MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
Contents Magazine - Vol. 1 No. 2 Winter 2017
14 GRiP Dealer Spotlight
Walnut Grove GRiP Tire Dealer, Garth Hansen, talks about his passion for mountain bike riding.
7 Las Vegas of the South
Nashville has become a must-see destination for many travellers as it offers so many varieties of food, attactions and entertainment....oh, and it’s really fun!
Also Inside:
OpeningLines.................... 4 Year in Review................ 12 Community..................... 18 Healthy Living................. 19 Parenting........................ 20 Entertaining.................... 22 Technology..................... 24 Automotive..................... 28 The Back Page................. 30
21 Food & Nutrition
Herbs and spices make your dishes smell and taste better. Certain spices can also help you in the fight against aging.
GRiP Magazine is published twice yearly by
GRiP Tire Stores Inc. Contact: info@gripauto.ca
26 Lifestyle
Are you ready to buy a few fun pieces to incorporate into your everyday style in 2018? Mailing Address: 2460 Kingsway Ave, Port Coqutilam, BC V3C 1T4
Canada Post Mailing Agreement #40050183
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
GRiPOpeningLines
Bringing Home The Prize! Julie Smith Wins Grand Prize The results are in after customers over the summer filled out questionaires for a chance to win monthly Gift Cards or the Grand Prize of a 55-inch Toshiba LED TV courtesy of the 12 GRiP Tire locations in BC. The lucky winner was Julie Smith of Langley who is a longtime customer of Hudson GRiP Auto & Tire. Julie was extremely excited to be the big winner but at a bit overwhelmed by how big the TV was and where to put it in her home. We are glad to report she found a solution to her delima and is happy with her new television.
GRiP Tire`s Dean Washington and Russ Hudson present TV to Julie Smith.
Congratulations also goes out to the following monthly winners of Keg and Tim Horton`s gift certificates! Kristen Barnes of Langley, James Northrup of Nanaimo, Pam Nease of Kelowna, Betty Weiss of Langley, Mary Miller of Aldergrove, George Lesjack of Coquitlam, Jennifer Foulds of Coquitlam, Lauren Barrows of Langley, Carol Sanders of Langley, Geoff Owen of Squamish and Maureen Desmond of Kelowna. Keep an eye out for the Spring Sweepstakes in the New Year at your local GRiP location.
What the Heck is FlexDelivery? FlexDelivery is an exclusive Canada Post service that lets you choose a convenient post office location where you want your packages to be shipped. It’s convenient, secure, free and you can only use it whenever you need it! Each time you shop online, you can decide if you want to have purchases shipped directly to one of our more than 6,000 post office locations or to your regular home address. You’ll get an email notification when it’s ready for pickup. Use it when you want to keep gifts a surprise or when you are away from home and want receive your delivery. When you sign up you will receive a unique eight charater identifier so that it goes to the right post office. The only catch to using FlexDelivery is you must make sure the online store that you purchased from can ship to a PO Box address. So make sure to check the shipping policy before you buy. You can get more information on FlexDelivery at www.canadapost.ca/flex.
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
Many Ways to Give! There are so many ways to give today but usually at this time of year we tend to think about Food Banks. If you are considering making a donation here are some tips to keep in mind: -Cash is king as the saying goes. Food banks are able to purchase more for the buck with local grocers as well as fresh produce. -Check the expiry dates if you are donating food items. This saves the staff time and eliminates someone from getting sick if it’s overlooked. -Fruit is important for a child’s diet. Canned fruit packed in juice is healthier than ones in syrup. -Rice is a great staple and has a long shelf life. -Protein is essential in a diet. Tuna, Ham or even canned chicken can make a good protein alternative to peanut butter.
-Keep the elderly, infants and diabetic’s in mind. Low sodium or sugarless items will be appreciated almost as much as diapers for a young family. -Don’t forget the about the need for toiletries. Toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, soap are essential everyday items, as are diapers.
BC Food Banks Locations
Abbotsford Food Bank 33914 Essendene Ave, Abbotsford 604 859-5749 www.abbotsfordfoodbank.com
Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army PO BOX 1874, Parksville BC 250-248-8793 www.parksvillesalvationarmy.ca
Central Okanagan Food Bank 1265 Ellis St., Kelowna 250-763-7161 www.cofoodbank.com
Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank 1009 Farquhar St, Nanaimo 250-754-8347 www.nanaimoloavesandfishes.org
Greater Vancouver Food Bank 1150 Raymur Ave, Vancouver 604-876-3601. www.foodbank.bc.ca
Pitt Meadows Food Bank 12240 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows 604-460-4619 www.friendsneedfood.com
Langley Food Bank 5768 203rd St, Langley 604-533-0671 Langleyfoodbank.com
Share Food Bank Depot-Tri-Cities 2615 Clarke St, Port Moody 604-931-2451 www.Sharesociety.ca
Maple Ridge Food Bank #8-22726 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge 604-466-3663 www.friendsneedfood.com
Squamish Food Bank PO BOX 207, Garibaldi Highlands 604-815-4054 www.facebook.com/Squamish-Food-Bank
Keep in mind that some churches in your area will accept drop off food donations and some of the grocery stores offer to add a donation onto your grocery bill right at check out. For a full list of donation centres please visit www.foodbanksbc.com.
Surrey Food Bank Society 10732 City Pkwy, Surrey Phone: 604 581-5443 www.surreyfoodbank.org Surrey/North Delta Food Bank 10732 City Parkway, Surrey Phone: 604-581-5443 www.surreyfoodbank.org Richmond Food Bank #100-5800 Cedarbridge Way, Richmond 604-271-5609 info@richmondfoodbank.org White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank 2343 – 156 St, South Surrey 604-531-816 www.surreyfoodbank.org
Special Food Needs
Muslim Food Bank (dietary restrictions) #101-13085 115th Ave, Surrey 1-866-824-2525. www.muslimfoodbank.com Single Parent Food Bank #306-11960 222nd St, Maple Ridge 778-552-4100 info@spfoodbank.org MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
#NASH!
by DEAN WASHINGTON
Today’s Nashville is much more than Honky Tonks and the Two Step!
For many that were born in the baby boomer era Nashville, Tennessee may conjure up of thoughts of dirt roads, cowboy boots, hats and music that some might describe as borderline depressing! Well, the days of “I lost my job, the wife left me for my best friend and the dog died” are not completely absent, but not near as prevalent anymore in the state’s largest city. In fact, today’s Nashville with a population of 660,000 and just under 14 million visitors in 2016 might be better described as the “Las Vegas of the South”…without much of the glitz, glam and gambling! (FYI: Vegas has over 40 million annually – Vancouver has 10 million) What is also clear is that the city is no longer just solely the home of country music, but also a thriving city with major commerce besides being the home of international corporations such as Nissan and Bridgestone. It also has over 100,000 healthcare jobs in the city. Make no mistake, tourism is still the major economic driver but more and more Nashville is becoming a place to call home with 25,000 people making the move there each year. This was my second trip to Music City in the past 15 months with the first to participate in the 2016 Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon that had an amazing 30,000 runners! This year’s trip was to witness the Seattle Seahawks take on the Tennessee Titans (who are interestingly named after the Nissan Titan truck). The following is some travel info and highlights of our memorable trip.
Flights, Accommodations, Meals Return airfare from Vancouver will run you around $600 with the only downside being there are no direct flights from YVR. Typical connections are via Toronto, Chicago or Dallas and depending on the time of year weather delays can factor into travel times. Our flight went through Chicago and had a total travel time of six and half hours. What you many not find very acceptable is the price of accommodations continued on page 11
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
Printer’s Alley is home of the blues in Nashville.
if you choose to stay close to downtown Nashville. The only way to describe room rates is that they are an all-out assault on your wallet! Rooms within a 20-block radius of the downtown will run you a hefty $350-$500 CDN per night! If you choose to stay further out it becomes a bit more reasonable ranging in the $200-$400 CDN. Meals on the other hand are a whole different story. There are hundreds of eateries to choose from and a taste and price range for everyone. Everywhere we dined we walked away felling satisfied we received full value for the price. And if you like barbecue and southern fair this is the place for you. Two spots that stood out for us were Merchants on Broadway and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in
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continued from page 9
Midtown Nashville. Merchants is a mid-range priced cookhouse that specializes in smoke styled barbecue that is highlighted by the best wings we have ever tasted in our lives! There is also a large assortment of pastas and salads on the menu that brought us back for a second visit. Hattie B’s is more of a cafeteriastyle establishment that draws a crowd.... literally. It was located two blocks from our hotel in Music Row and was lined up 40-deep day and night to get at their fried chicken. It was definitely worth the wait!
Nightlife Music is to Nashville is what gambling is to Las Vegas.....the soul of the city. With the amount of bars and clubs on the main street alone it is hard to believe that there are several other major areas to enjoy live music. The Gulch, Music Row, Printers Alley and 2nd Avenue
The famous Tootsies roof-top patio located on Broadway Street.
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
Top 10 Nashville Attractions
(www.10best.com)
a passionately preserved building are the reason this is one of the city’s top attractions.
1. ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE History comes to life at the home of Old Hickory, former President Andrew Jackson. The story of The Hermitage, and how Andrew Jackson’s forged his prosperous farm, is peppered with invention, freedom, and the changing tides of the times.
8. LANE MOTOR MUSEUM
5. RYMAN AUDITORIUM
One of the few museums in the U.S. to specialize in European cars, Lane Motor Museum is a working museum. Some of the cars are in showroom condition, while others represent typical aging.
One of Nashville’s most beloved music venues, The Ryman is the premier spot for any music lover seeking to hear their favorite performer or tour a legendary performance space. 6. PARTHENON in CENTENNIAL PARK
2. GRAND OLE OPRY The Grand Ole Opry is an American icon. Known as “country’s most famous stage,” what began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. 3. BICENTENNIAL CAPITOL MALL STATE PARK A nod to this soldiers who served for the USA forces, The Bicentennial State Park showcases the WWII veterans’ memorial. 4. THE JOHNNY CASH MUSEUM One of Nashville’s most-visited attractions since opening in 2013, the Johnny Cash Museum resembles a small storefront but packs all kinds of memorabilia within. 10
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
A tribute to classical architecture, the Parthenon in Centennial Park houses one of the premier museums in the area. The permanent collection boasts notable works from 19th- and 20th-century American artists.
9. CARNTON PLANTATION If you have a history buff seeking entertainment, head straight to Franklin, TN. Here, you can visit many sites for very little expense.
7. CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART Cheekwood mansion is a site to behold, and one that Nashville society has carefully protected for years with the annual white tie Swan Ball fundraiser. Curated antiques and 10. BLUEBIRD CAFÉ The Bluebird Cafe is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms and the venue has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter’s performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs; songs that have been recorded by chart-topping artists in all genres of music.
are all within walking distance. So what kind of live music do you prefer? Jazz?.... check, Blues.....check, Rock ‘n Roll?..... check, Country?.....double, maybe triple check! Music is what the city is known for and it does not disappoint. As you walk down Broadway (which is the main street) what you see through the windows of each establishment are the backs of musicians. They are generally crammed onto a tiny stage belting out songs from every genre and era showcasing seasoned singers and musicians. Anyone who is trying to make it to the big time or just loves to perform are on the stages....and are really, really good. The crazy part is they all play for tips. That’ right! There are literally hundreds of people playing from morning till the wee hours of the night in hopes to either be discovered or simply put food on the table.
Day Trips There are several bus tours that will take you around the local attractions including the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluebird Café. We instead chose to rent a car and take day trips to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchville, Tennessee and the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Both were about an hour and a half drive (opposite directions) from the city but were well worth the trip. Both tours produced many interesting facts but the one that shocked all of us was that every drop of Jack Daniels Whiskey distilled and each Corvette assembled in the world are done at these two locations!
Conclusion With only five days in this city we could only scratch the surface of what it has to offer, but it definitely rates right up there with a trip to Sin City. The difference though, is what happens in Nashville, you will want to talk about when you get home! MAGAZINE - Winter 2017 11
The World As We Saw It In 2017 -Donald Trump is inaugurated and becomes the 45th President of the United States of America on January 20. -Adele wins four Grammys including Best Song for “Hello” and Best Album “25” at the 59th Grammy Awards. -On July 1 Canadians celebrate our 150th Birthday. -The NDP forms a minority government and July 18, the leader of the BC NDP, John Horgan, would officially be sworn in as premier of British Columbia. -Australia becomes the 26th Nation to legalize same-sex marriage. -A temperature of 53.7°C (128.7°F) is recorded during the 2017 heat wave in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, breaking Iran’s previous record and becoming one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth. -Liquidation sales began in late October 2017. Sears stores are expected to close on January 21, 2018. -The world’s oldest man to date, Polish–Israeli Yisrael Kristal, who was also recognized as the oldest living Holocaust survivor, dies at age 113 years, 330 days, in Haifa, Israel on August 11, 2017. -The 5th oldest living woman to date, Violet Brown passes on Sep 15, 2017 at 117 years, 189 days in Montego Jamaica. -Total solar eclipse happened on Aug 21, 2017 and the next one won’t be until 2024 and you will need to venture State side to get a good view. -Convicted mass murderer and cult leader, Charles Mason dies November 19 at the age of 83. -The Toronto Argonauts defeat the Calgary Stampeders 27-24 in 105th Grey Cup. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip celebrate their 70th (Platinum) Anniversary. -The New England Patriots defeat Atlanta Falcons 34-28 to win Super Top: Adele shows off Grammys; Middle: Bowl LI. Royal Wedding in 1947; Above: Yisrael -Moonlight wins Best Picture at the 89th Annual Academy Awards. Kristal receives Guiness Award in 2016. 12
MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
by BRENDA WASHINGTON
-Pittsburgh Penguins beat Nashville Predators to win Stanley Cup in six games. -104th Tour de France won by Chris Froome of Great Britain, his 4th win.
PASSAGES
Roy Halladay-Baseball Pitcher Born: May 14, 1977 in Denver, CO Died: Nov 7, 2017 (age 40)
Mary Tyler Moore
Jeff Bezos
Monty Hall-Game Show Host Born: August 25, 1921 in Winnipeg, MB Died: September 30 (age 96) Adam West-Actor Born: September 19, 1928, Walla Walla, WA Died: June 9, 2017 (age 88)
Jordan Spieth.
-Jordan Spieth shoots 268 to win the 146th British Open Championship-. -Italy fails to qualify for 2018 Football World Cup (first time since 1958), after play-off defeat against Sweden. -Ed Whitlock was an English-born Canadian long-distance runner. At age 85, he became the oldest person to run a marathon in less than four hours at 3 hours, 56 minutes 34 seconds at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October 2016. He passed away just one week after his 86th Birthday on March 13, 2017.
Fats Domino-Singer/Pianist Born: February 6, 1928 in New Orleans, LA Died: October 24 (age 89)
Malcom Young-Musician Born: Jan 6, 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland Died: Nov 18, 2017 (age 64)
Mary Tyler Moore-Actress Born: December 29, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY Died: January 25, 2017 (age 80) Hugh Hefner-Playboy Founder Born: April 9, 1926 in Chicago, IL Died: September 28, 2017 (age 91)
David Cassidy
Roger Moore-Actor Born: October 14, 1927 in Stockwell, London Died: May 23, 2017 (age 89)
David Cassidy-Actor/Singer Born: April 12, 1950 in New York, USA Died: Nov 21, 2017 (age 67)
Erin Moran-Actress Born: October 18, 1960 in Burbank, CA Died: Apr 22(age 56)
Della Reese-Actress/Jazz Gospel Singer Born: July 6, 1931 in Black Bottom, Detroit Died: Nov 19, 2017 (age 86)
Glen Campbell-Singer/Songwriter Born: April 22, 1936 in Billstown, AR Died: Aug 8 (age 81)
Mel Tillis-Country Singer/Songwriter Born: Aug 8, 1932 in Tampa, Florida Died: Nov 19, 2017 (age 85)
Jerry Lewis-Comedian, Actor Born: March 16, 1926 in Newark, NJ Died: Aug 20 (age 91)
Don Rickels-Stand-up Comedian/Actor Born: May 8, 1926 in New York City, NY Died: April 6, 2017 (age 91)
Tom Petty-Singer/Songwriter Born: October 20, 1950 in Gainesville, FL Died: Oct 2, 2017(age 66)
Chuck Berry-Singer, Songwriter Born: Oct 18, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri Died: March 18, 2017 (age 90)
Gordon Downie-Singer/Songwriter, Activist Born: February 6, 1964 in Amherstview, ON Died: October 17 (age 53)
J. Geils-Singer/Guitarist Born: Feb 20, 1946 in New York City, NY Died: April 11, 2017 (age 71)
-Amazon founder Jeff Bezos surpassed Bill Gates to claim the title of world’s richest person on Oct. 27. His net worth is on the verge of hitting a mind-blowing $100 billion. MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
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A Passion for Riding! Garth Hansen talks about his life-long love affair with the bicycle.
GRiPDealerSpotlight Location: Walnut Grove Auto Tech / GRiP Tire Owner/Operator: Garth Hansen
GM: When you say got seriously back into it what did that entail? GH: I started participating in Enduro races and recently I am back doing downhill as well in Whistler and the local mountains.
Years in Business: 17 - first year with GRiP We Work On: All Makes, RV’s & Trailers Hobby: Mountain Bike Riding/Racing GRiP Magazine: How long have you been interested in riding? Garth Hansen: Like everyone I rode a bike when I was a kid but I got really into riding when I was in my early twenties. Back then we were still riding trails with bikes with no suspensions. Then front suspension came along so we started to do some downhill riding. I took a bit of a break when the kids came along and then got seriously back into it about eight years ago. 14
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GM: How many bikes do you own? GH: Two that I ride regularly but I take care of 10 bikes in the family as my kids love the sport as well. My 14-year-old son in particular has a passion for riding. He and I do more downhill while my daughter, who is 10, more so enjoys trail riding.
GM: How often are you able to get out and where do you go? GH: We get out at least once a week for sure. If we are riding locally we go to the North Shore, Seymour specifically, Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack and Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford.
GM: Is there a club or association that you are affiliated with? GH: I am a member of the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association which the primary function of the group is to manage trails. Unfortunately with the business and kids activities I don’t get out as much as I would like to for the maintenance days.
Garth out for a ride with co-workers Corey (c) and Darcy (l).
GM: Where is your favourite place to ride? GH: That’s difficult to answer. If I had to pick one I would say Vedder right now. There is a nasty hill climb that I am trying to get better at as I want to do more Enduro races this year.
GM: For those not familiar with what it is can you explain what Enduro is all about? GH: Racers have to ride up and down the mountain multiple times with only your time coming down the hill taken into consideration as they don’t count the amount of time it takes you to climb the hill. With that in mind there is a maximum amount of time you have to complete the whole race and you must ride up the hill on your own steam.
GM: Is there a destination on your bucket list you would like to do a ride?
GH: Vancouver and Whistler are the premier areas for riding in the world so they are tough to beat, but I wouldn’t mind riding in the Carolinas. There are good riding areas and my grandfather lived there. It is also the final resting place for him so It would make it that much more special.
GM: What is the best thing you like about riding? GH: Riding clears my head. I like the ride to be strenuous and/ or difficult enough that all I can think about is riding for the time I am on my bike. I love the challenge!
“Riding clears my head. I like the ride to be strenuous and/or difficult enough that all I can think about is riding for the time I am on my bike. I love the challenge!“
Garth Hansen - GRiP Tire
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GRiPCommunity
by BRENDA WASHINGTON
Volunteering…Everyone Benefits! Our city has an annual car show that my family has been involved in for the last 13 years. The list of people we have enlisted are endless. From our kids to their significant others, to neighbours and friends, old and new. They have volunteered their services to the community. It got me thinking about all the volunteers on hand that makes the day such a success. Without their help it would not happen. You know the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child”. I can honestly say “it takes a village of volunteers to pull off a community event”. Volunteering can be such an empowering selfless gift. People can use the excuse that they are too busy to volunteer but if you were to sit down and think about what you are passionate about I’m sure there is something that comes to mind that you can do to give back. It doesn’t have to be a life-long commitment. Find something that fits your lifestyle and ignites your interest and it is sure to be rewarding. Maybe you have a hobby or craft that you could share with the local Girl Guide group or Boy Scouts. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful gift to share that skill and knowledge? You may inspire a child to become more than they thought they could be or do. If you have children, they are always looking for volunteers to tag along on field trips, coach a team or be a parent helper at your child’s school. If you have no children and feel you would like to spend some spare time giving to a child, why not look into becoming a “big sister or “big brother”? It is a big commitment so make sure you have the time to invest to make a difference for them. If you drive, you could volunteer to help out a cancer patient get to an appointment or the elderly to visit the doctor. If you’re a walker and want to include getting your exercise, consider dog walking at the local shelter. For those who are blessed with musical talent, call the local senior centre and see if you can entertain them one night. There are so many different groups looking for community support that you may want to … “get on the google” and see what piques your interest and reap the benefits of volunteering!
Some of the many benefits of volunteering *Giving others your time can bring you interesting and challenging opportunities that might not come along otherwise. *It can relieve a sense of loneliness/boredom or social isolation, if you are new to the community. *It is an excellent way to explore your likes and dislikes. You may find a totally unrelated skill or interest that you’d never consider you were good at. *Way to show a sense of appreciation and pride for your community especially if you include your child in the activity that you choose to volunteer for. *Life can be hard and when you’re feeling down, your problems can seem insurmountable. It may help you see your life in a whole new light. *Feeling needed and appreciated are important. Meeting people who need your help is a great way of boosting your self- esteem and self-worth. * Research has shown that the good feelings you experience when helping others can be just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet. The bottom line is that the smile from a child or thankful person shows you’re really making a difference in someone’s life and that’s the greatest feeling in the world!
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GRiPHealthyLiving
by BRIDGET WEBBER
The Habits of Exceptionally Happy People You might think happiness only appears under the right circumstances. Happy people, though, increase their propensity for joy with shared habits. Instead of waiting for contentment and bliss, note these joy-boosting tips.
Talk Big Recent research shows happy people spend more time engaging in big talk as opposed to small, meaningless banter. Small talk oils the wheels of communication when meeting someone new, but can feel superficial the rest of the time. The key to enjoying conversations, and promoting happiness, is to discuss meaningful topics.
Eat for Joy Food affects your frame of mind, so eating to increase positive emotions makes sense. Top tips include consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to absorb nature’s healing rainbow of nutrients. Slow-release carbs, oily fish, cheese, nuts, and seeds will also help you stay cheerful.
Exercise Working out, or just taking a daily spirited walk, increases feelgood hormones. Exercise each day, and you’ll benefit from less depression, more brain cell manufacture, reduced anxiety, and better sleep. Plus, train with a companion, and you can socialize at the same time.
Cultivate gratitude Reasons to feel gratitude are abundant, but many people don’t appreciate their blessings. Noticing you’re lucky helps you tap into joy, whereas focusing on problems has the opposite effect. List things to be thankful about before you sleep. As well as feeling happy when you wake up, you will have sweet dreams.
Don’t take other’s moods personally
Socialize
You’ll encounter miserable, angry individuals who look outside themselves for someone to blame for their disposition. However, follow the behavior of happy people by not taking their anxiety personally. Sympathize, but retain your emotional vibration, knowing you aren’t responsible for how anyone else feels.
Studies show people enjoy increased happiness when they are sociable. Share your life with friends, family, and members of your community, and you won’t suffer from isolation. Plus, you can give and receive support. Benevolence and inclusion in a social group lead to more joie de vivre.
Happy people have the edge; they enjoy better health, longevity, and satisfaction than miserable folks. Copy their habits, and be content too. Initially, tweaking your lifestyle and behavior will take effort, but you’ll glean rewards fast. MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
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GRiPParenting
by TAM NI
Five Reasons to Read to Your Child
With video games, internet, cell phones, and television, picking up a book hardly seems necessary. However, no matter how popular different forms of media become, reading is still a wonderful activity that does so much more than pass the time. Among others, there are five big reasons we should be reading to our kids.
there is a place in society for everyone, and that they may not be as different as they think--a lesson often lacking in other media that tends to praise social norms rather than uniqueness.
1) Bonding Many forms of media allow families to be absent among one another. TV watchers and video game players can completely check out even when sitting next to each other. Reading to your child generally puts you both in close proximity to one another--the child may even sit in your lap. You can be close to your child while still entertaining them.
Writers read. This is a fact few, if any, professional writers would dispute. Reading is a critical part of the process of becoming a writer. For kids, this also applies. Learning language skills in school can be boring. Reading teaches language skills while slyly disguising it as fun. Those newfound language skills will carry over into being a better communicator overall because the child will learn things like appealing to a particular audience alongside grammar and syntax.
2) Lines of Communication
5) It’s Free
Characters from books face problems in their own little worlds. Those problems can help children not only identify with the characters, but also discuss real-life problems with their parents. Sometimes kids have trouble finding the words to tell their parents what is happening with them. A story may open a line of discourse between the parent and child that otherwise would not have happened.
In a world full of entertainment that can drain your bank account, reading can still be a free activity. Libraries and book exchanges make it possible for anyone, no matter their economic stance, to enjoy reading. Helping your child become literate can help them achieve greatness in life, whether that means going to college, or simply becoming gainfully employed. Literacy can begin in childhood, and have a lasting impact into adulthood.
3) Teaching Tolerance & Acceptance Along with the idea of open communication, books can be a way for children to experience things they may not have yet experienced in life. Children can learn to understand diversity in society. They can find a way to deal with the discrimination they may have faced, too. Literature can teach children that 20
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4) Better Writing & Communication Skills
Some parents may worry about buying their child the coolest gadget or biggest television. Others may only hope to provide warm meals. Reading is the one thing any family can do with their children, and it can help a child become more than just a bookworm. Reading can help a child be a happier, healthier human being.
GRiPFood&Nutrition
by LINDA COURTNEY
Herbs and Spices to Fight Aging Herbs and spices make your dishes smell and taste better and do not add any calories. Certain spices can also help you in your fight against aging. Small doses provide antioxidants. They can keep your immune system strong, lower blood pressure, as well as support your digestive system. Make sure you keep the below spices stocked in your spice rack and use them regularly. Cloves have anti-aging benefits. This spice has antioxidants and is good for inflammation. Asthma and bronchitis sufferers may find relief from cloves. It can also help relieve arthritis and muscle pains. Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood pressure in studies on animals. The smell of fresh baked pie made with cinnamon can relax the mind and body. An added benefit is it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Blood-thinning compounds found in cinnamon can improve circulation. Curcumin, a yellow spice found in turmeric and curry powders is anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. People in India have relied upon it for centuries to help treat digestive problems, skin diseases, and joint disorders. Ginger is well known for relieving nausea, but it can also boost your cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties found in ginger help your immune system to function optimally and keep you healthy. Nutmeg is used for decreasing anxiety and treating insomnia. It can help with muscle spasms, joint pain, and gout. It is
beneficial for heart health as it lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, and lowers cholesterol. Rosemary can promote brain health. It is known to improve concentration and help your memory. It can help you fight depression also. As a powerful antioxidant, it boosts your immune system and improves circulation. It can fight cancer too as a bonus. Garlic has the compounds that can inhibit cancer growth, decrease cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. Fresh garlic has the most benefits, but there are supplements available for those who do not like the taste. Basil has beta-carotene, known as an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause heart disease and cancer. They can also cause premature aging. Basil is good for your bones also as it contains Vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium. Herbs and spices have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Adding them to your dishes can help keep you healthy and living a longer, more productive life. They add no calories, but plenty of flavors. Pick the ones you like, and sprinkle them in your favorite dishes.
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GRiPEntertaining
by LEANN ZOTIS
Make a Winning Wine and Cheese Platter If you’re ready to step up your entertainment offering and this is your first attempt at serving an inviting wine and cheese platter to your guests, the best advice is to start small. Don’t try to impress and overwhelm your guests with too many choices. An ideal pairing should be a taste treat to the palate, not an assault on the senses. For a basic wine and cheese platter, a simple start is to begin with three wines, one white, one light-bodied red and one stronger red offering. Use small wine glasses so your guests can move from one wine station to the next, tasting and enjoying as they go along without missing a single delicious taste. From there you can pair two or three different cheeses with each wine selection. Offer at least two cheeses to pair with each wine type to tempt your guests but no more than three so as not to seem overwhelming and confusing. The possibilities are extensive, but unless your guests are true wine connoisseurs, it’s good to start with commonly known wines. 22
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1. Most casual wine drinkers are familiar with Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Either of these crisp, fruity white wines will pair nicely with Asiago or Feta cheese. If you want to be a little more daring, include a sampling of a fresh Pecorino Toscano to spark their taste buds. If you’re trying to add a little more pizzazz to your party, your Riesling will be a good match to a cheese fondue. There’s a little something for everyone with any of these pairings. 2. For a light-bodied red, you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir. This very versatile wine pairs well with Aged Cheddar, Chèvre Goat Cheese and Havarti and always gets rave reviews as a great accompaniment to Pinot Noir. For a nuttier flavor, try pairing with Gruyere or Gouda. 3. Your options are wide open for a fine full-bodied red wine. Consider a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Red Zinfandel. Excellent cheese options include Danish Blue, Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Cantal. A strong cheese pairs well with a bold wine. A fine wine and cheese platter should be rounded off with a few other accompaniments to add interest to the event. Try garnishing your platter with dried or fresh fruit, a variety of nuts and, of course, an array of crackers and breads for your cheeses. Serve the cheeses cut into cubes, spread onto crackers or sitting attractively as a solid block on a fancy plate. Varying your presentation will add as much to your event as the delicious cheeses and flavorful wines you choose to offer your guests. The final top off to your great wine and cheese event should definitely be the serving of a flavorful dessert wine paired, of course, with a fine dark chocolate. Any form of chocolate will work. Serve a dense chocolate cake, a fine chocolate mousse or a simple piece of solid chocolate. Your wine of choice could be a Rioja, Port or any one of many delightfully fruity wines. A successful wine and cheese event is all about entertaining and pleasing your guests. The bottom line is really very simple. The perfect wine and cheese pairing is the one that delights the palate.
BC Wine Quick Facts Number of Wineries 272 licensed grape wine wineries in British Columbia (total 341 licensed wineries).
Five Wine Regions Okanagan Valley Similkameen Valley Fraser Valley Vancouver Island Gulf Islands
Emerging Regions Shuswap North Okanagan Thompson Nicola West Kootenays
Number of Vineyards
929 vineyards with more than 10,260 acres of planted land
Grape Varietals Produced 80+ Top Ten Whites (by acreage planted) Pinot Gris Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Blanc Viognier Ortega Ehrenfelser Blattner Whites
Top Ten Reds
Merlot Pinot Noir Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Syrah (Shiraz) Gamay Noir Marechal Foch Malbec Petit Verdot Zweigelt
Ratio of White to Red 49% to 51% Source: www.bcwine.org
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GRiPTechnology by JUDITH HAYES
Drone videography is fast becoming very popular with photographers. It allows you to get amazing and stunning aerial images without the expense of hiring a pilot and plane to take you up. Create unique videos with a different perspective of beautiful scenery people seldom get to see. High-quality drones and camera prices have dropped considerably since they first came on the market. Drones are the most exciting new technological addition to the photographer’s arsenal of imaging tools. There are many options when it comes to choosing a drone. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) can provide the operator with a range of price choices. Lowcost versions take basic images and are good learning tools. High-end drones are fantastic UAVs that take amazing pictures while soaring above scenic vistas, beach weddings, sporting events, and more. Some units allow you to add your GoPro, and use some camera gear you may already own.
DJI Phantom Drones The Phantom brand is one of the most popular based on ease of use, which makes them the most popular UAV. They are ready to “fly straight out of the box.” After charging the battery, and downloading the smartphone app, your drone is ready to fly. Your app allows you to set the maximum heights and distances for your drone to conform to and place stricter limits on your drone while you are learning to maneuver and control it. Once you have mastered it, the sky’s the limit. The Phantom drones come in all price ranges.
GoPro Karma
button. Your Karma will come back to you.
GoPro’s Karma is a mid-priced UAV that takes beautiful video whether it is hand-held, mounted, or flown. You can avoid accidentally entering a restricted zone with Karma’s built-in no-fly zone. You can control Karma from distances up to 3,280 feet and have 20 minutes of flying time with each charge. GoPro’s Karma is ultra compact and comes with a case you can wear comfortably during your activity. It’s easy to use with your control panel, and when you want it to return to you, just hit the land
Yuneec Typhoon H Pro
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The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro high-end drone is a six-rotor design. It offers a rotating 4K video camera with both JPG and Raw image capture abilities. The Typhoon H Pro also has retractable landing gear. The remote control has an integrated display screen and supports dual operators. Intel’s RealSense obstacle avoidance is also included in the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro package.
SKY-HIGH VIDEO
Drone video is opening up a whole new world!
Rules for Recreational Drones If you fly your drone for fun and it weighs more than 250 g and up to 35 kg, you do not need special permission from Transport Canada to fly. There is a list and an overview of the new rules for recreational drone users you can find at www.tc.gc.ca. Consult the Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft for the full list of provisions. You are exempt from these rules if you operate your recreational drone at a Model Aeronautics Association
of Canada (MAAC) sanctioned field or event. Following the basic safety rules will help keep people, aircraft and property safe. If you fly where you are not allowed or choose not to follow the rules, you could face fines of up to $3,000. Drone videography is taking off all around the country and the world. Don’t get left behind. Check out and purchase one of the many drones on the market and start flying. MAGAZINE - Winter 2017
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GRiPLifestyle
by JC MAY
Fashion Forecast
2018 Hot Trends for Women The biggest designers and most fashion-forward shops have chosen their showpieces for 2018. Are you curious about the big trends of the year? Are you ready to buy a few fun pieces to incorporate into your everyday style? Here are 10 fashion trends sure to have a huge impact on your wardrobe. Peek-a-Boobs After several years of extremely low-cut necklines, the under-boob is about to see its day in the sun. Modern crop-tops will be short enough to show just the curve of a breast peeking out from beneath the fabric. High Rise Platforms Heels aren’t the only shoes that can make you taller. Look for added height to casual shoes like flats and sneakers by way of a sole at least 2 or 3 inches thick. Practice wearing this style at home before you take it into public. You’ll avoid potentially embarrassing stumbles as well as the risk of a broken ankle. Fanny Packs They were a source of laughter in the ‘80s but those little bags you sling around your jeans are going to be everywhere very soon. These little bags are big enough to hold a phone, some money and a few cards. You carry them right next to your body for easy access and low theft potential. Most styles fit around your waist or hips, but some go over the shoulder as well. Look for fanny packs from big-name designers. Shoulder Pads The bigger the shoulders, the smaller the waist. That was the philosophy in the ‘80s, and it’s coming back in current fashion. Jackets, sweaters and other tops will soon be stuffed with shoulder pads that create a triangular torso. 26
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between the cloudlike puffs of the ‘80s and the billows of the Victorian period. Air-filled, structured pockets made of fabric are being seen on evening wear and even bridal gowns. More casual tops are given a slightly gentler treatment, creating a romantic effect. Also look for off-the-shoulder puffs that are worn as accessories over your elbows.
Lovely Lavender Last year, pink was the color of the moment. Now it’s time to make room for lavender. The pretty, pastel purple will be all over feminine tops, dresses and shoes as well as handbags, hats and even home décor.
Tassels and Fringe Texture is a buzz word in fashion today, and you’ll find plenty of it on the newest clothing. Wavy tassels adorn hems and shoulders while you’ll see fringe on sleeves and shoes. Some styles are absolutely overloaded with texture, creating movement everywhere as the model walks.
Clear Rain Gear Clear plastic will be making an appearance this year. You’ll find seethrough boots, jackets and hats, often outlined in colorful piping. Clear plastic bags will also be popular, so you can see what you’re toting in wet weather.
Trench Coats A trench coat is a cool weather staple for many. Popular trench coats this season feature wide belts and big buttons. They are also often adorned with a subtle design on the lapel.
Puffy Sleeves Modern puffy sleeves are somewhere in
These 10 fashion trends are already on runways and are sure to make a splash in upcoming seasons. Which styles will find a place in your closet? Darkest Denim If you need something to offset your delicate lavender, look to a dark colored denim. More than just jeans and jackets, you’ll also see plenty of denim jackets, dresses and shirts. Don’t look for the washed-out hues of years gone by. The current denim trend is toward dark blues that are almost black.
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GRiPAutomotive
by HOWARD ELMER
Something Special
FORD F-150
Pickup Trucks With A Flare!
Have you noticed how many pickup truck special editions are on the market this year? Chevy alone is pushing five – more if you count the HD-specific ones. Even full-size newcomer Nissan is offering dealer-available equipment that will “personalize” your new Titan – as if the Titan wasn’t new enough. Toyota is also doing it, adding to its already popular TRD Pro model. Ram is also on board, spring boarding off the Rebel and regular Ram with multiple grille treatments, hood designs, wheel treatments and wild colours. Ford already offers the most multi-level trim packages for its F-150 and SuperDuty; yet for the 2018 model year they are already pushing four special editions that can be mated to the trim of your choosing. As its advertising says “it’s about standing out in the pack.” Of course, special editions have been around almost as long as automobiles themselves – it’s an obvious way to drive sales by offering something unique over and above the regular. But, the real hook has always been the limited time each is available. So while this sales tactic is not new, the content that appears in these special editions today has changed, particularly in trucks. Perhaps this custom trend will, in the long run, spawn some very collectible pickups. Today, everyone wants to be unique, so why should truck buyers be any different? But in the meantime, here are RAM 1500 Rebel Mojave Sand some the offerings you will find in showrooms across the country.
CHEVROLET Silverado Redline
Available on either LTZ71 double cab or crew cab. It features 20-inch black wheels with red accents, black badges with a red outline, red tow hooks, black bowties, black mirror caps, black grille and headline trim. Body colour front and rear bumpers. 28
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Silverado Midnight HD
Black everything. Wheels, bumpers, grille, and bowtie. A Rally 1 version includes rally striping on the hood and sides as well as 20-inch wheels. A Rally 2 package bumps up to 22inch gloss black wheels, and 4-inch round assist steps.
Silverado High Desert
Comes with a new lockable storage system, lighted side boxes, 20-inch wheels, hard folding tonneau cover and sport bar with sail panel.
Silverado 2500 HD Custom Sport
Applies to the HD truck. 20-inch aluminum wheels, body-colour grille and bumpers, chrome door handles, mirror caps and bodyside moulding.
Silverado Realtree package
Chevy has partnered with Realtree to build this hunting-focused edition. It features exterior camouflage graphics, blacked out emblems, off-road assist steps, and bolder badging. Inside is a black leather interior with embroidered head restraints.
Silverado Special Ops
Aimed at the base WT trim, this model includes all the Blackout Edition content plus 20-inch black aluminum wheels, unique Naval-inspired graphics, deep tinted windows, and sport assist steps.
FORD The 2018 F-150, which is itself a refreshed
CHEVROLET High Desert model, isn’t due till late this year. At that time, the current roster of trim packages will be augmented with four new special edition packages. These will be called Sport Appearance Package, Special Edition Package, Chrome Appearance Package and STX Appearance Package. What will be included in each has yet to be announced.
RAM Ram 1500 Rebel Mojave Sand
Mojave Sand exterior paint and hood then gets a unique black decaled performance look. It has an all-black interior. The Ram Rebel is already a spinoff from the regular Ram with its offroad-looking design and exclusive grille treatment.
Ram 1500 Ignition Orange
It comes with a Sport performance hood with black decals, black Ram’s head grille badge, black tailgate badge and black body-side badges. Inside, Copperhead accent stitching sets off the coloured decor, like seat inserts and trim rings.
TOYOTA The Tundra TRD Sport builds on a very capable 4x4 truck by offering it with colour-keyed mirrors, hood scoop, front and rear bumpers. It rides on 20-inch alloy silver sport wheels, has a mesh grille, fog lights and special graphics. Exterior colours include Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Blazing Blue Pearl and Barcelona Red Metallic.
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GRiPTheBackPage The Honorable Mike Farnworth has been on the BC political scene for the past 30 years. He began his career as the youngest-ever elected Alderman in 1983 for the City of Port Coquitlam at the age of 24 before moving on to become the city’s Member of the Legislated Assembly (MLA) in 1991. Mike has a tremendous passion for the people of the city he has called home for 48 years and for that has been re-elected six times. He has held the position of Minister of Health, Finance, Municipal Affairs, Employment and Investment, and currently is the province’s Solicitor General. We had a chance to sit down with B.C.’s Top Cop recently in Victoria to discuss his years in office, current duties and how he relaxes away from the job. GRiP Magazine: What got you get into politics at such a young age? Mike Farnworth: I was really concerned about a land use issue at Colony Farms as I felt then, as I do now, that those lands should not be built on. Council controls zoning and it would have to be rezoned so with part of that land within Port Coquitlam boundaries the city would have a big say in what happened there. So I decided to run for council. GM: When did you know you wanted to make the jump from municipal to provincial politics? MF: In 1989 the local MLA, Mark Rose, approached me to ask if I would consider running as he was retiring and said he liked my passion for the city. So I didn’t run in the 1990 civic election and was successfully elected to the legislature the next year. GM: What do you like most about public service? MF: You are able to do things that help people directly and help shape the province over the long term. I really enjoy it. GM: You have served at the head of several ministries. How do you rate your current portfolio against the others? And how has it been going so far? MF: It is definitely a portfolio I really enjoy so far. Bringing the cannabis legalization file from the ground up and not just tinkering with something that is already in place is real challenging and stimulating. To bring in public policy that people are happy with and will stand the test of time is quite exciting and something I’ve enjoyed being a part of. GM: Speaking of legalization of cannabis, can you shed some insight on the plans on the roll out? MF: We just completed a consultation process where we received over 48,000 separate online submissions. We also established a working group with local governments through the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) to deal with issues on how it impacts them and so they know what to expect. These are two critical components we are using to shape our decision. I will then take the recommendations forward to cabinet to get their agreement and then in the spring we will
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have legislation that will put the framework in place to make sure things are up and running by July of next year. GM: Is that a date imposed by the Federal Government? MF: Yes, the Federal Government will be in charge of the testing and quality control while the Provinces are responsible for the distribution and retail systems. To be clear, the distribution and retail is not the same thing. They are completely separate and will be treated that way. GM: Your government is planning a mail in ballot referendum on Proportional Representation next fall. If voters choose to move in that direction, is it something you are in favour of and how will it change things going forward? MF: I have supported this in the past and something we (as a party) committed to in the last election. If it passes, political parties will have to work more collaborative and more corporative as opposed to one party saying we have the majority of the seats. Therefor what we say goes. In my opinion you will end up with a more consensus oriented government. GM: We asked you earlier about what you like about your job, is there anything you dislike? MF: Really the only thing is the occasional personal attacks that sometimes take place. I don’t think they are necessary. GM: What do you do to unwind away from Victoria? MF: I like to take my dog Charlotte for a walk on the dyke near my home. I enjoy walking the trails in the city where I also do the occasion bird watching. GM: You have had a successful career in politics. Is there one accomplishment that stands out above the rest? MF: There are a number I am proud of when I reflect back. The West Coast Express, the Courthouse in downtown Poco as well as the Red Bridge at Colony Farm come to mind. I am also very proud of the policy initiatives I’ve worked hard on. Providing an expansion of palliative care when I was health minister was a difficult task, but something that really provides a great source of pride.
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