ISSUE 5.1 | JANUARY 2014 | FREE

Sage the Birchwater Featured Artist Book issue Pages 4 & 5 PAGE 2 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 hear

| PAGE 1 January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine The Stew Magazine celebrates the written word

FREE ISSUE 5.1 | JANUARY 2014 | So this is the ‘Book’ issue, the first issue of the Ne w Year. Some of our writers wanted to do the year in retrospect. I on the other hand want to talk about the history of the book and how we also use the word ‘book’ in many aspects of our life. I know in the course of On the a day in our businesses we use the word book many times. I will book the client an appointment, we will Cover: book the tuxedo for the grad or wedding, Christa will go to her computer and do our books or book- keeping and our 19-year- old employee will “book it Sage Birchwater, out of here” at the end of our artist of the the day. There are people who month, has been know you like a book. The Police might throw incredibly prolific the book at you. An event in the last few years, might be one for the books. You can make a bet cally is what we have today. started to write on lighter from the skins of animals. googled how many books as both a writer and by seeing a bookie, buy Since the dawn of hu- items, engraving on stone If your ancestors were there were in an average raffle tickets in a book and mankind we have wanted tablets and scratching into indigenous to North or library. The figure they an editor. The photo win a game of bridge by to leave a legacy of our metal sheets. South America they were came up with is about on our January cover playing a book. That’s a lot short time on earth. Before These items were still writing on tree bark either 10,000 books. Based on of book references. the written word was not a practical way of car- whole or pounded flat. the size of Williams Lake shows a sampling of I’ve been told that the created we drew pictures rying our story around. What is obvious here or Quesnel I would say our English language is easy that would tell the story of We began looking for is that it doesn’t matter libraries carry between five his work. to learn but hard to learn events happening around lighter things to write on. what your heritage is, to seven thousand books You can find out properly. It’s no wonder us. Then man started using Depending on where in all humans have wanted and 100 Mile House is with multiple meanings these pictures to form a the world your ancestors to write. Early libraries probably half that size. more about Sage and for the same word in many written language which are from, they started writ- showed up about three Now if we say our instances. eventually formed into ing on different mediums. thousand years ago and libraries have 5,000 books his work on pages 4 So where does the characters. If you have Asian decent have been in existence that will take us just under and 5. word come from? Most This is a very simplistic your forefathers used and since. 14 years if we read just one of the dictionaries online history of writing and I still sometimes today use Up until 1440 when a day. The only problem agree that it comes from know I have left a lot out. shells, bone, silk and rice Gutenburg invented the with that is the book old English and before We wrote on everything, paper. If you are Middle printing press, books were inventory is constantly that Germanic. The word cave walls, rocks, and the Eastern papyrus was used. made and written by hand. changing so that seems to “buch” means a document ground. Eventually after The Romans wrote on wax Around the 12th century me to be a lifelong hobby. or a charter. This later realizing these objects tablets and the Greeks paper came to Europe When Christa and I evolves into a collection of couldn’t be moved or were wrote on parchment, from Asia and books start- first took over The Stew documents which techni- very hard to move, we which was carefully made ed to be made in a regular I visited the library to (paper) and a premium meet our librarian and ask (parchment) edition. her if she would like to As of 2010, according to write about books for us. Google, who has decided I hadn’t been to a library to catalog the world collec- in years and thought with tion of books, there have the internet and the use of been 129,864,880 books e-books there might not written. If you speed read be anyone there, but was one a day that would take I ever wrong. Our local you over 355,000 years to libraries are some of the read them all. Well thats busiest places in our three not going to happen. What cities. about reading all the books On that note, and with in a library? The library this also being literacy of congress has 32 million month, grab a cup of your books. That would only favorite beverage, grab a take us a hundred thou- bound group of pages and sand years. escape into the realm of Just out of curiosity I the written word. January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 3 Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 20 pgs Servings Per Container 1

Amount Per Serving ingredients Calories 0 % Daily Value*

Books, manuals, instructions, letters, and

billboards, like it or not we are surrounded.

Make a New Year’s resolution to read Sage Birchwater something new.

Ingredients: This month’s Featured Stew was compiled from a lot of book sources and fun facts about books. Sometimes get- Artist ting a chance to read seems like a luxury, other times it is out of necessity. This month was a fun issue for thinking Pages 4 & 5 up new ways books can be discovered and how much they can impact your life.

Best books Books and Video Games of 2013 Page 8 Page 7 The best Cuba is the new albums of ‘in’ destination 2013 Page 12 Page 14-15 PAGE 4 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 flavour of the month craig smith photo A MAN OF MANY WORDS u Author and editor Sage Birchwater is our artist of the month. January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 5 flavour of the month

Sage Birchwater chronicles the Cariboo Chilcotin

What a huge honour to write ing in a commune out in the a grant to research and write Frank, and Corky Williams, for an article that features such an Miocene area, before buying for two years. The culmination which he just finished a tour to accomplished writer and amaz- a trap line out near Tatla Lake of his research resulted in the promote. ing artist of word. Sage Birch- where, with his partners, he book Chiwid, used in Univer- Sage has a new project in water is our artist of the month. still has ownership. Along with sity curriculum, and now in its the works about Extraordinary Sage has deep roots here in the trapping, Sage’s passion for fifth edition. Men which will be similar to Cariboo Chilcotin that go back people and writing started to The Hoof Print series of the book Gumption and Grit. for over 40 years. come together. He started his books for the Chilcotin Sage He also wants to write an au- Born in Victoria, Sage found writing career with a small ‘how coordinated and edited, he has tobiography documenting the himself leaving his pursuit of to’ Magazine out in the Chilco- also worked with Stan Navra- history of the people from the knowledge through formal tin writing about roofing and til on the Williams Lake 75th Tatla area. education at the University of tanning. Anniversary book, and Chris Sage has two children who Victoria to follow his adventur- Sage got his start with the Harris on Fly Over BC Chilco- live in the Okanagan and seven ous side and pursue a different Tribune after being passionately tin Coast. grandchildren. This very tal- kind of knowledge here. opposed to a resolution passed In 2001 Sage moved into ented writer is an extraordinary After hitchhiking his way to by City council and writing Williams Lake where he worked man with so much knowledge town with a friend Sage spent a letter to the editor. Dianna for the Tribune again as a fill-in and passion. His collection of time working on a humanitar- French, the Tribune publisher which evolved into a long-term work is a compilation of history, ian level, he started a crisis line, at the time, published the let- relationship where he was roots, and real life. youth hostel, and a food co-op. ter and asked Sage to write a an instrumental voice in the At the age of twenty Sage Working with people seemed ‘Backwoods Comment’ column. Tribune until 2009. During made the decision to retire so to be a passion that would lead From there Sage began to cover this time Sage started to write that when the time came he him down a future path of be- events and was given a camera articles for Lived Experiences a would have plenty of practice. ing a listening ear for people’s for editorials that he still has literary journal from the moun- To Sage the definition of retire- stories. today. tains of BC that is published out ment is “getting up and doing For that next few years Sage Well on his way, Sage started he invited Sage to write about of Lillooet. every day what you want”. Ever spent time working as a court to freelance across the Chil- the Ulkatcho people which Sage’s main focus in writing since, Sage has lived his life just worker, opening a drop in cen- cotin. On his travels and with became his first three books. is Biographies, it seems to com- that way. ter for first nation street people, reputation preceding him, With a writing career well bine both a passion for people You can find Sages books at and doing a variety of other Jimmy Stillas the chief of the on its way and an established with an art for writing. Some the local book store or you can odds and ends. Ulkatcho Indian Band liked his relationship with the Chilco- of Sages biographies include e-mail him sagebirchwater@ Sage spent some time liv- style and writing so much that tin people Sage was awarded D’Arcy Christianson, Betty shaw.ca. PAGE 6 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 we speak Expand your knowledge through a vast selection of books. Information is power, and books are the best way to get it

This issue of The Stew is all anticipation of being able to place and find peace, enjoy- but I have to say that there is your own winter reading list. about books, and not just the highlight and make notes in ment, and excitement in the nothing quite like cracking a I guarantee that there is physical book, but how books them. For the longest time I characters that seem to come book open for the first time a book out there for every- make you feel. couldn’t bring myself to dese- to life in the book. Sometimes and feeling the pages between one and that even if it’s just When I go into a book crate the book by underlining I find that I get so involved in my fingers and having the a bathroom humour book, it store and start to look around, and highlighting, but after a the lives of the characters in feeling of control. I don’t need will bring you a smile and a it is the most amazing feeling. while the sheer joy of finding a book that when the book is power, battery life, or any little piece of joy. For others, There is so much knowledge a thought that I couldn’t bear finished I find myself almost other form of technology to finding the right book might inside of just four walls and to forget helped me find the grieving the loss of those con- enjoy my book. And when the take a bit more time, maybe a all I have to do is open a book courage to make my mark. nections that I felt to them next ice age comes, my books favorite TV show has a book and start to read. It has been Finishing university was while reading. will keep us a lot warmer than — there is everything from said that knowledge is power, probably the hardest when it History is full of stories burning his iPad. Though, Duck Dynasty books to cook- and that is so true. The more I came time for the next semes- that tell of times and places hopefully it never comes to ing and self-help. read the more I want to know, ter to start and I didn’t need where books were forbidden that. As January is, for many and everything that I know any books. I took up reading or restricted to certain people As times change and people, the month for New and learn gives me the confi- for entertainment instead, or even destroyed. It makes life gets busier, I hope that Year’s resolutions, maybe it’s dence to go further and find which is fine, but its not the me stop and think about how everyone takes just a mo- time to pick up a book and out more. same as reading text books much power, liberation, and ment to stop and remember see what others have done or I finished my first de- with the rush that comes from knowledge that a book could just how much a good book have to say on your resolution. gree last year, and I say first finding new information that contain that it would become has to offer and then get out I can guarantee that a book because I know that there are opens up a new world. It’s so threatening. there and read. even if it’s on store will have a whole section probably a lot more to come funny because I found that the Today the ability to access an iPad. Being that January is on whatever it is that you are as time and money will al- more that I learned the more books has even grown to great typically a very cold month wanting to improve or change low. But I remember that my I knew that I didn’t know, and grander lengths in that my suggestion is to curl up for the new year. most favorite part of going to and the more that I wanted to not only do we have libraries by the fire with a good book So in honour of The Stew’s school was probably opening learn. and book stores but we also and allow the winter months book issue, pick up a book my new text books for the first Books can be that power- have the ability to download to melt away inside. For all of and see where it leads you and time and feeling the rush that ful connection for people to books and have virtual librar- the snow birds that go south what kind of entertainment came with feeling the smooth not only learning new stuff ies. Craig is addicted to his this winter, while sitting in or knowledge you will derive pages, the smell, and, yes, the but to also escape to another virtual books and e-reader the sun, think of us and enjoy from it. Happy reading!

Craig & Christa • Owners

Joan • Sales

aboutface-photography.com Renée • Design

250-392-3814 Alice • Service www.thestew.ca 250-398-7446

telltalesigns.ca

250-398-SIGN (7446) Ryan, Curt & Dax • Installation January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 7

Start the new year off right with a good book, dust off your library card, or if you don’t have one, read get your free membership today. Some of this year’s best books It’s that time of year when we start making lists and looking at lists. A favourite list for literary fiction enthusiasts is the Alphabet Annual New York Times 10 Best Books, which is divided between five fic- tion and five nonfiction Soup selections. Here are the fictional choices for 2013, which are all available in By Caroline Derksen the CRDL.

A favourite list could desire, but the cul- ture shock, hardships, and for literary fiction racism she’s endured have left her feeling like she has enthusiasts is the “cement in her soul.” As Ruth Franklin Annual New York reviews, Americanah, “which combines perfect- Times 10 Best Books, which is ly calibrated social satire and heartfelt emotion, divided between five fiction and stands with Invisible Man and The Bluest Eye as a five nonfiction. Here are the fic- defining work about the experience of being black The Flamethrowers tional choices for 2013. in America.” (2013) By Rachel Kushner In Kushner’s second novel, radical politics, explores the path of Theo in 1910 and doomed to avant-garde art, and mo- Decker, who emerges die and be reborn over torcycle racing all spring from a terrorist bombing and over again. She to life in a luminous novel motherless but in pos- drowns, falls off a roof, of the 1970s, in which a session of a prized Dutch and is beaten to death by young woman moves to painting. The novel is an abusive husband, but New York to become an teeming with incident is always reborn back into artist, only to wind up and inhabited with vivid the same loving fam- involved in the revolu- characters. As Stephen ily, sometimes with the tionary protest movement King acclaims, “The knowledge that allows that shook Italy in those Goldfinch is a rarity that her to escape past poor years. Fellow novelist comes along perhaps half decisions, sometimes not. Lauren Groff notes, “Ev- a dozen times per decade, Author Gillian Flynn’s The Tenth of Decem- ery so often, you’ll come a smartly written literary praise couldn’t be higher: ber across a book that burns novel that connects with “Kate Atkinson is a mar- By George Saunders so hot and bright it’ll sear the heart as well as the vel. There aren’t enough Saunders, a self-iden- a shadow on your vision.” mind.” breathless adjectives to tified disciple of Twain The Flamethrowers is one describe Life After Life: and Vonnegut, weaves of those books. Dazzling, witty, moving, a collection of stories joyful, mournful, pro- that swerve from the found. Wildly inventive, deadpan to the flat-out deeply felt. Hilarious. demented: Prisoners are Humane. Simply put: It’s force-fed mood-altering one of the best novels I’ve drugs; ordinary saps read this century.” cling to delusions of Americanah (2013) grandeur; third-world By Chimamanda Ngozi women, held aloft on Adichie surgical wire, become Shifting between gentle the latest in bourgeois and acerbic, Adichie’s lawn ornaments. Be- third novel takes on the neath the comedy, Life After Life (2013) comedy and tragedy of though, Saunders writ- By Kate Atkinson American race relations ing is brimming with Atkinson is one of the from the perspective of a profound empathy. The Goldfinch (2013) most consistently great young, smart, irreverent Acclaimed novelist By Donna Tartt contemporary writers Nigerian immigrant, If- Zadie Smith believes, Tartt’s powerful third around. Life After Lifeis emelu, who seems to have “Not since Twain has novel, after The Secret His- a wildly inventive novel everything a Nigerian America produced a tory and The Little Friend, about Ursula Todd, born immigrant in America satirist this funny.” PAGE 8 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 see Even Stephen King’s work has been translated into a video game — The Dark Half was released in 1992. Video games have long been connected to books

It might be hard to remember because of how INTERACTIVE FICTIONS u These are just a few of cinematic they’ve become the text adventure games that were created by Infocom in recent years, but video during the early days of computer gaming. games have had a pow- Gaming erful connection to the written word almost since the very start. Some of the earliest Life popular video games were referred to as “interac- tive fiction” — stories By Todd Sullivan that unfolded on your computer screen like a George R. R. Martin, and most players, though, the novel, where you could many, many more. Internet has replaced the dictate the outcome. You Mind you, it’s not all printed word as the go-to could explore virtual about games based on spot for game strategies worlds with the ease of the written word. This and cheats. And I can at- the english language, as if relationship goes the test that there’s something you were dwelling inside other way as well. There fantastic about instant the novel itself. Games have been plenty of words gratification when you’re like Zork, Deadline, and written about video stuck on a particularly Planetfall made a com- games too, particularly nasty boss-fight. pany called Infocom words that help gamers As an avid reader, I do famous, but perhaps their solve problems and com- get a little disappointed best known game was not plete quests. sometimes to see that an inspiration but a direct Game guides (and, for more and more games adaptation — Hitchhiker’s those less noble, collec- are embracing cinemat- Guide to the Galaxy is tions of cheat codes) have ics over literacy. But then one of the best known been around just about as I remember that there’s text adventures, a game long as the games them- a fine selection of inde- crafted by the novel’s selves. Nintendo Power pendent games that aren’t author himself, Douglas magazine was a monthly afraid to splash a lot of Adams (you can actually publication that ran from words around, and I go still play this online). 1987 until 2012 for almost play one of those instead. Maybe it was the way no other reason than to So what’s coming out the arrival of MGS 5, but 4 on January 28, provid- I’ve also been dabbling cultures of science-fiction spread strategies and tips this month? Not a lot, I’m sure there’ll be a few ing a slightly more high- occasionally in Lego Mar- and fantasy overlapped for playing Nintendo’s unfortunately — it’s tradi- people excited about this. def version of last year’s vel Superheroes, because I with the culture of video video games. tionally a bit dead in the Assassin’s Creed Libera- hit game. am a serious comic book games, but novels quickly Printed game guides months following Christ- tion hits the Playstation Other notable re- nerd. Don’t even get me became a go-to source aren’t quite as popular mas. But let’s see what we Network on January 14, leases: Might & Magic X: started on the games I’ve of inspiration for game as they once were, a can scrape up from the then arrives for PCs on Legacy (01-23), Dragon picked up during Steam’s designers. Over the years fact made clear when bottom of the barrel. January 15. It’s coming Ball Z: Battle of Z (01-28), Holiday Sale. we’ve seen games that Nintendo Power closed Metal Gear Rising to the Xbox 360 too, but Broken Age (TBA), Halo: What have you been have explored the worlds their doors last year, but Revengeance hits PCs on it’s currently only listed as Spartan Assault (TBA) playing lately? What awe- of writers like Raymond companies like Prima January 4. I haven’t tried TBA at the moment. What have I been some new games did you E. Feist, Frank Herbert, and Brady Games are still the console version of Tomb Raider: Defini- playing lately? I’m still get for Christmas? Send Robert Jordan, Jules pumping them out on a this yet, and I’m probably tive Edition comes to the pushing my way through me an email at todd@ Verne, J. R. R. Tolkien, fairly regular basis. For more excited about about Xbox One and Playstation Grand Theft Auto V, but thestew.ca. January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 9 Play

Your guide to where to go and what to do for the month of January PAGE 10 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 play

Quesnel

Launch the Love” Party January 11, 2014 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Quesnel Seniors’ Centre 250-992-2322

Quesnel Kangaroos vs Williams Lake Stampeders January 11, 2014 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Quesnel Arena

Quesnel Kangaroos vs Terrace River Kings Janu- ary 12, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Quesnel Arena

Quesnel Live Arts 2013- 2014 Season January 21, 2014 @ 7:30 pm Chuck Mobley Theatre

Contractor-Supplier Bootcamp Janu- ary 15, 2014 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Royal Canadian Legion Hall 250-992-3522

Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run Janu- ary 24, 2014 @ 8:15 am - 5:00 pm 250-992-9143

Ski School Quesnel Janu- ary 2 - February 9 2014 @ 8:30 am

Williams Lake

Turkey Shoot Williams Lake January 1, 2014 @ Ladies’ Singing - Williams Family Fun Day Bull Moun- January 11 Tomahawks BC’s Working Wilder- Glengarry Glen Ross – 10:00 am Williams Lake Lake January 3, 10, 17, tain January 5, 2014 @ 9:00 vs. Terrace River Kings in ness January 27, 2014 WLST January 29 - Feb- Sportsmen’s Club 24, 31 @ 7:30pm St Peters am Bull Mountain Lac La Hache @ 7:00pm @ 7:30 pm Scout Island ruary 8, 2014 @ 8:00 pm Anglican Church Nature Centre invites Williams Lake Studio January 1, Polar Bear Free Skates Williams Lake CSTC Open House the public to hear all Theatre “Glengarry Glen Swim at Scout Island at Potato House Calendar January 5, 2014@ 2:30 pm January 12, 2014 about the Muskwa- Ross” the story of sales- noon January 4, 2014 @8:30 am Cariboo Memorial Complex 10am-2pm Hallis Lake Kechika: B.C.’s Working men doing whatever it Cross Country Ski Area Wilderness takes to succeed. This Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Hallis Lake Lodge, just riveting drama is on Race 2014 January 10 - off Hydraulic Road in stage at the Studio The- January 12 @ 9:00 am at Quesnel atre at Glendale School 108 Heritage Site

www.telltalesigns.ca • 250-398-7446 Next to CP Electronics • 288 2nd Ave. N., Williams Lake January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 11

TITLE STREET DATE

Don Jon 30-Dec

Angel of the Skies 7-Jan play Arctic Air - Season 2 7-Jan Closed Circuit 7-Jan Duck Dynasty - Season 4 7-Jan I'm So Excited 7-Jan Lifeguard, The 7-Jan Runner Runner 7-Jan Sound of Music, The – Live! 7-Jan Thanks For Sharing 7-Jan Tiger Eyes 7-Jan We Are What We Are 7-Jan

20 Feet From Stardom 14-Jan A Single Shot 14-Jan A.C.O.D (Adult Children of Divorce) 14-Jan Adventures in the Sin Bin 14-Jan Aqua Tales 14-Jan Ass Backwards 14-Jan Blue Caprice 14-Jan Carrie (2013) 14-Jan Enough Said 14-Jan Frozen, The 14-Jan Fruitvale Station 14-Jan Khumba 14-Jan Lee Daniels' The Butler 14-Jan Parkland 14-Jan Riddick 14-Jan Spectacular Now, The 14-Jan Underdogs 14-Jan Universe, The - A Whole New Dimension 3D 14-Jan You're Next 14-Jan

A Gangster's Tale 21-Jan Bad Milo 21-Jan Blue Jasmine 21-Jan Captain Philipps 21-Jan Dead Before Dawn 21-Jan In A World 21-Jan Machete Kills 21-Jan

A Pony Tale 28-Jan Bonnie and Clyde 28-Jan Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 28-Jan Downton Abbey - Season 4 28-Jan Fifth Estate, The 28-Jan Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa 28-Jan Night Train to Lisbon 28-Jan 100 Mile Hus. Tickets are $15 and they are Mount Timothy downhill ski hill, Rush 28-Jan available right now at Work N Play, 45 minutes north of 100 Mile Violet & Daisy 28-Jan Cowboy Concert 100 Mile House 100 Mile Feed and the Log House House and 23 kilometres east of January 18, 2014 @ 2:00 pm Martin Western Wear in 100 Mile House. Lac La Hache. With terrific powder Exeter Hall There are two perfor- skiing, small crowds, and diverse mances, a matinee at 2 pm and the 100 Mile Nordics Challenge Janu- terrain, Mount Timothy is a wel- evening show at 7 pm. The concert ary 31, 2014 @ 10:00 am at the 99 coming, fun-filled ski area that at- includes performances from Jeremy Mile Ski Lodge tracts avid skiers and boarders alike Willis, Meg Mawhinney and Tim complete with chair lift. PAGE 12 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014

It’s a big world out there! Buy a book about an exotic place do and then put it on your travel wish list Cuba is the new ‘in’ destination for travellers By Sylvia Rashbrook into 1960s traffic? You will also find the Many times we won- vibrant Cuban culture der where we would like with their salsa rhythms to spend our vacation and dancing in Havana time. and Varadero, and you If it is a sunny des- can participate in the tination you’re think- salsa rhythm dance ing of, why not explore yourself if you wish. Cuba? You can even find dance Immaculate, white, lessons. Jazz is a promi- sandy beaches; lush, nent form of music green hills; dramatic heard on the streets rain forests and water- everywhere. falls; vibrant cities, a Santiago de Cuba is lot of history, and salsa not far behind with its rhythm; these all de- powerful history. As a scribe cuba very well. city of Afro-Caribbean If you are an active culture and of Cuba’s tourist you might want political and artistic to visit the historical history, Santiago de Cities of Havana and Cuba is a lively, colour- Varadero. ful place. Here is where This is Cuban history you find pastel-covered at its finest. If you like buildings and where vintage cars, especially you can visit grand the vintage American cathedrals. cars, then you can wal- If you like the coun- low in these beauties tryside, you can observe and from the markets. pineapple, mango, gua- ized service makes you enjoyed our stay im- in Havana. Can you horses and carts carry- You can partake in har- va, melons, and sugar feel very special and mensely at the Melia imagine being placed ing food and water to vested products such as cane. You can purchase well appreciated. Buenavista, an adult- these products at your Overall the beaches only Hotel and Resort. leisure. Just imagine of Cuba are like some- Our butlers took very sipping a freshly brewed thing out of a dream good care of us by mak- cup of espresso from the where you can soak up ing our wedding an- famous Cuban coffee the sun on white sand niversary very special. beans. And let’s not and dip into the warm, They surprised us with forget having a Cuban turquoise water of the various treats. cigar with it. Caribbean. On a day trip we took The relaxing vaca- In the evenings enjoy to Santa Clara we were tioner will enjoy the the famous Mojito allowed to visit a cigar peaceful, white, sandy Cocktail that even Hem- manufacturing plant. beaches and the lavish, mingway, during his The essence was power- natural environment in time in Cuba, enjoyed ful smelling of strong Cayo Santa Maria where while being entertained tobacco. It was a worth- you will find many by the rhythmic music while experience. excellent resorts. The of the Samba and Salsa . The very kind staff service is exceptional. My husband and I working for the Histori- The Staff treat you as recently returned from cal Railway invited my family and will go the our first trip to Cuba husband to join them ‘extra mile’ to keep you that we booked through in the locomotive for a happy. Their personal- All-Ways Travel. We short trip to the sugar cane plant where we were shown around the historical plant. He gladly accepted the ride and fulfilled his child- hood dream of being an engineer. Our trip to Cuba holds many memorable moments. It is a trip I would highly recom- mend that everyone take. It is also a great way to get through a cold Canadian winter, just stretch out on the beach with a good book and soak up the sun. January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 13

There are a variety of cookbooks out for all ages, from kids to gourmet, eat or try something thing new and create your own new recipe If you want to cook, skip the recipes, get a sous chef

A few things immedi- ately happen when some- one asks me about books. Often, I just kinda stare blankly at them and say Out of something like, “I don’t read books. Too many words. Excuse me, but I need to cook this.” Then I the Fridge look around the room for something to cook. Or I’ll say, “Yea, I just By Brice O’Neil finished Forrest Griffins Got Fight? for the fourth cookbooks, all full, page living, it’s not something I time.” (And by the way, after page, of recipes and spend my free time read- do yourself a favour and food porn. Google ‘food ing about. read one of his books… porn’ if you don’t know Here is an example of they’re worth the effort.) what that means. Actu- me reading a recipe. Then I get a weird look ally on second thought 1. ½ cup butter from them and they say don’t. Don’t do that. I 2. 1 cup of…oh my something like, “Don’t will explain. God, remember that fight you read cookbooks?” Food porn is beautiful on Saturday. That was 10,000, it would take too they do it well. CDs in your CD player, Hmphhhh…The only pictures of food, amazing good fight! long to track you all down If you are not a Chef, put on, um, try Pantera. cookbooks I’ve read since dishes cooked to absolute 3. One litre of….I won- and kill you. So instead, hire one and call him or That’s good soup music. graduating culinary arts perfection by chefs much der if monkeys dream and today I’m gonna share my her Sous or Paul or what- Oh Wow! Your cab- in 2004 are books written better than me. And sure, if they do, do they dream Borscht recipe with you. ever and make them do bage is nice and soft. by cooks, not books full of I’ve read them and even about being people? First thing you do is all kinds of stuff you don’t Dump in the beets and recipes. memorized a few of the So you see, recipe get your Sous Chef to cut want to. their juice, a litre or so of Anthony Bourdain’s recipes, but at this point books pose a problem up three gigantic cans of Now fire a brick vegetable stock, and bring Kitchen Confidential is the in my life I don’t need to for me. On the flipside, (cooked) beets. If you (pound) of butter in your to a boil. Tell your Sous best book I have ever read read and study recipes a lot of people ask me for don’t know what a Sous soup pot, add some onion to “Look busy” or you will — an entire book written unless I’m baking. But my recipes and I usually Chef is, it is the person that your Sous Chef fire them. by a cook and not a single that’s a different column. give them up easily. The the Chef has decided to diced. Cook until soft After an hour or so on darn recipe. Genius! To me books are meant most common request make his second in com- and then add some shred- a simmer, add about a cup (Again, pick this one up). for enjoyment, to allow an is for my bread pudding mand. A noble position ded cabbage, dill, garlic of white vinegar and stir Now don’t get me escape from the reality of recipe. But since we in which they do exactly and pinch of salt. Cook it all up. Voila! Borscht. wrong. I own at least 75 life, and since I cook for have a readership of over what the Chef asks and that awhile, then change Easy eh? Books can help to tighten the bonds of a family By Dawn Wall regarding the importance probably needed more as Reading is one of my of exposing children to For me the real impact that books the child gets older. With passions. Whenever I books early in their life. older children, it is a time have a spare minute, or This early exposure to have on children and adults is the when physical closeness even when I should be the sound and pattern of is okay, and it is a time to doing other things, I can language has been shown relationship that develops be- revisit the warm cuddles be found curled up with to have a great impact of baby and toddlerhood. my book. Books have on a child’s success in tween them while the act of read- The importance of always been (and still are school. No matter what books was brought back today) my place to go for subject area — science, ing occurs. To read a book to a child requires into focus this year clearly information, for support, art, math — understand- for me by my children. for escape from my real- ing words and being able you to be with the child in that moment, not My children, now adults, ity, and for a safe place to to read them is necessary came home for Christmas. explore new approaches for any kind of learning to only physically but emotionally as well. One of the things that we and ideas. In this age of occur. The act of turning did on Christmas Eve was computers, electronic the pages and following snuggle down together games, and TV, some- the words as they are read to read Twas the night times we forget the value reinforces the left to right before Christmas and we of books and reading. I nature of our world, a read a book to a child your busy life to be with ment formed then will last relished the reading the love the smell and feel of prerequisite for the act of requires you to be with them alone. You are not throughout the child’s life. last page together: “Merry books, the act of turning reading itself. the child in that moment, only reading the words on I have been talking Christmas to all, and to all pages, so I have not yet But for me the real not only physically but the page, but you are part about young children but a good night!” been enticed over to an impact that books have on emotionally as well. You of the conversation, the don’t let reading aloud It had been a favorite e-reader. children and adults is the are physically touching as emotions, and the experi- end when your child can thing for them to do in There has been much relationship that develops you share the adventure ences that the child shares read for themselves. This the past, and now even as research done and between them while the that is each page, and you while the story is read. The magical closeness and re- adults they enjoyed reliv- information published act of reading occurs. To are setting aside the rest of relationship and attach- latedness continues and is ing the moment together. PAGE 14 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 hear Tone Soup’s albums of the year

Well that’s it. 2013 is gone. at #15 on the Billboard Hot songs are fresh and yet they but sing ‘Sao Paulo’ every time Tone It’s probably for the best. It 200 chart and gets good don’t feel like the band tried I hear ‘Finally Found You’ and was a year in which celebrity reviews all around. Best song: to modernize their sound as then I’m singing it all after- spectacle weighed more heav- ‘Strife’ so many others have tried noon because it’s the last song ily in the media than any of 19. The Diving Board by and failed. Carcass fans are on the album. Overlooking Soup the world-changing political, Elton John devouring this bloody feast. that minor detail, this album economic, or environmental Best album by a senior Best song: ‘A Congealed Clot sounds like stellar new turn By Jamie Horsley news. And out of all that, I musician. Who doesn’t love of Blood’ of the century trip hop. Best found myself with signifi- a whole album full of piano 17. Loud Like Love by song: ‘To The Grave’ than most things I normally to be on acid to enjoy this cantly less good new music ballads? The truffle sauce on Placebo 15. Arrows of Desire by choose to listen to, but it’s just album but it might help. (I at the end of this year than top is that it’s an Elton John Alternative rock album of Matthew Good so good. It’s an adult break- experienced this guy’s live last. I still couldn’t cut it down album. The Diving Board is the year. Some didn’t care for Best album by a BC local. up album in a post punk / show at Shambhala 2012 and to a top ten so I managed to produced by T-Bone Burnett, the cleaner, brighter Placebo, This guy knows how to make power pop style. It’ll have you it blew my mind.) From the pull together another top 20. who also produced The while others were happy to do killer rock music that’s hard dancing and singing along ridiculous breakdown of ‘The Here, without further ado, are Union in 2010. The overall away with the grit and grunge. hitting and packed with emo- with the choruses until you Clapping Track’ to the blips the Top 20 Albums of 2013 as sound is quite similar to that I quite enjoyed this album tion. He dropped the horn actually start listening to all and bloops of ‘Plasma Jelly’ chosen by yours truly: of The Union (minus Leon and it has gotten me to dig experimentals of Lights of the words in the verses. Then Urban Animal is wild and 20. Vengeance Falls by Russell of course) as it harkens deeper into the past catalogue Endangered Species but it’s still you won’t be singing so hap- loose. Best song: ‘Dood’ Trivium back to a more old school El- of a band whose singles I’ve pretty melancholy. With titles pily anymore, and if you think 12. Deviation by Thrift- This is real American ton sound. Best Song: ‘Home always loved but never paid like èVia Dolorosa,’ ‘So Close,’ about them too hard you works heavy metal! I’ve only been Again’ quite enough attention to. ‘Long Gone,’ ‘Mutineering,’ might water down your own Experimental electronic listening to this album for a 18. Surgical Steel by Best song: ‘Too Many Friends’ ‘Letters in Wartime,’ and beer. The contrast between album of the year. Thrift- month or so but it grabbed Carcass 16. Head Up High by more, there’s not actually a the sound and the lyrical works is another name I was me from the instant I first Comeback album of the Morcheeba happy song on the album. But content blows my mind every introduced to via Shambhala. pressed play and it sinks its year. With 17 years since their Best album that sounds it’s damn good. Best song: ‘Via time. Best song: ‘How’d You The soundscapes this guy is claws in deeper every time I previous album, you’d think like my college years. It’s Dolorosa’ Have Me’ capable of building consis- listen to it. These guys are al- they’d mess it up somehow. groovy and funky and I just 14. Damage by Jimmy 13. Urban Animal by tently blow my mind. The ways on top of their game and Any other band away for really like Morcheeba. While Eat World Claude VonStroke album is downtempo and they’re not stepping down that long usually does. But the album is new and fresh Power pop album of the Acid house album of the glitchy and groovy. Very cool. here. Vengeance Falls debuted these guys are masters. These and awesome, I still can’t help year. This is far more poppy year. You don’t even need Best song: ‘Terminally Chill’ January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 15 hear

11. Innocents by Moby bahton beats and guest stars 6. Pillowfight by Pillow- 4. Bye Bye 17 by Har Mar Ambient electronic album on every track. Best songs: fight Superstar of the year (with vocals). ‘Get Free’ (featuring Amber Trip-hop album of the Disco album of the year. Moby gets some friends of Dirty Projectors), ‘Jet year. Big thanks to Kid Koala This guy hides in the shad- together to make some beau- Blue Jet’ (featuring Leftside, for introducing Emily Wells ows of the media and I have tiful music, and it never steps GTA, Razz & Biggy), ‘Jessica’ to Dan the Automator for no idea why. Bye Bye 17 is full far from his familiar style. (featuring Ezra Koenig of this project. This is a little of perfectly recreated ‘60s do- Canadian vocalist Al Spx of Vampire Weekend) more modern and bright and wop and ‘70s disco sounds Cold Specks does an utterly 8. Welcome Oblivion by poppy than the Morcheeba with over the top modern stunning job in ‘A Case For How To Destroy Angels album but all these songs are lyrics. Shame’ as does Damien Best debut album by funky and fun and Emily’s At the height of it all the 2. Push the Sky Away This phenomenal progres- Jurado in ‘Almost Home’ and a spin-off band. How To voice is light and beautiful. Ron Jeremy-esque character by Nick Cave and the Bad sive rock album tells some of Inyang Bassey in ‘Don’t Love Destroy Angels is the A I’ve been enjoying this album croons, “Please don’t make Seeds the saddest ghost stories you’ve Me’ while Moby does his Perfect Circle to Nine Inch all year long. I had even me hit you, I’m not your Dark, brooding gothic ever heard. If you haven’t own amazing thing in ‘The Nails’ Tool. It’s Trent Reznor given a copy to a friend and daddy. Why must your crazy album of the year. These checked this out yet, go look Dogs.’ Best song: ‘Almost with his wife, Mariqueen I know she’s been enjoying love hurt me so badly?” over are dark songs of an aging up ‘The Raven Who Refused Home’ featuring Damien Maandig, on vocals and his it so I recently asked her a familiar do-wop melody. man mourning memories. to Sing’ on YouTube right now. Jurado friends Atticus Ross and Rob what she thought of it and Best Songs: ‘Lady You Shot There’s a couple moments Take a tissue. But ‘The Watch- 10. The Afterman: Sheridan. It’s like Nine Inch she said “It makes me feel Me,’ ‘Please Don’t Make Me where he might come off as maker’ is my favourite song. Descension by Coheed and Nails Light, and Mariqueen’s powerful when I listen to Hit You,’ ‘Late Night Morning a creepy old man watching It’s the song of a man in his old Cambria voice is perfect for it. This it... It’s the same feeling I get Light’ young girls on the beach. age mourning his wife after Best sequel. As I’m listen- is their first full album after when I listen to Adele or Ani But when you look deeper being in a lifelong relation- ing to this album again for releasing a couple of EPs. The [DiFranco] or Lana Del Ray.” you find, like most creepy ship of convenience — that’s the first time in a while I’m first one had me concerned Sweet. Thanks for the review, old men staring blankly at powerful shit. Steven Wilson noticing two things. Firstly, but the second EP contained Lexi. Best songs: ‘Get Down,’ young girls, he’s remember- is the frontman of progres- these songs all rock! Sec- a few songs that would be ‘In the Afternoon,’ ‘Darlin’ ing better times and just sive rock band extraordinaire, ondly, as I look over what’s on the album and it lifted Darlin’’ wishing he were younger. Porcupine Tree, and often already been on this list and my spirits, but this album is 5. Versions by Zola Jesus In ‘Higgs Boson Blues’ he works with Mikael Akerfeldt look ahead to what’s left, I awesome. There’s a music Remake of the year. All recalls faint, surreal memo- (Opeth). This is his third solo notice there’s a lot of really video for ‘Ice Age’ that will the songs on this albums are ries along his pilgrimage to album and was recorded with sad music here, and this is draw you right into the song. remakes of past songs, many Geneva. The songs all have the touring band for his last another example of that. If This is everything I hoped from her previous album, 3. Bosnian Rainbows by a slow and mournful tone to solo, and it was engineered by they hadn’t put a happy song this band would become, Conatus. J. G. Thirlwell Bosnian Rainbows them. The dark poetic lyrics the legendary Alan Parsons. at the end of the album (‘2’s and you know they’re not arranged all the music and Best new artist. Omar and perfect musical accom- Everyone should listen to this My Favourite 1’), this would stopping here. Best songs: ‘Ice Mivos Quartet played it while Rodríguez-López was happy paniment prove that Nick album. Anyone who appreci- also win the most depressing Age,’ ‘Strings and Attractors,’ Zola Jesus herself rerecorded to be free of the weight of Cave and the Bad Seeds ates good music will appreciate album of the year award — if ‘Welcome Oblivion’ all the vocals in a register being in charge of every detail are true masters of their this. Incredible. I can’t throw you’ve been following the Af- 7. Hesitation Marks by we can all understand. She’s of a project when he gave up craft. Best songs: ‘Waters enough praise at this but I’m terman storyline. Best songs: Nine Inch Nails trained as an opera singer, The Mars Volta and joined Edge,’ ‘Higgs Boson Blues,’ gonna stop now. Best songs: ‘Key Entity Extraction V: Industrial album of the so on past albums her vocals a more collaborative band ‘Mermaids’ ‘The Watchmaker,’ ‘The Raven Sentry the Defiant,’ ‘Gravity’s year. I wasn’t overly thrilled are always belted out as opera to be guitarist for Bosnian 1. The Raven Who Who Refused To Sing,’ ‘Drive Union,’ ‘Iron Fist’ with the first single, ‘Came singers do and it makes Rainbows. Deantoni Parks Refused to Sing (and Other Home’ 9. Free the Universe by Back Haunted,’ but then there understanding the lyrics came along from Volta as Stories) by Steven Wilson Well that’s the best of all the Major Lazer were a couple more singles quite difficult. I’ve had my the rhythm section and they Album of the friggin’ year! crap I listened to last year. If Dance album of the that were better and finally eye on her for a while now, joined vocalist Teri Gender Holy crap! Far above and you disagree or agree strongly year. These songs hold up. ‘Everything’ was released on and I think this is the most Bender, from Le Butcher- beyond anything else this is enough to let me know, And there’s so many good NPR and it sounded like a beautiful and most accessible ettes, and Nicci Kasper on the best album I’ve heard all drop me a line at tonesoup@ remixes roaming around rock song with pop hooks. album she’s recorded yet. The keyboards. They’ve got a kind year, and probably longer thestew.ca or find us on Internetland. The album was Fans were not pleased. Even fact that this treatment has of gothic art rock sound that than that. Facebook. postponed a couple of times though the song was good, it been applied to the best songs Teri’s voice and attitude lends and an apologetic series of wasn’t what Nine Inch Nails in her back-catalogue make themselves to wonderfully. remix EPs were released for was expected to do. But now it that much better. This is And they play a hell of a live free via Facebook prior to the Hesitation Marks is here and such a beautiful album. Best show. Best songs: ‘I Cry For release of this album. Even all the NIN fans can rest as- songs: ‘Sea Talk,’ ‘Hikikomori,’ You,’ ‘The Eye Fell In Love,’ after listening to pre-release sured that Trent hasn’t lost his ‘Vessel’ ‘Eli’ remixes for two months and touch. The lyrical content of then listening to the album the album is more paranoid for a couple more and a slow than a conspiracy theorist steady trickle of remixes, I with a Facebook account. still enjoy it when I play it. It’s Best songs: ‘All Time Low,’ full of dancehall and moom- ‘Running,’ ‘Satellite’ PAGE 16 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014 see For those who don’t like to read, pick up a great book of photographs. Get the most of your new camera THE STEW MAGAZINE’S

By the time you read off by saying that there this, Christmas will have are only four modes Monthly passed and we might in which your camera already be into the year operates. Anything other 2014. Some of you will Photography than what I’m describing be sitting with a brand is what we call a sub- new camera that you re- mode. ceived as a present from The first mode is MIX some incredibly thought- 101 called Program and ful person in your life. that is when the camera I thought when picks the shutter speed Christa and I acquired By Craig Smith and the aperture size. The Stew that one day The aperture is the size I would resurrect my of the hole in the lens. photography column and There is also an Auto what better time than a mode on some cameras brand new year. but that is just Program Do you remember the mode, where the camera anticipation of unwrap- will also decide whether HolidayS of the month ping your Christmas or not to use the flash. January 18 is Thesaurus Day presents this year? I’ve Both of these modes turn noticed, listening to your new expensive SLR Thesaurus Day celebrates the birthday of the author people, that when they camera into a point and of Roget’s Thesaurus. Peter Roget was born on this day are given a camera for shoot. in 1779. a gift it’s either the first The next mode is The Thesaurus has been an invaluable reference book or the last item that they called Shutter Priority. for hundreds of years. Students and writers use it to get to unwrap. The first In this mode you pick improve the quality of their literary work. because then you can the shutter speed and be taking pictures of the the camera will pick the The Thesaurus lists synonyms (words with the rest of Christmas or the aperture. The next mode same or similar meaning) for words. It allows you to last because its probably parents that Christmas it’s dark, use a flash cube. is Aperture Priority in avoid repetition in writing and speeches. It also lists the most expensive and and my grandma used That was it. which you choose the antonyms...words with opposite meaning. the gifter wants to drag that picture for years in Today’s cameras have aperture and the camera Enjoy today appreciating the value of the Thesaurus. out the anticipation. cards, etc. I think I even more buttons than a jet now picks the shutter If you haven’t seen it in a while, take a moment to I think in my lifetime still have a copy of it. fighter and all you have speed. The last mode is browse through it. I’ve received a camera This month’s theme to go by are the symbols your Manual mode in as a Christmas present is about books, and the and icons on the camera which you pick every- January 23 is National Handwriting Day about four times and ev- manual you get with a and a manual the size of thing. This isn’t a mode ery time I’ve been almost new camera is a huge War and Peace. to use when you are just National Handwriting Day is an opportunity to in tears. book, not like the man- Let me spend a few learning, but as you get reintroduce yourself to a pen or pencil and a piece My first camera was ual I received with that minutes demystifying more proficient it’s my of paper. In this day of computers, more and more a Kodak 126 cartridge Kodak. It said, basically, some of those icons for mode of choice. information, notes, and letters are sent back and forth via a keyboard and cyberspace. camera that used flash- put the film cartridge you so you can start to Now that you know cubes. I think I was 10. I here, wind until it stops, really enjoy the art that what the modes control, According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers photographed my grand- then press this button. If I’ve spent most of my life get out and practice. It’s Association (WIMA) website “The purpose of creating. way cheaper to practice National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to This month I want to getting good at photog- the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, go over the four modes raphy now than it was National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to of photography and how when I started with film, re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.” or why you would want saving my allowance to to use them. Let start develop a roll. Participate in National Handwriting Day by writing a note or letter to someone. Love letters are cool. Notes to people who are ill or incapacitated will be well received.

© By Premier Star Co January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 17

Books vs Digital: Join the debate and tell us do which you think is better by emailing [email protected] The many mediums of the e-book industry Whether you use an e-reader or Tech a tablet, e-books are Talk the future By Craig Smith of reading and my contacts. I can cool but I would have write notes and arti- to be at my desk to be cles for The Stew on it, able to read a book so I can check the weath- that’s kind of where With the theme this er, post on Facebook, it ended. That is until month being books, play a game, and even the Ipad. I now have a I thought that there make a face to face small device that I can would be no better phone call. carry with me wher- time to look at the A Kindle, on the ever I go and read. growth of electronic other hand, gives you I resisted buying books and the devices the ability to read the first book for a available for viewing an electronic book… long time because of them. period. the special feelings my As my wife Christa The Kindle has a wife has for real books will attest, I have a few very major ad- made out of paper. love affair with my vantages over tablets. As I am a photog- iPad. I now actually For one, all you can rapher most of the have two. I went down do is read books… no books I wanted to to Vancouver to buy distractions. The next buy had full colour the very first iPad is battery life as the pictures and that was when it was intro- Kindle will give you something the kindle duced and I’m pretty much more battery e-reader just couldn’t sure that it was the life than most tablets. do. I was scanning first one in the North. The third, and, in my Amazon’s website and My second iPad is mind, the most im- my eye caught an ad the one I now carry portant, is that you saying that Kindle was everywhere and it is can read it in broad now an application the very latest one daylight. you could download (the 2013 model, as I guess the last to the iPad and read they don’t give them advantage would be books in full colour. I numbers anymore). price, as the Kindle noticed the price for a I do still buy real is only about $100 book was a third less books, but unlike my whereas the iPad is and justified trying wife I don’t need the around $600. the first one that way. feel of the pages or Not only is Kindle After reading my first the smell of the ink an e-reader, it is also e-book I was hooked. on paper. I read for an application that How else can you car- the pleasure of read- you can download to ry a thousand books ing regardless of the your tablet. Last year with you on vacation. medium. I bought and down- I love the fact that In my mind there loaded my first e-book I can read books at are two ways of read- from Amazon, which night without a light ing electronic books. is the company that … can’t do that with a They are tablets and owns the Kindle. real book, Mrs. Smith. e-readers. The larg- When the first My only problem with est category is tablets. Kindle came out I my iPad was the fact It seems like every downloaded the appli- that in bright sun- phone / computer cation to my desktop light on the beach it’s company has now put computer and read the totally unreadable. I out a tablet. I know I first e-book, which guess I’m looking for love mine. It has my was a free short story a boxing day sale on a schedule, carries my by Stephen King. I real Kindle for bright pictures, my music, thought it was kind of day backup. PAGE 18 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014

If your New Year’s resolution is not to exercise, do then why not try out Community Theatre? Reading is the first part of acting Looking for the latest edition The books of theatre are presented the play Glengar- of THE STEW Magazine? the plays themselves, the ry Glen Ross for both read- scripts. A playwright is a ing and pitching last year. It Stew Spots special kind of author, one was selected to be on stage In alphabetical order who only writes dialogue, from January 29 to February Behind the 100 MILE HOUSE Halls Organics with no explanation or ex- 1 and from February 5 to 8. 99 Mile Supermarket Hobbit House position. The characters are Now Shane and his cast and A&W Husky defined not by description, crew are in the middle of Chevron Karamia’s but by what they say and the task of making the script CRD Library M&M Meat Shop Curtain Dairy Queen McDonald’s what is said about them. Ac- come alive. Each actor has Donex Mohawk tions are, to a large degree, taken a character described Higher Ground Natural Foods New World Cafe implied. By Cathie Hamm only by the dialogue, the Nuthatch Book Store One More Slice A typical script has some words he says and those said Parkside Art Gallery The Open Book Pharmasave The Overlander Hotel stage direction, but it is min- interprets adds a level of reading night on January about him, and made him Safeway Red Shred’s imal, and some have none meaning. A fascinating 17, with 10 to 15 minute three dimensional, filling Save-On Foods Safeway at all. Even a script that has exercise is to see different readings done by local in body language, emotion, Smitty’s Sandman Inn extensive stage directions is theatre groups do the same actors. Anyone is welcome and tone to fit those words. Subway Save-On Foods subject to change; the move- play and see what they come to take part or just sit back Playwright David Mamet Tim Horton’s Shields Brake & Muffler Visitor Centre Shopper’s Drug Mart ment of the actors is limited up with. and enjoy the show, free of won a Pulitzer Prize for Starbucks by the stage they are on, and An equally interesting charge at the Studio Theatre. Glengarry Glen Ross in LAC LA HACHE Station House Gallery subject to the interpretation exercise is to see, or even Potential directors use this 1984. He is famous for his Fast Trac Gas & Subway (at Prosperity ridge) of the director. take part in, a play reading exercise to see if they like tense dialogue, and it is Convenience Store Subway (on the Highway) Clancy’s Restaurant Tim Horton’s The difference between a or stage reading. This is how a play sounds before illustrated beautifully in this Tourism Info Centre play and a book is this lack exactly what it sounds like, they decide to pitch it for play. He also lets his charac- 150 MILE HOUSE TRU of exposition — the author a group gets together, differ- production next year. ters speak brutally to each 150 Mile Mall Walmart leaves the interpretation of ent people take on different The Theatre group is also other; the play comes with Marshall’s Store WLCBIA the details up to the theatre parts, and read the script open to reading plays just a strong coarse language Women’s Contact Society WILLIAMS LAKE group that performs the in character. Even without for the fun of it; if you have warning. A&W QUESNEL play. Different people could physically acting out a play, a play you want to hear part But, as Tollefson says, Alley Katz A&W very easily have completely the actor will become the of, email us (wlstheatre@ “That is how guys speak to Andre’s Electronics Aroma Foods different interpretations of character, bringing differ- gmail.com) to arrange it. each other.” Bean Counter Billy Barker Hotel & Casino Canadian Tire Bliss dialogue and the motiva- ent tones and pacing of the You might even decide to The play and its dialogue Canwest Propane Burger Palace tions and emotions behind dialogue that will bring life pitch it on play pitch night, are brutally honest, even Cariboo Memorial Complex Carry All Books it. to the script. It suddenly February 10 at the Theatre. as the characters deceive CRD Library (Magazine & Granville’s Coffee This can actually work becomes much different Again, anyone is welcome and manipulate each other. News Section) Karin’s Deli Central Cariboo Arts & Mac’s to the play’s favour: it is than what you may have in- to watch the proceedings, If you are not afraid of a Culture Center Museum & Tourist Centre not bound to only what terpreted reading it silently. which can be entertaining in powerful play with powerful Concrete Fitness Quizno’s the playwright envisioned; The Williams Lake Stu- their own right. dialogue, come see it at the Cool Clear Water Safeway every voice that reads and dio Theatre will have a script Director Shane Tollefson theatre. Dairy Queen Save-On Foods Dandelion Living Shopper’s Drug Mart Denny’s Restaurant Subway Elaine’s Natural Foods Super Suds Laundromat Make the most of your backpack The Gecko Tree Tim Horton’s (on the Highway) Greyhound Tim Horton’s (Downtown) Something I usually do very important. Non-pad- Good Guys Gardening with my patients at the start ded straps are uncomfort- of the school year is address able, and can dig into your the issue of backpacks and child’s shoulders. Want to be a back health. Adrenaline The shoulder straps drop-off destination for From experience with should be adjustable so the my own kids, I have found backpack can be fitted to THE STEW Magazine? that by the second or your child’s body. Straps Email [email protected] third week the weight of Fix that are too loose can cause their school backpacks is the backpack to dangle incredible, and this leads uncomfortably and cause If your child seems back, shoulder, and neck to sore backs and necks. By Darren Smith spinal misalignment and unsteady or has trouble pain. Headaches and Some of the things I address pain. balancing while wearing his tingling hands may also be with parents are from the never hang more than four Bigger is not necessarily If the backpack is still too backpack, this is sign that it symptoms. Chiropractic Association’s inches below the waistline. better. The more room there heavy, talk to your child’s is too heavy. Wrist, arm, or All the above recom- recommendations for back- A backpack that hangs too is in a backpack, the more teacher. Ask if your child leg injuries can result from mendations apply to adult pack safety. low increases the weight on your child will carry — and could leave the heaviest children falling down due to students too and of course, Make sure your child’s the shoulders, causing your the heavier the backpack books at school, and bring overloaded packs, especially those of us that pack a backpack weighs no more child to lean forward when will be. home only lighter hand-out this time of year when ice laptop to work every day or than five to 10 percent of walking. Urge your child to wear materials or workbooks. and snow make for a slip- people that take their work his or her body weight. A A backpack with indi- both shoulder straps. Lug- An alternative might be pery walk to school. home with them in the heavier backpack will cause vidualized compartments ging the backpack around a roller bag or a backpack Research is still ongoing form of files or other heavy your child to bend forward helps in positioning the by one strap can cause the with wheels, however, check as to possible long-term items. in an attempt to support the contents most effectively. disproportionate shift of with your child’s school effects of regular backpack So, in the words of Ser- weight on his or her back, Make sure that pointy or weight to one side, leading / teacher to see if it is ap- use for kids; parents should geant Phil Esterhaus (Hill rather than on the shoul- bulky objects are packed to neck and muscle spasms, proved, as some schools feel keep an eye out for short- Street Blues for those of us ders, by the straps. away from the area that will as well as low-back pain. they clutter the hallways term effects of overloaded old enough to remember), The backpack should rest on your child’s back. Wide, padded straps are and have disallowed them. packs which can include “Be careful out there.” January 2014 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 19

This month’s crossword puzzle is brought to you by do the fine people at Bob Paterson Homes 6 One draws up by home of 17 Sleeper is angry with 25 People of Kerala accept- 15 and 6 ac’s (6) Oriental we hear (8) ed currency (5) 7 Sources of heat in Heaven 18 Newspaper informant and Hell under which you obtains nothing from down- won’t bum (9) fall of 6 ac’s (8) 8 Region in which King 21 Water rescue leaders end- Alfred the First hid in a tree lessly try lifting up swimmer (5) (6) 14 See 22 22,14 Is sane in half of brain? 16 An essential tax, it is (2,4,5,4) accepted in rising foreign 23 Bored with Old English currency (9) writer? (5)

28 Invest with bear right away (5) 29 Drinking den where X-Word Puzzle the conversation flowed? ACROSS 13 State airline gets capital (9) 1 Upper class deservin’ to backing (8) get the chop - that’s not 15 Chief of 6 ac’s is silent? DOWN changed (9) (4) 1 A French mistress isn’t at 6 Originally Arthurian 19 Heartless trick by Ve- all liked (9) errant knight, resident of netian magistrate (4) 2 Kings and Queens having 6 dn (5) 20 One fool to fool around no love for old coins (5) 9 Some writing that endlessly - describes old stands out (7) Secondary system (8) 3 One of 15’s attendants who went for a noted ride 10 Hermione, leaving 23 Unseats from steed (8) island with bag, stupidly with horn blast (9) 4 15’s transport provided by makes a bloomer (7) 24 Not any sun on the 7th Northern Irish, after mis- 11 Hearty desire to take of March? (5) take involving English (8) on the unknown (5) 26 Day boy takes on head 5 Obligation involving a bit 12 Streep performs with of school for a thrill (7) of effort gives rise to conten- bad actor in “The Great- 27 Some chapter minis- tion (6) coat” (9) ters’ final destinations (7) PAGE 20 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2014