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MUSIC PASTE: The All Ages Poster Show Opens June 9th in Vancouver

2012-05-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Fancy yourself a bit of a poster Connoisseur? Ya, us too! Well now is your chance to take in some amazing local poster art at the Vancouver Music Paste.

This one-night-only showcase of original gig poster designs and live music occurs during the same weekend as Vancouver’s premier independent cultural festival, The event features artwork by 10 amazing local artists: Zach Bulick, Lindsay Chetek, Nicholas Goebel, Ariel Hitchcock, Jacob Kownacki, Carmen Leah, CHRIS-P, Kim Ridgewell, Daniel Sicolo, and Laure Stromboli. The posters will advertise concerts that occurred between 1985 and 2005 - shows that the artists either saw and loved or wish they could have attended.

The evening also includes a live performance by Hallow Moon at 9pm. This is one show you don't want to miss.

The official afterparty will be hosted by Glory Days at The Biltmore Cabaret immediately following Music Paste (11pm - 3am). Music Paste attendees will receive vouchers to attend Glory Days for free.

This is one poster event that is going to be off the hook! So make sure to go down and check it out!

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Event Details: Music Paste Poster Showwith live music by Hallow Moon
Event Date: Saturday, June 9, 2012
Location: Little Mountain Gallery, 195 East 26th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Doors: 7:30pm // Live music at 9:00pm // Open to all ages
Cover: $5 // Free with Music Waste pass

Connect online at:
TWITTER: @musicpaste
FACEBOOK:facebook.com/musicpaste
WEB: musicpaste.com

Cave Dwellers - Literally!

2012-05-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just wanted to get away from it all? Considered escaping to a deserted island or some remote part of the earth. Well, one family is taking this desire to a whole new ‘sub-level’.

Curt and Deborah Sleeper bought land in St. Louise in a remote area of the state a few years ago, but instead of building their house on the land, they built inside of it. Using an existing cave, the Sleepers constructed a fully functioning house, complete with electricity, running water, and 3 dehumidifiers to battle the constant stream of moisture.

Consisting of 3 levels, and boasting an impressive 37 glass sliding doors, this engineering marvel is remarkably bright despite 3 of the walls being made of stone. The best part is that the cave requires no heat or air-conditioning. The rock is a natural climate control, keeping the underground dwelling a constant 16 degrees in both summer and winter.

When asked about possible bat and rodent problems, the Sleepers calmly replied, “Nothing a cat or two won’t handle.”

Google’s New Weight Loss Program

2012-05-15T03:04:00.000-07:00

Google Street View is handy for a number of things. It helps you with directions, let’s you peer into the yard of a total stranger, and actually helped one man from the UK lose weight.

No this wasn’t through some masterful Google algorithm or high tech weight management service. It was through the awesomely powerful effect of public embarrassment.

Bob Mewse was horrified to find a photo of his portly figure standing across the street from a Bristols gas station. The unflattering photo caught him at a side angle, wearing a grey T-shirt, and a rather large pot-belly sticking straight out.

Immediately after seeing the picture, Mewse joined a gym, developed a healthier diet regime, and worked diligently at losing the weight. “I knew that I actually had to do something about it. I was in such bad condition that I was unable to walk and talk at the same time.” Mr. Mewse told The Telegraph when asked about the photo.

At the time the photo was taken, Mr. Mewse weighed in at just under 300 lbs. Today he weighs in at just under 200 lbs. Well done Bob!

So remember, the next time you decide to eat the whole pie instead of just one slice, you may hear someone say, “Smile, you’re on Google’s camera!”.

Breath Test Required to use Vending Machine

2012-05-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

It has long been a Canadian dream, some might even argue that it is the ultimate dream – a vending machine that serves beer!

Well, that dream has become a reality for a small group of our southern neighbours, but it comes with a little twist.

Residents of Pennsylvania can now buy wine from vending machines, but only after they pass a mandatory breath test to prove that they haven’t been drinking.

There are currently 2 vending machines kiosks in operation, with another 98 being planned for the Fall. In order to use one, buyers must insert a driver’s license proving they are over 21, their identity is then verified via a video link by a member of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board who is at the other end of the video feed. Then they move onto the next stage, requiring that the buyer blow into a breathalizer to prove that their blood alcohol level is less than .02.

If all stages are completed successfully, they can then insert payment, and choose from a selection of over 50 wines.

Stacy Kriedeman, a spokeswoman for the PLCB, said the breathalyzer is designed to perform the same service as liquor store employees who deny service to anyone who appears to be drunk. Only 2% of purchasers have failed the breath test, leading authorities to believe that this new method of purchase will be a big success.

What do you think about the new breath test vending machine?

Hottest Pepper on Earth

2012-05-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

If you think that Tabasco sauce is hot, then you ain't tasted nothing yet!

The Naga Jolokia Pepper, is the world's hottest pepper (recorded by the Guinness Book in 2007).

These babies are so hot that people actually smear them on fence posts to fend off animals!

On the Scoville scale (used to measure spiciness) the Naga Jolokia pepper rates 855,000 to 1,075,000 heat units. That means eating one of these peppers equals chomping down on somewhere between 106 and 430 jalapeno peppers.

As Mark Messier used to say, "I bet you can’t eat just one!"

The Best of Product Labeling

2012-04-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

It is always nice when a product comes with clear directions for proper use. But sometimes we come across labeling, that just seems, well... obvious?

On Sears hairdryer:
Do not use while sleeping.

On a bag of Fritos:
You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

On a bar of Dial soap:
Directions: Use like regular soap.

On some Swann frozen dinners:
Serving suggestion: Defrost.

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert: (printed on bottom of the box)
Do not turn upside down.

On Marks and Spencer Bread Pudding:
Product will be hot after heating.

On packaging for a Rowenta iron:
Do not iron clothes on body.

On Boot's Children's cough medicine:
Do not drive car or operate machinery.

On Nytol sleep aid:
Warning: may cause drowsiness.

On a Korean kitchen knife:
Warning: keep out of children.

On a string of Christmas lights:
For indoor or outdoor use only.

On a food processor:
Not to be used for the other use.

On Sainsbury's peanuts:
Warning: contains nuts.

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.

On a Swedish chainsaw:
Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands.

On a child's Superman costume:
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.

Vitamin E - AKA "The Sex Vitamin"

2012-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Benefits: Several studies have shown that Vitamin E possesses estrogenic, androgenic and progesterone-like properties which can boost a woman’s sexual libido. Additional benefits of Vitamin E include prevention of heart disease and cancer.

Natural Sources: Almonds, Asparagus, Avocado, Sunflower Seeds, Olives, Spinach, Papaya, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Blueberries.

Why Does Everyone Sound So American?

2012-04-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why New Zealand, Latin American, Scottish and English musicians all sound American when they start singing?

Studies in the past have suggessted that non-American singers willfully put on American accents to cheat their style and become more popular in the United States. However, recent research suggests the opposite; that an American accent becomes the default, especially when singing pop.

After conducting tests on New Zealand singers, Dr. Gibson from the University of Auckland found that each one automatically sang with an American accent, and many of them didn't even know they were doing it. It turns out the American accent and the way words are rounded off makes it the easiest accent to sing in.

"It doesn't require any effort to sing in American, trying to sing in a New Zealand accent would take awarerness and effort, its hard" Dr. Gibson replies.

If you have an English accent, or a New Zealand accent, actually singing in your own accent would make you stick out, "everyone sings in an American accent, so for pop music, it has become the automatic and acceptable way of signing," Gibson states. It seems, even your sunconcious wants you to fit in.

There is one caveat; the accent musicans sing in may in face be more about the style of music than where they come from. Have you ever tried to sing reggae? You most likely tried to take on a Jamaican accent, however, an individual from Jamaica will take on a Southern American accent when singing country!

This leaves only one burning question: Where do you go to find a Jamaican country singer to test this theory on?

GPS Underwear

2012-04-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

Brazilian designer Lucia Lorio has introduced a new line of sexy lingerie that comes with a high tech twist. Hidden amongst the padding and lace of each pair of bra and panties is a small GPS tracking system, capable of locating the undergarment within a meter of it’s actual position. Yup, you heard right, GPS built right in to the underwear!

The GPS underwear can be tracked via a home computer or cell phone, and has left many men eager to buy a pair in order to keep tabs on their wives. Unfortunately for them, the GPS has an on/off switch and is password protected, making unsolicited monitoring impossible. Even so, how many women would like to be tracked?

It seems to me that having GPS built into socks would be more useful, given that one always seems to go missing. But I guess tracking your underwear can be a good thing too. You might be concerned about its whereabouts after a hazy Friday night on Granville Street!

The price tag for a pair of these modern day knickers starts as low as $500 and goes as high as $1200 for more sophisticated models. An intriguing idea. However, for all the guys out there, I think you might score way more points if you buy your gal diamonds instead!

Jug-gling Water

2012-04-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

There are two plastic jugs filled with water. How could you put all of this water into a barrel, without using the jugs or any dividers, and still tell which water came from which jug?

Write down your answers in the comments section and we will notify you when the right answer is given.

Lower Mainland Community Comes Together to Support Positive Mental Health

2012-04-11T15:49:00.002-07:00

The CMHA Simon Fraser is bringing it back! Yup you guessed it, the second annual 5km Run And 2.5km Walk To Raise Awareness For Mental Health is back, and this year they hoping for a huge turnout. The event is set for May 12th at 10am and everyone is invited to come out register for the race and enjoy the festivities.

Did you know: 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness and, according to a recent study, the national economy lost $51bn in 2008 alone as a result. The second leading cause of death among young people (16-24) is suicide; the leading cause of hospitalization among the active population (20-44) is mental illness.

The event will bring our community together in support of healthy minds, healthy bodies, mental health awareness, and stigma reduction. The 2.5km walk and 5km run will take place in Queen's Park, New Westminster on May 12th and draw participants from throughout the Lower Mainland. The upbeat family event will feature music, food, an art exhibition, and keynote addresses.

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Simon Fraser Branch serves 130 housing clients, more than 200 outreach clients, and a variable number of clients for other services each year. Their vision is mentally healthy people in a healthy society.

Full Details:

When: Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Where: Queen’s Park, New Westminster, BC

Race Time: 10am

Distance: 5km run | 2.5km walk

Registration: $20 (early bird offer)

(Children register free and other discounts available)

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For more information or to arrange an interview with the Project Director Avneet Johal, please call 604-612-0856 or e-mail mentalhealthrun@cmha.bc.ca.

DOXA Documentary Film Festival Coming to Vancouver in May

2012-04-10T10:26:00.002-07:00

Have you seen a burqa lately? This blue garment and her cousin versions, known worldwide as Islamic religious traditions covering women entirely, are being exposed. In her first feature documentary, Story of Burqa: Case of a Confused Afghan, Afghan-Canadian filmmaker Brishkay Ahmed unveils the burqa's mysterious origin from palace harems to the choice of fashionistas, to being a weapon of psychological warfare.

Though it has now been banned in parts of Europe, Ahmed proves the burqa's current use as a political tool manipulating Afghan women, and reveals its other strange functions by spies, suicide bombers, and even sports fans.

"Story of Burqa is the unknown story of Afghanistan," Ahmed says. "I want Afghan women to stop wearing burqas. They have been lied to! We cannot progress with it!" The film uses stock footage - most of which was banned or hidden during the Taliban reign - and interviews with brave and knowledgeable experts. This film, which took Ahmed two years to complete, shines a light on the dark reality of the burqa.

The world premiere of the film is part of the DOXA Documentary Film Festival's Making Waves Spotlight on Canadian Women in Documentary and takes place Thursday May 10, 7pm at the Empire Granville 7 Cinemas. Singer Mozhdah Jamalzadah, known as "the Oprah of Afghanistan," will perform a song after the screening.

The Sun is Good for you Again!

2012-04-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

New research has found that a good dose of sunlight may be just what the doctor ordered.

Science has found that sunlight provides us with our only natural and reliable source of vitamin D; which among many things is responsible for boosting our immunity, regulating blood pressure, and warding off disease. Vitamin D received from the sun has even been found to decrease the risk of various cancers including colon and colorectal.

So go out, slap on some sunscreen and have a relaxing day in the sun. Just be sure to avoid those nasty sunburns!

Betty's Liberty Closet Reaches Out to Women at Risk

2012-03-27T12:31:00.001-07:00

Looking to make a positive impact with your daily shopping? Then this is one site you gotta check out!

In support of the anti-human trafficking initiatives of The Salvation Army, Betty's Liberty Closet donates 5% of all purchases on BettyBeGood.ca to female survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking who find refuge at Deborah’s Gate, (deborahsgate.ca) a safe house operated by The Salvation Army.

“The hope and dignity our residents will find through Betty’s Liberty Closet is priceless. We deeply value this partnership,” said Naomi Krueger, Manager of Deborah’s Gate for The Salvation Army BC.

Liberty in style is the mandate of a new online boutique launching April 2nd at www.BettyBeGood.ca, offering fresh style for women and a fresh start for victims of human trafficking. Betty's Liberty Closet was created by owner and new entrepreneur Suzanne Smith to give a fresh start to women fleeing the bondage of sex slavery.

Women re-building their lives at Deborah's Gate will shop with the fund online to acquire a new wardrobe for their fresh start in life. To learn more about this program visit www.BettyBeGood.ca, click on 'Liberty Closet' and to learn more about human trafficking visit www.TheTruthIsntSexy.ca.

BettyBeGood.ca gives online shoppers the opportunity to take a quiz to discover their unique body shape avoiding the risk of buying without trying. After learning more about their unique body shape, the online shopper can browse all of Betty's collection filtered according to their shape.

“They'll even see women with their body type modeling the styles. These tools help women learn how to shop for their shape and this takes the fear out of online shopping”, said Smith.

Liberty in style echoes through Betty's entire spring '12 collection.

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For more information, contact Suzanne Smith at:

Ph: 1-866-671-9090 (Toll Free)
604-725-4774 (Vancouver)

Email: bettybegood@live.ca

Good For Grapes is Good for Vancouver

2012-03-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

News Update: Good for Grapes received 3 nods from the Canada's Got Talent Judges. The judges offered rave reviews across the board and appeared excited to see such a young group playing the funky "granola" grassroots music style.

Take a moment to get to know the band, and be sure to go out and vote when the time comes!

News Release: September 2011
Twenty-five representatives from some of Canada's biggest names in music turned out at a Toronto studio on August 19th to hear a new, young Vancouver-area band that's quickly gained nation-wide traction. Following two national victories in both the Roger's Music Battle of the Bands and Supernova's "Band on the Run to the UK, Surrey-based 'Good For Grapes' attracted the likes of EMI and Warner Music, Feldman, Finkelstein and more who came and stayed for a 6-song showcase of their original folk-fusion at Coalition Studios.

Good For Grapes is a folk inspired band of young 17 to 19-year olds whose sound bears strong emphasis on vocal harmonies and steady rhythms fronting complex but 'radio-friendly' tracks.

Since forming only 11 months ago, the Grapes (Daniel McBurnie, Graham Gomez, Alexa Unwin, Sean Mackeigan, Robert Hardie and Jesse Brook) have quickly built a regional following from a series of high-energy, live performances and feature interviews on Cable Four's "CloseLook."

The originality of using acoustic instruments, including accordion and trombone, has been behind all the buzz they've generated from the Lower Mainland to Ontario. After winning two national competitions within only four months, Good For Grapes was flown to Toronto by Supernova in an all-expenses paid trip to record at Coalition Studios (Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan, Finger Eleven).

The Toronto trip saw Good For Grapes play the first ever private showcase at Coalition for EMI, Warner, SL Feldmen & Associates, The Agency Group, Coalition Entertainment, Arts & Crafts, Bumstead Productions Ltd, Alert Music, Epic Productions, Finkelstein, and Supernova Entertainment. Private meetings followed and the band left with 'tons of positive feedback' and industry reps intent on tracking their progress.

Good For Grapes has already recorded a 6 song EP, which has been highlighted in several reviews and has generated strong sales between i-Tunes and their live appearances. The three new tracks they launched at Coalition are now being completed at Vancouver's own Greenhouse Studios. The finished product will go back to the organizations that saw them play in Toronto and will be looking for a debut on Vancouver radio.

In the local community, Good For Grapes has been involved with many charities and Organizations including Cops for Cancer, SPCA Paws for a Cause, The Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society, and the People's Foundation for Sierra Leone.

Contact:
www.goodforgrapes.com

Top 10 St. Patrick's Day Irish Beers: Worthy of every drop

2012-03-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

The luck of the irish is upon us! This year's St. Patrick's Day arrives on a Saturday, which means that there is no doubt it will go down as one of the most celebrated events of the year. As the Irish always say "The clovers will spring, the men will sing, and the women will look pretty as pie". Ok, I made that little limerick up myself, but it is catchy, right?

In order to get you prepped for the event, we bring you the world's greatest and most spectacular St. Patrick's Day Beers. Please use green food colouring responsibly.

Toping of the list at #10 is the world famous Beamish Irish Stout. A two week brewing process brings this bitter, chocolaty, somewhat coffee tasting beer into a fine stout worthy of every drop.

#9 brings us Smithwick's Irish Ale which just so happens to be one of Irelands oldest beers dating back to the fourteenth century. The red ale has a hint of hops, finished with a sweet caramel maltiness.

Hanging on to our #8 spot is the one and only Murphy's Irish Stout. Known as one of the lightest Irish beers, it can be deceivingly easy drinking. Layered with soft, sweet, and bitter flavours. It only takes a few before the irish in all of use comes pouring out.

Not to be forgotten is the massive #7 contendor, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. This amazingly strong 7.5 per cent alcohol by volume beer first reached North American shores in 1817 and his been warming Irish beer loving hearts ever since. Chocolate and bitter overtones have encouraged many connoisseurs to find it a much smoother taste than it's popular big brother.

#6 welcomes in the Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout. One of the newest to the game, having only established in 1996, this cutting edge brewery actually shucks fresh oysters into the tank! You wont end up eating any from the bottle, but a soft hint of oyster permeates this beautifully crafted malt beer.

Rounding out the list at #5 is the old school Ohara's Celtic Stout. Staying true to the original Irish stout recipe, this beer uses only hops, barley, yeast, and water, with no artificial additives. The result is a beer that is in perfect balance between sweet and bitter. A true hero among old world beer drinkers.

Harp Lager, the only lager style beer in our list makes the #4 spot. With a crisp and solid taste, this beer gives a refreshing break from the other pudding beers on this list. Just think summer in a glass.

Coming in at #3 is the often overlooked but never forgotten Murphy's Irish Red. Unlike many other red beers which use artificial colouring, Murphy's gets it's reddish hue from the small amount of roasted barley added during the brewing process. Dry, crisp, bubbly, this is one beer that should not be passed by.

Making the #2 spot is one of the world's most recognizable beers, Guinness Draught. If you haven't tried a Guinness... well, I don't really know what to say!

#1 on our list of top Irish Beers is my personal favourite, the ultra popular, always smooth, super refreshing, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale. Dating back to the fourteenth century, this beer has had ample time to perfect it's rich flavour and smooth drinking style. For years it was only available in North America at the Dubliner Pub in Washington DC, but recently it has gone global. So grab yourself a pint, and celebrate St. Patty's Day in style!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Welcome to the Psychiatric Hotline...

2012-03-11T01:15:00.000-08:00

If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly.

If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2.

If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5, and 6.

If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call.

If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press.

If you are depressed, it doesn't matter which number you press. No one will answer.

If you are delusional and occasionally hallucinate, please be aware that the thing you are holding on the side of your head is alive and about to bite off your ear.

A Wealthy Dispute

2012-03-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

The Old Professor poses the following problem to one of his classes:

"A wealthy man dies and leaves ten million dollars. One-fifth is to go to his daughter, one-fifth is to go to his son, one-sixth to his
brother, and the rest to his wife. Now, what does each get?”

After a very long silence in the classroom, Little Pauly raises his hand and says, “A lawyer?”

A Ferrari that Can Read Your Mind

2012-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Does a car that can read your mind make you more or less likely to take it for a test drive? Whatever you think, it appears Ferrari has applied for a new patent application that could change the way people drive cars.

Ferrari’s latest patent application is based around a new technology that can monitor a driver’s mental and physical state in order to adjust a car’s stability and traction control systems. The purpose of the new technology is to help avoid potential accidents resulting from a driver losing control of his or her car. According to MotorAuthority, the patent will consist of the installation of a series of sensors, located around a car’s cabin, which constantly monitors a driver’s state.

According to Ferrari: “Drivers tend to miscalculate--in particular, overestimate--their driving skill and, more importantly, their psychophysical condition, with the result that driver-selected dynamic vehicle performance simply reflects the driver’s wish, as opposed to the driver’s actual psychophysical condition and proficiency.”

Whether this patent gets approved is yet to be determined. If Ferrari is successful, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way safety is perceived and implemented in vehicles moving forward. Living in Vancouver where the drivers are bad and the traffic is worse, we fully support this push for increased safety and hope to see it sooner rather than later.

Big Dreams Big Ideas: The new Canadian social product development company

2012-02-29T09:23:00.001-08:00

Big Dreams Big Ideas has just hit the Canadian stage with their new and innovative social product development company, and they are looking for you to become their next great inventor.

But wait! your probably saying something like... "What the heck is social product development?"

And we are saying... "What, you have never heard of it?" No worries. The reality is most people haven't. The concept of SPD is extremely new.

Essentially, social product development is the process of bringing together hundreds if not thousands of individuals to help create, develop, brand, and even finance new product ideas. It essentially leverages on crowdsourcing to bring a product from idea to inception.

In February of 2012 Vancouver based Big Dreams Big Ideas opened up shop as the first Canadian social product development company, and they are ready to make you their next great inventor. "It was my mission to create a business that would help empower the everyday person to bring their ideas to reality," says owner and creator Dean Horsfield. He continued, "not everyone has the connections or the money (often $100,000+) to develop an idea, create the prototype, and find the investors to help them bring it to market. With Big Dreams Big Ideas, becoming a famous inventor is finally possible for anyone."

So far we like it. So how does it all work? Here is the skinny:

Visit http://www.bigdreamsbigideas.ca and create an account.
Submit a product idea, or browse the site and vote or offer feedback on other people's ideas.
Each idea is listed for a 30 day period, if your idea is top voted in any of those 4 weeks, it will move to the finalist round. Once in the finalist round, the top vote idea will move onto the Product Round and become Big Dreams Big Ideas next product.
In the Product Round each idea will be designed, branded, and partially financed b the community. Everyone who is involved will earn a portion of the gross revenues of the final product sales.
All others that are involved in voting and offering feedback will earn points redeemable for submitting free ideas, buying products, and investing in new products.

The pros are you can make a lot of money. The cons, it costs $10 to submit each idea. The company page states that this policy is in place to stop spammers and ensure only quality ideas are submitted. They also state that a quick message on any of their social media sites will earn you a FREE IDEA coupon. We quickly gave it a try, and I'll be damned, it worked!

I haven't submitted an idea yet, but I will soon. I have a bunch rolling around in my head. I will report on the success. In the meantime, let us know what you think of social product development, is it the way of the future? or a simple fad for the times? Shout out your opinion in the comments section below.

Until next time.

-I AM JAMES

The Origins of Beer

2012-02-27T03:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how many brands of beer there are and how long it has been around for?

According to Babylonian clay tablets, beer has been around since 4300 BC. Brewed in 180 styles, there are 20,000 brands of beer being brewed worldwide.

Commercial beer making began in Germany in 1200 AD and actual bottling of beer started in 1605.

Also brewed by the ancient Chinese, the Assyrians and Incas, beer has proved to be of historical significance and remains one of the world’s most popular beverages.

Top 11 Powder Ski Hills of North America

2012-02-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

In honor of La Nina and the fresh snow that it will bring this 2011/12 ski season, we thought it would be the perfect time to pump you up with some ski/snowboard stats that are sure to get you stoked for the season.

Today we bring you the Top 11 Powder Ski Hills in North America (Based on average snow fall). Given that it is an El Nina season, most of these averages are sure to be obliterated this year!

1. Mt. Baker, WA – 665 inches (1664cm) – Mt. Baker received 1,140 inches (29 meters!) of snow during the 98-99 season, a World Record for the most snowfall ever recorded in a single winter anywhere on Earth.

2. Snowbird, UT and Alta, UT - 500 inches (1270cm)

3. Grand Targhee, WY - 500 inches (1270cm)

4. Solitude, UT and Brighton, UT - 480 inches (1219cm)

5. Whitewater, BC – 472 inches (1200cm)

6. Jackson Hole, WY - 450 inches (1143cm)

7. Whistler Blackcomb, BC – 404 inches (1025cm)

8. Mt. Washington, BC – 413 inches (1050cm)

9. Park City Area, UT—Deer Valley, The Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort - 360 inches (915cm)

10. Sunshine Village, AB, Canada - 370 inches (940cm)

11. Castle Mountain, BC, Canada - 358 inches (910cm)

Special Addition!

Revelstoke

Even though Revelstoke has only been a full-out resort for the past few years, to the locals, it is one of the most legendary powder spots in the world (Averaging between 1200-1400cm per year). In this special addition we pay tribute to Revelstoke and it's amazingly beautiful, Rocky Mountain, champaign powder. This one's for you Biornus!

Odd Hotel Requests Revealed

2012-02-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Best Western hotel chain has decided to open their books and reveal some of the most unusual hotel requests. We could not resist the urge to dig through them and present a few of our favorites.

One organization requested circus training for all of it’s employees.
A private meeting room for men who wanted to wear baby gowns.
A group of travelers requested a menu consisting entirely of blue food.
A lawnmower convention that required lawn space to test each of the mowers.
Pet lovers who requested Reiki classes for the gods, and ajoining rooms so each could have their own bed.
A sex addict support group requested rooms with single beds, and a dedicated staff member to make sure they went to bed alone.
7 foot beds for a group from Great Britain that only has members over 6 feet tall.

“We always try to accommodate our guests' requirements – no matter how off the wall they may be,” said Tim Wade, head of marketing at Best Western.

-Well that is a sweet gesture, isn't it.

The Sears Great Canadian Chill Vancouver

2012-01-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Join the Sears Great Canadian Chill in Vancouver and take the plunge to help kids living with cancer.

On Saturday, February 18, 2012, Sears invites you to participate and join fellow Canadians in the Sears Great Canadian Chill, a polar bear swim established by Sears as an annual tradition that sees Canadians brave icy waters while raising money for an important cause. Proceeds from The Chill will support pediatric oncology research and treatment initiatives at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH).

“The Sears Great Canadian Chill is one of the many ways Sears supports children and families living in the communities where we do business,” said Calvin McDonald, President and CEO, Sears Canada Inc. “Participating in the Sears Great Canadian Chill is a great way to bring families together for a day of fun while helping other families who are in the fight of their life.”

Canadians can log on to www.TheChill.ca and register to participate in the polar bear swim on their own, with friends or with family members and raise funds for the fight against this devastating disease. Spectators who just want to chill out and not take the plunge do not have to register.

At the event, Chillers will rush into the cold waters of English Bay at Second Beach, Stanley Park donning bathing suits and zany costumes. Participants and spectators will be hosted under heated tents while they enjoy entertainment, prizes for top fundraising and the highly anticipated costume contest for those who wish to participate.

“The Sears Great Canadian Chill is another wonderful example of how Sears is dedicated to supporting child health here in BC,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The funds raised by Sears and the event participants are having a real impact in the lives of children and families touched by childhood cancer.”

Register 1.855.93.CHILL or www.TheSearsGreatCanadianChill.ca

Wiki Tour: Travel, Advice, and a Slice of Life

2012-01-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

With so much going in the world, isn't it time you thought about getting away? I mean, what better way to relax than to travel? Travel will not only give you the peace of mind you so badly require but it will also introduce you to the diverse cultures and heritages that this world has to offer. But planning is tough, wouldn't it be great if everything was available in one place?

Enter Wiki Tours, a website that offers all the information related to traveling and sight-seeing in one place. The website has a huge database that helps you search and find information on any destination in the world. The website tells you everything from the history of a place, transport, tourist attractions, popular restaurants, hotels, malls etc. In a nutshell, it is a complete online travel guide.

When asked about the website, a representative told Good News Weekly, "We at Wiki Tour want to help you explore your travel destinations the way locals do. Whether you're venturing close to home or across the globe, whether your budget is limited or limitless, we strive to live up to your discerning approach to travel by delivering the most candid and reliable information at Wiki Tour. We help you to unleash the possibilities of travel by providing the insights and tools you need to experience the trips you want. It's like having a friend wherever you travel."

So what was the inspiration? "Wiki Tour is built with the spirit of sharing knowledge that makes travel so enjoyable. Whenever travelers meet each other on the road, they swap info about the places they came from and ask questions about places they're going. We want to make it easy to share that knowledge and let others share it as well."

The website isn't complicated which according to the representative, is because the target audience is very vast. It is simple and to-the-point so that anyone can easily use it without hassle.

So take a look and see what Wki Tour can do for you!

Visit http://wikitour.net