Celebration

Canadian Facts

-Canada covers 9,984,670 square kilometres, or 7 percent, of the earth's surface.
-The lowest temperature ever recorded in Canada was -63 degrees Celsius
-The governor general is paid $97,375 per year, tax free, plus an annual budget of $10 million.
-People working to separate Quebec from Canada can not be charged with treason unless they use force or violence.
-6,502,865 Canadians speak French as their first language.
-Canadian groundhogs are right 30% of the time.
-It is illegal to practice voodoo in Canada.
-The warmest temperature ever recorded in Canada was 45 degrees Celsius.
-Yonge Street in Toronto is the longest street in the World.
-The geographic centre of Canada is 60 degrees 6 minutes 30 seconds latitude North and 94 degrees 3 minutes 30 seconds longitude West.
-The letter "Z" comes from the Greek letter zeta and should be pronounced "zed" not "zee" (Americans pronounce it "zee" to make the alphabet song rhyme).
-Almost 400,000 Canadians have dual citizenship.
-More than 6.2 million Canadians go to church or other places of worship weekly.
-Canada has six time zones.
-Ottawa is the second coldest capital in the world (the first is Ulaanbatar, Mongolia).
-Lake Ontario is the size of Switzerland.
-Newfoundland is the only province that does not have an Indian reserve.
-The Canadian coastline, 243,792 km, is the longest in the world.
-90% of Canadians live within 160km of the United States border.
-The word Canuck originated in about 1850 as a term for French Canadians. During the Great War it was applied to all Canadians.
-The Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and the mainland is the longest in the world.
-40% of the world's newspapers are printed on Canadian paper.
-Canada is the 2nd largest exporter of potatoes in the world.
-The name "Canada" is derived from the Huron-Iroquois language and means settlement or village.
-With 2 Million lakes, Canada has the largest amount of freshwater in the world. (466,697 sq km)
-Approx. 25% of Canada's land consists of forest.
-Approx. 89% of Canada is not habitable, because the climate is too extreme.
-Canada leads the world as the largest grain producer.
-The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest national highway in the world (7,841 km)

Truth be told...

The Van 2010 logo

I like.

Radishes are Rad

I once loathed radishes. As a small child I did not appriciate these kicky red bulbs, but now as a mature woman Im all about a crisp delightful radish. They gotta be organic too, otherwise they just dont have the flavour flav'.They really arnt good for anything other then salads and dips, but whatever! Heres a delish recipe...

Orange, Radish, and Mint Salad
4 navel oranges
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
8 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Cut the top and bottom off of each orange. Stand the orange on 1 end on a cutting board and, following the curve of the fruit, cut away the skin and pith of the orange. Cut each orange section out of its pith.

In a medium bowl toss together the orange sections, onion, radishes, and mint leaves. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Why Not?

Freyja loves Canadians!

Come down to scope our new renos and grip some mad deals.
Canada Day Long Weekend Sale

20-70% OFF !!! YEOW

****Shoes, Bikinis, Dresses, All MENS! SALE SALE SALE

Canadian Facts:
*World's 2nd largest smoke stack: 380m
*World's largest hockey stick: 63m
*The word "Canada" means "Big Village"
*50% of Canada is covered by forest
*National sport: Lacrosse

Wow

RIP Michael Jackson.
Suddenly the world is one less moonwalk and one less crotch grab. This man accomplished so much and changed the world as we know it. Our lives are richer and more vibrant because of his talent and creative genius. Much respect!


Damn, I should have never given away my Michael Jackson doll that I got when I was 5.

More tataki for me

Oh ya Yamagoya is opening Alpine Lodge back up on the ski hill this SUMMER. reservations only.
NICE ONE!

(for those who dont know, thats where Yama originated)

Service with a Smile

When the labour shortage hit, one thing that I undoubtedly noticed in retail was the downward spiral of customer service. And fair enough, I understand how it all happened, if you dont have enough staff then your workers get overworked and tired, or you just dont have enough people to fill the need. But corporate culture didnt seem to change. "Pieces of flair" and other selling techniques, along with cliche and token retail standards were forced down all these poor minimum wage employees. By cliche and token standards I mean, "greeting a customer with 15-30 seconds of them entering your store", "asking if you they need a hand finding anything", "engage a customer in converstation", yada yada yada. Except the problem arose when most of the employees hadnt been properly trained, but thrown into work in a desperate move by tired middle management. One clear example that has now become an elaborate inside joke with my mother and I, re-enactments and funny accents included, is when you finally ask an employee for help with something, they usually have no idea how to help you and you end up losing patience or cringing for their embarressment. How many times have I asked a "box-store" employee to help me find something, only to have them parade me through every aisle helping me look for the item because they have no idea where it is - ohhh tooo many to count. I would have perfered not to have had any awkward company escort me through my search. If they straight up told me they don't know, I would have aimlessley wandered the aisles quite happily all alone.
So, today I had the same experience, but it was more funny then usual so I will share. I went to Home Depot with my Ma to find "Allegator Clips". The first "sales associate" sent us to the electrical department with affirmative confidence that thats where they were. I was shocked and happy. But they werent there. Next we found a flaming gay man, who pointed us to the lighting department, which was on the opposite side of the store. On our way to the lighting department we ran into a flock of orange aprons. Obvisouly this large crowd of middle aged men was some kind of area managers (big wigs) and the local managers meeting doing a training day or gathering of retail minds. I can hear them now "ohh how can we sell sell sell?? Why lets look at the Home Depot Employee Manual!!!". As we walked through the blur of orange aprons, khaki pants and bald spots, almost as in a Mexician market we were bombarded with "hello", can we help you, finding everytihng ok, what are you after today, g'day mam', anything we can assist you with". It was insane, I actrually laughed out loud. I said to my 10+ audience of eager customer service brown-nosers that I was looking for allegator clips. They sent me on a goose chase. In the end, I gave up on them and went back to the area the flaming gay guy told me to go. And of all the men in Home Depot, it was a gay man who knew where they were!!
I've worked for lots of franchises and box store brands in my day, and all that customer service propaganda is such shit. It makes me laugh, and Im mildly embaressed for people in their 40's and 50's that have to smile and nod to that shit. When I quit Second Cup, Pier 1, Bootlegger, Canada Olympic Park etc etc, I burned my flair!

Best Ceasers in the Kootenays, I would know.

If you havent heard, Island Lake Lodge is now open.
They got their Monday night dinner special on again this year.
Goddamn I missed those ceasers!
The Island Lake Cookbook launch is happening July 11th.

Subway old cutting style still beloved

Ahh, peasent vision was good to me last night. CBC was airing "Happy Gilmore". Oh man there was a time when I thought that movie was pure genius! And I still do.
Something that got me thinking was the "Subway" scene. I noticed that the subway sandwhich was cut down the middle and the "strip" of bread was pulled out. Ahhhh I used to love the old way of cutting the bread. I remember when Subway changed all the franchises to start cutting the loaf down the side.
It was the summer of 2000, it was a hazy night in Calgary and I wondered in to a Subway off Bow Bottom trail, I was tired from selling furniture and candles all day to yuppies at Pier 1. When I noticed the "sandwhich artist" cutting the bread down the side I chripped "what the hell are you doing to my sub!!"
I was so mad. Why did they do that???

Fundraising

So who went to the Arts and Letters Library and Arts Fundraiser?
Who in Fernie would LOVE to support Arts and the Library with an event?
hmmmm, I bet those too lists dont match up too well.
Glad that "side" of Fernie had an event to call their own. Cudos to you!

Us common folk can catch Wassabi Collective at the Pub June 30th. See ya there, cheap beer in hand. Or to support the Arts Station and Library in your own little way, get a membership with one or the other, or both!

www.theartsstation.com

Police chiefs want ban on driving with cell phones

Police chiefs want ban on driving with cell phones
Updated: Thu Jun. 18 2009

ctvbc.ca:
British Columbia police chiefs are asking for an outright provincial ban on drivers using cell phones and other mobile devices while on the road.
The B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police passed a resolution Thursday calling for all cell phone use to be banned in B.C., including the use of hands free devices like headphones and speakers to make calls.
The association's president, Kelowna RCMP Supt. Bill McKinnon says research has shown cell phone use only leaves half of a driver's attention on the road.
Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham says the chiefs' resolution goes further than laws in other provinces that have banned cell phones while driving.
Four provinces currently have bans on drivers using handheld cell phones while behind the wheel; Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.
B.C. police chiefs hope the solicitor-general will consider implementing the proposed ban.


Okay, I totally understand where they are coming from. These chiefs only want to protect us in this case. But here's the thing, I was driving the road along Kootenay Lake yesterday, and I was driving like an idiot. Why? I was not on my cell, I was searching for songs on my Ipod. Why else? My allergies are out of control and I was sneezing a lot. Have you ever sneezed while driving? You totally lose yourself for a couple seconds if its a big one. So, I think its great cops are all over the scene here with the banning of cell phones, but soooo many other things distract drivers. Are you going to ban ipod and sneezing too? How the hell are you really going to enforce this? Sit and wait at intersections so you can get a clear look at what someone might be doing while in a car. If they are texting, you wont even see a phone, then if you "suspect" they were texting, you pull them over and have a guy deny it? Then how do you give a ticket if you can't prove it? Maybe, education is the answer so drivers can make better choices (ya right I know we are addicted to cell phones).
So, maybe the point of this issue is just to raise awarness in general for people to try and not get distracted with anything. I will take my allergy pills!!

Monday

for all you lovers out there today, love ya!

Under my unbrella ella ellla eh eh

Something to ponder

Westjet is having a dece' sale right now. Flights to New York and Hawaii $139!

Squawking in BC

.
CBC News

RCMP in B.C. have busted another marijuana grow operation in the Kootenays, but how and where they found it has some locals squawking.

An investigation began when a concerned citizen spotted a large macaw parrot hanging around Salmo, just south of Nelson, and phoned the local RCMP detachment.
Const. Brad Williams is no ornithologist, but he knew enough about birds to know parrots are not typical residents of mountainous southern B.C., so he followed the bird.
"The first place I came to is this abandoned mill site and as I walked down I saw more parrots," Williams told CBC News.
"I guess you'd call it a giant bird cage which is full of giant macaw parrots, which we have yet to explain," he said.

But the parrots weren't the only thing they found in the abandoned sawmill. Hidden deep inside the mothballed mill was a sophisticated hydroponic grow-op with 450 marijuana plants.
"The bird squawked so to speak," Williams said after apprehending two men, destroying the plants and shutting down the operation.
The birds, about a half-dozen of them, were as healthy and well tended as the marijuana plants, said Williams, and have been left for the men, who were released without charges, to claim whenever they want.
"At this point, the birds have lots of food. As far as I am concerned there is no problem with the birds being here," he said.

"It's not the typical scenario that we run into as police every day."
The operation was one of the largest the RCMP have found on a commercial property in the region, said Const. Shane Orr.

"It's unfortunate to see that the economic climate is such that you'd turn to growing marijuana in a closed sawmill, but that seems to be the case here," he said.


This story amazes me. First, why would the grow-op guy have the birds? What a red flag and attractent to your illegal activity. Second, the police think that the economic climate was why the grower decided to start this operation? Ummm, its Salmo. The West Kootenays are in their own little world, they dont know there is a global economic crisis! hahha, I remember I read on CBC sometime ago that the drug industry in BC is worth more then all our industries combined. I dont mean to pick on cops, but seriously, they make it so easy.
For the record, drugs are bad!

The International let down.

Oh my gawd, let me spare you. It took me 4 days to get through "The International" with Clive Owen. And I still dont know what was really going on.
And what the fuck was Naomi Watts doing in the movie? That role was completely rediculous. This movie was like watching a 4 hour low budget James Bond movie with Lauren from the Hills tagging along for 3/4 of it.
Clive wasnt even that hot in the movie, he looked like shit for most of it.

Wet, wild and drunk as f**k.

If you want to get in on the super wicked awesome fun raft race from bridge to bridge then you gotta call Canyon Raft and get your team signed up. There are 4 boats left

The race is THIS Thursday June 18th.
Meet at the Coal Creek Boat Launch tommorow evening.
423-7226
Canyon Raft Company

Pirates Gain Parliment Seat in the EU

Sweden's Pirate Party has won a seat in the European Parliment in elections held on Sunday. The group—which ran on a platform "to fundamentally reform copyright law, get rid of the patent system, and ensure that citizens' rights to privacy are respected."—earned a 7% vote.
This is a massive coup for the group, who earned only .63% of the vote in Sweden's 2006 elections. They gained traction through active participation in a number of high-profile debates about Internet Freedom and privacy, including a case against the bittorrent site The Pirate Bay, which found one of the founders Twittering from the courtroom.

Such utilization of up-to-date technology, along with the tidal shift in voter demographics in Sweden (and elsewhere in Europe) may indicate that a time for a reasoned and rational discussion of the copyright and how it fits into modern technology may be upon us.



On a local note, Fernie pirates are still fighting for their right to party.

Scratch This.

There already is a buzz going on about Activision's DJ Hero, the makers of Guitar Hero. In direct competition, Genius Products, 7 Studios and Quincy Jones III are putting together a little DJ game of their own and it looks like a force not to be reckoned with. In addition, they pulled in big time DJ equipment makers, Numark, to give the hardware a realistic feel.

Great! How many bars are gonna hold "Ultimate DJ" nights now? hahahaha

Deb does delights

The Red Tree Restarant is getting a new summer menu. I cant wait to see what Deb has created! Deb is so good. soooo good. Holla!

PS. Dont forget they have mojitos AND a patio.

July 15th

The Vogue will be open for July 15th. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince opening weekend! OMG OMG OMG OMG

Where are they?

Where the fuck is Jann Arden and Bonnie Raitt these days anyway?
Jann has a Twitter account! haha boring!
Where is the music ladies?
Bonnie, you aint giving us anything to talk about!

Hugo Chavez has zero tolerance for Coke Zero

The Venezuelan government of U.S.-critic President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero beverage from the South American nation, citing unspecified dangers to health, Reuters reports.
The decision follows a wave of nationalizations and increased scrutiny of businesses in South America's top oil exporter.

Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said the zero-calorie Coke Zero should no longer be sold and stocks of the drink removed from store shelves while the government investigated its ingredients. The government's news agency:

“The product should be withdrawn from circulation to preserve the health of Venezuelans”.


Wow, I wonder how many Coke Zeros Harper chugs back a day? Prolly like 10 during every bible study.

White People Love Yoga

It's that time of year again, for Yoga in the Park!!

Join Tara first at Evolution Health and Fitness on Monday June 29th at 6:30pm.

Then, starting July 6th, meet her at the Annex Park Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30pm!

What if it Rains you say?? Well then join her back at the Gym.

Cost: By Donation as always.

BYOM - Bring your own Mat if you can!!

Better not let me down.

The Runaways are going to be made into a movie.
I intitally was stoked, becuase I have been a long time lover of the 70's rock girl group since I discovered my deep love of rock at the tender age of 5.
Being a HUGE Joan Jett and Runaways lover, I should love that this movie is coming.
But that vacant bitch Kristen Stewart from Twilight is playing Joan Jett. How does that make you feel? GO!
LOL!
Dakota Fanning plays Cherie Currie.
Can those two chicks pull off this movie? Seriously Rock n Roll is a lifestyle and the Runaways are ROCK AND ROLL. They better not fuck it up.
I feel I must share my top Chick Rock n Roll Songs with you to celebrate this movie making.






www.therunaways.com

Local police working hard for your protection.

It has been brought to my attention that a young fellow nearly escaped getting a fine from the "bald cop" for riding his bike on the sidewalk downtown Fernie at 11:30pm. So I guess the lesson of the day kids, is: dont ride you bike on the sidewalk at 11:30pm. Ahhh sweet justice is served in Fernie. Thanks Officer.

White People

Have you had your hands on this book yet?

So so so good.

Here is a website that will have you laughing and nodding for hours.

http://www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/

Order It Here

OMG OMG

A-Trak's website says he'll be Calgary on the July 23rd at the HIFI.

But there is no mention of it on Hifi's site and ticketmaster is only selling the Edmonton and Van shows. AHHH, someone tell me if this is true and where can I get a ticket???

Coming Up Quick.

Micky Slim

Royal Hotel

Friday June 19

Tickets $10 - NOW AT FREYJA

Get them fast!

Seriously we always sell out before the show then you guys who wait till the last minute start calling me at home. Just buy one and support good shows coming to town so they dont stop coming cuz you'd rather spend your money on cheap beer and sit at home sulking that paying cover is retarded. Get over it. This show is going to be stupid fun!!! yeeeow!

Support the local economy, support good shows, support your friends that have jobs there and need the tips to survive, you dont want them to leave or resort to selling drugs do you? I dont know why Im ranting right now, I guess Im just in the mood. roar.

Say no to cable. Its hard I know.

After all my roommates moved out, I decided to cancel my cable. Although I am addicted to The Bachelorette and Kevin Newman on Global News, I made the rash decision feeling all good and intectual. I thought "oh man, all the time to read books and do yoga!". LOL - ya right, I found myself laying on the couch, eating my 6th Girl Guide cookie and watching The Red Green show on a fuzzy reception of CBC. Is this what I've become without cable? Is this what no cable does to everyone? I dont even know the top 20 on "So you think you can dance?". I was so left out on the conversation over drinks the other night.

But, you'll be happy to hear that I have turned my new pathetic ways around in less then a week.

Having no cable made me:

-run 10kms on Sunday

-Change all the furniture in my house around

-Call my mom

-Text my friends back

-Call old friends instead of email!

-Arrange an elaborate surprise birthday- in which I needed a gyspy costume and script!

Those are just some highlights. I do feel better, it was hard at first though!

See, no cable IS good for you, its not just what elitist people say to try and make you feel stupid around them!

In and Out

Whats happening this summer? Dont want to be caught looking like a dork, I will clarify for you "what's up" on the Fernie scene:

In ---------------------------------Out
Feathers ----------------------------Bling
Dewalt ------------------------------Mastercraft
Bud Light Lime ----------------------Coolers
Townie Bike -------------------------Downhill Bikes
Garage Sales ------------------------Alberta
Nachos (makin a huge comeback!) ---Calamari
Bocce -------------------------------Hockey
Writing in your journal --------------Writing letters to governments
Tanlines ----------------------------Pastey white chicken legs
Allergies ----------------------------Swine Flu

LOL.

Someone just told me.

NO TEXTICLES: a guy who uses text messages one too many times when really he should call already

Dry is here to stay.

Already!

The Drive FM:
Extreme Rating for Fire South of Kimberley
Fire ratings across BC continue to climb, thanks to recent hot and dry weather.

The East Kootenay region is included in this now seeing an extreme rating in an area south of Kimberley to north of Canal Flats.

Southeast Fire Centre Fire Information Officer Gwen Eamer says despite this, there are no fire bans.

If you do see smoke, Eamer says don't assume someone else has reported it, call the Fire Center at 1-800-663-55-55 immediately. If you are outdoors a lot you might wanna program this number in your cell as its going to be a long long dry summer.

Patio Life

The Central's Patio is slated to open July 1st. It looks amazing up there too! Cant wait to chill up there with my homies.

Bummer

Weekend Happenings

Well, major bummer, the weather is supposed to be craptacular, but doesnt mean you cant dance inside at the Royal's DJ Jam night Friday night avec moi!
The Relay for Life is on Saturday, head down for a few laps to support if you arent already on a team. Its a good time and the entertainment line-up sounds wicked cool.
Dont be mad at the rain, we need it folks.

Freaky

Meet Dewy

I dont recommend grooming your own dog. Although this pictue of my dog brings the LOLs!