Author Archives: Cassandra Chin

Jan 11 2012
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Ex-Pope & Talbot workers launch suit

Retired Pope & Talbot (P&T) salaried employees have filed a class action lawsuit against the former Superintendent of Pensions and the provincial government for ordering reductions to their pensions.

The lawsuit claims losses to date of approximately $3 million and ongoing losses in excess of $15 million.

Pope & Talbot had extensive lumber and pulp operations in British Columbia, but filed for bankruptcy in 2008. At that time, the pension plan was underfunded and had a 30-per-cent deficiency.

William Faminoff, a lawyer based out of Vancouver, noted the provincial pensions legislation allows company-funded pension plans to slide into periods of deficiency, and because of that, the pensioners felt their pensions were safeguarded.

“At the time of the bankruptcy, there was more than enough assets in the plan to pay the retired members their full pension benefits,” said Faminoff, who represents the group of 88 retired employees and widows of employees.

When it became clear their pensions were being cut, the group sought answers from the Financial Institutions Commission (FICOM) of B.C. and former Superintendent of Pensions Alan Clark.

“It first involved an action to review the activities of the former officers and directors of Pope & Talbot as to how the (pension) plan was underfunded,” explained Faminoff. “After that matter was concluded, it became readily apparent that the government took steps that we feel are contrary to the law.”

In 2010, the pensioners received letters from Morneau Shepell, a company hired by Clark to administer the pension plan, which informed them that their pensions had been reduced by approximately 30 per cent, retroactive to 2008.

“A lot of these guys only have their pensions and when one third of your pension gets taken away, how do you think this impacts you when you’re in your last years of your life?” asked Faminoff. “For a lot of the guys it has been dramatic.”

Don Stewart, one of the claimants and a member of the steering committee of the group, agreed.

“I think that some of the members are feeling quite uncomfortable,” Stewart said. “They’ve had a reduction in their pensions and I have a feeling some of them are not feeling too good. Financially, some people may be hurting.”

Stewart stated because it has already been three years, some of the older employees hope to see something quick.

“The intention is to get our pensions re-instated 100 per cent,” Stewart concluded.

It is alleged that Clark and members of his staff contacted management at P&T in the company’s final months demanding that it get rid of the priority provisions in its pension plan. When P&T refused, Clark reportedly ordered that the provisions be disregarded.

The pensioners say Clark had no authority to overrule the terms of a validly registered pension plan and distribute the plan’s assets according to their preferences. FICOM was contacted but declined comment.

“To take funds away from those members of the plan, that were already retired, that already had their pensions protected by a private, not government, pension plan and they arbitrarily broke those registered provisions with the government,” stated Faminoff.

The lawsuit is aimed at returning the pensioners’ plans to their full amount and not to disrupt the pensions of younger members, Faminoff added.

“I want to stress that none of our clients want to see the younger guys have any difficulties in respect to any kind of pensions benefits,” he said.

Faminoff hopes the matter can be resolve amicably with the government.

“But failing that, we are going to stress that the courts move very quickly on this because those people we represent are senior citizens and some of our clients have passed away since we first took them on as clients,” he pointed out. “We are concerned with their health and life expectancy, so we are going to ask the court to expedite this.”

The trial is expected to begin early next year, in which Faminoff aims to have litigation proceedings commence.

Pope & Talbot had operations in Nanaimo, Grand Forks, Castlegar, Fort St. James, Midway and Mackenzie.

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Jan 11 2012
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Walter Reis: creation through touch

Crafted with meticulous details, Walter Reis’ wooden carvings are brought to life with precise accuracy.

From the delicately pointed ears of a rabbit, to the individually strands of hair on a bear’s back, Reis gently chisels and scores for hours on end.

What may surprise most is that Reis is now legally blind.

“I’m completely blind,” affirmed Reis. “Everything is done by touch.”

It was in 1958 when he first picked up a stump of wood and began his first carving. Working at Bralorne Gold Mine provided him the opportunity to begin what he would continue to do for the next 50 years.

“When I came to Canada and I worked at Bralorne, there was a lot of wood over there lying around,” said Reis. “So I picked one up and started carving, just like that.”

What inspired him was seeing an elk carving when he was 13 years old. It had been a gift to his mother from a friend.

“I said, ‘Gee, I sure would like to make one like that’,” he laughed. “And that never went out of my mind.”

His first carving was also an elk, which he later gave to a hospital in Vancouver.

“The second one was a mastodon and I gave that one to the school in Bralorne because they had history about old-age animals,” said Reis, who no longer sells his work. “My third carving was a grizzly bear and horse on one large slab of wood facing each other.”

He explained how he placed two pieces of 4×8’s glued together to carve this piece.

Reis had no favourites amongst his creations, but he loved to carve otters and bears. From beavers and rabbits, to bowls of all shapes and sizes, he enjoyed every aspect of carving.

His carvings, which can now be seen at the Woodworker’s Guild and at the Boundary Museum, is a lesson of learning.

“Nobody told me how or what to do. I had no schooling, no education, nothing like that,” stated Reis. “I had a magazine that had some animals in it and I copied the animals then carved them out.”

“It’s a fabulous collection,” David Bevan, a fellow woodcarver, praised. “The man must have been carving 24 hours a day.”

Bevan pointed the detailed faces of a pair of beavers and the wings of the eagle.

“I think they’re brilliant,” Bevan stated.

His decision to donate all of his carvings to the guild and museum was a result of two separate incidences of having his home ransacked several years ago.

“They broke in and took a bunch of the carvings, especially my otters and special plates,” Reis recalled. “You cannot duplicate them.”

Even as Reis gave thanks to the Lord for providing him patience and ideas, he stated that was also why he didn’t sell anything.

“I gave away everything to the museum so that when people came they could look at it,” he said. “If somebody buys it, they’ll put it away in their house and nobody will see it anymore.”

Each carving, depending on the size and intricacy, would take from a week up to four weeks to create.

“Some of the carvings are made really fine, with little knives and chisels,” he clarified. “A small rabbit would take me up to a week. When I make flowers, one little leaf could take me a full day.”

Despite his lack of sight, he continues to be a self-sufficient man, creating his own jam from his backyard garden as readily as he carves his own sculptures.

“I couldn’t carve any more animals because my eyes couldn’t stay fixed on the eyes or nose or things like that,” explained Reis. “I wanted to make some owls but I couldn’t get them straightened out, so they’re halfway finished.”

Reis’ eyesight started to wane seven years ago, but in the past several years it has gone completely.

As he pours a pot of hot water into a cup of instant coffee, he laughs, “This time all the water went into the cup.”

Though detailed creations are no longer an option for him, he still keeps his hands busy by carving outside.

“I make little canoes,” said Reis. “I can’t see anything so it’s all by touch. Shaping and carving is done by feeling.”

Even though the branches against the skyline are all that’s visible to him, he remains jovial as he whittles away at another small carving.

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Oct 26 2011
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Relaxing of childcare rules sought

Two unlicensed daycares have been shut down since June 2010 in Grand Forks, displacing several children and upsetting parents.

“Recently, another letter was sent to another childcare provider, Sarah Unruh, who my daughter was going to,” said Lisa McPhee, a single parent who is concerned about the closures of home daycare providers. “This person wrote an anonymous letter to licensing and said a few things.”

McPhee stated that parents chose to put their children into daycare homes is out of necessity.

“I work and I’m in my last year of nursing,” McPhee said. “Sarah worked completely around my schedule. If I need to drop my daughter off early, I can I drop her in her pajamas and wrapped in a blanket without having (eaten) breakfast. She doesn’t have rigid operating times.”

Unruh stated, “I provided childcare to people I knew personally and felt comfortable with. In rural areas you know your neighbours and the people who are looking over your children.”

Regulations vary from province to province. Louise Heck from Boundary Childcare Resource and Referral (CCRR) stated Alberta, for instance, allows unlicensed homes to care for six children, where as B.C. only permits two, not including their own children.

Licensed daycare facilities operate on set times, including regulations that require notice if a child is unable to come in at a certain day.

“For a family, especially in these economic times, work can be unreliable and sporadic,” McPhee explained. “This being said, it doesn’t work too well with the early notice if your schedule changes day-to-day.”

Executive Director Fatima Faria at Sunshine Valley Childcare Facility mentioned the facility was quite full last year but the introduction of full-day kindergarten has altered numbers.

Sunshine Valley’s operating schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“We can negotiate extended hours if someone needs to come in earlier or later,” explained Faria. “We try and arrange it if possible, but for changing of a schedule, we’d like to have 48 hours notice.

“I don’t have an issue with private daycare as long as they follow the laws of B.C.” clarified Faria. “With the case with Unruh, she’s exceptional and very good at what she does. Unfortunately, Unruh wasn’t considered legal. As far as I’ve heard and seen, they’re perfectly able to meet the minimum requirements for a license.”

Heck explained that getting a license could be short work depending on the home.

“Some homes don’t need a lot of work on; some homes need a lot of work. This also refers to baby gates in the proper places and safety items. If all the ducks are in a row, it can take a month,” Heck said.

Unruh disagreed, “I’ve looked into getting a license time after time but there are so many hoops that you have to jump through… and there just isn’t the flexibility with licensing.”

McPhee, several parents and the closed daycare providers met with several councillors before they left for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

At the UBCM, Coun. Christine Thompson spoke at a workshop exploring current issues of education, health and social development.

“I brought this issue forward saying that in small rural communities, there aren’t enough licensed daycare providers to meet the demand,” said Thompson. “The ones that are licensed don’t accommodate people on shift work or on-call, that unlicensed could provide.”

“After, Minister (of Children and Family Development) Mary McNeil asked for me to provide her with a package of information.”

At this point, Thompson is meeting with concerned parents, the two homecare providers who were shut down and CCRR to discuss information for the package.

“The hope is to see if there is a way that the rules and regulations can be relaxed in a small rural community where everybody knows everybody,” explained Thompson. “It’s not a large urban centre where you don’t know who will be caring for your child.

“It’s basically their issue, I just want to be their conduit to get it to the proper person. Grand Forks is by no means that only community facing this issue,” concluded Thompson.

The Interior Health Authority was contacted but unable to respond before print.

Faria is happy that the issue is now open.

“It’s a tricky situation but it’s not a battle. Rather, it’s about coming together and educating each other and the community about this issue.”

The City of Grand Forks currently has one group centre, three licensed families and two active licensed not-required providers.

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Oct 25 2011
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Grand Forks community introduced to haskap berries

The topic of haskap berries was discussed at a seminar on Oct. 15.

Organized by the Grand Forks Economic Development Task Force, agricultural co-ordinator  Bob Kendel and Gary Smith called in expertise from Saskatchewan to educate the community on the berries.

“I think there’s great potential for something to happen,” said Smith. “This may be it, or it may be something else, who knows but we have to start somewhere.”

Kendel agreed, “Hopefully this initiative has taken root here, even if we don’t know where it will take us.”

President of Haskap Central Sales Ltd. Curtis Braaten worked along side Dr. Bob Bors, who started cultivating the plants at the University of Saskatchewan six years ago, and provided a look at the potential haskap berries could have in Grand Forks.

“I think that in terms of a community initiative, for the plant to grow successfully, the community has to embrace it. One person alone will have a difficult time,” stated Braaten. “The prairies are currently working under a co-operative initiative and Nova Scotia is doing the same thing.”

Coun. Joy Davies felt optimistic. “I think haskap berries are the up-and-coming agricultural product and we’re not telling anybody about it. This is a Grand Forks and community-based initiative because without our people here, this wouldn’t be happening.”

A surprise visit by Parliamentary Secretary and MLA for Chilliwack John Les provided another level of government to discuss Grand Forks future.

“It’s very interesting and something I hadn’t heard about until a few months ago,” Les said.

“I think a lot of credit goes to the people in Grand Forks for putting this seminar together and learning more about it and the opportunities. When I was here a few weeks ago it was clear that there was a lot of opportunity for growing agriculture produce and a variety of different kinds. This could be one of them. ”

Braaten stated that studies on haskap berries have revealed that it contains more antioxidants than blueberries, and more vitamin C than oranges.

“There are many health benefits with the haskap berry, especially since blue is a favoured colour for fruits right now,” explained Braaten.

Les felt that the health benefits and the hardiness of the crop is a plus for the plant.

“I haven’t heard of a place where it won’t grow and you never know where you’re going to find the next great idea,” said Les.

Baked goods from Chantel Olsen, Debbie Kendel, Natalie Paterson and Evelyn Kimmel put haskap berries on the spot, allowing guests a chance to sample the berry in various forms.

Braaten thinks there is a lot of potential for the haskap berry in Grand Forks, especially with the central location of the main highway cutting through the downtown core.

“You can draw visitor’s off the highway with a market involving both farmers and artisans. It’s a community effort to get your products for the right price,” he citing, comparing it to the market in Nova Scotia.

Smith, who is running for council, explained the haskap berries would be a project integrating the community and city council.

“This will make Grand Forks a place to be reckoned with,” concluded Smith.

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Oct 25 2011
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Summer cop to return to Christina Lake

Christina Lake has seen the presence of a full-time police constable for a second year this past summer.

The community has benefited largely from the Reserve Officer program, which places a retired, but fully-operational officer at the Lake for July and August.

Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Area C Director Grace McGregor and the Grand Forks RCMP’s Staff Sgt. Jim Harrison met in the fall of 2009 to discuss possible methods to address concerns about security and safety at Christina Lake.

McGregor previously attempted to address the situation at Christina Lake by hiring commissionaires for security checks through the Parks and Rec Commission, though it didn’t work as well as planned.

“The reason commissionaires didn’t work as well for us was because although there was a presence they really can’t do anything at the time due to distance,” McGregor explained. “If they did make a call, it would take a while for anybody to get here. It’s an on-going issue out here during July and August that that presence needs to be able to handle the issue right then and there in order to diffuse it.”

Harrison mentioned the idea of the Reserve Constable Program and McGregor passed the idea to the regional district who approved it for a trial run.

Const. Chris Cottrill was positioned at Christina Lake from July to August 2010, and again this past summer. When the summer-end report was completed, it revealed a decrease in mischief, including those related to alcohol-induction.

The Staff Sgt. explained the appeal of the job.

“For a lot of retired members it’s a really attractive thing because they get to keep their toes in policing, but they still have to pass their medical and pass all their qualifications as far as firearms and that type of thing,” he said. “They come back as full-fledged police officers who still have all the authority.”

“Last year we had significant results in reduction of crime.” said Harrison. “We know youth are going to party anyway but let’s encourage them to do it safely and not to disturbed other people. You can have your fun without causing damage in the community or disturbing the other residents. That was our goal.”

McGregor agreed, “Groups of youth partying on the lake won’t change, but what has change is the level of respect they have for the RCMP. The youth get along with Cottrill and he has managed to get through to quite a few.”

Statistics reveal a substantial drop from 2009 to 2010 in crime rates and has remained steady through 2010 to 2011.

Willful damage dropped to six incidences from 18 in 2009, and the consumption of alcohol in a public space dropped to four from 12.

However, Harrison pointed to a large increase in the Canada Shipping and Small Vessels Regulations.

“There’s almost 50 per cent more, but part of that is that some of my police officers from Grand Forks got involved in the seasonal policing, so it wasn’t just Chris this year.”

As the first regional district to engage in the Reserve Constable Program, McGregor was asked several times about the program while at the recent UBCM convention in Vancouver.

She said, “There is a great deal of interest in the program, from places with lakes that have the same issue.”

A budget of $20,000 is slotted to cover the two months, including a place for the constable to stay.

Harrison explains that the other provision for the constable deployed to a location is that he or she remains there.

“It turns out really great because he’s not just working here, he’s living here. He’s gotten to know a lot of the people and he’s basically become their small town cop, like the old village constable thing andit’s working,” said Harrison.

An unexpected benefit includes constable’s assistance on patrols and working along side Dave Webster, the conservation officer, and forestry patrol.

McGregor stated there are other advantages with the program.

“We also get help in a number of other areas that we wouldn’t get immediate help otherwise,” she said.

“When you’re doing something that works, then you need to keep doing it. If it doesn’t work, then that’s a different issue. This is working and people are feeling a lot safer.”

Harrison concurred, “It’s a great partnership. Smaller resort and tourist areas like Christina Lake don’t get extra funding from the province, so this is an extremely viable option.”

Since the program has started, there has been no fatalities.

“The extra visibility of the police on the water has made everyone a little more careful and compliant with the rules and regulations,” Harrison pointed out. “Ultimately, that saves lives.”

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Oct 25 2011
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Movie Review

The Tree of Life reveals stunning cinematography

Terrence Malick’s Cannes award-winning movie is overly pretentious, yet challengingly engaging

I think I missed what most critics claim was a stunningly spectacular movie.

Directed by Terrence Malick, who brought the critically acclaimed films Badlands and Days of Heaven, The Tree of Life follows a young family in the 1950s. In particular, the life of Jack O’Brien is showcased as he faces the tribulation of growing up as the eldest son of three, with a father that is simultaneously both loving and harsh, and a gracious and loving mother.

At the Cannes Film Festival, The Tree of Life received the coveted Palme d’Or award, which is given to the director of the best feature film. A nod to Malick’s amazingly detailed film.

The cinematography was breathtaking; of that, there is no doubt. The plot riveting and compelling and the acting by Brad Pitt (Mr. O’Brien), Jessica Chastian (Mrs. O’Brien) and supporting actor Sean Penn (old Jack) were brilliant.

Newcomer Hunter McCracken (young Jack) is definitely a face to watch in the coming years, though as his character loses his innocence at a death of friend, I felt the compelling urge to smack him several times during his gloomy and antipathy mood swings – which, I suppose, is a testament to his youthful acting skills.

I’m definitely excited to see which direction McCracken will head, especially after engaging in such an emotionally charged character.

Yet despite the sparkle, the movie fell flat in my opinion.

I found it pretentious and it dawdled at a pace that added too much length to a film that could have said it all in a shorter period.

The first half failed to connect smoothly and remained disjointed in quite a few places, most noticeably in the prolonged digital feature by special effects master Douglas Trumbull (Blade Runner, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, 2001: A Space Odyssey).

Trumbull artfully recreated the universe from a single beating heart and the majestic power of wildlife, to the period before the Big Bang and the destruction of dinosaurs. A work of genius, Trumbull is phenomenal in his digital crafted designs; the slightest wave of swaying tree limbs, to the breath of life from a frolicking creature.

I cannot argue that it was not brilliant, because it simply was. Trumbull is a favourite of mine and his works are on my Top 10.  Despite that, I found that his magnum opus worked more against the film than with it.

If I wanted to be awed by the magnificent wonders of the world, I would sit down for a cup of tea and watch Planet Earth. I understand the artistic concept of symbolically attaching the creation of the earth to God and the power he holds but it just didn’t work. It was overly lengthy and out-of-place in an otherwise interesting film.

Through Trumbull’s digital solo, Chastian and McCracken’s voices are heard questioning the intentions of God and the purpose of life. The voice-overs does connect the movie in a manner that gives the audience a slight understanding of why the film sequence is cut the way it is cut.

The second half proved more successful, rewinding to the beginning of little Jack’s birth and the growth of the O’Brien family, before journeying through their lives of ups and downs.

Penn, who’s role as a supporting actor, focuses in on the loss of his brother, triggers the memories of what life was before the death of his younger brother. Flashbacks reveal the intricate behaviour of three rowdy brothers growing up and the delicate bond that connects them together.

Bonds between mother and son, wife and husband, father and son, and strangers to the family, are given at first a cursory glance before everything zooms into the macro.

Nevertheless, the ending was over dramatized and reminded me of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kings where the cuts kept coming. The metaphorical symbolism attached with God and open hands was dampened by the switch of scenes and the simple fact that it kept repeating. From one cut to another cut, it was the same scene sliced together multiple times, from different angles. Idyllic and spiritual, but unnecessary.

The Tree of Life isn’t a film everyone will enjoy. Some will fall in love; others will wear quizzical looks of confusion on their faces. It’s just one of those films that viewers will either be engaged with or find restless.

It is, nevertheless, worth a watch should you have time to spare. Malick returns with a vision, though fragmented a periods, and it does come across as the movie wraps up.

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Oct 25 2011
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Grand Forks Royal Canadian Legion Facing Bankruptcy

The Grand Forks Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 turns 85 this year and it may be its last.

In a fiscal year where everyone is feeling the tightening budget, the legion is also suffering from the threat of bankruptcy and could close its doors.

“We need people in the area to know what the legion does. All the money that we raise, over 80 per cent of that has to be given away,” stated Director Ken Gresley- Jones.

“If we can’t survive as a branch, then we won’t be able to help all these people that we have been helping over the years,” he continued. “The purpose of the legion is not just supporting veterans and their families, but all the support that we give to the community.”

Youth groups, sports clubs and medical research within the community have seen donations from the legion for the past 19 years, totaling $385,207.

Typically, the legion has raised funds in the past by renting out its lounge and hall for wedding receptions and parties, and fundraising events, such as bingo.

“We’re in trouble because the lounge has traditionally kept the branch going and people aren’t using the lounge anymore,” said Gresley-Jones.

Secretary Elsie Fredericks explained that all money that enters the gaming accounts is put directly into the donations account to be given to local groups.

“We can’t keep any of the money from the gaming account to ourselves. Other than the expenses for organizing bingo or other items, all the rest goes towards our donation account. That’s why we’re able to give out that money and we have to; none of that money comes to us,” she said.

Fredericks indicated that many people have remarked about the amount of money they are donating and that the legion should keep some for their own costs.

“They don’t understand that we’re not allowed to keep any of that money. Eighty per cent of our funds have to be donated and only 20 per cent is kept for administrative needs,” Fredericks stated.

Treasurer Georgina Ortis agreed, “Every time we get our picture taken handing out a cheque, it looks like we’re rolling in dough. But it’s a two-sided picture because we’re not. The other side is we’re just not getting operating costs.

“I know we’re not alone in this, a lot of other legions are also effected. The changes to the drinking and driving laws have affected everybody and when you’re in a small rural community with little services, it’s hard.”

The legion currently has 259 members, but the treasurer pointed out that membership is low.

“Each year we fi nd that we lose 20 to 25 members, through different reasons; some move away, some die, and some just lose interest.” Gresley-Jones added, “The requirements aren’t as rigid as they were at one time to join the Royal Canadian Legion.”

Some fundraising events that the legion has been discussing include a Robbie Burns night and a dance and roast dinner on Oct. 14 for $10 per person.

“Someone has volunteered live music, so we’re hoping to set up something regular, maybe a Friday or Saturday night dance; throughout the winter particularly,” said Ortis. “Because of our lounge, gaming and liquor license, you have to either be a legion member or a guest of the legion member to participate in the activities. If you are interested in dropping in, guests are encouraged to phone a member who will sign them in. Each member can sign up to four guests.”

Ortis mentioned that selling the parking lots outside could be considered but would be a last resort.

“The community can help by attending our fundraising events, join us, rent our hall – if they do that, we can continue to help out all these people,” Gresley-Jones remarked. “It would be a damn shame if all the groups we help are affected. It would be the domino effect; groups we help would fold as well.”

As for the fate of the Grand Forks branch, President Jerome MacDonald said, “It’s tough to say what’s going to happen in the next little while; it’s going to be six months, or it could be a year.”

After the First World War, veterans started to create small groups together across Canada in support of other soldiers and their families. By 1925, it was known as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League (BESL). Yet it wasn’t until 1960 that the Queen gave consent to add the term ‘royal’ and it was added to the legion’s name, hence The Royal Canadian Legion. The Royal Canadian Legion branches across Canada have raised and donated money to various youth groups, sports clubs and other foundations since their inception.

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Aug 06 2011
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Book Review

Blood of the Demon by Rosalie Lario

“You’re telling me that this book is supposed to create zombies?” -Brynn Meyers

Lawyer turned novelist, Rosalie Lario is a relatively fresh-faced author entering the genre of urban fantasy crossed with paranormal romance. Her latest novel, Blood of the Demon, begins its inter-dimensional tale with Keegan, a stunningly handsome demon, and his three (equally drool-worthy) half-brothers. As bounty hunters for the Elden Council, the four brothers are given the task to capturing their father, Mammon, and also stopping his plans to begin an apocalypse.

Of course, there is always a starring lady. Enter beautiful Brynn Meyers, an art gallery owner who is able to read memories embedded in objects and whose simple touch can drain people of their life force. Unbeknownst to her, until otherwise informed, her abilities indicate demon ancestry and a past that makes her the key to unlocking the powers from an ancient zombie-raising book. To stop Mammon from imprisoning Brynn and summoning said zombies, Keegan and his brothers must work to protect her by any means necessary.

I am pleased that Loria wrote Brynn as a strong female character, regardless of the overdone concept of being tossed into a precarious situation where new worlds, demons and the things that go bump at night exist.

Another good point in the book is the character interactions, particularly in regard to the brothers. Their sibling squabbles and friendly discussions were entertaining; it all leaned heavily towards bromance, and reminded me at various points strikingly of Dean and Sam Winchester — entirely charming, to say the least.

Keegan is a mix of Dean and Sam in a tall, dark and handsome package. He has the older-brother-must-protect syndrome, combined with unnecessary emotional angst towards finding love and moral rights. Part demon, part dragon. Similar to his other brothers, each of whom are part demon, part something else.

Also in this book’s favor are the compelling action scenes, although they were far too few. But what little action scenes there were — more so near the end — were good enough to make me wonder why Lario didn’t include more of this kind of thrilling adventure into her paranormal tale.

But my main problem with this otherwise entertaining novel, ignoring the clichéd plot, is the level of hotness of each character. They are all depicted as beautiful, sexy, steamy — well, you get the point. Not that I have an issue with beautiful people — it just gives the characters a level of vanity I could do without. This coupled with several cheesy lines gave me a good laugh. Case in point: “Would she taste just as sweet?”

In all, Blood of the Demon follows a typical plotline with no elaborate twists or turns. Boy given task to protect girl from evil parent, boy and girl lust-love each other, boy fights parent, girl kills boy’s parent, boy and girl end up together. Lario writes an entertaining novel that is a good, easy read for when days are long and you want to cuddle up with a blanket and cup of tea.

And I must admit that I am curious to read the second book in this series, slated to be released only a month after this one, featuring this time the romantic entanglement of Keegan’s brother, Taeg.

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Apr 04 2011
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Ruck, Maul, Scrum…Namaste

Upright Rugby learns yoga

It’s a rough and tumble sport, with consistent tackling, engaging rucks and scrums, and relentless exposure to physical interaction.

Rugby, like other full-contact sports, can be hard on the body. Players undergo rigorous training regimes that include strength and core training, along with skills development. Often times, however, stretching and taking care of one’s body is neglected over performance.

As much as athletes and fans adore the sport, one must also be aware of taking care of the players — this is where yoga comes in.

A former rugby player and captain of the University of Western Ontario, Angela Jackson, began playing rugby in her teens. One of the founding members of South Western Ontario’s first girl high school rugby teams, Jackson represented her rugby union and played for Ontario and the club level, winning several championships as well as Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.

An impressive rugby career was halted by a persistent knee injury. Not too long after, Jackson moved to Costa Rica for work where she discovered yoga.

“It gave me a good workout and I found that it helped fix my injuries.”

Upon returning to Oakville, she continued to practice and became certified in Hatha yoga, where she began using this training as her base to specialize in customized yoga training for athletes. Jackson’s involvement with sports and yoga helped her establish and direct Warrior Yoga Conditioning.

“It seemed natural to want to train within the rugby community. I’ve also worked with hockey players and runner,” said Jackson. “Sports that have a high impact on the body can change how an athlete functions. The body can easily get out of balance, which is a key factor to many players.”

There are many benefits that yoga can bring, as it focuses in on areas that the body can’t stretch or that are particularly tight. It’s used to help athletes focus on their breathing, flexibility and core strength.

“Generally, the perception with athletes is that you need strength and power in order to perform well, but it should also be able to compliment the strength and power of training,” she said.

Jackson has most recently worked with the U18 Elite Athletes Development Program (EADP) of Upright Rugby Canada, whose focus is on developing rugby players who are very keen to develop their skills and their game during the off-season.

“We have one session a week, since they train quite seriously. Yoga is mainly just core strength,” said Jackson. “It helps with their flexibility in their shoulders, arms and hips.”

Tyler Leggatt, the lead director of Upright Rugby agreed. “The range of motion that yoga brings is especially important. It reduces injuries, improves core strength and balance so that when athletes, in any sport, spend time on one leg or one foot and change direction — and I think the core strength and energy that comes from yoga is really advantageous.”

Usually seen as an activity geared towards women, yoga has a certain stigma attached to it where the emphasis is less on strengthening. Jackson found that a lot of young men and women who play rugby play into their 30s and 40s.

She said that “with rugby being such a high impact sport, it may require them retire early or take longer for an injury to heal.”

Yoga’s incorporation into Upright’s program last year has encouraged young athletes to focus on their body and game differently, especially amongst the young men.

“They’re teenage boys so it’s a bit of challenge for them at first with being still and calm and focused. And of course the perception of yoga is slowly changing, but most of them came in with a skewed perspective of what it really was,” said Leggatt. “Once they started to go through it they realized it was harder than they thought. Then once you’re in it for three weeks, you start to notice the benefits of it.

“I think a lot of them really enjoyed it, so much so that they really wanted to keep doing it throughout summer, which is a testament of what Angela is doing and to the benefits to the program,” concludes Leggatt.

He recommends other rugby teams and clubs to add yoga into their routine, stating that it is incredibly beneficial for the players.

Ultimately, Jackson would like to encourage the rugby community to try yoga and incorporate it into their training.

“It’s a great way to strengthen rugby teams in Canada,” Jackson hoped. “I’d also love to teach yoga to more clubs and teams.”

Jackson advises anyone who would like to try yoga to shop around. “There are different styles for everyone. Shop around and find an instructor that speaks to you. It’s not just the style but the instructor.”

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Apr 04 2011
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Chinese cuisine fishy, but healthy

It is sweet and salty; a perfect mixture of delicious texture and alluring aroma. The meat slides easily down your throat, as the sauce lingers on your tongue. It’s one of my favourite dishes, and let me assure you I’ve tried a great many.

The dish is a traditional fish meal, where the entire fish is steamed to perfection, generously lathered with a sweet soy sauce, sliced green onions and garlic, and served whole with a side of rice. Each part of the fish has a tale and role in Chinese culture, from the spine to the head.

What makes fish so admired in Chinese culture is the health benefits that come with it. Every part of the fish is sought after, from the belly of the fish, where all the vitamins are, to the head, where as you lift the scales of the cheek, the little pocket of muscles is a sliver of both delight and nutrition.

Despite the recent concerns regarding mercury and dioxin contamination within these scaly creatures, the healthy benefits gained from eating fish greatly outweigh the risks. High in protein and full of omega-3 fatty acids, the natural fish oils within the fish help improve the heart.

The comprehensive study was tackled by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) who looked at evidence of the major health effects from the vitamins and contaminants of fish.

Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association in 2006, the comparison revealed eating a modest amount of fish reduced the risk of death by heart disease by 36 percent.

Authors of the study also found that for the growing children, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids are likely to improve early brain development. Pregnant or nursing mothers who consumed fish can also benefit the child. The researchers, however, warn expectant mothers to watch for the type of fish they eat, ignoring the golden bass, king mackerel, shark and swordfish for their higher levels of possible contaminants.

While there’s no proof as of yet that devouring the eyes and brain of a fish will help eyesight or stimulate brain functions any faster, recent studies do prove that there are many advantages of consuming these finned creatures. Health Canada, however, warns that the organs of fish can be dangerously high in both heavy metals and pesticides, and under no circumstances should fish organs be consumed.

I love fish and I love trying new items that I’ve never tasted before. My philosophy is, “If you’ve never tasted it before, you’ve never tried it. If you’ve never tried it, you have no idea what you’re missing.”

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