. 21.
EVENTS LETTER WRITING CLUB The Regional Assembly of Text hosts an evening of letter writing complete with all supplies, typewriters, stationary and a quiet room to write in. 7pm at The Regional Assembly of Text. Free.
COSMONAUTS California atmosphere rockers take the stage with guests Sh-Shakes and Animal Omen. 9pm at The Cobalt. Tickets $10 at Red Cat, Zulu and TicketWeb.ca CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG Sing your hearts out with the whole family accompanied by a beautiful pipe organ, trumpets and fun surprises. 7pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church. Information at 604-683-4574. CLANCY’S ANGELS The rocking power choir of singers and musicians who re-ignite rock and pop anthems with the gospel spirit, now in its ninth year. 8pm at The Wise Hall. Tickets $20 at BrownPaperTickets.com PEAKING LIGHTS American psychedelic-pop duo tours in support of latest release Cosmic Logic. 10:30pm at Fox Cabaret. Tickets $15 at Red Cat, Zulu and TicketWeb.ca
COMEDY HARI KONDABOLU Brooklyn-based comic billed “one of the most exciting political comics in standup today” appears in support of his debut standup album Waiting For 2042. 8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $17 at UnionEvents.com DARRYL LENOX Honourary ‘Canadian’ comic has appeared on Conan O’Brien and filmed his standup special Blind Ambition at The Vogue. 7pm & 9:30pm at Yuk Yuk’s. Tickets $20 at YukYuks.com RON VAUDRY Canadian comedian brings his sardonic, insightful and courageous comic wit. 8pm & 10:30pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets $20 at TheComedyMix.com
White Lung, Dec. 5
THEATRE/DANCE NIGHTMARE BEFORE THE NUTCRACKER This gothic twist on the holiday classic will be told through the music of Tchaikovsky and Danny Elfman, featuring characters from both the Nutcracker Suite and your favourite Tim Burton films. 7pm at Rio Theatre. Tickets $25 at RioTheatreTickets.ca or $30 at the door. THE GLASS MENAGERIE This fresh and poignant take on the Tennessee Williams’ classic, directed by Shawn MacDonald brings together established and emerging artists to put a sharp, contemporary spin on Williams’ beloved memory. At Jericho Arts Centre. Tickets at fs7.formsite. com. Opening night, runs until Dec. 21. THINGS NEAR AND FAR An evening of new dance that engages the collaboration of eight Canadian artists spanning three generations of creative experimentation in movement, sound and light. 8pm at Firehall Arts Centre. Tickets at Tickets. FirehallArtsCentre.ca. Runs until Dec. 6.
EVENTS DIVINE GRATITUDE & SOUL LIGHT MEDITATION WORKSHOP Experience the transforming presence of Gratitude through sacred and powerful meditations for a variety of positive quests. 10am-5pm at Master Sha’s Soul Healing Centre. Runs until Dec. 7.
FAMILY FROLIC Kids can sing and play along to the old-time music of Professor Banjo and rockabilly group Blackberry Wood. 2pm at Astorino’s Ballroom. Tickets $10 at BrownPaperTickets.com or $15 at the door.
COMEDY DARRYL LENOX Honourary ‘Canadian’ comic has appeared on Conan O’Brien and filmed his standup special Blind Ambition at The Vogue. 7pm & 9:30pm at Yuk Yuk’s. Tickets $20 at YukYuks.com RON VAUDRY Canadian comedian brings his sardonic, insightful and courageous comic wit. 8pm & 10:30pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets $20 at TheComedyMix. com
THEATRE/DANCE STAR WARS: REVEAL OF THE JEDI The Vegas-style spectacular that combines striptease, comedy, dance and abiding love for geeky classics returns after the success of two sold-out October performances. 8pm at Rio Theatre. Tickets $20 in advance RioTheatreTickets.ca or $25 at the door. Holdover performance.
EVENTS ACTION AT MARKER OF CHANGE Join the ceremony and protest actions at the site of the Women’s Monument to honour all women and girls who have suffered violence on the 25th anniversary of the assassination of 14 women at L’Ecole Polytechnique at the University of Montreal. 10:20am at Thornton Park.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Montreal singer songwriter Elton John has called “the greatest songwriter on the planet” appears in support of retrospective release Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright. 8pm at The Vogue Theatre. Tickets $49.50 at at LiveNation.com
AN EVENING WITH PASEK AND PAUL Tony-nominated songwriters hailed as “the heirs of Rodgers and Hammerstein” perform musical selections from their critically acclaimed shows. 8pm at Waterfront Theatre. Tickets at TicketsTonight.ca
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACH CHOIR Vancouver Bach Choir’s entire roster performs a matinee of modern holiday favourites. 2pm at Orpheum Theatre. Tickets at VancouverBachChoir.com MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND Detroit based indie-rock singer songwriter (aka Shara Worden) appears in support of her latest release This Is My Hand with guests Rabbit Rabbit. 8pm at Electric Owl. Tickets $18 at TicketWeb.ca
Pasek & Paul, Dec. 8 SING WE JOYOUS! Joyful Voice Community Choir presents their Christmas Concert. 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Admission by suggested donation of a nonperishable food item or cash.
THEATRE/DANCE
COMEDY
WHITE RAVEN REVUE Luciterra’s Fusion Belly Dance student showcase features dazzling group performances and self choreographed pieces as well as the ladies of Luciterra and host Christ Murdoch. 8pm at Rickshaw Theatre. Tickets $17 at BrownPaperTickets.com or $20 at the door.
THE LAUGH GALLERY WITH GRAHAM CLARK Legendary weekly stand up show of East Vancouver’s biggest and brightest comics. 9pm at Havana Theatre. Tickets $5 at Eventbrite.ca
EVENTS SANTA CLAUS PARADE The 11th annual holiday tradition winds its way through downtown along West Georgia, Howe and Davie featuring marching bands, dance troupes and festive floats. 1-3pm at Vancouver Art Gallery. RETRO DESIGNS AND ANTIQUES FAIR One day fair featuring 175 different vendors and a huge variety of antiques, memorabilia and funky retro collectibles. 10am-3pm at Croatian Cultural Centre.
“Sumptuous production…beautifully reacquaints audiences with a beloved old friend”
—The Vancouver Sun
THEATRE/DANCE AVENUE Q Part felt, part flesh, watch what happens when a recent college graduate arrives in the Big Apple looking for love, work and a purpose in life. 7:30pm at Granville Island Stage. Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Runs until Jan. 3.
EVENTS OCCUPY LOVE Screening of activist-filmmaker Velcrow Ripper’s documentary about the Occupy movement with a filmmaker Q&A. 7pm at Rio Theatre. Free admission, but registration required. VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET Kick off the holiday season with Vancouver’s annual festive market with delicious treats, kids activities and live music. 11am-9pm at Queen Elizabeth Plaza. Runs until Dec. 24.
EVERY FROM SHOW $29! all-inclusive
16 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
sara-jeanne hosie. photo by david cooper
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WHAT’S ON Tu/9
Th/11
We/10
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSEUM OF LOVE Members of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip bring their new projects to Fortune Sound Club. 9pm. Tickets $15 at Red Cat, Zulu and Beatstreet Records.
PALLBEARER Doom metal rockers from Arkansas on tour in support of Foundations of Burden with guests Solstafir and Mortals. 8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $14 at Red Cat, Scrape and LiveNation.com.
DOWN New Orleans heavy metal supergroup tour in support of their latest EP Down IV, Pt. II with guests Orange Goblin, Bl’ast, and King Parrot. 8:30pm at Commodore Ballroom. Tickets $36.00 at Scrape Records, LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster.ca
THE TEA PARTY Windsor, Ontario, natives bring their brand of blues and progressive rock in support of newest release The Ocean at the End with guests Pigeon Park. 8pm at Commodore Ballroom. Tickets $39.50 at Red Cat, LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster.ca
COMEDY SAY WHA?! READINGS OF DELICIOUSLY ROTTEN WRITING A literary-comedy show where funny people read from the worst books they can find, hosted by Sara Bynoe. 8pm at The Emerald. Tickets $10 at Eventbrite.com
THEATRE/DANCE DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN JOURNEY Hailed as a “lyrical tour-de-force”, Bob Kingdom gives an electrifying performance as Dylan Thomas en route to the White Horse Tavern. 8pm at Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Tickets at Tickets.TheCultch.com. Opening night, runs until Dec. 21. MARY POPPINS Practically perfect in every way, the tale of everyone’s favourite magical nanny will sweep you off your feet. 7pm at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Runs until Jan. 4.
COMEDY THE GENTLEMEN HECKLERS Join the gentlemen hecklers – the live, hilarious commentators for the best bad movies – as they make a return venture into the illustrious cinematic canon of M. Night Shyamalan with The Last Airbender. 7pm at Rio Theatre. Tickets at RioTheatreTickets.ca
THEATRE/DANCE CLIMB EVERY OTHER MOUNTAIN When a father attempts to find his young son a mother for Christmas, the search takes him to the top of the mountain. Presented by the Broadway Chorus. 8pm at Performance Works. Tickets at OnceUpon.org. Runs until Dec. 13. CINDERELLA: AN EAST VAN PANTO A “way beyond Disney” retelling of sweet little Cinderella from the trio of Charles Demers, Veda Hille and Amiel Gladstone. 7pm at York Theatre. Tickets at Tickets.TheCultch.com
EVENTS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Van Dusen Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights on display. Tickets at TicketsTonight.TicketForce. com. Nightly until Jan. 4.
East Van Panto, Dec. 10
A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL Using Dickens’ holiday classic and some audience suggestions, a group of talented, nutty and inspired actors will improvise to create a new comedy every night. 7:30pm at the Revue Stage on Granville Island. Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Runs until Dec. 27.
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COMEDY ADAM FERRARA Stand-up comedian and actor known for his role on Rescue Me and in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Definitely Maybe. 8:30pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets $20 at TheComedyMix.com
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THEATRE/DANCE
BAH! HUMBUG! Juno awardwinning musician Jim Byrnes is Ebeneezer Scrooge in this festive Woodward’s tradition; a reconceived tale where Scrooge owns a pawn shop on Hastings St. 7:30pm at SFU Woodward’s. Tickets at EventBrite.ca
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FARCE VOLTA Full costume, full attitude Mars Volta tribute band appear with guests Double Standards and Affirmative Affirmative Affirmative (Yeah Yeah Yeahs tribute). 8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $7 at the door.
DREAM POLICE One half of Brooklyn punks The Men bring their new project on tour. 8pm at Fox Cabaret. Tickets $10 at FoxCabaret.com
GRAND PRIZE CAR DRAW DECEMBER 16 | 9PM
NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 16
STEVE HACKETT Legendary guitarist of Genesis and an outstanding solo career brings the Genesis Extended World Tour performing a whole set from the seminal prog band’s catalogue. 7pm at Vogue Theatre. Tickets at NorthernTickets.com
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS A holiday music tradition featuring host Christopher Gaze, the UBC Ensemble, EnChor, and the VSO. 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church. Tickets at VancouverSymphony.ca
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Yuk Yuk’s Special NYE SHOW Get your tix now before it’s too late! Vancouver’s best stand up comedy, every Wed. thru Sat. Check us out at:
yukyuks.com 2837 Cambie (at 12th) 604-696-9857
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Five vinyl reissues for your significant other (that are secretly for you)
Gifts for the audiophile AKG Q701 headphones The kids are all crazy about their Beats By Dre headphones, but if you want to hear how a recording was truly intended to be heard, you need a good set of studio headphones. The AKG Quincy Jones signature headphones offer superior sound quality at a similar price point, and are just as suitable in the living room as they are in the recording studio. Comes with gold-plated jack plug and contacts. The Sound Room, 2025 West Broadway, $325 Thorens TD 550 Turntable This is a record player that costs as much as a new car. The award-winning Thorens TD 550 turntable is the gold standard for turntables, and with high quality comes high price. (Shockingly, the TD 550 is not the world’s most expensive turntable, however. That prize goes to the Goldmund Reference II, which retails for a cool
$300,000.) This carbon fibre belt-driven beauty comes with a suspended chassis, electronically controlled start-up, and a silent AC synchronous motor. There’s an old adage in regards to musical equipment that the heavier something is, the better the quality. Well the TD 550 weighs in at a whopping 44 pounds, owing to the fact that its platter is a 14-pound slab of aluminum. Commercial Electronics, 1565 West 7th, $14,899 Aaron Chapman’s Live at the Commodore Chapman has exhaustively researched the history of Vancouver’s legendary Commodore Ballroom in his latest, Live at the Commodore. The book details the rise and fall and rise and fall and rise of the club from its beginnings as the plaything of a wealthy rumrunner, to its years as an incubator for experimental rock and punk music, to the world-class live venue we
120 years of coffee Tradition!
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know and love today. There’s some amazing photography and no shortage of crazy stories. Simply a must for any Vancouver music fan. Arsenal Pulp Press, $28.95 Mophie Space Pack Technology is changing so fast it’s hard to keep up. Twenty years ago, if you wanted to bring a TV, telephone, computer, flashlight, recipe book, note pad, calendar, your music collection, and the sum total of human knowledge with you wherever you went, you’d need a U-Haul. Today it fits in the palm of your hand. The Mophie Space Pack allows you to add up to 64 GB of storage to your iPhone 5/5S while extending your battery life by 100 per cent with their sweet snap-on phone case. That means you can store about 18,000 more songs on your phone, or 32,000 pictures. Future Shop, various locations, $180 (32GB model) –Robert Mangelsdorf
Fairly Traded Locally roasted Sustainable
Oasis, Definitely Maybe If you’ve just started dating someone and really want to blow her/his mind (musically speaking, of course) consider the BEST Oasis album, and a landmark in the early ‘90s emerging Brit Pop scene. Equal amounts of definitive and nostalgic. Neptoon Records, 3561 Main, $30
Cocteau Twins, Heaven Or Las Vegas/Blue Bell Knoll Both of these sweet, sweet treats were reissued this year. Heaven Or Las Vegas is often considered the Cocteau Twin’s “gateway” album, and is arguably their most accessible. So if you’re trying to force your taste in music upon your significant other (who isn’t?!) this is a great place to start. Red Cat Records, 4332 Main, $24.99
Various Artists: Native North America (Vol 1), Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966 - 1985 This Light in the Attic/ Kevin “Sipreano” Howes collaboration is filled with forgotten gems from some of the most underrated Aboriginal artists from the Northern US, Alaska and Canada. Willie Thrasher, Willie Dunn, Sugluk, Lloyd Cheechoo, and many, many more contribute to this 34-track compilation designed to spark the fire of discovery. If you really want to impress your sweetie, find the original pressings for a priceless stocking stuffer. Red Cat Records, $45
Various Artists, I’m Just Like You: Sly Stone’s Flower 1969 - 1970 Sly Stone and his manager Kapralik began Stone
Flower Records back in 1969, and though it only lasted until 1971, it had no shortage of superhuman talent. Included on this compilation are the likes of Little Sister, 6ix, Joe Hicks, and Sly himself. A must have for any funk/ soul fan in your life. This is the missing link between Sly and the Family Stone’s 1969 classic album Stand! and 1970’s There’s A Riot Going On. Guaranteed to get you laid... Just sayin’. Dandelion Records, 2442 Main, $30
Sun Ra and his Astro-Infinity Arkestra, Other Strange Worlds So you’re dating a jazz guy. Congratulations. If you really can’t stand to hear another half-hour lecture on why Alice Coltrane is the shit (She is. We get it.), why not shatter his terrestrial parameters with some Sun Ra and his Astro-Infinity Arkestra? Sun Ra paired down his usual “Arkestra” to a quintet for this album, asking them to free-style with a collection of instruments, predominately percussion, and reeds. Cosmic world music. Groovy. Dandelion Records, $29 –Louise Burns
FREE* bag of Mogiana Coffee!!
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Local fashion The challenge of finding gift ideas made by Vancouver designers is in the editing, because there are so many stunning works that any clothes horse would love to find under the tree. From jewelry to scarves to bags, local artisans are literally enhancing the fabric of life in Vancouver. Many are entrepreneurs are chasing a creative dream. Let’s support them this season (and all year long). Here are some of my picks that promise to brighten the face your fashion feign this Christmas.
couver-based line of simple, elegant jewelry. The climbers are on trend this season and will definitely bring sparkle to her ears and her eyes. Find Leah Alexandra at The Cross, Hills Of Kerrisdale, Blue Ruby, and Beauty Bar.
Erin Templeton, small tote in pumpkin ($259) Erin Templeton is a longtimer in the Vancouver fashion scene. The line is known for using minimal hardware and sturdy construction. Available at Erin Templeton’s store, 511 Carrall. The Block, Plenty and Eugene Choo, also carry Erin Templeton designs.
Jackson Rowe scarves Jackson Rowe is the love-child of Julia Hoover, a yoga-enthusiast-turned scarf designer. Let’s just put it this way, I bought one of her scarves (after I featured her in a recent column), and wore it everyday for a week and received so many compliments. Available at Hills of Kerrisdale, Semperviva Yoga (West 4th location), and YYoga locations.
Treat your home The Sleep Shirt, sleeveless nightie in blue oxford pinstripe ($160) The Sleep Shirt is a unisex nightwear company, based in Vancouver, that began with a simple nightshirt design. The darling line of nighties and sleep shirts will make the holiday nights a little cozier. The Sleep Shirt is available Rebecca Bree, The Cross, Much & Little, and Delish General Store. Leah Alexandra, Wing Aqua Chalcedony Ear Climbers ($128) I recently discovered this stunning Van-
Ken Diamond, Mona Moccasins in Oxblood ($260) Leather-whiz Ken Diamond has been crafting high-quality leather goods for more than a decade. Treasured by locals for their comfort and effortless cool, these hand-stitched unisex leather moccasins are a nofail option. Available at Ken Diamond’s studio, 756 Powell, along with Still Life for Him and Her, The Block, The Shop Vancouver, Zebra Club, Sharks and Hammers. W – Niki Hope
Raw Crystals (prices vary) Add a little sparkle – and positive energy – to your gift list this year. Perfect as a hostess gift, a pretty piece for your gal pals, or a little something special for yourself, enjoy the beauty and healing properties of natural rose quartz, amethyst, or geodes. Available at The Crystal Ark Cottage, 1496 Cartwright. Ring of Fire wall décor set ($239) The perfect gift for the decorista in your life, this threepiece wall hanging adds an unexpected touch of glam to any space; with a metallic finish, this set is right on trend for
the season – luxe detailing and sophisticated lines make the Ring of Fire that chic statement piece gift. Available at Moe’s Home Furnishings, 1728 Glen Drive. Sena Acacia Servers, set of 2 ($19) Forgo the standard flowers and wine and up the ante at your next holiday affair with a hostess gift that boasts both flair and function. These mod utensils in a solid acacia wood with colour blocked white stems ensure your “thanks” will be remembered – and put to good use – long after the night is over. Available at Moe’s Home Furnishings, 1728 Glen. W –Jen Scott
BEAUTIFUL FINDS FOR YOU & YOUR HOME fashion. home decor. gifts. apothecary. accessories. furniture.
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www.thelatestscoop.ca December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 19
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Alternative Xmas shopping
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If you’re looking for a truly unique gift this holiday season, chances are you’re not going to find it at some suburban shopping mall packed with thousands of massproduced trinkets. Thankfully, creativity is in no short supply here in Vancouver, and never is that more evident come the holiday season when our city’s artisans get a chance to show off their wares. So here’s a guide to Vancouver’s best indie craft markets, where not only will you find something unbelievably cool, but you can rest assured your dollars will stay in your community.
MAKE-IT VANCOUVER
This is a big one. With more than 250 artisans, designers, and generally crafty people taking part, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Fashion, art, accessories, jewelry, baby items, home décor, it’s all here. Make It Vancouver runs Dec. 4-7 at the PNE Forum. MakeItProductions. com
TOQUE!
Western Front’s annual fundraiser and craft fair returns with a carefully curated selection of 24 artists, designers,
and artisans offering everything from books, ceramics and jewelry, to artisanal treats, skincare and fashion. Also available is the annual limitededition tea towel designed this year by artist Casey Wei. Dec. 5-6 at Western Front, 303 East 8th. Toque2014.Tumblr.com
wares, plush toys, and more. You can even make your own craft project to take home at one of their DIY workshops. Dec. 13-14 at the Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph) from 10am to 5pm. GotCraft.com
EAST VAN INDIE SWAP
This holiday pop-up shop started as an upscale flea market in Gastown and has since evolved into its present format near Olympic Village with more than 30 vendors.You’ll find everything from handmade woodcrafts to artisan beauty products. Beggar’s Banquet runs Dec. 12-21 from 11am to 7pm at the Gravity Pope Outlet at 24 West 7th. Facebook.com/beggarsbanquetmonthly
Come hang with your friends and neighbours at an all-day market party that ain’t your mom’s craft fair or mall full of corporate chain stores. It’s local DIY holiday shopping brought to you buy the good folks behind the Eastside Flea. Featuring an amazing line-up of cool local vendors, outdoor food trucks, DJs spinning groovy tunes, live music, and cozy holiday market vibes all day long. Takes place Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon to 8pm at 188 Kingsway. EastsideFlea.com
GOT CRAFT?
Well? Do ya? Because if not, this is the place to get it. Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair is celebrating its 16th edition with its best craft market yet. Shop from a wide variety of curated handmade goods ranging from jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationery, house-
BEGGAR’S BANQUET
VANCOUVER FLEA MARKET
What an absolute treasure hunt the flea market is! The stalls can be hot or miss, but you’re always bound to find something interesting, whether it’s a vintage guitar, antique jewelry, or the oddly extensive selection of knives. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm. VancouverFleaMarket.com W –Robert Mangelsdorf
STARS O n BROADWAY FEATURING shopping AND dining specials, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT free Santa photos, HOLIDAY KARAOKE, PRIZES AND MUCH More!
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Celebrate the season VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
The annual event returns to Queen Elizabeth Plaza until Dec 24. Open daily from 11am-9pm (until 6pm on Dec. 24), the authentic German Christmas market is a mix of live music, cultural activities, children’s and vendor markets, and Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. Stay warm with mulled wine and delicious seasonal treats. Purchase your tickets early at VancouverChristmasMarket. com and skip the line.
BRIGHT NIGHTS
All aboard the Stanley Park Christmas Train for a journey through a million twinkling lights transforming the forest into a winter wonderland. Ride the train,
visit Santa, and see the Parade of Trees. Tickets are available at TicketLeader.ca and partial proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Matinee and night train rides run daily from until Jan. 4 (closed on Christmas Day).
A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Arts Club presents this hilarious take on the Christmas favourite. Dickens’s classic features a group of talented, nutty and inspired actors who will the stage improv style for a new comedy every night. You’ll never look at Ebeneezer Scrooge or Tiny Tim the same way again after experiencing this “holiday anti-classic”. Production runs until Dec. 27 at the Revue Stage. Tickets at ArtsClub.com
PEAK OF CHRISTMAS AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN
Come see how magical elves have transformed Grouse Mountain into the North Pole. Bring the family to Santa’s workshop and meet real reindeer or take a sleigh ride through the alpine forest. Bring your skates and glide along the 8,000 square foot mountaintop ice skating pond. Other attractions include the Children’s Gingerbread Village, the Theatre in the Sky and the enchanting sounds of the Christmas carolers. All included with your Alpine Experience ticket, annual membership, winter season pass or lift ticket. For more information call 604-980-9311. Daily events until Dec 24.
PRESENTS
A TRADITIONAL
Juno-nominated vocal ensemble Musica Intima performs A Christmas Story Dec. 16 at Ryerson United Church and Dec. 19 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
VANCOUVER WELSH MEN’S CHOIR
Founded in 1980, VWMC is Canada’s largest male voice auditioned choir, with over 100 singers of diverse ethnic backgrounds, collectively speaking 23 languages, ranging in age from high school students to octogenarians. For their Dec. 4 Christmas concert at Christ Church Cathedral, the guest choir
H SIXT
CHRISTMAS
WITH THE VANCOUVER SYMPHONY
ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY CHURCH, VANCOUVER Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 pm Friday, December 12 at 4 pm & 7:30 pm Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 pm Gordon Gerrard
Christopher Gaze
TICKETS ARE GOING FAST! Gordon Gerrard conductor Christopher Gaze host UBC Opera Ensemble Enchor Join the VSO, UBC Opera Ensemble and EnChor EnChor, for this beloved annual tradition of heartwarming Christmas music and carols, performed at the historic St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church in downtown Vancouver. MEDIA SPONSOR
TICKETS ONLINE @VSOrchestra
vancouversymphony.ca
will be from Burnaby Central Secondary School. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $10 for students. For tickets, go to VWMC.ca.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Making Spirits Bright by the Vancouver Men’s Chorus is one of the most popular Christmas concerts in Vancouver. The VMC kicks
DE D A W SHO
S ymphony Sampler
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D!
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
written and directed by Peter Rothstein musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach
For one night, ‘No Man’s Land’ was every man’s land! Friday Dec 19 | 8pm Saturday Dec 20 | 3pm & 8pm Sunday, Dec 21 | 3pm SOLD OUT Sunday, Dec 21 | 5pm & 8pm Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton St at Dunsmuir
TicketsTonight.ca
604.684.2787 ext. 2
ER I C K LIC HTE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
OR CALL 604.876.3434
The
off the winter holiday season with this rousing concert series at the historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 1130 Jervis, Dec. 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13. Tickets available at Little Sister’s, Scotiabank Coal Harbour and at VancouverMensChorus.ca
|
Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation
The Symphony Sampler is a customizable 4-ticket package: choose from a wide range of specially-selected concerts, with choices ranging from the great classics to jazz, Broadway, and more. The Symphony Sampler is on-sale November 17th.
FOR AS LOW AS Bramwell Tovey with the VSO
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December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 21
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12 DEC N W O T YALE
FRIDAY DEC. 12 | 5PM - 9PM
ONE NIGHT ONLY FREE STREET ENTERTAINMENT, TROLLEY RIDE, EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING DEALS, AND FABULOUS COCKTAILS. Deals from Divine Vines, Fine Finds Boutique, Global Atomic Designs, Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, Hapa Izakaya, Kaarigar Handicrafts, ManCakes Bakery Café, Mavi Jeans, Milestone's Restaurant, Shoe Phix, Urban Fare, Westcoast Hot Yoga, Woo To See You, Xoxolat, Yaletown Distillery, Yaletown Gelato Caffe, and more!
NIGHTMARE BEFORE THE NUTCRACKER
Imagine the holiday classic you know and love reimagined with quirky Tim Burton characters. This live gothic twist on The Nutcracker is told through the music of Tchaikovsky and Danny Elfman featuring the classic characters from The Nutcracker Suite and Burton films. Sugarplum fairies, trick-or-treaters, burlesque and circus performers bring this dramatic comedy full of music and theatre to life. Dec. 5 and 12 at 8pm at The Rio Theatre. Tickets available at RioTheatreTickets.ca
VANCOUVER SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
Broadway Church’s well-established seasonal tradition, now in its 47th year, presents On Winter’s Pond. A pair of ice-fishing friends aim to get away from the bustle of Christmas Eve only to find themselves interrupted by a flock of ice skaters. Mingled with humor and creative elements, the story demonstrates that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone. Come discover what “Emmanuel – God With Us” means for the Christ-
mas season in the story of these characters. Dec. 5 and 12 at 7:30pm. Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets available at VancouverSingingChristmasTree.com
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
The festivities begin at 10:30am, Sunday Dec. 7 with family entertainment at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. This year’s parade features 65 marching bands, choirs and festive floats beginning at 1pm at Georgia and Broughton. Travelling east on Georgia to Howe, it turns south on Howe and finishes at Howe and Davie. Santa then heads to Robson Square Ice Rink where the kids can have their photo taken with him while enjoying some free ice skating. Spectators are encouraged to bring a monetary or non perishable food donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACH CHOIR
Celebrate the warmth of the holidays with this annual tradition, showcasing the glorious voices of the entire Bach Choir family.
BALLET BC
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Vancouver Children’s Chorus and Youth Choirs program, which will be celebrated with a special guest appearance by founding music director, Bruce Pullan and a world premiere performance of a newly commissioned work. The concert features cherished classic carols and an audience sing-a-long. Dec. 7, 2pm at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets available at VancouverBachChoir.com
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms itself every December into a winter wonderland with millions of colourful lights strewn throughout the serene botanical oasis. Visitors stroll through Gingerbread Walk and Candy Cane Lane to watch the Dancing Lights Show and visit Santa and his elves. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the seasonal display, open nightly from 4:30-9pm, Dec. 10-Dec. 18 and Dec. 26-Jan. 4. Open 4:30pm until 10pm Dec. 19-23 at 5251 Oak. Tickets may be purchased in advance at TicketsTonight.TicketForce.com to skip the line.
PRESENTS
CANADA’S ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET IN
Nutcracker
MUSIC Pyotr
CHOREOGRAPHY GALINA YORDANOVA & NINA MENON Ilyich Tchaikovsky COSTUME DESIGN Paul Daigle SCENIC DESIGN Brian Perchaluk LIGHTING DESIGN Michael J. Whitfield
“Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker is picture perfect.” —GEORGIA STRAIGHT
DECEMBER 12-14, 2014 3 NIGHTS + 2 MATINEES!
QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE | BALLETBC.COM | TICKETMASTER.CA MEDIA SPONSORS
www.yaletowninfo.com 22 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
SUPPORT FOR BALLET BC HAS BEEN GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY
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CELEBRATE VSO’S A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
Metro Vancouver’s most beloved holiday music tradition, featuring conductor Gordon Gerrard, host Cristopher Gaze, and the UBC Opera Ensemble, plays to sold out houses in South Delta, Burnaby, the North Shore, Surrey, and downtown Vancouver (Dec. 11-14). General admission is $37. Get your tickets early at VancouverSymphony.ca
VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
This year the VCC’s seasonal performances include Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 12, A Dylan Thomas Christmas, Dec. 19 and A Charlie Brown Christmas, Dec. 21. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 604-738-6822.
THE NUTCRACKER
Ballet BC presents the classic Christmas tale danced to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music as our heroine Clara’s Christmas dream becomes our magical reality. Sumptuous costumes and imaginative set design bring holiday sparkle to the stage, while a few Canadian surprises freshen up the traditional tale. Dec. 12-14 at Queen
Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets available at BalletBC.com
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Robson Square gets into the festive spirit with a twelve day series of Christmas concerts. Featuring bands playing everything from classic Celtic to swing to rock ‘n’ roll, local musicians play your holiday favourites. While you’re there, grab some skates and hit the ice – admission is free and skate rentals are only $4. Concert series runs Dec. 13-24. Check out the entire listings at RobsonSquare.com/events
UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DASH
TRINITY STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL
The annual Christmas light extravaganza is a neighbourhood block party on Trinity Street in East Vancouver between 2400-2900 blocks. A yearly competition, each house rises to the occasion in an effort to out-do themselves in holiday décor. Pack a thermos and your friends to stroll the street so lit up you can see it from miles away. Special walks Dec. 13 and 20 from 6-9pm.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
An untimed five kilometer route winds its way through city streets where participants encounter holiday themed stations, snow blowers, enormous Christmas characters and electrolyte replenishing hot chocolate stations. Challenge your friends and family to suit up in the worst knitwear they can find and compete for awards like Ugliest Sweater, Best Beard and Most Spirit. Registration is $60 and pledged proceeds benefit The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. The dash takes off from Olympic Village Square at 11am on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Vancouver’s Juno-nominated vocal ensemble Musica Intima couples traditional holiday favourites with contemporary marvels, including works by Richard Rodney Bennett, Craig Galbraith, and James MacMillan. This year’s concert presents Yuletide stories and texts sourced from Musica Intima’s audience in a Vinyl Café-inspired narrative. Appearing in Vancouver Dec. 16 at Ryerson United Church, and Dec. 19 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, tickets for each performance are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $10 for students and can be purchased online at MusicaIntima.org or by calling 604-731-6618.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: VANCOUVER CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
Held in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Light Up the Night celebrates the first night of Chanukah with the lighting of Canada’s tallest menorah. Come celebrate with Vancouver’s Jewish community. Festivities start at 6pm on Dec. 16 and include amazing fire performers, hot cocoa, and latkes as well as photos with Judah the Macabee. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped, new toy to donate to the Chanukah Toy Drive for the BC Children’s Hospital.
ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
This fully staged theatrical production marks the 100th anniversary the night a German solider stepped into No Man’s Land while singing “Stille Nacht”. The events surrounding the truce of 1914 are told in the words and songs of the men who lived it as performed by Vancouver’s Chor Leoni and a cast of professional actors. 8pm Dec. 19, 3pm and 8pm Dec. 20, 3pm and 8pm Dec. 21 at Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets at TicketsTonight.ca
Ticket Prices (includes TAX) $11 Adult (18-64) Senior (65+) $8 $8 Child/Youth (3-17) Free Children 2 and under Matinee train (all ages) $6
NOV 27 - DEC 18 MON - THURS 3pm-10pm FRI - SUN 10am-11pm
DEC 19 - DEC 26 EVERYDAY 10am-11pm *Closed Christmas Day
DEC 27 - JAN 4 EVERYDAY 10am-10pm
Advance tickets at Ticketleader.ca 604-252-3700
Continued on next page
Operated by the theVancouver VancouverBoard Board Parks and Recreation in partnership Operated by ofof Parks and Recreation in partnership with with the the WestEnd EndCommunity Community Centre Association West Centre Association
BarclayManor Manor Barclay West End Community CommunityCentre Centre West End Coal Harbour Community CommunityCentre Centre e Coal Harbour
NEW NEW
YEAR, YEAR, PROGRAMS, PROGRAMS, YOU! YOU!
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Knox Presbyterian Church
403 East Columbia Street, New Westminster
Monday, Monday, December December8 8 at at99AM AM
2195 West 45th Avenue, Vancouver
Visit www.westendcc.ca www.westendcc.ca totodownload the Recreation Guide. Visit download the Recreation Guide.
Vancouver, Vancouver, BC BC 604.257.8333 604.257.8333 vancouver.ca/westendrec vancouver.ca/westendrec
Monday Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm Tuesday Dec 16 @ 7:30 pm
Register online, by phone or in person at West End or or Coal Harbour CC CC West End Coal Harbour
870 870Denman Denman Street Street
take a break from the Christmastime rush and savour the radiant music that makes this season so special
Winter begins on on Winterregistration registration begins
Register online, by phone or in person at
West West End End CC CC
a christmas story
CoalHarbour Harbour Coal CCCC 480 Broughton Street 480 Broughton Street
Vancouver, Vancouver, BCBC 604.718.8222 604.718.8222 vancouver.ca/coalharbourrec vancouver.ca/coalharbourrec
Barclay Manor Barclay Manor 1447 Barclay Street 1447 Barclay Street
Vancouver, Vancouver, BC BC 604.257.8333 604.257.8333 vancouver.ca/westendrec vancouver.ca/westendrec
Ryerson United Church
Friday Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm St. Paul’s Anglican Church 1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver
Saturday Dec 20 @ 2:30 pm St. David’s United Church
1525 Taylor Way, West Vancouver
2014 - 2015 SEASON
Tickets | Adult $35 | Senior $30 | Student $10
Purchase tickets at musicaintima.org or 604.731.6618 The Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation
December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 23
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A HEART-WARMING JOURNEY INTO A MAGICAL WORLD
DECEMBER 18–22 PRIMA BALLERINA PALOMA HERRERA of AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE LIVE MUSIC Performed by THE VANCOUVER OPERA ORCHESTRA
THE CENTRE IN VANCOUVER. 777 HOMER ST TICKETMASTER.CA 1.855.985.5000
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A traditional rendition of a classical masterpiece, experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice. This heartwarming production, featuring prima ballerina Paloma Herrera of American Ballet Theatre, is sure to delight audiences of all ages with more than 200 glittering costumes, dramatic sets and valuable lessons – all danced to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Dec. 18-22; tickets starting at $36 at Ticketmaster.ca
UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Commodore hosts their annual ugly sweater shindig now thirteen years running. Celebrate the season in your ugliest, Grandma-inspired, jingle-bell-est sweater; it’s the most fun you can have with your knitwear on. The event features caroling, eggnog chugging, costume prizes for ugliest and most original sweater and even best mous-
tache. Proceeds from the party will support The Children’s Wish Foundation in granting the wishes of children living with life threatening illnesses. 8pm, Dec. 19 at Commodore Ballroom. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ca
THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS
Coastal Church’s unique musical and theatrical event in celebration of the meaning of Christmas – an exploration of the traditional story surrounding the birth of Jesus in the context of worship. The production, running Dec. 20 and 21 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, features powerfully moving and beautiful music of Christmas, along with warmth, humor and an inspiring, timely message for this season. Admission is free; tickets can be reserved at TheStoryOfChristmas.Eventbrite.ca
WOMEN’S WINTER FAIRE
This highly anticipated event now in its 21st year features 50+ vendors of creative, funky, ecologically sound and diverse hand crafted items supporting women artisans. The Heritage Hall is transformed into a holiday time destination complete with in house café. Suggested door donation of $3-5 aids local organizations
The annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party comes to the Commodore on Dec. 19. including A Lovin Spoonful, AIDS Vancouver and Chrysalis Recovery Homes for Women. Dec. 20 and 21 at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main.
A CHRISTMAS REPRISE XII
The Vancouver cantata Singers’ Annual Christmas concert celebrates the holidays with a matinee performance of A Christmas Reprise in the glorious acoustic of Holy Rosary Cathedral. Evoking the true warmth and festive feeling of the simple and joyful holiday season, this uninterrupted concert of traditional carols is performed by an unaccompanied choir. Dec. 20 at 2pm at Holy Rosary Cathedral (646 Richards). Tickets available at VancouverCantataSingers.com
WINTER HARP
Three beautiful harps combine with flutes, rare medieval
instruments, percussion, poetry and song to wrap you snugly in the silken cloak of Christmas. This year’s special guest is legendary harpist Kim Robertson and back by popular demand is acclaimed singer and harper Roger Helfrick. Don’t miss this journey of pure magic – Winter Harp – where Christmas begins. Dec. 20 at 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church (1012 Nelson). Tickets available at TicketsTonight.ca
CHANUKAH CELEBRATIONS
Celebrate Chanukah with the whole family at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre on Sunday, Dec. 21. Festivities begin at 3pm with arts & crafts, live Chanukah music for kids, traditional dreidel games and Chanukah treats and food. Stay for the outdoor menorah lighting at 4:30pm. W
Linking Communities with Light The Lumi`ere Festival Vancouver Societyy and a the Yaletown and West End BIA’s invite you to a free, fun and festive event guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit! • Free Festive trolley tours • live entertainment and street activations • toy and Food bank drives • Free ice skating
• pop-up gallery • comox jam light parade • santa and mrs. (drag) claus • amazing selection oF restaurants and shops
westendbia.com | yaletowninfo.com | @LumiereFestVan | #LumiereVan
(*Closes at 6pm on Dec 24)
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Dentures, Comfortably Fit - Guaranteed Svetlana Lopareva R.D.BPS
HEALTH
Chill the eff out this holiday season Patty Javier Gomez Whole Nourishment
@WholeNourishBC The negative effects of stress on the body are endless. Stress can manifest itself in so many ways that most of the time we don’t make the correlation between stress and its symptoms. We need to start acknowledging that our headaches, low energy, bitchiness, sleeping problems, and digestive upsets may be our body’s way of telling us to chill the eff out. Here are some tips that can help you relax, cause ain’t nobody got time for stress!
MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, PETS
out of your week or just an hour, take a bath, watch TV, read a book, go out and enjoy nature.
MAKE LISTS
Writing things down and having a schedule and routine you can stick to will help your days be less chaotic, and you may find that you actually have way more time on your hands than you thought. And isn’t there something really gratifying about crossing something off a list?
STOP WORRYING
Sometimes things are way worse in your head than they are in real life. Stop, think, and reason before jumping to conclusions.
GET ENOUGH REST
Loneliness can be one of the major causes of stress. Did you know that the presence of animals reduces the anxiety you feel when facing stressful situations? True story! Touch something furry, like now.
Sleep is seriously underrated! If you don’t let your body and mind rest, then you won’t be able to perform at your full capacity. If you can’t take all your required Zs at once, then take frequent naps throughout your day – they are not just for preschoolers anymore.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
EXERCISE
Whether it’s an entire day
Exercising boosts oxygen
circulation and activates your body to make feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Aim for 30 minutes a day, it could be something as simple as walking. And then there is watching what you eat! Here are some foods that will help reduce stress:
OATMEAL
Never underestimate the value of a great bowl of oatmeal. This loveable breakfast staple will boost you full of a calming brain chemical called serotonin.
SPINACH
Take lesson from Popeye and stock up on spinach for its magnesium which has been known to combat stress in the body. Just one cup goes a long way.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Salmon, seeds, and nuts (to name a few) are full of EFAs, which can prevent surges in stress hormones and may help protect against heart disease, mood disorders like depression, and PMS.
AVOCADOS
Guacamole made from avocado is a healthy alternative when stress has you craving a high-fat treat. Also high in EFAs.
RAW VEGGIES
Not only do they pack tons of vitamins and nutrients, but the mechanical act of chewing raw veggies can help release clenched jaws, which can help ward off tension. W
RECIPE // SPICY GARLIC HUMMUS RECIPE 1 can of chick peas Juice of one lemon 4 cloves garlic 3 tbsp of olive oil ½ tsp himalayan salt 2 tbsp water 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp paprika Dash of pepper to taste
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Blend together in a food processor and serve with whole grain pita or fresh raw veggies!
Spin culture comes to Vancouver Natalie Langston Fitness on the Run @LangstonNatalie If you are looking for a great, cost-effective, high-energy workout that will fit into your busy schedule, then give spinning a try. Spinning is a specific form of indoor cycling: A cardio workout set to music, led by a certified instructor. Gaining in popularity, there are three new and exciting locations in Vancouver to try spinning that are sure to get your blood pumping. Ride Cycle Club is the new-
est, located in Yaletown and founded by Ashley Ander. From the neon-enhanced décor, to the up-tempo beats, the vibe can be described as half dance party, half intense workout. Ride offers an environment where you can escape the outside world and leave it all on the bike, while challenging even the most adventurous spinning enthusiast. Offering 55-minute full-body workouts designed to strengthen your mind and body, each class includes hills, sprints, jogs, and an eight- to 10-minute arm series using one- to threepound weights. At Gastown’s Eastwood
Cycle Sanctuary, they strive to be innovative and different. They have created a space where all ages and levels are welcome, where riders feel accepted and positive in order to build inner and outer strength. The uninhibited 45-minute workout – set in a dark, candlelit room – is paired with weights and upper body strength-building movements, yoga techniques, and a bit of boxing thrown in. It’s a fantastic workout that is incredibly addictive. The only studio to incorporate Schwinn consoles on their bikes, it makes goal setting and measuring your ride even easier. Cadence is another great
spinning club, located on West 6th, offering 45-minute and 75-minute classes, with a solid warm-up, intense working component, and then a proper cool down and stretch. The space is equipped with a convenient lounge where they offer a variety of healthy smoothies, juices, and snacks. Cadence has a committed, close-knit community of positive people who come to get fit and become socially connected. Classes accommodate beginners to advanced fitness levels, with a focus on rider safety – a great place to start if you’re looking to break in to the world of spinning. W
West End Veterinary Clinic Now offering FULL SERVICE SURGERY AND DENTAL CARE.
ENTER TO WIN
...a family pack of 4 tickets (2 adults & 2 children) to see RWB’s Nutcracker, presented by Ballet BC, on Sunday, December 14th at 2pm. To enter, go to westender.com and click on contests. Contest closes at 9am on Thursday, December 11.
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To celebrate, we’re offering significant discounts on all surgical and dental procedures. Call us today to take advantage of this special offer. Our updated equipment, highly trained staff and our loving attitude to pets and their people will ensure a safe and successful visit. See you soon! FIND US AT West End Veterinary Clinic 773 Denman Street • 604.685.4535 www.carepetwellness.com
$15 for 15 Days (Offer applies to new clients only.)
59 classes per week! 1232 Richards Street, Yaletown ONEHOURHOTYOGA.COM Rolfing is Manual Therapy which strengthens the body’s structural integrity and functional resources. Rolfing can help you move again.
Discover the freedom that balance can bring! OFFERING TREATMENT FOR:
• Scoliosis and Sciatica • Pain relief and management • Stress reduction • More efficient movement • Better balance
Ask me how I can help you achieve your optimal health.
STEPHEN G. INABA
Advanced Certified Rolfer Registered Massage Practitioner
#730-1285 W. Broadway 604-738-1012 integrative.ca / stepheninaba.com
December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 25
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REAL ESTATE OPENS West End
Downtown
1855 Nelson St #301, 1 bdrm + den + 2 patios, $444,000, 27 Sun 2-3
811 Helmcken, 1 bdrm + den, $335,000, 27 Sun 2-4
tom davis P E R S O N A L R E A L E S TAT E C O R P O R AT I O N
REAL ESTATE Thinking of selling your home? Call any of the agents in the Westender Real Estate section and your home could appear here.
604.787.1456 tom@tomdavishomes.ca www.tomdavishomes.ca
THE MADISON
Ideal location for young families, students and retirees in Kitsilano. Transit, shops, restaurants right at your front door. Close to Elementary, Secondary schools, UBC , parks & beach with a 95 Walk Score! Freshly painted in neutral colours, new broadloom, newer washer/dryer. Move right in to this immaculate open plan 2 bed, 2 bath + solarium top floor unit in a quality rain screened building featuring in-suite storage and 1 secure underground parking. Bright sunny southern exposure plus skylight! Quick possession available! Visit www.tomdavishomes.ca/318 for photos and floor plan.
New Listing 416 2929 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC Year Built 1999 Floor Plan 916 sq ft Offered at $518,000 Property Taxes $1,758 (2014) Maintenance Fee $369.55
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Strong Vancouver home sales push prices to all-time high Stronger than average home sales combined with fewer new listings to marginally push up Metro Vancouver’s benchmark home price to a record $637,300, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) revealed Dec. 2. The benchmark price at the end of October was $637,000. Prices have risen 5.7 per cent in the past year. “Home prices across the region have experienced steady gains in 2014 of between three and seven per cent depending on property type,” REBGV president Ray Harris said in a release. Strong sales underpin those price hikes. REBGV statistics show that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver reached 2,516 on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in November 2014. This was an 8.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,321 sales in November 2013. Last month’s sales were also 6.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for November. –Glen Korstrom
RAISE A GLASS
The growth of microbreweries attracted some attention earlier this year when Colliers International issued a report examining their impact on Metro Vancouver real estate. Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood was flagged as an example of what happens when positive circumstances converge, including older industrial real estate, responsive zoning and a mix of tech companies and popular residential neighbourhoods. But the neighbourhood isn’t the only one in the province with craft breweries, which have a long and dignified history in the province (to wit, the roll call offered in folk music troupe Spirit of the West’s 1986 paean to North Shore brew pubs, “The Crawl”). Over in Penticton, Cannery Brewing Co. is building a new 12,000-sq.ft. location downtown on the site of a former service station. The move shifts the brewery from a light industrial precinct to a central location near Okanagan Lake, the wineries of Naramata and the site of two
popular farmers markets. “You kind of need to be somewhere where people are going to be as opposed to having people drive 10 extra miles to fill their growler,” said Patt Dyck, co-owner of Cannery. “It’s kind of like getting a quart of milk on your way home. It wants to be close by, and you want to be the neighbourhood brewery.” The city, for its part, was amenable to the location because Cannery will draw people downtown. “They certainly see our business going where it’s going as a real anchor,” Dyck said. “I don’t know that we could have a better location.” Cannery’s move mirrors that of Sandhill Wines, which opened on Richter Street in downtown Kelowna this past summer adjacent to Tree Brewing Co. And, just around the corner from Sandhill on Clement Avenue, Starkhund Brewing Co. plans a 58,000-sq.ft. facility in the first phase of the former Okanagan Tree Fruit Co-operative site’s redevelopment. –Peter Mitham Stories courtesy BIV.com
MARY
DATE
A year ago, Mary lived alone and could no longer care for herself.
TODAY, MARY ATE LUNCH WITH HER FRIENDS.
It’s easy to take for granted the ordinary things in our lives. But for many seniors like Mary, something as ordinary as visiting friends is impossible. You can make it possible.
Help build stronger communities for seniors.
Please give.
Meet Mary. uwlm.ca/Mary
26 W December 4GlacierMedia_Fall2014_HalfPg_Horz_AD_OCT2014_Mary-UW – December 10, 2014 NAME:
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Rob Joyce & Sales Associate Roger Ross
West End Specialists Nobody knows the West End better! MLS Diamond Master Medallion Award 2013
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OPEN: SUN. 2:00 - 3:00 1855 Nelson #301 West of Denman one + den + 2 patios. Den can be 2nd bedroom. Hardwood floors, unique floor plan in pet friendly strata. Faces 3 sides. $444,000.
Heritage Heritage Studio Studio 1055 1055 Harwood Harwood #309 #309 Top Top floor floor bachelor bachelor suite suite near near Sunset Sunset Beach Beach and and just just blocks blocks to to the the heart heart of of downtown. downtown. Large Large kitchen kitchen with with eat-in eat-in area, area, refinished refinished red red oak oak floors. floors. 400 400 sq. sq. ft. ft. $173,000. $173,000.
LD
LD
SO
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604.623.5433
WEST WEST COAST COAST WEST WEST COAST COAST
Penthouse Penthouse 22 1855 1855 Nelson Nelson West West of of Denman Denman Truly Truly amazing amazing 18’ 18’ xx 16’ 16’ patio patio 22 bdrm bdrm ++ den den ++ loft. loft. A A very very rare rare offering offering with with 20 20 ‘‘ cathedral cathedral ceilings, ceilings, 1219 1219 sf. sf. and and 33 patio patio decks. decks. Pet Pet friendly friendly strata. strata. $669,900. $669,900.
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Water Water Views Views 1740 1740 Comox Comox #1903 #1903 Unobstructed Unobstructed English English Bay Bay ocean, ocean, city city and and mountain mountain views views at at The The Sandpiper. Sandpiper. NW NW corner corner one one bedroom bedroom & & enclosed enclosed solarium. solarium. Pet Pet friendly. friendly. 640 640 sf. sf. $414,000. $414,000.
OFFER OFFER PENDING PENDING 1720 1720 Barclay Barclay #102 #102 Awaiting Awaiting probate. probate. Glorious Glorious redesigned redesigned two two bedroom bedroom at at Lancaster Lancaster Gate. Gate. $324,900. $324,900.
Sales Associate Roger Ross
West End Specialist Rob Joyce
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OFFER OFFER PENDING PENDING 1879 1879 Barclay Barclay #201 #201 Awaiting Awaiting Board Board approval. approval. Top Top floor floor SW SW character character suite suite West West of of Denman. Denman. $284,900. $284,900.
www.robjoyce.ca
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SOLD SOLD 1816 1816 Haro Haro #302 #302 West West of of Denman Denman magnificient magnificient suite suite with with high high end end renovations renovations and and aa city city view. view. Solid Solid concrete. concrete. $329,900. $329,900.
robjoyce@telus.net CARNEY’S CORNER ST nICHolaS Day SPeCIal Imagine the tree with all the trimmings in this one bedroom and den corner suite, while the turkey roasts for family and friends and sugarplums and Christmas dreams dance in the kingsize bedroom. Insuite laundry, lots of windows, good storage, including additional locker and u/g parking at no extra cost. Huge contingency, newer paint, caulking, sealing & roof. Pet & rental friendly! $335,000
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TwICe aS muCH Room foR THe HolIDayS! And twice as much fun in legal duplex on large 72 x 122 lot. Three level home on each side including basement, four fireplaces, two laundries, real oak floors, fenced with two driveways, storage shed/ studio and garden shed. Too much more. Lots of potential for large family, revenue or development. Popular area of Burnaby with much development & new shopping & services close to Parkcrest Elementary & Burnaby North. $1,200,000
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Check out the website for community information: www.westendneighbours.ca West End Neighbours
TALK TO LIZ CARNEY 604 685-5951/603-3095
liz.carney@century21.ca • www.vancouvercondo.com Century 21 In Town Realty • 421 Pacific • 1030 Denman
In Town Realty
December 4 – December 10, 2014 W 27
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DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY 604-689-8226 604-263-1144 Kevin Skipworth Managing Broker
Layla Bamford
Nicole Cannon
Jennifer Devlin
Christopher Dohm
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www.dexterrealty.com
Jeff Holmes
Megan King
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Su-Marie Baird 604-263-1144 sumarieb@hotmail.com www.sumariebaird.com
109-2255 WEST 5TH AVE.
Johan Leung
Clarence Lowe
Travis Mako
Sean Murty
Brad Pacaud
Kris Pope
Tyrone Robinson
Nadine Ramos
Mike Rooney
Gloria Chamberlain 604-263-1144
NEW LISTING
$309,000 713-1333 HORNBY ST.
Older Kits one bedroom suite. This 584 sq ft suite has an efficient layout, is freshly painted and has a large patio. Some updating, just add your personal touch. Pkg + storage incl. Pets + Rentals welcome. Quick occupancy.
308-33 WEST PENDER ST.
Bob Moore
NEW LISTING
Simmy Sandhu
Sheila Sontz
Gurdeep Melany Daryl Stephens Sue-Johnson Suarez
Larry Esther Michael Traverence Twerdochlib Webster
Laurel Wood
Nicole Cannon 604-263-1144
NEW LISTING
$249,900 1403-1050 SMITHE ST.
NEW LISTING
$445,000
OPEN SUN 1 - 3PM
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VIEWS TO ENGLISH BAY. Bright SouthWest top floor unit. Completely updated with re-designed kitchen & full-sized appliances. Breakfast bar, sleeping nook & easy care finishes. Enjoy the view from large bay window with skylight and balcony. Great investment property.
IMMACULATE 1 bedroom, den + balcony in the STERLING with all the amenities of Downtown at your doorstep! North facing unit with a super functional layout, tons of natural light & an unobstructed view of the city and mountains. Original owners, very well maintained unit features an open concept kitchen with full size SS appliances, granite counters, maple cabinets, 9’ ceilings, a limestone gas fireplace, den/storage, open balcony & 1 parking space. 662 sq ft. STERLING is a quality, concrete bldg. w/a gym, concierge, hot tub & sauna.
$364,800
Modern design home. Spacious 671 sq. ft. High end finishings. Check out our website, www.dexterrealty.com for current market condition updates.
Michael Shaw
loftsvancouver.com
Commercial Real Estate Needs? Dexter Associates Realty’s
commercial team will answer all of your questions and will help with all your commercial needs. Whether you need office space, somewhere to set up your business or retail store, or are looking to buy an investment property we can help you. Call us at 604-689-8226 today.
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604.729.2126
W W W . L I A N A S H O W C A S E . C O M THE OLIVE $419,000 406-3225 TUPPER ST
• Great 1 BR + den w/ gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, quality cabinetry, KitchenAid s/s appl. • Fabulous north views & a balcony ideal for BBQs • Unit has a cozy living room with wide plank h/w flooring & fireplace • Great lifestyle unit in South Cambie steps to transit, shopping, cafes & restaurants • Pets & rentals welcome
LOFT 33, $393,000 708-33 W PENDER ST
Ultra modern 1 bdrm + 1 flex rm/den + Juliet balcony + 1 parking @ 33 West lofts with great city views! • Extra large suite in superb Crosstown location. Steps from seawall, shopping, skytrain, parks etc. • TRUE LOFT AMBIANCE w/modern quality finishings • 10’ ceilings, spa-bath, slate tiling throughout, blt-in storage, S/S appliances, designer lighting, granite counters etc • Truly a unique home!
NEW LISTING YALETOWN PARK II II, $375,000 703-909 MAINLAND ST
• Renovated & immaculate junior 1 bdrm +den • One in only 5 with an oversized 125sf south-facing deck w/full privacy • Tree lined, quiet street steps to the best Yaletown has to offer: shops, restaurants, parks, seawall, business district etc. • Open kitchen w/granite counters + tile flooring + new laminate hardwood floor throughout, new designer paint, new lighting • 24 hrs concierge, gym • Great entry price point for Yaletown prime • Ready to move in.
INTERURBAN, $319,900, 1006-14 BEGBIE ST, NEW WEST
Scenic water, river, city and mountain views from this 791sf 1 bdrm + open den • 1 blk from Waterfront Promenade Park, shopping & civic centre • Minutes from Skytrain • Spacious, open floor plan & high end finishings • Solid reinforced steel & concrete construction for peace of mind • Under warranty until 2019 • Pet & rental friendly • This is value + lifestyle! • Ready for immediate occupancy Nov 1st, 2014.
NORTHBANK, $253,900 1201-125 COLUMBIA ST, NEW WEST
TOWER GREEN AT WEST IN FALSE CREEK, $362,241 317-159 W 2ND AVE
PACIFIC COVE $618,880 410-456 MOBERLY RD
THE SHAUGHNESSY $478,000 318-1235 W 15TH AVE
D! SOLD! L O S ! ! D D L L SO SO TOWER GREEN AT WEST IN FALSE CREEK $371,900 617-159 W 2ND AVE
SOLD!
RECENT SALES 201-710 CHILCO ST 608-250 E 6TH AVE 1977 RIVERGROVE 766 ORWELL ST 110-2665 MOUNTAIN HWY
THE JACOBSEN LOFTS PENTHOUSE, $499,000 506-256 E 2ND AVE
PATINA, $1,140,000 2103-1028 BARCLAY
D! L O S ! D L O S
306-1177 HORNBY 253-35 KEEFER PL 510-501 PACIFIC PH1-125 COLUMBIA ST 2305-501 PACIFIC 204-1750 W. 3RD AVE 1753 E. 2ND AVE 2101-125 COLUMBIA ST
28 W December 4 – December 10, 2014
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SEX
Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny The American National Science Foundation estimates that we each think at least 12,000 thoughts per day. The vast majority of them, however, are reruns of impressions that have passed through our minds many times before. But I am pleased to report that in the coming weeks, you Aries folks are primed to be far less repetitive than normal. You have the potential to churn out a profusion of original ideas, fresh perceptions, novel fantasies, and pertinent questions. Take full advantage of this opportunity. Brainstorm like a genius.
You now have a special talent for connecting things that have never been connected. You also have a magic touch at uniting things that should be united but can’t manage to do so under their own power. In fact, I’m inclined to believe that in the next three weeks you will be unusually lucky and adept at forging links, brokering truces, building bridges, and getting opposites to attract. I won’t be surprised if you’re able to compare apples and oranges in ways that make good sense and calm everyone down.
I enjoy getting spam emails with outrageous declarations that are at odds with common sense. “Eating salads makes you sick” is one of my favorites, along with “Water is worse for you than vodka” and “Smoking is healthier than exercising.” Why do I love reading these laughable claims? Well, they remind me that every day I am barraged by nonsense and delusion from the news media, the Internet, politicians, celebrities, and a host of fanatics. “Smoking is healthier than exercising” is just a more extreme and obvious lie than many others that are better disguised. The moral of the story for you in the coming week: Be alert for exaggerations that clue you in to what’s going on discreetly below the surface. Watch carefully for glitches in the Matrix.
In 1989, Amy Tan birthed her first novel, The Joy Luck Club. Her next, The Kitchen God’s Wife, came out in 1991. Both were bestsellers. Within a few years, the student study guide publisher CliffsNotes did with them what it has done with many masterpieces of world literature: Produced condensed summaries for use by students too lazy to read all of the originals. “In spite of my initial shock,” Tan said, “I admit that I am perversely honored to be in CliffsNotes.” It was a sign of success to get the same treatment as superstar authors like Shakespeare and James Joyce. The CliffsNotes approach is currently an operative metaphor in your life, Scorpio. Try to find it in your heart to be honored, even if it’s perversely so. For the most part, trimming and shortening and compressing will be beneficial.
Every one of us, including me, has blind spots about the arts of intimacy and collaboration. Every one of us suffers from unconscious habits that interfere with our ability to get and give the love we want. What are your blind spots and unconscious habits, Gemini. Ha! Trick question! They wouldn’t be blind spots and unconscious habits if you already knew about them. That’s the bad news. The good news is that in the next six weeks you can catch glimpses of these blocks, and make a good start toward reducing their power to distort your relationships.
Now and then, it is in fact possible to fix malfunctioning machines by giving them a few swift kicks or authoritative whacks. This strategy is called “percussive maintenance.” In the coming days, you might be inclined to use it a lot. That’s probably OK. I suspect it’ll work even better than it usually does. There will be problems, though, if you adopt a similar approach as you try to correct glitches that are more psychological, interpersonal, and spiritual in nature. For those, I recommend sensitivity and finesse.
What feelings or subjects have you been wanting to talk about, but have not yet been able to? Are there messages you are aching to convey to certain people, but can’t summon the courage to be as candid as you need to be? Can you think of any secrets you’ve been keeping for reasons that used to be good but aren’t good any more? The time has come to relieve at least some of that tension, Leo. I suggest you smash your excuses, break down barriers, and let the revelations flow. If you do, you will unleash unforeseen blessings.
In 1662, Dutch painter Rembrandt finished “The Oath of Claudius Civilis.” It was 18 feet by 18 feet, the largest painting he ever made. For a short time, it hung on a wall in Amsterdam’s Town Hall. But local burgomasters soon decided it was offensive, and returned it to the artist to be reworked. Rembrandt ultimately chopped off three-fourths of the original. What’s left is now hanging in a Stockholm museum, and the rest has been lost. Art critic Svetlana Alpers wishes the entire painting still existed, but nevertheless raves about the remaining portion, calling it “a magnificent fragment.” I urge you to think like Alpers. It’s time to celebrate your own magnificent fragments.
With both symbolic and practical actions, Sagittariusborn Pope Francis has tried to reframe the message of the Catholic Church. He’s having public showers installed for the homeless in Vatican City. He has made moves to dismantle the Church’s bigotry toward gays. He regularly criticizes growing economic inequality, and keeps reminding politicians that there can be no peace and justice unless they take care of poor and marginalized people. He even invited iconic punk poet Patti Smith to perform at the Vatican Christmas Concert. You now have extra power to exert this kind of initiative in your own sphere, Sagittarius. Be proactive as you push for constructive transformations that will benefit all.
The limpet is an aquatic snail. When it’s scared, it escapes at a rate approaching two inches per hour. If you get flustered in the coming week, Capricorn, I suggest you flee at a speed no faster than the limpet’s. I’m making a little joke here. The truth is, if you do get into a situation that provokes anxiety, I don’t think you should leave the scene at all. Why? There are two possibilities. First, you may be under the influence of mistaken ideas or habitual responses that are causing you to be nervous about something there’s no need to be nervous about. Or second, if you are indeed in an authentic bind, you really do need to deal with it, not run away.
Does your vagina need a facial? Because that’s a thing now Sex with Mish Way
@MyszkaWay While sitting poolside in Joshua Tree a few months back, my friend (and fellow sex writer) Jane gave me her thoughts on “bush”. I don’t think I asked, but that’s how Jane is. I’m not complaining. “I’m all about it,” she said. “I’m definitely probush, but to an extent. It can be sexy, but I prefer to keep it trimmed around the butt and sides.” Jane was going for ‘70s-inspired wild with a clean, oral-friendly twist. I mean, how else do you describe that? I don’t care so much about bush. The first time I waxed mine was when I was 27 and I only did it because my friend needed moral support to do hers again after a botched job when she was a teenager. The wax pulled out her skin and she was afraid to go back. We went to Sugarbox on Cambie and when the lady pulled out my hair it took all of three minutes. “Next time, we rip you all out,” she said in her thick accent. “Brazilian.” She mimicked ripping roots from soil with her hands. “Easy.” Ripping all my womanly hairs out to give me a childlike look? That Brazilian? I shuddered at the thought. If you yourself have waxed or talked about waxing
to any person in Western culture (or watched that episode of Sex and the City with Matthew McConaughey), you know about “The Brazilian”, a look made popular by the J Sisters. In 1994, the J Sisters decided that America needed to follow the strict beauty rules of their native Brazil. They started a salon in Manhattan, focusing on nail care, but it wasn’t long before they busted out the Brazilian wax. The whole bald-vagina thing became huge. Some women were all about it. Others found it insane. Some sat in the middle and went “French” instead (like myself), but the J Sisters had changed the landscape of North American female body maintenance. Now, apparently the J Sisters are breaking ground again with the vagina facial. Yes, a facial for your vagina. According to Page Six and The Cut, the technical term is Gommage Therapy. Gommage is an ingredient used to exfoliate sensitive areas of your skin without that scratchy feeling that most scrubs provide (only the best for your vulva, duh). Basically, the vagina facial removes dead skin from your vagina and helps prevent ingrown hairs. But why all the maintenance on our lower regions? I’m no Mormon, but doesn’t that hair grow there for a reason? Isn’t that god damn science? Eyebrows have purpose. We don’t rip
those out (not all of us, anyways), but why is the standard for grown women to keep our bushes at the level of a pre-teen’s? The standard of bush styling is mainly generational. If you grew up gawking at ‘70s porn, you don’t want a Jesse Jane look, you want a little more jungle. It’s all about comfort, what we are accustom to. The bush is making a solid comeback. I don’t want to start trends here, but I think unrealistic minimalism is out. Plus, as a mostly straight woman, I know most men I have been with couldn’t care less about the hair, as long as cleanliness is in order. It’s more about hygiene than a hair cut. My friend Dana made a good point: “Leave what YOU would want. Me, I don’t want that many pubes in my face.” So, apparently now you can get a facial for your vulva. Smooth that thing down if you see fit. Fine. There’s always going to be a new trend to tell us women we aren’t okay just the way we came, but if there wasn’t something to strive for would beauty even be a “thing”? I ask myself this every single day. W
EMAIL MISH Send Mish your own sex questions and queries to sex@westender.com
Science-fiction novelist Philip K. Dick has been one of my favorite authors since I discovered his work years ago. I love how he reconfigured my mind with his metaphysical riffs about politics and his prophetic questions about what’s real and what’s not. Recently I discovered he once lived in a house that’s a few blocks from where I now live. While he was there, he wrote two of his best books. I went to the place and found it was unoccupied. That night I slept in a sleeping bag on the back porch, hoping to soak up inspiration. It worked! Afterwards, I had amazing creative breakthroughs for days. I recommend a comparable ritual for you, Aquarius. Go in quest of greatness that you want to rub off on you.
Do you enjoy telling people what to do? Are you always scheming to increase your influence over everyone whose life you touch? If you are a typical Pisces, the answer to those questions is no. The kind of power you are interested in is power over yourself. You mostly want to be the boss of you. Right now is a favorable time to intensify your efforts to succeed in this glorious cause. I suggest you make aggressive plans to increase your control over your own destiny.
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Acura MDX improves on good reputation DAVID CHAO westender.com
The Acura MDX occupies a somewhat unique spot in the market place. By offering abundant creature comfort and a seven-passenger capacity – while remaining more affordable than the more premium brands – it has become a favourite luxury SUV. Since its introduction in 2001, buyers of the MDX have been treated to a great long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and solid resale values. The redesigned 2014 MDX is the result of numerous improvements to every aspect while keeping its original formula intact. The 2014 Acura MDX employs a new body structure making it a little longer, but
on the road. Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive is standard and the MDX’s new electronic power steering provides natural and accurate steering response with less torque steer than before. As a current owner of a MDX, I especially appreciate the slightly heavier steering feel, though it is still a bit numb in comparison to its European competitors. You will also find less noise, vibration and harshness than the previous model thanks to its more rigid body structure. The MDX’s ride is firm but never jarring. The 2014 MDX boasts a new Integrated Dynamic System. This allows you to alter the SUV’s steering effort, throttle response, all-wheel drive settings and engine
also slightly narrower and shorter. This improves ride quality and access to the third row. Fuel economy has also been increased, thanks to a reduced weight. Since the theme for the new MDX was incremental improvements, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t appear vastly different than the previous model. However, it doesn’t appear dated either – it looks thoroughly modern without appearing out-of-place in this reasonably conservative market. Mind you, the new “jeweleye” headlights are distinct. They were designed to recreate the colour of daylight meaning they provide greater contrast which lessens eye strain and should improve reaction times to potential issues
sound. While this is a welcome addition, the overall change in feel from “comfort” to “sport” was minimal. The engine is a 3.5-litre V6; 0.2-litres less than last year. Horsepower is also down (290 from 300), as is the torque (267 ft-lbs from 270). However, because the new MDX is 131 kg lighter, the loss of power is unnoticeable and in fact the acceleration “feels” faster. The new engine and weight loss also lowers the MDX’s fuel consumption. The 2013 numbers of 13.2L/100km city and 9.6L/100km highway have been dropped to 11.2 and 7.7 respectively. These are best in class for a non-hybrid SUV. Acura’s are known for their understated, classy cabins. The 2014 MDX is no exception. Materials are high
quality and fit and finish is excellent. Although the conservative approach lacks the passion sometimes seen in its competitors, the interior feels like something out of a SUV costing twice its price. Pricing for the MDX starts at $49,990, with standard equipment including keyless entry and push button start, LED headlights, rearview camera, Active Noise Control
sound mitigation system, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces, power rear liftgate, and a power moonroof. Additional features available as on higher trims include blind spot information, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, rain sensing wipers, DVD split-screen rear entertainment system, and heated rear seats. W
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