VC™ Magazine Winter 2014/15

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COVERING YOUR VENTURE™

THE NEW BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MEN & WOMEN NEW YEAR NEW YOU SURVIVING THE WINTER BLUES BUCKET LIST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

WINTER

Movie BLOCKBUSTERS

WINTER

2014/15

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C O N T E N T S

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The

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Goods Covering Your Venture™ For Men & Women

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Welcome To Venture Cover™

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Bucket List Destinations

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Google Glasses

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Surviving The Winter Blues

17 Movies 20 Outlook

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Dream Lottery Home

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Dr. Sanjay Agrawal, DDS

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Holiday Guide To Staying Fit

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Toronto Love

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New Year, New You

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Winter Beer

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Getting Social With VC™

Contributors

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President Mike Hattim mike@venturecover.com

Creative Director Damian Box damian@venturecover.com

Regional Sales VP Ezz Fadel ezz@venturecover.com 22

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Lin Parkin Katie Foster Aaron Brown Rita Catolino Yaira Estrada-Wagner

Thelma Bento Nylan Pozzo Jillian Summers Jeremy Tompkins

VC ™ CONTENTS

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WINTER 20 14/15 INTRODUCTION

We

Thank You For Embracing

want to thank Londoners everywhere for embracing VC™ Magazine with such enthusiasm and open arms. You helped make our inaugural issue a tremendous success! We also want to send a big shout out to Lauren De Koster, Creative Director at Twelfth Night Events, who made our official launch party an absolute blast.

We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible city and delighted to highlight the people, places and businesses that make this city the best place to work, live, and play!

There’s a boatload of topics for you to explore in this issue. We’re going to take you around the world with some top winter getaways you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket-list of cool destinations to explore.

Our First Publication

Do you travel to escape the winter blues? We understand; winter can be a drag. That’s why we’ve put together some useful tips to help you keep the winter ‘blahs’ at bay.

You’ll also learn how to combine modern and traditional pieces to create a transitional home décor that’s timeless and classy this season. Reveal a new you in the New Year with the help of some personal style advice on what’s looking hot in hair and makeup this winter.

Once you’re all set for a night out on the town, it’s time for a date! So we’re breaking down some of the hottest new movies coming to the box office this winter.

If gadgets are your thing, you’re going to want to read our coverage on Google

Damian Box

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC ™ INTRODUCTION

Glass. We’ve also got some introspective insights from a neighbour down the highway as a Torontonian discusses politics in the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada.

It’s the holiday season and with it comes indulgences of every kind. We’ve got some tips from our fitness guru on how to (wisely) partake in the holiday feasting without suffering the annual winter weight gain. On the flip side, we’ve also got your holiday cocktails covered and the perfect libations for gift giving this holiday season.

Whatever you celebrate (or don’t) we wish you a safe holiday and a Happy New Year.

To health, happiness, and prosperity! VC

Mike Hattim

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TRAVE WHAT’S HOT IN TRAVEL THIS WINTER? BUCKET-LIST DESTINATIONS YOU NEED TO SEE

T R A V E L

By Lin Parkin

It’s no secret; Canadian’s love to travel.

As our blustery winter descends upon us, we have one thing on our minds; escaping the cold. Most of us look forward to visiting sunny destinations where we can recharge our mental batteries by soaking up some vitamin D. You could head to traditional Canadian escapes like Cuba, Florida, or the Southern U.S. but why go to the same old places when paradise abounds in exotic locations across the globe. Experiential travel, eco-tourism, and customized itineraries are expected to continue trending into 2015. People want to go to places where few have gone before and see things that few have ever seen.

Adventurous travellers might enjoy visiting one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2015. Released in October 2014, their top pics include:

SINGAPORE NAMIBIA LITHUANIA NICARAGUA IRELAND SERBIA THE PHILIPPINES THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO ST LUCIA MOROCCO

You can also step out of your vacation rut with some of the warm destinations listed below. You’ll have fun exploring new landscapes, taking in authentic culture, and you’ll return home with a revitalized spirit.

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COSTA RICA

osta Rica is becoming a popular off-the-beaten-path destination for many Canadians. With its staggering beauty, Costa Rica is an unbridled region that draws 1.5 million visitors per year.

Playing host to a vast array of Disney-like creatures – from howler monkeys to toucans - Costa Rica is a nature observer’s dream. The region offers a comfortable lifestyle, peaceful democracy and overwhelming natural beauty.

Thrill seekers can experience white-

water rafting, try zip lining over the jungle canopy, visit an active volcano or take a train ride through the forest.

Similar to the cost of a typical Cuban vacation, Costa Rica has something for everyone, in every budget. You can opt for resorts with all-inclusive packages or European plans. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can stay at one of the many hostels or rent an apartment on a weekly or monthly basis.

Liberia is a common destination in Costa Rica but, according to Chris

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ TRAVEL | WINTER 8

Hoyt of Langua Travel, who arranges language immersion and adventure travel trips, the region of Nosara is growing in popularity.

“By far the most popular destination for our Canadian clients is Nosara, Costa Rica,” he says. “Nosara is a little slice of paradise located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. My partners and I actually jokingly call Nosara “Ontario South” because if you walk up to a random tourist around town, there is a 50% chance they are from Toronto or

the surrounding areas.”

Nosara boasts some of the most prominent yoga academies and surfing schools in Costa Rica. Hoyt also indicates that thanks to a protected green zone stretching the entire length of its coastline; the town has managed to avoid the rampant development that has plagued other areas of the country.

Travelers planning a trip to Nosara should book flights into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and take a private shuttle, offered by most lodging providers, from the airport into town.

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EL 03 ANGUILLA

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tiny Caribbean island best known for its 33 quite whitesand beaches, Anguilla is a burgeoning culinary destination and the unofficial wreck diving capital of the Caribbean. Snorkeling, scuba diving, boat racing, a plentiful of water sports, and not to mention the possibility of a celebrity sighting or two, bring the discerning traveller to this island paradise.

Dale Pusching, a Canadian travel industry expert, veteran of two of Canada’s largest Tour Operators and founder of SunResorts Marketing, shares why Anguilla is a must-see destination in 2015.

“Travelers are seeking ‘authentic’ experiences to interact with the local people and experience the culture through the eyes of a local rather than as a tourist,” he says.

Pusching has also seen villa style vacations as an emerging trend for family travel and “generation vacations” and is an attractive alternative to the all-inclusive concept. He cites mature market travel, community awareness, “giving back” programs and adventure travel as new ways that travellers are looking to explore the world.

Anguilla is easily accessible via ferry service from St. Maarten or short daily flights from San Juan or St. Maarten.

unique culture and endless adventures.”

While Bermuda isn’t cheap, its natural charm and beauty make it an excellent alternative to the tired allinclusive vacation. Depending on where you stay and what you plan on doing, you can expect to spend around $150-$200 a day while you’re there, including meals, transportation and accommodation. You can stay in one of the many cottage rentals, rent guest houses or apartments with kitchens, or stay in one of the well-appointed

hotels. Book well in advance and you’ll get better accommodations for a much better deal than if you book your trip last minute.

Bermuda’s summer months (May through October) are the prime time to enjoy its pink sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. However, the island’s year-round mild climate makes Fall and Winter an incredible time for a golf getaway, adventuring, or discovering Bermuda’s rich art scene and cultural heritage.

BERMUDA

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nown as the “Jewel of the Atlantic,” Bermuda is an enchanting place of natural beauty and cultural heritage with a multitude of local events, tantalizing cuisine, and authentic Bermudian experiences.

Explore sunken shipwrecks, go whale watching, or discover Bermuda’s history at one of the many cultural museums. From a renovated historic railway trail to a floating pirate-inspired bar stocked with rum, to master golfers

competing in headliner tournaments, there is a reason to come to Bermuda for everyone.

In 2015, Bermuda will be unveiling an array of new offerings and developments for visitors to experience.

“With year-round nonstop flights from Toronto on Air Canada and WestJet, Bermuda is the perfect quick weekend getaway for Canadians,” says April Ingle, of Turner PR. “In just 3 hours travelers can escape the city and enjoy Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, unparalleled golfing,

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ TRAVEL | WINTER 9

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04 MEXICO

International tourism to Mexico plummeted in 2013 after drug cartel violence increased in the country, but Mexico is now on the rebound.

According to The Bank of Mexico, 14.2 million foreigners visited Mexico between January and June of 2014, spending $8.4 billion while they were there.

If all-inclusive is your thing then Mexico is a good option for you.

It's anticipated that Mexico will be THE top travel destination for 2015 and, as a result, hoteliers there have been investing millions of dollars in renovations and developments in key geographical areas.

One example is Barceló Maya Beach

in Riviera Maya, a short drive from the Cancun airport. By the end of 2014, they will have spent more than $80 million in renovations. A familyfriendly resort, it is comprised of five adjacent hotels on a 2 km stretch of private beach. Guests can property-hop to check out any of the 24 restaurants and 19 bars featured across the five resorts. According to April Ingle, the Barceló Maya Beach and Barceló Maya Caribe properties are putting in $50 million in renovations, including: • Full redesign of all Club Premium Suites, complete with Jacuzzis on terraces and in bathrooms.

• New bars at both hotels and two new a-la-carte restaurants.

• Brand new Barceló Maya Entertainment Centre complete with a sports bar, bowling alley, teen disco, new kids club, paddle tennis courts and redesign of the 18-hole miniature golf course.

• A water park featuring a surf pool/ flow rider.

Another option for Mexico is the new Hyatt resort in Playa del Carmen. It is the first of many new hotels Hyatt plans to add to its chain of Latin America and Caribbean resorts. The allinclusive resort is on a coveted location on the iconic Mamitas Beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen.

Featuring a stretch of white sand beach, Hyatt Playa del Carmen faces

the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean and is surrounded by the excitement of the famous La Quinta Avenida - Fifth Avenue.

The restaurants and bars offer signature food and beverage concepts that will introduce you to exotic local flavours. You can explore deep underwater cave systems, pamper yourself with the ultimate spa experience, work out in the state-ofthe-art fitness centre, or do nothing at all, but lie on the beach. This urban beach hotel is ideally situated and most suitable for a couples retreat.

With the whole world to explore, where will you be travelling to this winter?

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THROUGH ROSE COLOURED

GLASSES

TECHNOLOGY

What does the future look like to you? To fans of Google, it looks like something Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character saw in the movie Terminator. That is, an enhanced first-person perspective providing greater detail and information than the human eye is accustomed to. This view of the future is quickly becoming the reality of the present with Google Glass, a special set of technologically advanced eyewear.

The hardware—which Google envisions as the next step forward in wearable technology—resembles a pair of lensless eyeglass frames. There’s more than meets the eye with these specs, however, as Google Glass provides users with an onscreen heads-up display (HUD), a camera, a microphone, and a GPS. By combining these capabilities, Glass shares many of the same functions as a smart phone. It also shares the promise of future developments in the way of apps. As more applications become available for Google Glass, its capabilities will continue to grow. At present, Google Glass allows users to utilize voice control to operate Google searches, get directions, translate language, and engage in a Google Hangout video call.

The prospect of utilizing Google Glass’ advanced capabilities has generated

BY NYLAN POZZO

significant buzz among consumers.

Enthusiasts eager to purchase and use Glass are currently able to do so, but only if they are over the age of 18—and only if they register for the Google Glass Explorer Program. The Explorer program is a beta trial of the technology which allows users to purchase Glass prototypes for the price of $1500 USD (£1000 in the UK). While there is no official word regarding a release date in Canada, there is some encouraging news.

In October, Google Glass was approved for sale by Industry Canada, the country’s regulatory body.

Most of the criticism lobbied toward Google for the Glass hardware revolves around four concerns: fashion, price, battery life, and privacy issues. Google has already taken steps to address issues with Glass’ appearance by partnering with eyewear manufacturer Ray-Ban to offer stylish frames as a housing unit for the product.

Still, at $1500 USD for the hardware and an additional $250 USD for the designer

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ TECHNOLOGY | WINTER 12

frames, the price is an understandable deterrent for some. It is worth noting that, as with all technology, the price will drop in time as Google recovers its initial investment in the technology powering the hardware. Some analysts have predicted that the purchase price could eventually drop to as low as $150 USD. As it stands, Google Glass will need to offer maximum value for its oversized price tag.

While Google’s official claim for battery life is “one day of typical use,” users and product reviewers have reported that the battery drains in 3-5 hours, depending on the number of photos taken. Indeed, the ability of Glass users to capture hands-free images at any time has been perhaps the biggest piece of criticism facing Google. Imagine the implications: every illicit activity, embarrassing moment, and private conversation potentially recorded without your knowledge. This has become a common concern in the digital age; it will become paramount with the implementation of Google Glass.

Our concept of privacy will evolve in step with technology such as this. For all of its criticism, proponents of the hardware choose to view this evolution through rosecoloured (Google) glasses.

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LIFESTYLE

SURVIVING A THE WINTER

BLUES SOAK UP SOME VITAMIN D Feeling tired, irritable, and down in the dumps is not uncommon in the wintertime and is largely the result of decreased exposure to sunlight. The darker days coupled with avoiding the frigid outdoor temperature causes our bodies to produce more melatonin resulting in that sleepy, sluggish feeling.

We need both Vitamin D and melatonin to function properly so on those wintery days balance it out by spending some time outside while the sun is up.

TAKE A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT The ozone, cloud cover, rain and snow all dramatically decrease the amount of UVB-rays that reach our side of the earth during the winter.

Compared to the summer months, the conditions outside significantly lower the amount of Vitamin D our bodies can produce. Numerous studies have shown that taking a Vitamin D supplement in the winter can have a significant impact on improving mood. To maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D Solar Facts and Advice suggests adults should consider taking 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3.

SEEK THE (ARTIFICIAL) LIGHT Exposing the skin to a bright artificial light is a commonly

recommended treatment for those with SAD. Light therapy lamps are an investment (ranging from 100 to 500 dollars) but some studies suggest 5,000 to 10,000 lux per day can be just as effective as treating SAD with pharmaceuticals. Light therapy lamps replicate summer sun exposure, elevating your mood and keeping you more alert. The higher the lux, the less time you need to spend under the light.

At the high end of the spectrum (10,000 lux) you need only 30 minutes a day as compared to the lower end (2500-5000) at about two hours a day. In either case, use the light therapy in the morning so that it doesn’t interfere with your body’s natural production of melatonin to help you sleep.

EMBRACE WINTER ACTIVITIES Winter offers many outdoor activities. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking, ice skating, sledding, tubing, winter photography, nature observation are all great ways to beat the winter blahs. If you can’t tolerate the cold though, try an indoor activity that’s reserved exclusively for the winter months. You could try learning how to play a new instrument, take an art class, go to the theatre, or take up Yoga. Consider hosting a dinner party once a month

s the temperature drops do you start feeling gloomy?

Perhaps all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket, glass of wine and whatever form of carbs you can find. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reports that about 2 to 3 percent of all Canadians suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Once thought to be a mood disorder SAD is now recognized as a

and rotating it among friends.

Giving yourself something to look forward regularly will help the winter fly by, and you may actually enjoy the season.

GET UP AND GET ACTIVE We all need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day – yes, even in the winter time. While it can be a challenge to get enough exercise during the deep freeze, particularly if you’re not into winter sports, it is important to maintain an exercise routine.

Exercise enhances your mood, preventing the winter blues, and it will help you maintain your overall physical and mental health. Given that the holiday season kicks off in winter so does the tendency to overindulge, so exercise is critical in warding off winter weight gain.

If ice skating and skiing isn’t your thing, winter may be the perfect time to hit the indoor pool, try martial arts, take a dance class or get a membership at the gym.

AVOID BINGE DRINKING It’s easy to stay inside and whittle time away sipping on your favourite cocktail, but binge drinking (considered 5 or more drinks in one sitting) can actually worsen your mood. You may get a false sense of happiness, but the feeling is only temporary.

The next day you’ll feel even more sluggish and tired, so you

recurring clinical depressive disorder that goes into full remission once spring arrives.

The CMHA says that another 15 per cent suffer from a milder version, commonly referred to as the winter blues. In some cases, it may need to be treated clinically by a family physician but, for many, they just need to change their winter ways.

So if you feel your mood dropping along with the mercury following these tips may help you combat the blues and improve your spirits over the winter season.

reach for the bottle again in an attempt to lift your spirits. This can lead into a dangerous cycle that’s difficult to break. Aside from being dangerous and draining on your body, regular heavy drinking will see your bank account draining in no time too. Alcohol is a depressant and can be habit forming so if you do drink, drink responsibly.

DON’T GIVE IN TO CRAVINGS Have you ever noticed you crave foods high in carbohydrates during the winter? That’s because high-carb foods raise levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

Junk food seems particularly appealing because the high sugar content raises blood sugar levels quickly, but the sugar high will make you crash hard in the end. Instead of resorting to simple carbs, grab some complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread or multigrain crackers.

Include some lean protein with your snacks to help you stay alert and keep you feeling satisfied longer.

Take heart. Spring will arrive soon and with it will come warm sunlight, budding leaves, the first flowers and a renewed sense of wellbeing.

If you can’t wait for spring, save up to travel somewhere warm and tropical in the winter where you can soak up the sun, and leave those winter blues at home.

By Lin Parkin

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ LIFESTYLE | WINTER 15

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ENTERTAINMENT

TOP

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MOVIES TO SEE IN WINTER 2015

With 2015 expected to be one of the best years on record at the box office, compiling a list of the top movies to see was a little daunting.

It isn’t often that sequels fare well at the box office, but that’s about to change.

The coming year will be packed full of major franchises releasing their newest installments. Some of the highly anticipated blockbusters hitting theatres in mid to late 2015 include:

THEATRES

Avengers: Age of Ultron Terminator: Genisys Jurassic World Hunger Games: Mockingjay P2 Furious 7 Minions James Bond 24 Mission Impossible 5 Star Wars V11

Pixar will also make a return to theatres in 2015 with their first

two new releases since 2013’s Monster’s University. With those being just a mere sample of what’s expected to rock the boxoffice in the coming year, we’ve shortened our list to the top ten movies to see this winter.

December 2014 will kick off with new instalments of Penguins of Madagascar, The Hobbit, and Night at the Museum. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Garner will star in the comedy-drama Men, Women, and Children. Following the success of Noah, another epic biblical film is making its way to theatres in December starring Sigourney Weaver and Christian Bale in Exodus: Gods and Kings, directed by Ridley Scott.

While deep winter is, usually, the offseason for big budget releases we think you’ll find many reasons below to venture out of hibernation this year.

The Gambler

Taken 3

Director: Rupert Wyatt Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, Jessica Lange, John Goodman Story: A crime drama based on the 1974 film of the same name written

by James Toback. The Gambler follows Jim Bennett, an inspiring New York English professor with a gambling problem, who finds himself in a downward spiral when he borrows money from gangsters and offers his life as collateral. Taking the lead role in this film, Mark Wahlberg looks dramatically different having shed 60lbs for the part.

Director: Olivier Megaton Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Forest Whitaker Story: The third and final installment in the Taken film series, Liam Neeson reprises his role as ex-government operative Bryan Mills. Falsely accused of murdering his ex-wife, Mills must evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. Outraged and framed for her murder, he sets out to use his “particular set of skills” to track down the real killers and execute his unique brand of justice.

(January 1, 2015)

(January 9, 2015)

MOVIE LISTINGS COURTESY OF IMDB | VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ MOVIES| WINTER 17

TOP

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MOVIES TO SEE IN THEATRES 2015 CONTINUED

WINTER

American Sniper

Mortdecai

Fifty Shades of Grey

Director: Clint Eastwood Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman, Luke Grimes, Navid Negahban, Keir O’Donnell Story: A biographical action film, this is the true story of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (Cooper). As the sniper owning the highest number of confirmed kills in American history, Kyle becomes a legend on the battlefield. But he also faces a battle on the home front as he struggles to be a good husband and father from halfway across the world.

As the toll of his absence grows on his family, Chris decides to return to civilian life - but the war follows him home.

Director: David Koepp Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Aubrey Plaza, Ewan McGregor, Paul Bettany, and Olivia Munn Story: In this action-comedy, debonair art dealer and part-time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Depp) must traverse the globe armed only with his good looks and special charm. Mortdecai is in a race against angry Russians, the British Mi5, and his impossibly leggy wife (Paltrow) to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Ehle, Jamie Dornan, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford, Victor Rasuk Story: Based on the controversial and best-selling erotic romance trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey follows Anastasia Steele (Johnson), a 21-year-old literature student, whose life changes forever after becoming involved with Christian Grey (Dornan), a successful 27-yearold entrepreneur. The handsome, yet tormented, billionaire introduces her to his dark world of desires – BDSM.

(January 16, 2015)

(February 5, 2015)

MOVIE LISTINGS COURTESY OF IMDB | VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ MOVIES | WINTER 18

(February 13, 2015)

The Gunman (February 20, 2015)

Director: Pierre Morel Starring: Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, Mark Rylance, Jasmine Trinca Story: Based on Jean-Patrick Manchette’s novel The Prone Gunman, The Gunman follows a former Special Forces soldier and military contractor suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He attempts to reconnect with his long-time love, but when betrayed by the organization he used to work for, he finds himself on the run across Europe in an attempt to clear his name.

Cinderella (March 13, 2015)

Director: Kenneth Branagh Starring: Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgard, Sophie McShera Story: Inspired by Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece, Cinderella is expected to be a visually dazzling spectacle in this new slightly darker live-action adaption of the classic fairy tale. The film features Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Stellan Skarsgård and Sophie McShera as the evil stepsisters, and Lily James in the title role as Cinderella. Richard Madden plays Prince Charming, and Helena Bonham Carter performs the Fairy God Mother.

Jupiter Ascending

Focus

Director: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski Starring: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Douglas Booth, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne Story: From creators of The Matrix trilogy comes Jupiter Ascending, a new original sci-fi screenplay from the Wachowskis.

Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born with signs of a great destiny. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but, instead, she faces the cold reality of life on Earth as a down-on-her-luck janitor. Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered interplanetary warrior, arrives on Earth to track her down. Soon Jupiter begins to uncover the fate that has been awaiting her all along - an extraordinary inheritance that could permanently alter the balance of the cosmos.

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro, Bradley Darryl Wong, Adrian Martinez, Stephanie Honoré Story: In this romantic comedy-drama Smith plays Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con-artist who takes a newcomer under his wing. They become romantically involved, but their encounter becomes perilous in a business fuelled by cheats and lies. The complications of their relationship return to haunt Spurgeon when the two meet up again three years later.

(February 15, 2015)

(February 27, 2015)

Caveat Emptor: release dates are accurate at the time of this writing.

They are subject to change based on where they are in production.

MOVIE LISTINGS COURTESY OF IMDB | VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ MOVIES| WINTER 19

V I S I O N

Outlook

COVERING YOUR VENTURE™

Rita Catolino

CEO of www.ritacatolino.com Transformation Coach, Motivational Speaker & Fitness Model Deciding to do a Venture Cover was a nobrainer for me. It was a great opportunity to support a new local magazine, market my business as well as have a HUGE business card, or better yet resume to hand to people when asked “what do you do?”. Having it both printed and digital allows me to reach both of my target audiences easily. I had such great feedback and new business from my Venture Cover, that I decided to invest in another one when I started my “sister” project, Four Weeks To Fab. Having done two is testimony alone for how much I believe in this marketing venture. The whole team who worked on my project, including, Mike Hattim, Damian Box, Paula Tizzard, Florencia Taylor and Dina Mansour made this AD’venture” fearless, professional and definitely worth my while. I think you may see a 3rd “RITA” one soon....stay tuned!

Colin Whitehead

Sunlife Financial

VC magazine has brought my practice into the limelight, allowing me to showcase my philosophy on financial management. I cannot say enough good things about they way VC magazine presents itself, the way it markets itself, and the added professionalism it brings to my practice.

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VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ VISION | WINTER 20

It was such an honour being the FIRST person and woman to be chosen to do a Venture Cover last year. The founders, Damian Box and Mike Hattim are a class act. Venture Cover & VC Magazine is so well respected in the community with the articles, style and quality of this New Business and Lifestyle Magazine. After having my Venture Cover created and launched online, I had numerous emails from people congratulating me and asking about Venture Cover & VC Magazine.

I was provided with top quality copies to give away to my family and friends. My Venture Cover gave me such great exposure personally and professorially because I was able to share my story and pictures with everyone. It has given my business even more credibility in and around the business community. Business has been better than ever! I proudly have it framed in my salon for everyone to see. Thank you Damian and Mike for taking me on a “Venture” I will never forget!

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HOME DÉCOR

T

ransitional style is a marriage of many drastically different styles.

We all know these styles typically as traditional, modern, contemporary, and in some cases industrial/rustic. Separately they create completely different looks. But when used together, this is where you can really be creative. When creating the Dream Lottery home we found it very hard to stick with one style. We wanted to make it appeal to many different audiences, and different styles and when asked to describe the dream home in one word we decide on transitional. We wanted to create a classic, timeless design that exudes calm and tranquility.

The look balances both masculine and feminine with the curves and straight lines of both the architecture and the furniture pieces. The fabrics chosen consist of linens, chenille, canvas, and silk all in warm neutrals to surround the space. The various textures used in layers add visual interest while still keeping with the cozy feel of the space. Overstuffed sofas and accent pillows create warmth and comfort without the use of dark fabrics and cramped furniture. Taking a minimalist approach, the neutral colour pallet creates a blank canvas to then add interesting textures and materials. This is what creates the WOW factor in every space without it becoming too overwhelming.

We all have busy stressful lives and it was important to me that people imagine coming home and sitting in front of the fire curled up with a cup of tea and a good book. Keeping the decoration and ornamentation simple allows one to focus on the modesty and sophistication of the design.

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ HOME DÉCOR | WINTER 22

Designing London’s

Dream

Lottery H The lack of colour makes room for interesting textures, such as the soft blue/grey accent chairs and smooth, creamy white cotton used on the sofa and love seat. The velvety smooth peanut coloured leather sofa adds depth in the space. The custom made raw steel desk and console table add to the industrial feel. The wooden live edge table in the dining room is soft and feminine with the masculinity of the material and wood texture. The area rug in the great room has various shades of neutrals and blended in perfectly. In the little girls room an old traditional antique dresser was found and painted to match the pink in the room.

All of the styles and use of different materials create the perfect blend and balance. Not being afraid to fuse more than one style is what created this beautifully unique design. Taking risks and trusting our gut helped this dream home grow into something that no one will ever forget.

By Jillian Summers Photos courtesy of Lemontree Photography, Dream Lottery, Upstaging & Treadstone Developments

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C O V E R

DR. SANJAY AGRAWAL, DDS SOUTHWOOD DENTAL STUDIO Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario Dr. Sanjay Agrawal moved to London to study Genetics and Biology at the University of Western Ontario, graduating in 1999. Drawn to the outstanding research and advanced teaching facility at the New York University College of Dentistry, he moved to New York City where he would earn his Doctorate in Dental Surgery.

“New York City has always been a place that has captivated me. When I was granted an interview for a position in the 2003 class, I was ecstatic just to re-visit the city that never sleeps and enjoy the hype and excitement it always offers. After the interview, I left the room and a panel member followed me out and stopped me. He handed me an envelope and said ‘Congratulations; you’ve been accepted.’ Needless to say, I was filled with joy knowing that my career path had been set.”

Dr. Agrawal had other dental school interviews still pending, but he was, of course, biased towards NYU since they paid him the ultimate compliment by accepting him right on the spot. He was relieved he would not have to wait impatiently for months on end to hear of his acceptance.

Living in New York City for almost six years, and the experience of attending dental school, was a priceless adventure for Dr. Agrawal. During his time in residency, his determination and drive were in full force as he soaked up as much knowledge as possible. “Learning from my senior residents and attendings was actually fun for me!

My work ethic, efficiency and passion today have certainly been attributed to my residency time in Queens, NY.” He held an Associateship at Queen’s Trauma 1 Hospital Residency for eighteen months, then practiced in Michigan for three years before returning to London to practice for another four years. He then decided to strike out on his own and set up his private practice, Southwood Dental Studio, and has called London home for over ten years.

“My decision for attending New York University College of Dentistry was certainly VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ COVER | WINTER 26

meant to be. But coming home to my family was always a priority for me and part of the long term plan.”

Along with his incredible staff, Dr. Agrawal offers a friendly environment where patients can feel relaxed. The Southwood Dental Studio team is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and most of all, comfortable and gentle dental care.

Transparency is also a key component in the care they provide to their patients. Patients are informed about their treatment options and the costs involved. There are no surprises or hidden fees.

“My dental team is the most caring and intelligent group of individuals, and they each want to make our patients’ experience exceptional.

They go above and beyond in providing excellent care so that your experience with us is ultimately rewarding and satisfying.”

Serving London, Byron, and Lambeth Southwood Dental Studio offers full-service dentistry for all ages, including General Dentistry, such as routine cleanings, to numerous specialty and cosmetic services.

As part of the London Implant Study Club and Nobel BioCare Implant Residency, Dr. Agrawal specializes in implants, teeth whitening, veneers, root canals, dentures, crowns and bridges. Southwood is also a preferred provider in invisible braces, known as Invisalign. Although he’s practiced dentistry for over 11 years, Dr. Agrawal doesn’t believe that education stops when you hang up your cap and gown. He is a strong advocate of continuing education and stays active in ongoing training. That allows him to offer the most up-to-date advancements and techniques in dentistry to minimize discomfort for his patients and the amount of time required in the dental chair.

“My dental team is the most caring and intelligent group of individuals, and they each want to make our patients’ experience exceptional.”

- Dr. Sanjay Agrawal, DDS

SOUTHWOOD DENTAL STUDIO 3010 COLONEL TALBOT RD, UNIT 3 LONDON, ON N6P 0B3 PHONE: (519) 652-7077 FAX: (519) 652-8077 EMAIL: INFO@SOUTHWOODDENTALSTUDIO.COM

“I am a firm believer that education is a lifelong process that never ends. My mission is to provide the highest standard of care in every way possible and to the highest degree.”

One of his greatest passions is educating his patients on the importance of dental health care and regular maintenance. Helping his patients make a positive change in their health, lives, and how they feel about their smile is his reward.

“The excitement I receive from seeing this change is why I decided to join the oral healthcare field. I truly appreciate the amount of trust my patients have placed in me and my team when it comes to their dental health.”

An avid sports fan and a testament to his dedication to the London community, Dr. Agrawal is the official team dentist for London’s professional NBL basketball team, the London Lightning.

How did such an opportunity come to be? Years before the team was fully created Dr. Agrawal and his good friend Vito Frijia, landlord of the dental office and future owner of the London Lightning got talking about their shared love of the game. Vito talked about how he wanted to put together a professional NBL team for the city of London.

When Vito’s dream of owning a professional basketball team became a reality, Dr. Agrawal stepped up to the plate, err, net. “I thought it would be great to get involved in this project and give back to the community. The idea of providing top notch dental care to these athletes in the form of checkups, cleanings, sports guards, etc. was intriguing to Vito. And the rest is history.”

Four years and two basketball championships later, the relationship between Southwood Dental Studio and the Lightning basketball organization is still going strong.

“It’s been nothing but pure joy and pleasure to be involved with the entire team as their official dentist. It is important to me to help the players maintain their dental oral health and help in their performance on the court. The privilege of helping these athletes allows me to give back to the city of London as best as I can.”

Dr. Agrawal’s partnerships don’t end there.

He has also partnered with Hair Haus Studio Salon in London, where he sends select patients for complimentary beauty makeovers.

Thanks to the reputation Dr. Agrawal has built with his original dental location in southeast London, Southwood Dental is now his second state-of-the-art location in London.

What does the future hold? Dr. Agrawal and his team of dedicated professionals have no intention of stopping at two dental studios. With plans to continue expanding and opening up more locations across London, Southwood Dental will be equipped to provide a comprehensive suite of dental services for Londoner’s citywide. VC VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ COVER | WINTER 27

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C

LIFESTYLE

hristmas parties seem to start earlier and earlier each year. Starting in November, Thursday nights are dedicated to the work holiday cocktail hour and go all the way until New Years. Your spouse’s cousin’s open house, your high-school girls’ annual get-together, the in-laws, the kids, the friends, friend’s friends and don’t forget the neighborhood soiree.

Yes, we are well immersed in the season of Cheer - or shall I say Chub? Unfortunately, the statistics for holiday weight gain are that most people put on anywhere between 7 to 10 pounds during the Christmas season, and I would say that the number is getting worse.

Holiday Guide To Staying Fit

By Rita Catolino

So what do we do?

My best advice, don’t become a statistic! But that’s easier said than done. How many of us start each season with good intentions that become just that - good intentions? I know I have. When push comes to shove, sometimes the spirit of the season (or “too many spirits”) gets the best of us.

Here are my top 5 tips on how to avoid the “Merry-Muffin-Top.” Tip #1: Train Insane Train your lower body (legs, glutes, hamstrings, quads) with your heaviest load in a lower repetition range. Do this a few hours before the Christmas party if you know you’ll be indulging in a little extra cheese, chocolate or bread. That post workout meal will serve as your glycogen recovery, replenishing the stores lost in your heavy workout, instead of being stored as fat.

As long as you didn’t eat the entire block of cheese, the damage will be minimized!

Here are some exercises I recommend:

• S quats (heels elevated squats, front squat, hack squat, leg press, lumberjack squat, Bulgarian split)

• L unges (static, walking, rear, wide legged, overhead hold)

• D ead-lifts (standard, sumo, Romanian, unilateral, swings, glute thrusts)

• G lute ham raise (lying leg curl, stability ball or slider roll-ins, sitting leg curl, one-legged bridges)

• Sled pushes or drags

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ LIFESTYLE | WINTER 31

LIFESTYLE

Holiday Guide To Staying Fit Continued

Tip # 2: The next day It’s the next day after your indulgent meal and, although motivation is not sky high, make sure you have planned a workout with someone to keep yourself accountable. I usually train alone, but by making an exercise date for the next day, post-holiday meal, you ensure that your workout won’t be missed.

I don’t recommend your typical, mindless steady state cardio here. I do however recommend doing a circuit type workout with lighter weights and higher reps this day to add some extra caloric burn. Try doing 5-8 exercises in a row in the 15-25 rep zone with a lighter weight.

Think about hitting every body part, starting from the largest to the smallest;

legs, back, chest, shoulder, triceps, biceps, core and repeat. Throw in some burpees, box jumps, skipping rope, ball slams and other dynamic movements to get that sweat on. Make it short and intense. All you need it 15 to25 minutes when giving it your all.

Remember, by planning your workout for the next day, you will most likely do a little less damage the night before. Happy sweating!

and drink a litre of warm water and lemon to get the digestive system flowing and give the lymphatic system a jolt. Train in a similar fashion as Tip #2 and have your breakfast post workout. I do not advocate fasting as a regular practice, but in these circumstances it helps minimize the damage and takes advantage of the extra “fuel” in your body. Make sure that you drink some branched chain amino acids during your workout and after.

Tip #3: Late Night Feast = Morning Fasting If you have attended a late night party where some “extras” were eaten, then I recommend that you use that stored food as fuel the next morning. Wake up

Tip #4: To Pre-Eat or Not? I used to tell people to plan ahead and eat a full meal adhering to their goals before attending a holiday party. Then while at a party, stay away from the food table and focus on the conversation. But the truth is,

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ LIFESTYLE | WINTER 32

although this tactic has worked for me in the past, I now want to enjoy the celebrations with friends and family this time of year. Does this mean a full out binge? No! It means eating all day, lighter than normal. Go easy on the typical fruit at breakfast and other carb and fat sources throughout the day, and then enjoy what the party has to offer in moderation.

Tips #1-3 will also help minimize the damage of a few extra calories. Try this “non-restrictive” mentality going into a party and you may surprise yourself. Remember, a few nibbles at a holiday party won’t stray you from your goals if you are on track the rest of the time. Balance is key.

Tip #5: Drink Responsibly Christmas at my house usually looks like this: a couple of pre-lunch aperitifs, a Negroni, Martini, Prosecco or Marsala. Then it’s wine with lunch ... and a lot of it. Of course, you need a “Digestif” to help settle all of the food.

Why not an Italian bitter or Limoncello? Then with our 1000 sweets and fruit we need something to moisten the usually over-dried Panettone. Some sweet wine is usually on tap to cure that. To top off our midday meal, we will have an espresso with some Grappa, Sambuca or other strong substance to make sure it goes down smoothly.

Did I mention the Asti-Spumante? This sweet sparkling Italian wine will make an appearance somewhere during our ten-course feast.

Alcohol presents a few problems when trying to reach a fitness goal. It has a lot of carbohydrates per serving, as well as being calorically dense. For some, it may also make them feel more relaxed, not only physically but mentally, which may influence food choices that follow (as is my case). The day after is not fun either as gym sessions may be affected by a lack of motivation. You may experience the desire to “feed” the hangover with greasy food.

Am I saying avoid alcohol at all costs? No! I suggest you skip the aperitif or cocktail, and have a sparkling water with lemon. This first drink on an empty stomach will set the tone for the rest of the day - and it will only get worse (or better). I have a glass of red wine with my meal, but will keep the water goblet close by to sip on as well. Another trick is to alternate a glass of water with every glass of wine. It will slow you down and keep you hydrated. As for the after dinner drinks, try a drop of white wine with some Perrier (my clients call this a “Rita Cocktail”). It will make you feel as if you’re joining in the fun - but with a quarter of the alcohol. A couple of these will keep you satisfied!

Try to set a mental plan before your party, Christmas feast or gathering. If you have a plan, you will be more likely to stick to your goals! VC

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Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad!

Rita Catolino is on online coach, fitness figure, motivational speaker & fitness model. She is the CEO of www.ritacatolino.com and the “4 Weeks to Fab Program.”

Her new cooking show on healthy gourmet foods entitled “Your Beauty Fuel” will air in January 2015.

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P O L I T I C S

TORONTO

LOVE

By Jeremy Tompkins

I’m a sucker for Toronto.

I was jonesing for the place before I was a resident. The best concerts were here, the brightest lights too. Admittedly, Toronto is not the only city I’ve loved.

There was a serious and sensual affair with London, Ontario as the 1980s became the ‘90s. Rules were broken. We bonded. We’ll always be tight. But, like many young trysts, that one came to an explosive end. Afterwards, certain appendages were dipped into other great cities short-term; Barcelona and Paris, Saigon and Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Boston. Toronto though is as close to a home as I have known.

Civic pundits like to make the obvious connection between Toronto and New York. “We’re Manhattanizing,” they say. Except no, we’re not. We’re Toronto-izing. There’s no questioning the city’s rapid change. There are more cranes in our skies than anywhere outside of China and Dubai. The Greater Toronto Area is adding more than 100,000 net residents every year.

In another four years there will be a whole new London inside of us. This frenetic pace has made life both less polite and more interesting. Toronto

is growing up. No one knows for sure when (or for how long) its star will burn brightest.

Toronto is a younger metropolis than many of its global competitors.

Londinium was founded in the first century AD by the Romans. Toronto’s predecessor, the Town of York, was established in 1793. Unlike Montreal, Toronto was not an indigenous city before the Europeans showed up. It started fresh and is still figuring things out. Barcelona has more fun. Boston is smarter. Toronto’s sunshine count means it will never be as glamorous as the City of Angels. But her best days are in front of her. Despite the cold, people keep showing up. It’s safe and livable. The world loves Toronto even if Alberta doesn’t.

Why shouldn’t Toronto feel the love? Every year the city distributes billions more in tax revenue to Canada than it receives. It’s a cash cow.

Ontario and Canada are better off with such a formidable business capital.

And therein lies the challenge. When you look at Toronto’s continental competitors, you see government management that is more educated, accomplished, and understanding.

Mexico City

New York

Los Angeles

Chicago

8.9

8.4

3.9

2.7

GDP, Billions (Brookings, 2012)

$411.4

$1,210.0

$786.7

$524.6

Chief Magistrate

Miguel Ángel Mancera

Bill de Blasio

Eric Garcetti

Rahm Emanuel

Education

PhD, LLM, LLB

MIA, BA

MIA, BA

MA, BA

Occupations

Lawyer, professor, attorney general of Mexico City

NYC public advocate & ombudsman, NGO

Professor of international affairs

Investment banker, U.S. congressman, advisor to President Clinton, White House chief of staff

Approx. Municipal Population

(Millions)

To an unfortunate minority, Toronto will always be Timmins plus 2.5 million people. Today though, when you search for more populous cities (proper, not metro) across North America there are only four.

Without exception, those four places are guided by supremely capable individuals. Mexico City’s mayor was also its attorney general and a law professor. The chief magistrates of New York and Los Angeles both hold master’s degrees in international affairs. They care about their communities and world. They have goals. Bill de Blasio distributed food during the Nicaraguan Revolution, in Nicaragua. Rahm Emanuel was an advisor to two United States presidents. His previous job was White House Chief of Staff. Elitism you say? Joe and Joanne Public have just as much right to take public office – but they might want to show up with more than a potty mouth.

Since 1998 when little Toronto was amalgamated with its five surrounding boroughs to form big Toronto, its representation has appeared less by contrast. Mel Lastman, furniture impresario and the first megacity mayor, stepped into the job after serving in the same position for North York from the 1970s to 1990s. Self-made but bigmouthed, he once complained that parents were giving birth then shirking their responsibilities, before it was revealed that his other woman and other kids were living in poverty. In 2001, he publicly worried that a trip to Kenya in support of Toronto’s Olympic bid might see him wind up in a pot of boiling water surrounded by natives. If only we were so lucky.

David Miller was an upgrade of sorts. He was educated in economics and law but then quickly became a career politician. He had big dreams for the city, but neither a funding plan nor the stamina to hang around to see them built. Toronto infrastructure appears to share qualities with Egyptian stele; the replacements mess with message. Miller used Toronto as a springboard, not the other way around.

Rob Ford was only the latest and most vulgar indicator of the city’s apathy for its democracy. His stint at the eponymous Redskins football camp was his most notable scholastic experience, and didn’t even lead to him getting off the bench for Carlton University’s football team.

He quit school after his first year. In the name of community service, Robbie teamed up with his businessman-and-politician father and the Toronto police to launch an anti-drug campaign at a public housing complex near his home.

He was arrested in Florida the next year for impaired driving and just happened to have marijuana in his pocket. This comedy routine would be Oscar-worthy if it weren’t for the hypocrisy. The news didn’t get out and Robbie became a city councillor. Despite doing and saying impolite things across three terms, he also picked up the phone and called his constituents. He honestly likes people and is as likeable as the late Chris Farley’s Tommy Boy. He was just as unprepared to run a complex organization. But the joke is on us. We voted him in.

Because John Tory is now mayor, and not Robbie’s big brother, Toronto may have finally gotten the joke. Though equally as privileged as the brothers Ford, Tory is also educated. He has advised political power at the highest levels. He was a chief executive at one of Canada’s largest companies, even if his dad did first lay the groundwork. Unlike the Fords, he’s also conciliatory. It’s not surprising he won. What is surprising, however, is how close Doug came to beating him. Allegedly, Doug was the drug pusher to Robbie’s drug user. Quite literally! Much of the Ford clan is connected to a network of violent and dangerous criminals. Where Robbie wants to be your friend, Doug doesn’t care.

RoFo is jokes. DoFo is scary. And he’s not going away. Hopefully Toronto’s indifference for its own future will.VC

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Author’s note. This article would be libelous if it weren’t true.

The most substantive original reporting was completed for The Globe and Mail newspaper by Greg McArthur and Shannon Kari and published May 25, 2013.

Jeremy Tompkins lives in Toronto. His first book, No School For Suckers: Textbooks, political censorship and mind control in a democracy, was published in summer 2014 and is available from Amazon.

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ POLITICS | WINTER 37

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S T Y L E

New Year,

New Season,

New You!

by Thelma (hair)

& Katie (makeup)

S

tart off fresh this year by giving your hair a detox and chopping off those dead locks. Over the summer months, your hair has taken a toll from the sun and humidity. There are many different products available that can nourish those split ends, but this is the perfect time to change it up and start the year off right. We’re all familiar with the “bob,” a classic haircut that’s currently trending and continually reinventing itself into 2015.

The most popular haircut for the chilly months is a longer version of the standard bob called the “lob” (a long bob). The lob is one of

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VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ STYLE | WINTER 40

the most sought out styles right now with its modern twist on the classic bob. It’s a medium length haircut that can be adjusted to sit just above or below the shoulders. It’s the perfect cut for those who want to keep some length, but refresh their look to something classy, more sophisticated, and easy to style. With so many variations, there’s no surprise that it’s considered the cut of the season. Whether you want to rock it straight, wavy, shoulder length, textured, blunt or deconstructed there are so many options to customize it to your specific style.

N

ow moving on to the hottest winter colour trends! This season is all about depth and adding a shade to your roots. By darkening your roots and keeping your ends lighter, you’ll be looking radiant with the perfect gradual colour blend down your hair shaft. Whether you desire a dark brown fading to a beautiful redbrown, or an ash-blonde blending into a bright blonde, everyone will be sure to admire your soft new do.

Lastly, for a night out on the town, don’t forget to glam up those beautiful locks with a trendy hair accessory. Whether you prefer exposed bobby pins, a shiny or sparkly bobby, a headband or even a bow, there’s a perfect way to glitz up your chic new colour and cut.

We can’t forget about beautifying your face now that your hair is looking fab! The cold winter winds tend to be drying on the skin so be sure to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. With each season, it’s important to get a facial from a professional who can perform a deep cleanse and exfoliation. Fresh, glowing skin is popular this year.

To get this look, mix your favourite illuminating product into your foundation and apply it to your whole face.

Keep your blush subtle. Eye shadow colours should be neutral for a day look and then darken it up for evening to create a smouldering effect that will make your eyes pop.

That can be done by lining your top lids with a black gel or liquid liner and then lining your bottom waterline with a black pencil liner.

Fabulous lip shades this season consist of darker tones in the red, cranberry or plum family. Be sure to prime and line your lips before applying lipstick to ensure your colour won’t bleed and will last all day. Finally, coat those lashes with several layers of black mascara to amp up your lashes and create volume with a dramatic effect.VC

Peace, love, & beauty.

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FOOD&BEVERAGE

Winter Highlights to Enjoy by a Roaring Fire

By Aaron Brown

In

the last issue of VC Magazine, we looked at low-alcohol beers that were tailor-made for sunny days and the shade of a patio umbrella. Now, we turn our palates toward beers that will warm you up, redden your cheeks, and give you some nondenominational holiday cheer. Some can be cellared and enjoyed later, which makes for a great gift for a friend -- or yourself.

When the seasons change so do our tastes. Why is that? This used to be driven by practical concerns. Before we could buy California strawberries in December we were at the mercy of Mother Nature and seasonal availability. It was time to hunker down for the winter and eat through your supplies. Our tastes changed because they had to.

Today we can cheat and get around these sorts of material constraints on our food supply. Yet wintertime still leads to a change in our tastes. When it gets dark and cold, tacos start to feel like a nostalgic summer snack and a hearty stew feels more appropriate.

We need something rich that will warm our bones.

Beer has these flavours in spades. Imperial stouts and porters offer roasted, chocolate, and cocoa notes. Porters will have typical alcohol levels and imperial stouts will be much stronger. Barleywines are sweeter, malt-driven beers without the roast flavours and dark colour of a porter. As the name suggests, the style packs a level of alcohol usually seen in wine. Christmas has its own spectrum of spices and these often show up in seasonal spiced ales.

Here are some suggestions that cater to the mood of some common winter scenarios: Out On The Town

Getting the gang back together for a night on the town? You might only get to do this once a year so there’s no sense drinking underwhelming beer. These local treats are worth a trudge down an unplowed sidewalk.

Forked River - You can find Forked River beers at over 20 locations in London and area, including Beertown and Milos’ Craft Beer Emporium. Visit the brewery store (45 Pacific Court Unit 16) to stock up on bottles. o Full City Porter 5.5% o Vindication Barleywine 10.2% o Weendigo Imperial Stout 10.2% Beer Lab - Find Beer Lab creations exclusively at Milos’ Craft Beer Emporium (Talbot and Carling Streets) throughout the holiday season.

Quantities are limited so pounce quickly if you see it on the menu. o Russian Imperial Stout London Brewing Co-operative - Look out for farm-to-table beer pairing dinner and beers made by the London Brewing Cooperative at The Root Cellar Cafe (Dundas at Adelaide Streets). Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients means flavours you won’t find in other beers. o Christmas Rye 5.5% o Cranberry Hefeweizen 5%

Cellaring Tips o Location should be dry and light-free o Cool, consistent temperature is best o Store bottles upright, never on the side o Buy more than one bottle to save and compare o Label your beer and note the date of production o Look for complex, high-alcohol beers such as barley

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ FOOD & BEVERAGE | WINTER 46

wines, imperial stouts, and strong Belgian ales

*

Snowed In *

*

Getting snowed in is a blessing in disguise. You are freed of commitments and have a license to crank up the fire, grab a nice book, blanket, beer, and cheese plate. Good thing you stocked the fridge before the blizzard, right? Find these goodies at the LCBO before you get buried.

Great Lakes o Christmas Ale 6.2% Available at LCBO, this is an annual amber ale spiced with ginger, honey, and orange peel. Goes great with a piece of fruitcake.

Goes better with anything besides fruitcake.

Black Oak o Nutcracker Porter 5.8% The beer that tastes the most like Christmas. It has a secret ingredient but I won’t tell you so you’ll have the fun of guessing what it is with your friends. Find it at LCBO

Watching The Game

o Side Launch Wheat 5.3% Need a go-to fridge beer for entertaining? This is a beer that works in any scenario. It pairs quite well with watching the game or even a Nathan’s chocolate orange. Late night? Try it for breakfast in your favourite coffee mug. Pair with waffles, orange slices, comfortable housecoat and silly slippers.

Cellar Treats

A beer cellar is the adult equivalent of the Marshmallow Test.

If you resist temptation you will have a greater reward in the future. o Amsterdam Tempest (9.1%) & Double Tempest (15%) A beer to look forward to each year and is one of my favourite ones to save away.

Tempest is at the LCBO and Double Tempest is a brewery release, aged in oak barrels. o Mill St Barley Wine 10.2% Another annual strong ale that is fun to collect and save for later. This beer is brewed each January and aged for nearly a year before being placed in a distinctive earthenware bottle. Find it at LCBO. VC

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GETTING SOCIAL WITH

Getting social with VC™ Magazine at our 2014 London “VC Launch Party”. Thank you for all who attended.

Tweet us @venturecover your photo holding a copy of VC Magazine!

VENTURECOVER.COM | VC™ SOCIAL | WINTER 48

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VENTURECOVER.COM | VCâ„¢ SOCIAL | WINTER 49

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