Tim Hortons bans complaining customer A coffee enthusiast in St. Andrews, N.B., has learned the customer may not always be right. After complaining three times about "burnt" decaffeinated coffee at the local Tim Hortons, Jimmy Craig is now banned for life from that outlet and the one in nearby St. Stephen. 2/8/2010 4:40:25 AM
Tacoma: US soldier 'waterboarded' daughter, 4 A Tacoma, Washington soldier allegedly waterboarded his four-year-old daughter because she failed to recite her ABCs. He admitted to police that he chose the CIA torture technique because his daughter was terrified of water. 2/7/2010 8:16:01 PM
Half-naked women protest Ukrainian election Serval young topless women barged into a Ukrainian polling station, rowdily protesting before a candidate cast his ballot. The women, members of a small feminist group called Femen known for staging eye-catching protests, were hustled out of the Kiev polling station by security guards. 2/7/2010 7:55:23 PM
Danica proves she's a natural in stock car JR Motorsports team owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick could not keep their eyes off the TV screens Saturday afternoon. There were 43 cars on the racetrack during Saturday’s ARCA romp, but SPEED was focused on Danica Patrick’s debut and so were the men at the table. (Ed: She may race again in the Daytona Nationwide race on Saturday.)
2/7/2010 7:33:53 PM
Penticton Chamber honours Beth Campbell Beth Campbell has held many titles and offices during her career as a local entrepreneur and politician. Chamber president, councillor, mayor. Indeed, her latest (and perhaps most prestigious) is an appointment as corporate board chair of Best Western. 2/7/2010 5:12:15 PM
Column: So you thought Generation X was angry? Warning: This column contains dry-eyed realism, economic frustration and intergenerational resentment. Parents or young people wishing to preserve a sense of blind optimism about the future are advised to turn the page. Reader discretion is advised. 2/7/2010 4:43:22 PM
Ottawa: Arrest of bank manager shocks residents News that a Hawkesbury bank manager has been arrested for an armed robbery of her own bank -- and for a string of other robberies and home invasions -- is the talk of the town in Hawkesbury and Vankleek Hill. The big surprise, is the bank manager. The CIBC was robbed at gunpoint just before Christmas. 2/7/2010 4:13:04 PM
‘Oh, Canada!’ Stephen Colbert crudely redefines our national history Canada’s history is being rewritten — online, at least — in terms so crude, it could make any Canunk blush with a patriotic tinge. On his late-night TV show this week, satirist Stephen Colbert took aim at Canadian magazine The Beaver. 2/7/2010 3:56:35 PM
Volunteers try to dissuade young sex workers on Super Bowl weekend Just as Miami's hotels, restaurants and retail stores are seeing a bump in business for one of the biggest sporting events of the year, law enforcement and social service agencies say they are also witnessing a spike in trafficking of underage sex workers. 2/7/2010 10:02:09 AM
Premier Campbell's cheesy PR stunt is good politics With Gordon Campbell soaking up more Olympic photo-ops than Quatchi, Miga and Sumi combined, I'm starting to wonder if the premier might put on one of those fuzzy mascot suits and start stealing their TV face-time, too. Campbell's ride on the Olympic zip line over Robson Square.....(more) 2/7/2010 9:57:52 AM
Prime Minister's Senate appointments seen as hypocritical, poll finds Two-thirds of Canadians believe Prime Minister Stephen Harper is a hypocrite for appointing five new senators, a new Angus Reid poll says. The survey found 65 per cent of respondents see the appointments as hypocritical. 2/7/2010 8:43:27 AM
Policing Mexico's deadliest beat Police in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez have a tough beat, with one of the world's highest murder rates and the all-powerful drug cartels to combat. Yet eager recruits are still ready to join the fray, as Katya Adler reports. 2/7/2010 8:33:56 AM
In Paris, the customer is not always right The idea of service is taken very seriously in France where any feeling of subservience is strongly resisted, as Emma Jane Kirby discovered. The customer is allegedly always right in London but, in Paris, he or she is little more than an irritant. 2/7/2010 8:32:24 AM
Obama's Super Bowl party: Chips, dip and one Republican - Today is Super Bowl XLIV and so President XLIV of the United States is having a few folks over to the White House to eat and drink and maybe watch. What a numerical coincidence! And in the spirit of Barack Obama's professed bipartisanship, the Democrat has invited one Republican. 2/7/2010 5:56:24 AM
Tiger‘s troubles money in the bank Never did West Kelowna‘s Mike Caldwell think his golf ball collection featuring Tiger Woods‘s alleged mistresses would be such a hot seller. “I thought it would be fun and I‘d make some money off it,” said Caldwell. So far, Caldwell has sold 3,000 boxed sets, for a grand total of almost US$135,000. 2/7/2010 4:32:14 AM
'Sexualized' Sports Illustrated cover of U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn draws criticism, controversy Lindsey Vonn is an elite alpine athlete set to tackle the world of women's skiing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, but her appearance in this month's Sports illustrated, complete with cover shot of the skier posed bent over has drawn fire from critics as "sexualized." (Ed: Whaaat? She's a downhill skier.) 2/6/2010 5:17:46 AM
Louisiana Student clashes with principal over Colts jersey A Louisiana high school student says he was sent home for wearing an Indianapolis Colts jersey Friday - the day the principal encouraged students to wear New Orleans Saints black and gold as the teams get ready to face off in the Super Bowl. ``If they tell other students to support their team, why can't I support mine?'' said Brandon Frost, 17. 2/6/2010 4:45:25 AM
Danica Patrick qualifies 12th for Daytona race Saturday After all 47 drivers had taken their respective shots, Danica Patrick held the 12th starting position for her much-heralded stock car racing debut, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT Saturday. Defending race winner James Buescher will start from the pole after a lap at 181.543 mph. 2/5/2010 5:36:57 PM
Teenage matador ready to take on six bulls Parents of teenage boys usually worry that their sons are drinking or dabbling in drugs. Celia Moreno, however, will today be watching anxiously as her 16-year-old son steps into a ring to face six muscle-bound half-tonne bulls. 2/5/2010 5:15:03 PM
Champ Downs 238 Wings to Win Philly Fight They came, they saw, they ate 'em all. For the 18th year in a row, Philadelphia sports radio station WIP-AM held its bizarre "chicken eating" tradition before a packed house at the Wachovia Center Friday morning. PJ Whelihan's in Haddonfield, Penn., cooked up 9,000 wings for the 29 contestants 2/5/2010 4:55:21 PM
Panty-stealing British ex-mayor jailed The ex-mayor of a Lancashire village who got "sexual kicks" from breaking into women's homes to steal underwear has been jailed for two years. He was caught after one victim set up a hidden camera, catching him in the act. 2/5/2010 4:31:18 PM
Can the power of thought stop you ageing? How much control do you have over how you will age? In 1979 psychologist Ellen Langer carried out an experiment to find if changing thought patterns could slow ageing. But the full story of the extraordinary experiment has been hidden until now. 2/5/2010 4:23:31 PM
Teen who dreamt of better world kills himself over bullying The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district will review its bullying and suicide safeguards after a 15-year-old boy who was tormented by school bullies killed himself. Woodlands Secondary School student Ashkan Sultani hanged himself on Jan. 12. 2/5/2010 4:13:31 PM
Online dating gains acceptability as singles face time constraints Any lingering stigma about finding true love online seems to be fading, particularly among older adults. In a study of 175 newlywed couples scientists said those who met through online dating agencies, or social networking sites, tended to be older than other couples who met through traditional ways offline. 2/5/2010 3:42:42 PM
Calm comes on four legs Walking the dog that day, I was in a bad mood. The kids had been home sick most of the week, and my list of Things Not Getting Done had grown by leaps and bounds. Today was for catch-up and here I was languishing in the ravine while my canine friend checked his pee-mails at every stump. 2/5/2010 3:10:19 PM
Rex Murphy: The private life of Danny Williams It's his heart, it's his surgery, and it's his choice. Danny Williams, Premier or no Premier, and his family are the only ones at this point who have any real say about where he chooses to have life-threatening surgery. 2/5/2010 11:03:03 AM
My boyfriend gives nothing but expects a lot Group Therapy is a relationship advice column that asks readers to contribute their wisdom. Each week, we offer a problem for you to weigh in on, then publish the most lively responses, with a final word on the matter delivered by our columnist, Lynn Coady. 2/5/2010 10:36:19 AM
For Scots, a Scourge Unleashed by a Bottle What is it about Buckfast Tonic Wine that makes it so alluring to consumers and yet so repulsive to politicians? Perhaps it is its special caffeine-and-sweet-wine recipe, which allows overly enthusiastic consumers to be tipsy and bouncy at the same time. 2/5/2010 10:18:02 AM
What travel agents don't want you to know THEY may smile and seem like they are sharing the holiday joy with you, but from preying on those in grief to lying about cheap trips, travel agents can be just as cut-throat as the meanest in any industry that works on commission. 2/5/2010 8:42:17 AM
Mauled owner fights off his own pit bulls A New Zealand man attacked by his pet pit bulls at home managed to fight them off and shut them in a room before calling emergency services for help. The 34-year-old was in a serious but stable condition yesterday after surgery for multiple lacerations to his scalp, face and arms. 2/5/2010 7:37:20 AM
Erotic-photo banker keeps his job An Australian banker caught viewing erotic images in the background of a live TV interview will keep his job, his employer has said. David Kiely became an internet sensation when the Channel 7 interview, showing him looking at images of model Miranda Kerr, was posted on YouTube. 2/5/2010 6:00:00 AM
Danica Patrick: Confidence overtakes crew chief's concerns Tony Eury Jr. is comfortable discussing just how uncomfortable he once was with the prospect of trying to mold Danica Patrick into a stock car driver. The reason: She's already proved to her crew chief that she can do this. They expect to be up to speed in Patrick's first stock car race on Saturday. 2/4/2010 8:15:00 PM
Walter Huebert named Penticton’s Senior of the Year A retired 35-year Princess Margaret Secondary School teacher and former School Board 67 trustee has won Penticton’s 2009 Senior of the Year award. A humble Walter Huebert was presented the award by Mayor Dan Ashton at a Downtown Rotary Club luncheon Wednesday. 2/4/2010 5:33:47 PM
After 40 years, Heinz revamps ketchup packets The ketchup packet has been around for more than 40 years, and complaints about it for nearly as long: too messy, too small, too hard to open. Now ketchup giant H.J. Heinz Co. is unveiling the first major packaging change to the to-go condiment. 2/4/2010 11:53:53 AM
Two-inch LEGO gun gets 4th-grader in trouble Patrick Timoney, a 9-year-old student at PS 52 in Staten Island, N.Y., was in the school cafeteria Tuesday playing with LEGOs when he was taken to the principal’s office and threatened with suspension. One of his toys was a LEGO policeman that holds a 2-inch plastic gun. 2/4/2010 11:51:57 AM
N.Z. Student sells her virginity online to pay for tuition A student has auctioned her virginity to a stranger for almost $30,000 to help fund her university tuition fees. The 19-year-old New Zealand woman offered her virginity to the highest bidder in an online auction on the www.ineed.co.nz 2/4/2010 7:52:46 AM
Dog rescued from icy sea gets new master Baltic, the spunky dog who floated at least 75 miles on an ice floe, has a new owner: The seaman who rescued him. The decision was made after the dog rejected six people who had claimed to be his original owner. The dog's new master is Adam Buczynski, who pulled him to safety. 2/4/2010 6:47:37 AM
Despite media crap, Majority of Canadians plan to retire on time Almost three-quarters of Canadian investors say they still plan to retire on time despite the uncertain economic and market conditions over the last few years, according to a survey from Scotiabank and TNS Canadian Facts released Thursday. 2/4/2010 6:24:38 AM
Drunk S.African had 49 children in 16-seat taxi A South African minibus taxi driver five times over the legal blood alcohol limit at breakfast time was arrested on Wednesday for transporting 49 children in a 16-seat vehicle. The children, aged between three and 13, were crammed on top of each other for the morning ride to school. 2/4/2010 6:22:52 AM
Medal of Bravery for Castlegar boy Castlegar youth Cody Sloot is one of a number of people set to receive Canada's Medal of Bravery, at a ceremony in Ottawa tomorrow. Sloot is being recognized for his actions in June 2007, when as a 10 year old he travelled 5 kilometres through the wilderness to find help for his injured father. 2/4/2010 6:10:44 AM
The 7 Weirdest Things Women Do to Their Privates Andy Wright has a fascinating, and disturbing piece up at AlterNet detailing the "6 weirdest things women do to their vaginas. "The procedures Wright lists are bizarre and troubling, but she leaves off one of the weirdest approaches to vaginal beauty I've heard of recently: gluing shiny things on. 2/4/2010 5:58:41 AM
'Nude' photos seen on banker's PC in live TV interview An Australian banker is in hot water after being filmed looking at semi-nude photos of a model while a colleague was doing a television interview nearby. He could be seen clicking on photos of in the background of the interview. 2/3/2010 4:35:07 PM
Farmer loses High Court fight to save hidden castle A farmer who built a castle hidden behind a stack of straw bales has lost a High Court bid to save it from being demolished. Robert Fidler, of Salfords, Surrey, built the home - complete with turrets - without planning permission. 2/3/2010 4:28:06 PM
You can teach an old employee new tricks At 54, Dan Johns wanted to find his future, and he decided it would be in renewable energy. He'd spent nine years in the same role as leader of construction and engineering insurance for insurer RSA in Toronto, and was ready for a change. 2/3/2010 11:39:49 AM
Family can sue: Cops emailed accident photos to friends Christos and Lesli Catsouras, whose daughter's fatal car accident was shown in photos posted on thousands of Web sites, can sue the California Highway Patrol for releasing the photos and prolonging the family's anguish, a California appeals court has ruled. (Ed: The girl was decapitated in the accident.) 2/3/2010 9:14:13 AM
Tom Watson believes Tiger Woods must show more humility upon return to golf Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to "show some humility to the public" when he returns to golf after sorting out his personal life. Watson also said Wednesday that Woods should clean up his on-course behaviour in order to be considered among the true greats of the game. 2/3/2010 6:42:40 AM
Jenny Sanford: Governor Husband asked me for affair advice In a new memoir, South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford writes that Gov. Mark Sanford sought her advice about his romance and how to deal with the media after she discovered his extramarital relationship with an Argentine woman. Mark Sanford was once considered a possible 2012 Republican presidential candidate. 2/3/2010 6:33:16 AM
German man lost on frozen North Sea saved by woman watching sunset on webcam Police say a woman watching the sunset on a webcam spotted a German man lost on the frozen North Sea and probably saved his life by alerting police. He used a camera to flash for help. That got the attention of a woman hundreds of miles away in southern Germany who was watching the sunset over the sea on her computer. 2/3/2010 6:24:20 AM
74-year-old Canadian woman extradited to U.S. on 29-year-old pot charge A 74-year-old woman from Hamilton, Ont., who attempted to cross the border into New York state earlier this week learned the hard way that the United States does not take kindly to drug charges — no matter how old. A routine criminal-record check revealed that Cole was the subject of active felony warrant issued on April 1, 1980. 2/3/2010 6:11:02 AM
Chamber honours the best in the business The Penticton business community honoured its best Saturday evening. The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce held their 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards and dinner Saturday evening. 2/3/2010 5:46:21 AM
AC/DC singer tells rockers to stop charity lectures Anglo-Australian rockers AC/DC have a message for rock stars out to do good – stop lecturing audiences about giving money to charity. Brian Johnson said people don't want rich celebrities, like Bob Geldof and Bono, telling them to think of starving children. 2/3/2010 5:36:01 AM
Meet Howard Soon, wine master of the Okanagan Howard Soon helped craft the German-style riesling blend at Calona Vineyards during Canada’s jug-wine era. Apparently, it was sweet and light enough to sip mountainside between runs without fear of a nasty tumble – Gatorade with a happy kick. 2/3/2010 5:30:42 AM
Caledonia: OPP chief's pursuit of activist laid bare in e-mails OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino and upper levels of the provincial police force appear to have been virtually obsessed with arresting activist Gary McHale. Commissioner Fantino appears to have been intimately involved in what he once labelled the effort to “take him [Mr. McHale] out.” 2/3/2010 5:04:29 AM
Why Sleeping Separately Is Good For Some Relationships By Sophie Keller, happiness expert: I started my new 'Balanced Life' segments on the KTLA 5 television news show last year with what seemed like a 'Trial By Fire.' The subject chosen -- 'Why Sleeping Separately Can Be Good for Your Relationship' -- is one of the most controversial that I tend to speak out about. 2/2/2010 5:06:00 PM
Faster! Higher! Stronger! Pricier! Why they're called 'fleece' jackets On the fifth floor of The Bay downtown, amid the household goods and tableware department, members of the public can now experience first-hand the true meaning of the Olympics, which is, of course, merchandising. (Ed: Much of the clothing was made in China and the far east.) 2/2/2010 3:40:18 PM
Students finding new ways to cheat though Internet In a new twist on using the Internet for academic cheating, students are outsourcing their essays and assignments through freelancer websites intended to allow prospective employers to post one-time jobs for skilled professionals to bid on. 2/2/2010 2:59:28 PM
Exposure to luxury can alter decision making: Study For the good of us all, step away from the Rolex. The mere exposure to luxury goods can have a corrosive effect on decision-making that pushes individuals to put their interests over the interests of others, according to a Harvard Business School study. 2/2/2010 2:22:58 PM
Quail’s Patch Art Studio offers classes and workshops in the Similkameen The madness that seems to guide consumerism, narcissism, and greed, toppled by the urgent call to action by spiritual leaders, scientists, peace activists, and environmentalists is enough reason to make you want to engage in an initiative such as the one at Quail’s Patch Art Studio.” 2/2/2010 8:37:59 AM
Motorists caught driving minutes after losing licences CBC News caught a handful of Ontario men driving minutes after having their licences suspended. "The first four trials we sat through where people were convicted and [whose licences were] suspended — every one of those four drivers went back out into the parking lot and actually drove away." 2/2/2010 6:22:40 AM
Study: Most use bank password everywhere For years computer security experts have been preaching that users should never share the same password across their connected lives -- at online banking sites, at Amazon, on their Web mail services, even on their cell phones. Apparently, most people ignore that advice. 2/2/2010 6:00:24 AM
‘Gothic kittens’ — groomer pierces necks, ears A northeastern Pennsylvania woman is heading to trial on animal cruelty charges for marketing "gothic kittens" with ear and neck piercings over the Internet. Thirty-five-year-old groomer Holly Crawford is scheduled for trial Tuesday in Wilkes-Barre. 2/2/2010 5:56:41 AM
Poverty: B.C.’s PR nightmare scenario Welfare-cheque lineups and tent cities were identified months ago by the B.C. government as potential public-relations disasters during the Winter Olympics, according to a confidential risk-management plan. In February, Welfare Wednesday will fall on Feb. 17, five days after the 2010 Winter Games start. 2/2/2010 5:27:04 AM
Haitian girl recounts tearful bus ride with supposed orphans For she knows not how long, Berline Chéry travelled toward the Dominican border in a blue-and-white bus with 32 other children. She didn't know where they were going or who was taking them there. That's when the police opened the doors and found them. 2/2/2010 4:53:41 AM
Hunting dog triggers shotgun, hits master A hunter trying to retrieve duck decoys got a surprise when he was accidentally shot by his own dog. The accident occurred Saturday when the female Labrador retriever stepped on her owner's loaded shotgun, causing the safety to disengage and the weapon to fire. 2/1/2010 4:26:27 PM
Maxwell has earned the Vees’ respect Murray Maxwell replaces a water bottle on the players’ bench of the Penticton Valley First Vees prior to the start of a recent BCHL game at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The longtime volunteer helps in any way he can throughout the season for the club. 2/1/2010 2:19:12 PM
Ritchie Bros. co-founder to sell 220-ft luxury megayacht at Grand Cayman auction Dave Ritchie, co-founder of Vancouver-based Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, will sell his 220-ft luxury megayacht at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Grand Cayman in March. The Apoise, the world's 89th largest yacht, will be sold to the highest bidder on March 30, regardless of price. 2/1/2010 10:09:05 AM
Sex and the Olympics: Huge rise in demand for strippers, escorts Let the sex games begin. Olympic fever is taking hold in Metro Vancouver's sex industry, with businesses and workers preparing to welcome a deluge of eager visitors. One purveyor of sex for sale is seeking to entice new prostitutes with promises of tens of thousands of dollars. 2/1/2010 9:36:29 AM
Smothering parents may do more harm than good for children Parents so accustomed to being called 'Mom' or 'Dad' that they've forgotten their own first names might think their personal wants and needs belong on the back burner. But experts say being a parent and not a person can harm your relationship with your spouse, your emotional health, and even your children. 2/1/2010 9:06:40 AM
Young Offered 'Gigantic' Sum for Edwards Sex Tape The former John Edwards aide who claims to have a sex tape of the one-time presidential candidate and his pregnant mistress said he'd been offered a "gigantic" amount of money to sell it. Andrew Young didn't say who offered to pay for the video, but it's apparently in demand. 2/1/2010 8:48:49 AM
Students failing English because of Twitter, Facebook Little or no grammar teaching, cellphone texting, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, all are being blamed for an increasingly unacceptable number of post-secondary students who can't write properly. For years there's been a flood of anecdotal complaints. 2/1/2010 4:58:05 AM
Pet-sharing: Part-time doggie Victoria Huntley treats her five-year-old English cocker spaniel, Jay, as though he were her own dog. She takes him to an off-leash beach in the mornings, she teaches him to heel and to wait for her before crossing the street. But to say he belongs to her is only partly true. 1/31/2010 7:33:52 PM
Why are you so terribly disappointing? What the hell is wrong with you? Are you really going to wear that? Why aren't you right now cooking me a nice meal and wearing those hot boy shorts you know I love and saying those words you know I want to hear at exactly the moment I like to hear them, to make me feel better about everything, even though I probably won't? 1/31/2010 12:55:54 PM
Prince William pays warm tribute to his late mother In an interview with journalists, he was asked if he had got his affinity with sick youngsters from the late Princess. “I wouldn’t say I was anywhere near her level,” he replied. “She had a fantastic affinity with kids and with everyone." 1/31/2010 11:52:29 AM
Canadians can't resist temptation Whether it's snooping at a colleague's pay stub, snitching on the boss or pondering getting physical with a friend's significant other -- which a higher percentage of Canadian men have done than any other surveyed nationality -- it seems the one thing we can't resist is temptation. 1/31/2010 11:20:26 AM
Australia: Kids' sex talk rocks teachers TEACHERS are overhearing Tasmanian primary students, children in grade 4 and 5, boasting about having oral sex.
Roz Madsen from the Australian Education Union said teachers "felt helpless" at how to deal with the problem. "Oral sex has become the new kissing." Sexting was also a growing problem. 1/31/2010 9:19:21 AM
Turkish twins with different fathers 'trigger divorce' A Turkish man decided to divorce his wife after DNA tests showed he was the father of only one of their twin boys. The phenomenon of twins with different fathers -- known scientifically as heteropaternal superfecundation -- is very rare in humans, though more common in animals such as cats and dogs. 1/31/2010 8:58:59 AM
Got a decision to make? Get some sugar in your system: study If you're about to try to negotiate a pay rise, it might be a good idea to have a sugary drink beforehand. Not only did having a higher blood sugar level make study participants less likely to act impulsively, but taking a diet drink made people more likely to act on impulse and take the immediate, smaller reward. 1/31/2010 8:55:30 AM
Gates Foundation will give $10 billion to research, deliver vaccines for world's poor The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will donate $10 billion over the next decade to research new vaccines and bring them to the world's poorest countries, the Microsoft co-founder and his wife said Friday. Margaret Chan, head of the World Health Organization, called the Gates contribution unprecedented. 1/31/2010 8:50:42 AM
Crooked? 'Rich Dad' seminars deceptive: Marketplace A high-profile workshop series that purports to teach Canadians how to invest in real estate and stocks uses deceptive tactics, gives questionable advice and focuses more on getting participants to pay for more seminars, according to CBC-TV's Marketplace. 1/31/2010 8:37:54 AM
2000s were 'decade of debt': report Canadian household savings collapsed in the 1990s and debt levels rose to record highs in the 2000s, according to a preliminary report by the Vanier Institute. They found that household income barely budged in the 1990s, moving up by just one per cent, compared to a 10 per cent rise between 2000 and 2009. 1/31/2010 8:33:34 AM
Why do people often vote against their own interests? Last year, in a series of "town-hall meetings" across the country, Americans got the chance to debate President Obama's proposed healthcare reforms. What happened was an explosion of rage and barely suppressed violence. 1/31/2010 7:56:15 AM
How I learned to love the minivan Like a monk who has decided to renounce celibacy, I knew that buying a minivan marked a point of no return. Now the moment was here: I was in a car dealer's inner office, known in the trade as “the closing room.” I gripped a pen in my sweating fingers and prepared to sign the contract. 1/31/2010 6:03:12 AM
Pastor accused of pulling gun on son at church The son of a well-known Alcoa, Tennessee pastor has taken out an order of protection against his father. The younger man told police his father pulled out a handgun when they met at the church to discuss church attendance. 1/31/2010 5:47:02 AM
Penticton Rotary Club creates a lasting legacy The Penticton Rotary Club is taking steps to honour the memory of Sharon Amos, creating an endowment fund in her name to ensure a lasting legacy for the community leader. An extraordinarily dedicated and memorable person, Amos was involved in many facets of community life. 1/31/2010 5:25:34 AM
Dodi Morrison: Harper’s actions speak volumes Stephen Harper has said that The Economist is his favourite magazine. But he may just be cancelling his subscription. A recent editorial, titled “Harper goes prorogue,” was very critical of this latest move. It calls suspending government, with various explanations for doing so, “naked self-interest.” 1/31/2010 5:22:44 AM
Beastly! Lovers told to pay fine in buffaloes, pig A news report says a Malaysian court has ordered two lovers to pay a fine of four buffaloes and a pig after they were found guilty of having an illicit affair. Native Court in Penampang district on Borneo island ruled Friday that the man and woman must compensate their communities with the animals. 1/31/2010 5:14:46 AM
Fundraiser for Haiti snowballs in Oliver When the earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, one of the first groups in the Okanagan to react was an unlikely threesome – a trio of Grade 10 students from Oliver. “We were sitting in class and watching a YouTube clip about the earthquake, and the three of us said, ’We should do something about this.‘” 1/31/2010 4:27:59 AM
Female sexual abusers not as rare as widely believed She gave him life and was the only parent he ever knew. In the way she snapped photos of him sleeping and playing happily, she was like any other adoring mother. But she also committed unspeakable acts to his little body, turning him into a human sex toy in her pornographic broadcasts. 1/30/2010 3:25:17 PM
What's in a name? iPad jokes swirl around web You have to wonder whether there were any women in the room when the marketing geniuses at Apple decided to call the company's new gadget the "iPad." Because the jokes about feminine hygiene products are flying. "Will women send their husbands to the Apple store to buy iPads?" went one joke on Twitter. 1/30/2010 5:41:03 AM
United Way Just Shy of Goal just before deadline With only $4,000 to go before they reach their $1.3 million goal, United Way is pleading for donations. The books will closed Friday at 4:30 p.m., but they’re optimistic, said Harry Grossmith, CEO of United Way. "We’re confident. We’re going to make this," he said with only five hours until the deadline. 1/30/2010 4:48:13 AM
Italian scientists hope to solve "Mona Lisa" mystery by exhuming Leonardo's body The legend of Leonardo da Vinci is shrouded in mystery: How did he die? Are the remains buried in a French chateau really those of the Renaissance master? Was the "Mona Lisa" a self-portrait in disguise? A group of Italian scientists believes the key to solving those puzzles lies with the remains. 1/29/2010 9:56:07 AM
Video: Terrified dog rescued from ice floe A Polish research vessel has rescued a frightened dog who apparently wandered out onto a frozen river and was washed out to sea. The dog was first spotted on Poland’s Vistula River, and firefighters attempted a rescue, but were unsuccessful. He was nearly 25 kilometres out to sea when a ship spotted him. 1/29/2010 9:45:31 AM
Coach says speedskater Hughes to carry Canadian flag at Vancouver Games Clara Hughes, an Olympic champion speedskater and humanitarian activist, has been named Canada's flag-bearer for the Vancouver Winter Games. Ingrid Paul, a Dutch native who is a coach with the Canadian long-track team, revealed the flag-bearer's identity via Twitter. 1/29/2010 9:29:48 AM
Telethon gives Penticton teen reason to smile Penticton’s Ciara Walls will be back for a repeat performance on this weekend’s annual Variety Show of Hearts telethon. Featured on last year’s fundraiser which airs on Global TV, this time around the 17-year-old will help open the show . 1/29/2010 5:40:44 AM
Summerland: Ice photos fill gallery walls It all started when Jeremy Hiebert took a margarine tin out of the freezer. The tin had a chunk of ice in the bottom. Hiebert popped the ice out and thought the pattern of air bubbles frozen inside looked interesting. With his point and shoot camera, he took half-a-dozen photos. 1/29/2010 4:42:55 AM
Bill Clinton hails Canadian generosity to Haiti Bill Clinton is singling out Canadians for their generosity to Haiti. "It has been unbelievable. First, the Canadian people are so generous," said the former U.S. president. "I'll bet you on a per-capita basis, they're No. 1 in the world now in helping Haiti." Clinton is also the United Nations' special envoy for Haiti. 1/28/2010 9:47:42 AM
Human "bed-warmers" at Holiday Inn International hotel chain Holiday Inn is offering a trial human bed-warming service at three hotels in Britain this month. If requested, a willing staff-member will dress in an all-in-one fleece sleeper suit before slipping between the sheets. 1/28/2010 7:32:47 AM
Parents of brain-damaged baby back in court to fight for life support A severely brain-damaged infant who has become a medical cause-celebre around the globe will remain on life support for at least another few weeks, an Edmonton court ruled Wednesday. "It definitely gives us some more breathing space," said a relieved father Isaac May. 1/28/2010 7:12:37 AM
Veterans Affairs looks to dogs to help stress disorder Elizabeth Baker, owner of Thames Centre Service Dogs, takes abandoned and surrendered dogs with good personalities and turns them into psychiatric service dogs. Baker takes abandoned and surrendered dogs with good personalities and turns them into psychiatric service dogs. 1/28/2010 5:51:18 AM
Boulder crashes through home, barely misses woman in bed Emergency officials say a boulder about the size of a compact car crashed into an apartment building, barely missing a woman sleeping in her bedroom. Emergency officials say a boulder about the size of a compact car crashed into her apartment building. 1/27/2010 1:41:19 PM
Fans call for re-instatement while Fonyo serves time Supporters threw him parades, named him honorary mayor of Regina, and composed a celebratory song in his honour. Sylvester Stallone personally told Steve Fonyo at the time that his one-legged trek across Canada would inspire the actor's fight scene in Rocky IV. 1/27/2010 8:28:37 AM
Penticton Art Gallery Exhibition tackles Olympics Today marks the start of the Cultural Olympiad, two weeks of art and culture prior to the opening of the games themselves. It also marks the opening of Legacies 2010 at the Penticton Art Gallery, an exhibition taking a different look at how the arts intertwine with the big event. 1/27/2010 7:06:18 AM
Study ranks Kelowna 38th most expensive place to live world-wide For the third year running, Kelowna has been counted among the least affordable places to put down roots across the globe. Kelowna’s affordability was examined alongside 272 metropolitan markets in Canada, the U.S., Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom. 1/27/2010 6:34:50 AM
Retirement – who needs it? It's the script we're meant to follow: Start working, keep working, retire as soon as you can, then play golf all day, every day. The general assumption is that if you're still working through the latter half of your 60s or, god forbid, into your 70s and beyond, then it's an unfortunate turn of events 1/27/2010 6:02:43 AM
Teacher, 100, gets degree a day before dying It was Harriet Richardson Ames' dream to earn her bachelor's degree in education. She finally reached that milestone, nearly three weeks after her 100th birthday. On Saturday, the day after receiving her diploma at her bedside, the retired schoolteacher died, pleased that she had accomplished her goal, her daughter said. 1/27/2010 5:29:52 AM
Former Vernon boy, Steve Fonyo's cruel fall from grace Erstwhile Canadian hero Steve Fonyo knows hard times. The man who once ran across Canada on one leg has done his share of time and wrestled his share of demons. Now, by ordinance signed by the governor-general, he is no longer a member of the Order of Canada. It is a spectacular fall from grace. 1/27/2010 4:55:06 AM
No stripping in Whistler, but Wet-T-shirt contest OK Ron Ross remembers Whistler when he could take his pet chicken into a bar on double-rum night and watch the strippers. “Whistler is not a lot of fun anymore,” Ross lamented Tuesday after hearing exotic dancing has officially been banned by the town’s council. 1/27/2010 4:53:11 AM
Trying to tame Tokyo's adult playground Masatoshi Shimbo has always felt more than a bit paternal toward the changeling Roppongi district, the inner-city neighborhood where he grew up and his family made its real estate fortune. Good or bad, in this famously safe city, Roppongi stands out: elegant one block, seedy the next, Tokyo's most cosmopolitan dusk-to-dawn adult playground. 1/26/2010 5:49:32 PM
They're heeeere? Scientists say alien life could already be lurking among For decades, scientists have scanned the heavens in search of extraterrestrial life. Perhaps they should have looked for alien life closer to home. "How do we know all life on earth descended from a single origin?" physicist Paul Davies said, speaking at London's Royal Society. 1/26/2010 5:21:34 PM
Australians look to Canada in Union Jack debate Advocates for a new Australian flag have launched a high-profile campaign to emulate Canada's 1965 rebranding by dropping the Union Jack from the current design and adopting a homegrown icon comparable to our maple leaf — perhaps a kangaroo? 1/26/2010 5:15:23 PM
Ice palace takes shape for Vernon Carnival Vernon Winter Carnival’s new Queen Silver Star will begin her reign in a sparkling ice palace in Polson Park. Ice and snow carver John McKinnon of Nelson and his team started work last summer by visiting the site and making sketches. Now they’re hard at work with chainsaws and chisels. 1/26/2010 5:05:39 PM
Eco-spirituality: Perhaps the Vatican should be worried about nature worship On the fictitious world of Pandora, Avatar director James Cameron unleashed many terrible things: greed, brutality and a bewildering array of savage beasts, not to mention a biotech means of going native that Grey Owl (the Victorian “Indian”) could only dream of. None of this alarmed the Catholic Church. 1/26/2010 12:22:54 PM
South Okanagan cheers the Olympic Torch The cheers were deafening as Susie Welch proudly marched the Olympic Torch towards the stage outside the South Okanagan Events Centre on Monday. A crowd of about 5,000 was on hand to catch a glimpse of the flame. (Ed: Also pictured is Mariah Gauthier who sang O Canada to a happy crowd).
1/26/2010 11:26:20 AM
BBC: Americans' love affair with motorhomes It took the genius of America to recognise that with a little extra hammering and spannering the motor car could readily be converted into the motor home. I am told it was a matter of days - weeks at most - before someone had converted the first horseless buggy into the first recreational vehicle (RV). 1/26/2010 11:13:23 AM
2010 won't change relaxed approach to B.C. bud That sweet smell in the air during next month's Olympic Games might be the smell of success. Then again, it could just be the pot. Both police and marijuana advocates say Vancouver's relaxed attitude won't change during the 2010 Games. It's not unusual to catch a whiff of weed on the streets of Vancouver. 1/26/2010 11:05:03 AM
Man who swallowed stolen ring coughs up evidence during questioning Police say a man accused of stealing a ring coughed up the evidence while officers were questioning him. Pictures of the two-carat diamond ring worth about $20,000 were sent to jewelers in the Joplin area after it was reported stolen when someone took the owner's purse from her car on Thursday. 1/26/2010 5:11:43 AM
Sorry, all those Facebook friends aren’t really friends Technology may change, but the number of friends we can have appears to stay the same. While social networking sites allow users to have thousands of “friends”, the mind is only capable of handling a maximum of 150 relationships at one time, according to a new study. 1/25/2010 6:14:44 PM
Diddy gives son $300,000 car for 16th birthday Sean “Diddy” Combs has upped the ante on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16.” The reality show is fond of documenting the coming of age party of wealthy American teens, and the highlight usually comes in the episode when the newly 16-year-old gets a new car from their folks. In Combs’ case he got a Maybach, worth more than $300,000. 1/25/2010 5:35:57 PM
Dirty Campbell tricks: BC Freedom of Information office decapitated The independent Freedom of Information Commission has suspended operations after the government appointed commissioner David Loukidelis to a new job, but failed to name a replacement. Here is the entire "extremely urgent" letter sent Friday by FOI executive director Mary Carlson to Speaker Bill Barisoff pleading for help and direction. 1/25/2010 4:36:36 PM
It's Robbie Burns day: Got a craving for some haggis? It’s a strange irony that I left Scotland, my home for almost 30 years, on the verge of its year of “Homecoming” in 2009. Centred around the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns, Homecoming was planned as a year-long celebration of Scottish culture. 1/25/2010 3:38:49 PM
Adrian Nieoczym: The Games aren’t worth giving up our values for One day when I was about 18, I was walking towards a subway station in Toronto after seeing a movie with a friend. As we neared the station entrance a cop car slowly pulled up beside us and stopped. My friend and I gave each other a worried glance but kept walking. An officer rolled down the window and barked at us to come back. 1/25/2010 10:59:50 AM
Go ahead, honk! It's all the rage The other day I'm turning right and two women begin to cross the street. So, like the law and basic morality dictate, I wait for them to finish. Seems reasonable? What does the “man” in the car behind me do? He presses his paw on his horn and lets it bray. 1/25/2010 7:43:37 AM
More Canadians exhausting EI: report More Canadians are running out of jobless benefits without finding work, a national report said, suggesting many will have to turn to savings, loans, family members or welfare for financial help. Even before the recession, about one in four people ended benefits without finding a job. 1/25/2010 7:39:17 AM
Never forgetting a face Many of us struggle sometimes to put a name to a face, but what if you could recognise someone many years after seeing them for a moment? You know the woman crossing the street. But where from? 1/25/2010 5:10:06 AM
Adultery website owner aims for stock market listing Adultery enabler Ashley Madison may be too hot for Toronto's streetcars, but not for the stock market. Avid Life Media Inc., the parent company of dating websites such as .com , a site for people seeking extramarital relationships, is raising $60-million and is pushing for a listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. 1/25/2010 4:42:11 AM
Rexin versus Rexin makes for Olympic irony The Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch relay is pitting a husband against his wife in this Southern B.C. town. While Ann Rexin was busily buzzing around organizing the community torch relay celebration Sunday night, a lone protester stood on a corner across the street. 1/25/2010 4:27:57 AM
16-Year-Old Starbucks Barista Sues Over 'Sex Demands' at Work An "alarmingly high" number of high school students are reporting sexual advances from their adult bosses and other supervisors at some of the country's best known fast food operations, according to an official of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The issue is being raised in a number of lawsuits. 1/24/2010 9:45:03 AM
Searchers refuse to give up, despite end to official rescue operation in Haiti Searchers brought closure for one Canadian family Saturday. The body of former Liberal MP Serge Marcil was recovered Friday night from the ruins of the Hotel Montana. Marcil’s wife, Christiane Pelchat, travelled to Port-au-Prince. She said Marcil had been found by a Canadian search team. 1/24/2010 4:28:21 AM
New exhibit celebrates history of women in Auto racing "Women in the Winner's Circle," a traveling exhibit on the history of women in racing, is now open at the Daytona 500 Experience. This unique exhibit recognizes the past history, growing achievements and the future of women in racing. (Danica Patrick, seen above, will be racing at Daytona this year). 1/23/2010 3:17:54 PM
Bristol Palin files for child support Sarah Palin's oldest daughter, Bristol, is seeking child support from the young man who fathered her 1-year-old son. Bristol Palin is seeking $1,750 a month from 19-year-old Levi Johnston, her former fiance. Their son, Tripp, was born in December 2008. 1/23/2010 12:37:14 PM
Firefighter hospitalized after saving dog in helicopter rescue A firefighter splashed into a rain-swollen river Friday to rescue a German shepherd and managed to hang on, even after the dog furiously bit his arm and hand. For an hour, firefighters stood at the top of the steep, concrete banks, throwing life vest and float rings, hoping the dog would grab on. 1/23/2010 11:26:42 AM
Earthquakes, cruise liners and the Age of Precariousness A mere 97 kilometres from Port-au-Prince, where the voices buried under the rubble of the earthquake hadn't stopped howling, the 4,370-berth Independence of the Seas disembarked at a guarded resort on the north coast of Haiti for a weekend of watersports and barbecues. 1/23/2010 10:13:17 AM
'21st century syndrome' or just a case of the blahs? In the late 1970s, while working as a chiropractor and naturopath in Fergus, Ont., James Wilson began noticing patients with circadian rhythms out of whack. They had trouble waking up in the morning, needed caffeine to get through the day, and felt a drop in energy mid-afternoon. 1/23/2010 10:06:57 AM
Skydiver will try to break sound barrier (Video) The Austrian extreme sportsman Felix Baumgartner says his next goal is to try to break the long-standing record for the highest ever parachute jump. It is 50 years since the American Joe Kittinger made history by leaping from a balloon at 102,800ft (31km). 1/23/2010 9:34:03 AM
Club Penguin kids subvert privacy settings Children using Club Penguin and other kid-oriented websites are finding ingenious ways to subvert privacy settings to reveal personal information, says a mom who has gone undercover. For instance, to prevent online bullying and negativity many of the websites also try to block out certain phrases. 1/23/2010 8:56:54 AM
Travel: Winning photo snapped with Sony Cybershot Saved by the bears. That’s what happened to this week’s It’s A Snap! photo contest winner, Craig Drummond, while he and his buddy hiked to Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome in June, 2008. The duo chose to avoid the crowded daytime rush to the top and to instead hike at night. 1/23/2010 7:51:55 AM
Boy stuck with 31 needles leaves Brazil hospital A hospital in northeastern Brazil has released a toddler who underwent three surgeries to remove 26 sewing needles his stepfather stuck into him. Ana Neri Hospital spokeswoman Susy Moreno says the 2-year-old was released to his mother Friday. 1/22/2010 7:07:17 PM
Surfing etiquette's up in court When two surfers collided off Nova Scotia last year, it set off a lawsuit that turned a small claims court into a class on surfing etiquette. And this week, it became a $839.68 lesson for one of them. Donald Crowe and Jeffrey Adams ran in to each other while surfing along the Eastern Shore, near Halifax. 1/22/2010 4:28:41 PM
Cellphones, Google among women's life-changing products of the decade Women rate the most life-changing new products of the last decade in a similar way to what you would expect from men, according to results of a new poll, but women are more likely to view the latest advancements as a solution to life's problems. Busy modern lifestyles play a role in the rankings. 1/22/2010 4:02:37 PM
'Miracle on Hudson' plane on auction block For sale: One severely water-damaged jet. Hero not included. The banged-up US Airways plane that Capt. Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger deftly landed on the Hudson River a year ago after a flock of geese disabled its engines is being auctioned off. 1/22/2010 11:14:40 AM
Meteorite punches hole through roof in doctor's office Doctors at a small U.S. medical practice got a big surprise when a tennis ball-sized meteorite punched a hole through their roof. No one was injured. Dr. Frank Ciampi says the rock struck the two-story building around 5:30 p.m. Monday in Lorton, Virginia, a town not far from Washington, D.C. 1/22/2010 11:12:31 AM
US brothel hires country's first legal gigolo; 'prostidude' A brothel in Nevada has hired the state's first male prostitute, a muscular college dropout who abandoned a brief stint as a porn actor in Los Angeles to become the only legal gigolo in the United States. The Shady Lady Ranch successfully won approval to clear the way for the "prostidude,." 1/22/2010 11:00:54 AM
Imperva reveals top 20 passwords people use A California company has found that computer users consistently choose weak passwords, with the most common one being 123456. The second-most common password is 12345, followed by 123456789. Of 32 million passwords, more than 290,000 were 12345, the report found. 1/22/2010 10:33:52 AM
Okanagan Falls author Longworth publishes sixth book To say that Okanagan Falls writer Alan E. Longworth is a prolific writer is almost an understatement. The longtime resident published his sixth book The Blackstones in December, and it has the usual unexpected and intense twists and turns that Longworth’s readers have come to expect. 1/22/2010 6:13:43 AM
Want to solve her problems, guys? Stop trying It’s that time of the year again when it’s everyone’s time of the month – guys included. Here in the bowels of winter, bad moods get badder, personal issues get issuier, and up to 15 per cent of us may even slide into that infamous cesspool of darkness: seasonal affective disorder. 1/22/2010 5:51:34 AM
Okanagan Gleaners will remain in rural Oliver The Okanagan Gleaners‘ ongoing fight to remain in their rural Oliver home appears to be almost over. Spokesman Don Chapman, with close to 100 Gleaners supporters packing the RDOS boardroom, outlined the society‘s operations. 1/22/2010 5:08:14 AM
Witness: Peterson said he planned to kill wife The stepbrother of a former Illinois police officer accused of killing his third wife told a hushed courtroom Thursday that he helped Drew Peterson carry a large blue barrel that he now fears may have held the body of his relative's fourth wife. 1/22/2010 4:49:35 AM
Olympic flame coming to Penticton, South Okanagan (except Keremeos) On Monday, Penticton resident Susie Welch will be handed the torch when the Olympic flame makes its way to the South Okanagan Events Centre as part of a four-hour celebration from noon until 4 pm. (Ed: Keremeos area is not on the torch route, best guess is it's because the area has a NDP MP.) 1/22/2010 4:40:33 AM
Surrey pastor says controversial Haiti comments 'taken right out of context' A Surrey pastor has found himself in hot water over comments he made on the weekend about Haiti. “Haiti is infamous for its voodoo spiritual darkness,” he said in comments tape-recorded by a parishioner. “I can’t help think that maybe God has shaken them, shaken them against the kingdom of darkness.” 1/21/2010 11:02:10 AM
Cindy McCain poses for same-sex marriage campaign Cindy McCain, the wife of the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, has posed for a Web site promoting same-sex marriage. McCain, who's married to Arizona Sen. John McCain, appears in a photograph on the site with a piece of silver duct tape over her mouth and the slogan "No H8" written on her cheek. 1/21/2010 10:41:38 AM
Broadcaster Colleen Walsh guilty of air rage charges A former TV broadcaster from Toronto has been convicted of assault in connection with a mid-flight incident last March that occurred on an Air Canada plane diverted to St. John's, N.L. Police said they were called to the plane after it landed after reports that a female passenger was yelling and swearing. 1/21/2010 5:18:09 AM
Summerland: Young singer to perform anthem A Summerland girl will be delivering the national anthem at the Olympic torch ceremony in Penticton. Eight-year-old Mariah Gauthier was contacted by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics (VANOC) to sing ‘O Canada’ at the torch ceremony. 1/21/2010 4:35:20 AM
Air France may bar obese passengers from flights Air France has revealed it may prevent obese economy passengers from boarding its planes for "safety reasons". It said that, under new rules, if a flight was full an overweight person who did not fit into a single seat might have to take another plane. 1/20/2010 7:14:49 PM
Was Shakespeare a woman? One of the most prestigious academic journals devoted to Shakespearean authorship studies has just added a new candidate to the centuries-old debate about who else plausibly might have written the works we associate with the little-educated merchant and actor from Stratford-Upon-Avon. 1/20/2010 1:49:46 PM
Farm workers of the Similkameen Valley By Doe Gregoire, Keremeos Review: We have both local farm workers and transient farm workers in the valley. Various farming operations require workers at different times of the season, some early on for cherries and then later in the season for grapes, as well as for crops in between these times. 1/20/2010 7:15:53 AM
Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim gives $65M for genetic research on cancer, diabetes, kidney disease Telecommunications mogul Carlos Slim pledged $65 million Tuesday for genetic research on cancer, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Scientists from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Mexico's National Institute of Genomic Medicine will collaborate on the initiative. 1/20/2010 6:12:14 AM
Joyous reunion as B.C. students finally make it home Seventeen high school students from southeast B.C. who had been stranded for days in Haiti returned home late Tuesday, grateful to be with their families but still thinking about what they had left behind. The students have pledged to continue to work to help the people they met in Haiti. 1/20/2010 4:38:39 AM
Penticton council commits to Shatford restoration The building referred to as the “Parthenon of Penticton” is now one giant step closer to being restored. Penticton council voted Monday to commit $200,000 to an Okanagan School of the Arts plan that would partially restore the Shatford building as a home for a proposed Centre for the Arts. 1/19/2010 7:59:44 PM
Exposed: the real meaning behind the clichés people use They're every editor's nightmare, those banal, trite, overused expressions that often say absolutely nothing. But are clichés really as simple as they seem? A new, humorous book reveals clichés should never be taken at face value, as they often mean the opposite of what they're supposed to mean. 1/19/2010 7:46:47 PM
Penticton Cyclists up for the challenge Riding 270 kilometres on the seat of a bicycle in two days may seem like a lot. “We are riding from Vancouver to Seattle over two days for the Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraiser,” said Chantel Tadey, a member of an eight-person team from Penticton. “I am personally setting a goal of raising $10,000 and a team goal of $80,000 raised.” 1/19/2010 5:50:34 PM
Burrows' parents appalled by CBC's treatment of their son The father of Vancouver Canuck winger Alex Burrows says his son was the victim of "verbal assassination" by the CBC's Ron MacLean in a weekend Hockey Night in Canada segment. "Alexandre told the truth, he's a very straight guy, he felt something happened, he told the truth," Rodney Burrows said. 1/19/2010 4:30:30 PM
Duthie Books to shut down after 52 years Independent bookseller Duthie Books will shut its doors at the end of February after 52 years in business. Facing pressure from online bookseller Amazon and multinational chains such as Chapters, owner Cathy Duthie Legate has decided to pack it in and close the last of eight locations. 1/19/2010 4:01:23 PM
Social Web's true impact on China, Haiti We've seen some major world events unfold on the social media stage in the past week, the biggest being Google's threat to pull out of China and the Haiti earthquake. Just like the Iran election crisis, those events are causing people to reassess the impact of social media on the world. 1/19/2010 6:00:56 AM
Pity the powerful: They can’t control themselves Take it easy on Tiger Woods, who sold us the image of a morally correct family man while he was secretly enjoying an extra-curricular lifestyle that Hugh Hefner might have envied. “People in power,” Adam Galinsky, professor of ethics, says, “act more like themselves; their true personality emerges.” 1/19/2010 5:30:35 AM
Extreme Acetaminophen Reaction: Woman Takes Pill, Loses Skin Imagine this: you're feeling under the weather, as if you a have a flu virus coming on and so, following doctor's orders, you take an ordinary painkiller to ease the symptoms. Hours later, you wake up disfigured by what look like severe burns from head to toe. This is what happened to 19-year-old Eva Uhlin. 1/18/2010 8:45:24 PM
Royal Caribbean Cruise ships still find a Haitian berth Sixty miles from Haiti's devastated earthquake zone, luxury liners dock at private beaches where passengers enjoy jetski rides, parasailing and rum cocktails delivered to their hammocks. The decision to go ahead with the visit divided passengers. One said he was "sickened". 1/18/2010 8:12:39 PM
UK: All-you-can-drink pub offers facing ban "All-you-can-drink" promotions could be banned and compulsory identity checks introduced under government proposals to crack down on problem drinking. If the plans for a mandatory code for England and Wales are approved, bars will also not be able to hold speed-drinking competitions. 1/18/2010 6:57:54 PM
Famous commuter cat Casper killed by car Six months after becoming an international star, Casper the bus-riding cat has been killed by a hit-and-run driver. Casper was a local legend in Plymouth, England. For four years, he lined up each morning at the stop outside his house. Once on board, he’d curl up in a corner and fall asleep. 1/18/2010 3:46:51 PM
Pretty women 'anger more easily' Attractive women may have the competitive edge by letting their temper flair more. Researchers found women who rated themselves as pretty displayed a war-like streak when fighting battles to get their own way. Attractive women also had higher expectations of what they deserved. 1/18/2010 3:44:13 PM
The grown-up kid’s secret weapon: mom and dad It was a bountiful Christmas for Katie Tobin. Returning to Toronto from her family home, the 23-year-old was loaded up with gifts, as well as three boxes of groceries, homemade pasta and a wheel of cheese, specially ordered by Dad. Ms. Tobin also carted back several loads of laundry, washed and folded by Mom. 1/18/2010 6:07:28 AM
Housing advocates unimpressed by VANOC charity An Olympic event organized to feed homeless people in Vancouver Downtown Eastside has left a bad taste in a few activists' mouths. Step, a Vancouver homeless man, says one day of charity won't change his view that the Olympics are not making things better for the city's homeless population. 1/18/2010 5:59:19 AM
Today is Blue Monday, Four ways to cope Welcome to the most depressing day of the year. Jan. 18 has been designated “Blue Monday” – the day when the perfect storm of failing our new year’s resolutions, working through debts from the holiday season and the grim weather make us feel horrible. Here are four ways to get through the day: 1/18/2010 5:47:45 AM
Blondes 'are more aggressive than brunettes' Women with blonde hair have the competitive edge, being more aggressive and determined than redheads and brunettes, say scientists. Fair-haired women, whether natural or out of a bottle, display a warlike streak when fighting battles to get their own way. Even those who dyed their hair blonde. 1/18/2010 5:07:21 AM
Forget Gum. Walking and Using Phone Is Risky. On the day of the collision last month, visibility was good. The sidewalk was not under repair. As she walked, Tiffany Briggs, 25, was talking to her grandmother on her cellphone, lost in conversation. Very lost. “I ran into a truck,” Ms. Briggs said. It was parked in a driveway. 1/17/2010 8:09:49 PM
Prince William gets new set of wings Britain's Prince William was awarded another flying badge Friday after completing an advanced helicopter training course that moves him one step closer to becoming a search and rescue pilot in the Royal Air Force. William, 27, attended his convocation ceremony at the RAF's Defence Helicopter Flying School. 1/17/2010 7:30:49 PM
Venezuelan ice-cream parlour's 860 flavours You might imagine that the shop selling the largest number of ice-cream flavours in the world would be in Italy or perhaps the US, but in fact it is in the Venezuelan city of Merida. The selection includes chilli, tomato, gherkin, onion, mushrooms in wine, garlic, and cream of crab. 1/17/2010 6:01:12 PM
Canadians open their hearts, wallets for Haiti Canadians horrified by the images of quake-ravaged Haiti are responding with generosity. Donations have been pouring in at an astounding rate. The Canadian Red Cross has so far received $22.2-million for Haiti relief. “It's just individual donations. "That's not counting the corporate donations.” 1/17/2010 4:13:47 PM
We don't need Pepsi to tell us how to cheer for Canada Only official (that is, paying) sponsors may exploit terms such as "Olympic" or "2010" or the inukshuk logo...We've had enough attempts to hijack national pride as a corporate marketing tool. The maple leaf shouldn't come with a trademark symbol attached...We don't need Pepsi to tell us how to cheer for our country. 1/17/2010 10:23:01 AM
Stories of Survivors who were trapped in Hait quake Stories of survival after Haiti's devastating earthquake have been few and far between. Some, however, have been trapped in the rubble and still managed to survive a natural disaster that may have killed tens of thousands of people. Their stories from the BBC. (Ed: Just click on the pic.) 1/17/2010 7:46:19 AM
Penticton mayor and council: Is a handshake still meaningful? Some years ago, a handshake deal was arranged between the City of Penticton and School District 67. They agreed that, in order to preserve two historic buildings at Pen
Hi, the district would take responsibility for one and the city would take care of the other. The school district lived up to its part of the bargain. 1/17/2010 7:33:51 AM
US woman's car repossessed with 2-year-old son sleeping in backseat Police in California say a car dealer who repossessed a San Jose woman's car left with something a bit more valuable: her 2-year-old son. The child was sleeping in the back seat Tuesday night when the car was taken away because the boy's mother was behind on her payments. 1/17/2010 7:31:20 AM
New Penticton visitors guide released this week The 2010 Penticton and Wine Country Tourism Visitors Guide is being released this week. Along with extensive information on Penticton, including sections on wine, outdoor adventure heritage and culture and golf, this comprehensive 56-page guide offers stunning imagery. 1/17/2010 5:35:56 AM
A scolding evangelist puts the ‘hate' back in Haiti They swore a pact to the devil. They said, ‘We will serve you if you will get us free from the prince.' True story. And so the devil said, ‘Okay, it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed …” That's Rev. Pat Robertson. 1/17/2010 5:31:11 AM
War deserter released from U.S. prison "If I had to do it again I would, because I'm not killing innocent people," Cliff Cornell told CBC News. Cornell, 28, spent four years in British Columbia before the Canadian government denied him asylum as a war objector. 1/16/2010 8:03:34 PM
Sarah Palin's Booze Hypocrisy The former governor's upcoming speech at a liquor convention in Las Vegas doesn't square with her previous efforts to dry out Alaska. Yet the group has just announced the former vice-presidential candidate as the keynote speaker for its 2010 convention and expo. (Ed: They are paying her $$ Thousands. It's about MONEY.) 1/16/2010 9:47:19 AM
Rush and Robertson: Shameless Haiti Wingnuts With the horror in Haiti’s true dimensions dawning on Americans, leave it to the Wingnuts to find the ugliest possible spin on the devastation. Reverend Pat Robertson said, Haiti deserved it because the country made a deal with the Devil, and the politically correct crowd wants to keep this truth from coming out. 1/16/2010 9:40:20 AM
Olympic Torch arrives in Penticton Jan. 25 with celebration The Olympic Torch Relay's national route began on October 30 in Victoria, and will arrive in Penticton in the early afternoon of Monday, January 25, nineteen days before the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies. A ceremonial cauldron will be lit by local resident Susie Welsh. 1/16/2010 8:10:36 AM
Agencies credit Internet, social networks for massive Haitian giving Social media like Twitter and Facebook as well as the Internet itself are playing a significant role in the speedy, massive outpouring of pledges and donations from Canadians. The Canadian Red Cross reported commitments of $15.8 million by late Friday afternoon, with some 85 per cent of donations coming from online. 1/16/2010 5:47:18 AM
Penticton community leader’s death a monumental loss Penticton is in mourning this week after the passing of one of our most prominent citizens. Sharon Amos passed away early Thursday morning. “She was dedicated to Penticton and showed that through the centennial celebrations and other organizations,” said former mayor Jake Kimberley. 1/16/2010 5:06:42 AM
When did you get so smug, Canada? Not cool, man Dear Canada:
Who would have thought, a year or two ago, that things would be looking so good for you? It all starts off so innocently, doesn't it? Without really meaning to, you find yourself at the top of the international heap. 1/16/2010 4:35:53 AM
World Solo teen sailor Jessica's parents pay a visit She was just a "tiny pink speck" in a vast ocean but, for Jessica Watson's parents, their first glimpse of Ella's Pink Lady was a sight for sore eyes. As their intrepid teenage sailor rounded South America's treacherous Cape Horn, Julie and Roger Watson marked the mid-point of her solo sail with a memorable 45-minute flyover. 1/15/2010 7:27:40 PM
Sports: Opportunism is on the rise France “won” the right, over Ireland, to go to the 2010 World Cup via Henry’s opportunistic use of his hands and fans around the world were stunned. How could this be? The failure of the referee or his assistants to see what millions could on television. 1/15/2010 6:35:02 PM
Prorogation riles many Canadians - and splits the Kent family Peter Kent isn’t feeling the love from his little brother these days. Arthur is the brother in question – an award-winning foreign correspondent. Arthur Kent knows of what he speaks, having covered the Afghan story since the 1980s; he knows the people, the region and the issues. 1/15/2010 4:39:57 PM
Mom inundated with misguided calls for Pizza Hut A North Vancouver, B.C., mother says she's losing sleep because she shares her phone number with a former Pizza Hut location. Jennifer Tremblay said since moving into her new home in October she's been receiving an average of three or four phone calls a day from people looking for pizza. 1/15/2010 4:27:13 PM
Mass murderer Nathan Fry seeks 'upbeat' pen pal Hey, ladies: Have I ever got a man for you! He's single, fit, artistic, interested in history and devoted to his family. Plus, he's a Capricorn — said to be practical, funny and patient. Just don't expect long walks in the moonlight. He's serving a life sentence for first-degree mass murder. 1/15/2010 4:16:12 PM
Summerland's Kristi Richards — On the Road to 2010 As I boarded the plane to the next venue in Deer Valley, Utah, I had mixed emotions about the last two World Cups in Calgary. I came out of the weekend with a solid 6th place finish from the first day last Friday, then a disappointing 28th on the second day. 1/15/2010 4:10:16 PM
Sweden: Floor caves under Weight Watchers weigh-in As a Weight Watchers group gathered for a routine weigh-in, the dieters got an idea of how far they still had to go: The floor underneath them collapsed. "We suddenly heard a huge thud; we almost thought it was an earthquake and everything flew up in the air." 1/15/2010 3:53:18 PM
Divorce fair highlights services for split couples It can be painful, expensive and downright nasty. But experts who guide millions of Canadian couples through the tricky terrain of separation every year say there are alternatives to ugly legal battles -- and they plan to highlight them. 1/15/2010 3:10:17 PM
Aid agencies overwhelmed by Canadian generosity for Haiti Aid agencies say they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Canadians, as the federal government announced we will match individual donations up to $50 million to registered Canadian charities working in Haiti. The sheer volume clogged up the call centre and even shut down web servers. 1/15/2010 11:50:46 AM
Aid agencies overwhelmed by Canadian generosity for Haiti Aid agencies say they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Canadians, as the federal government announced we will match individual donations up to $50 million to registered Canadian charities working in Haiti. The sheer volume clogged up the call centre and even shut down web servers. 1/15/2010 11:50:23 AM
Undeserved compliments can undermine kids, psychologists say That's fantastic, sweetie! Awesome! You're so smart! A lot of well-intentioned parents cover their kids with a blanket of constant praise in the hopes of promoting self-esteem and confidence, as well as showing their love and support. But child psychology experts say there's a definite downside. 1/15/2010 11:43:44 AM
Skeleton: Mellisa Hollingsworth on podium again Mellisa Hollingsworth added another World Cup medal to her growing collection this season, after finishing second in skeleton in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Friday. She was just 0.04 second behind Britain's Shelley Rudman, who won the gold medal. 1/15/2010 11:35:56 AM
Haiti Earthquake: First of Canadian evacuees home They arrived clutching Red Cross blankets and bottles of water, carrying with them tales of harrowing escape. The first group of Canadians evacuated from quake-torn Haiti landed in Montreal early Friday morning – tired, some bloodied and bandaged, but grateful to be alive. 1/15/2010 5:12:07 AM
Sharon Amos dies suddenly: Penticton loses a gem Sharon Amos, well known for her theatre work and significant contributions to the Penticton arts community, died Thursday morning in Vancouver General Hospital. Amos had been vacationing in the Mayan Riviera with her husband, Ben, and other family members when she collapsed after experiencing a cerebral aneurism on Jan. 5. 1/15/2010 4:38:18 AM
Meet Mikey Hicks, 8: U.S. has him on watch list "Meet Mikey Hicks," said Najlah Feanny Hicks, introducing her 8-year-old son, a New Jersey Cub Scout and frequent traveler who has seldom boarded a plane without a hassle because he shares the name of a suspicious person. The first time he was patted down, at Newark Liberty International Airport, Mikey was 2. 1/14/2010 3:13:55 PM
Michelle Obama takes wrap off new hairdo U.S. first lady Michelle Obama has a new hairdo. Mrs. Obama tried to minimize the buzz her new do would set off by telling reporters Wednesday that it was just "a little cut," unworthy of being newsworthy. But as with other first ladies before her, any clothing or hairstyle change is noticed and talked about. 1/14/2010 2:41:35 PM
Family wants apology from B.C. for hanging of ancestor in front yard of his home In 1869 a First Nations man was hanged in the front yard of his home by the province of British Columbia for a crime his descendants say he did not commit. The family is not giving up. The Amos family have approached the B.C. Union of Chiefs for political support. Stewart Phillip, Grand Chief, said the family has it. 1/13/2010 8:01:13 PM
Seniors snared in Lethbridge prostitution crackdown The arrest of four elderly men for solicitation has raised eyebrows in a southern Alberta city that recently decided to name the accused clients of prostitutes. Four seniors, three in their 80s, have been arrested since the policy began last October. Lethbridge police Chief Tom McKenzie is defending the policy. 1/13/2010 6:56:26 PM
Keremeos: “The Wiz” is coming to SESS in January Little Theatre Company is proud to present the wonderful musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” “The Wiz” is a jazzy, upbeat version of “The Wizard of Oz.” The storyline is much the same as the original, but there are many twists and turns along the way. 1/13/2010 5:53:19 PM
I’m a girl living in boy land Boys. One, two, three sons. Four, five with stepsons. Six with my husband. Seven when my brother comes over and eight when he brings my nephew. I am a girl. And I live in boy land. In boy land there are weekends I go from Friday after work until my Monday morning return to the office with not a female in sight. 1/13/2010 12:25:40 PM
Adopt a Pet: What a surprise awaited us We had lost our previous dog six months before and had come to realize that we were simply not a complete family without a dog. We had put our name in to adopt a dog. Little did we know the surprise awaiting us. Willow, a beautiful black Lab/Newfie cross, had just come into the shelter. 1/13/2010 12:06:20 PM
Privacy is dead on Facebook. Get over it. Once upon a time at Facebook, or so the story from an anonymous Facebook employee goes, there was a general password employees could use to access Facebook accounts. For kicks and giggles, some Facebook employees recently interviewed on the Rumpus Web site, did just that. 1/13/2010 11:52:06 AM
Caster Semenya free to compete as woman, coach says Caster Semenya's coach says the 800-metre world champion is free to compete internationally despite an ongoing gender-test investigation. Michael Seme said Wednesday that he does not have details but learned from Semenya's lawyers that she can compete. 1/13/2010 5:51:25 AM
Penticton: Swimmers may feel safer this summer Lifeguards could be keeping watch over Penticton beaches this summer under a proposal put forward by a city council member. However, other council members are divided over the idea. Coun. John Vassilaki suggested to council Monday night that lifeguards be established at Okanagan, Skaha and Sudbury beaches. 1/13/2010 4:49:26 AM
Penticton: Torch relay details unveiled The flame will arrive here sometime in the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 25 as part of a 106-day relay, taking the iconic torch to more than 1,030 communities in every province and territory across Canada. The event will be hosted by local masters of ceremonies Steve King and Dennis Dumas-Walker. 1/12/2010 7:28:26 PM
Woman Charged With Trashing McDonalds A woman was charged with trashing a McDonald's restaurant in Missouri because she was unhappy with her cheeseburger. In the video a customer is seen throwing a sign and a water dispenser over a counter and pushing three cash registers to the floor. 1/12/2010 6:36:18 PM
Starbucks has boosted some prices, now the PR spin Coffee lovers are now paying more for certain specialty drinks at Starbucks Coffee shops in “select markets” in Canada, courting a potential backlash during an economic slump. Starbucks Canada said it was “ fine-tuning pricing in select markets.” The move, which saw some prices increase by 10 to 25 cents, was rolled out on Tuesday. 1/12/2010 2:52:29 PM
Artists, VANOC clash over aboriginal art The artists complain that the Olympic committee is misleading the public about the authenticity of aboriginal products. VANOC is calling products that are manufactured in China with a Canadian aboriginal design "authentic aboriginal products," says Shane Jackson of Vancouver-based Spirit Works. 1/12/2010 2:31:46 PM
NYC cab driver returns $21,000 to passenger A New York City cab driver is being praised for returning over $21,000 lost by a visitor from Italy. Felicia Lettieri, who's 72, left her purse in a Manhattan taxi on Christmas Eve. It contained traveling money for her and six relatives. Police told them not to get their hopes up. 1/12/2010 2:12:14 PM
8-year-old boys save drowning man at Aussie beach Two 8-year-old boys in a young lifeguards training program rescued a man who was struggling in the ocean off Australia's east coast. Jake Satherley told Australian radio that he and friend Spencer Jeams saw a middle-aged man having trouble Sunday off Northcliffe beach. 1/12/2010 1:43:51 PM
No 'cougars' allowed on Carnival Cruises Carnival Cruise Lines won't be sailing anymore with a boatload of "cougars" and their willing prey. The Miami Herald reports that the company has turned down a request from a singles travel group to book another cruise with the cougar theme. The term refers to older women who date younger men. 1/12/2010 1:41:15 PM
Facebook: Guantanamo guard reunited with ex-inmates (Video) Why would a former Guantanamo Bay prison guard track down two of his former captives - two British men - and agree to fly to London to meet them? The journey of reconciliation began almost a year ago in Huntsville, Texas. 1/12/2010 8:06:21 AM
Vernon Winter Carnival: 50 years in the making This year’s theme, to commemorate the special anniversary, is “50 Years of Carnival,” meaning a lot of familiar events will be around during the 10-day celebration, joined by some new events for all ages. Kicking off carnival will be the proclamation of the 50th Queen Silver Star Jan. 28. 1/12/2010 7:55:40 AM
'Mobile igloos' serious winter driving hazard Of all the hazards on winter roads, one of the most dangerous is also one of the least publicized: driver laziness. A new international survey finds a third of people fail to properly clear the windshield before setting out, with most claiming to be "in too much of a rush." 1/11/2010 6:52:15 PM
Pizza: Domino’s tough love on itself is getting noticed For a pizza joint, it's a bold move to tell customers your crust tasted like cardboard and your sauce was like ketchup. But that's just what Domino's Pizza has been saying since last month in untraditional ads about the recipes it abandoned when it launched its reformulated pizza. 1/11/2010 5:21:16 PM
Activists go undercover to thwart puppy mills Megan Anderson's nerves are shot. But she presses ahead — the dogs need her. She pulls into the driveway of Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel. She tells the adolescent boy who greets her that she's looking for puppies to give to her nephews for Christmas. It's a lie. A necessary one, Anderson thinks. 1/11/2010 5:16:03 PM
Networking mommies: Here’s my card, let’s do sandbox In the days before designer diaper bags, moms who met at the park would exchange numbers after rummaging through their purses for pens and paper scraps (which often ended up on the kitchen floor, stained with Cheez Whiz). In the past few years, “mom cards” of all description have been showing up. 1/11/2010 4:58:53 PM
Florida lottery winner vanishes; sheriff suspects he was killed In 2006, Abraham Shakespeare - a truck driver's assistant who lived with his mother - won $30 million in the Florida lottery. His good fortune may have cost him his life. "There are a lot of odd and bizarre circumstances in this case," Sheriff Grady Judd said. 1/11/2010 4:48:21 PM
Harper underestimates Facebook at his own peril Over at the National Post, Matt Gurney recently stated that "Facebook groups are just about the dumbest way to advocate a political cause." His comments echo those of a number of pundits and politicians who give online activism – and Facebook groups in particular – short shrift. 1/11/2010 3:27:01 PM
74 million a day now playing FarmVille Canadians are going mad for FarmVille – an online farming simulation that draws in 74 million users around the world every day, making it the most popular game among Facebook's 350 million users. 1/11/2010 7:10:12 AM
Roxxxy the sex robot introduced at Las Vegas show A New Jersey company says it has developed "the world's first sex robot," a life-size rubber doll that's designed to engage the owner with conversation rather than lifelike movement. Owners will also be able to select different personalities for Roxxxy, from "Wild Wendy" to "Frigid Farrah." 1/11/2010 6:32:53 AM
Skaters take to Amsterdam canals (Video) Parts of Amsterdam's historic canal system have frozen over for the first time in over a decade, and amateur ice-skaters have taken full advantage. City water authorities banned tourist canal cruisers on parts of the canal system, in order to let them to freeze over. 1/11/2010 6:30:32 AM
'Plumper lips and pout' make women look younger Women who have fuller and firmer lips are seen as younger than they really are, research suggests. Even with a few wrinkles or grey hairs, a plump pout can takes years off a woman, Unilever scientist David Gunn has found. 1/11/2010 6:22:52 AM
Hundreds strip for ‘no pants’ subway stunt Hundreds of New Yorkers rode the city's subway trains in their underwear on Sunday. They stripped down to their undies for the ninth annual No Pants Subway Ride. The idea is to act like nothing unusual is going on. 1/11/2010 5:46:28 AM
Transport minister defends invasive search of 85-year old senior Transportation Minister John Baird was unapologetic Sunday about the invasive search of an 85-year-old woman conducted by security personnel at the Ottawa Airport. Baird was asked Sunday about the treatment of the four-foot-10, 90-pound woman who was travelling from Ottawa to Toronto. 1/11/2010 4:46:44 AM
Palin believed her Republican VP candidacy was 'God's plan' Sarah Palin believed that Sen. John McCain chose her to be his running mate in 2008 because of "God's plan," according to a top political strategist in the Arizona Republican's campaign. "60 Minutes," On "60 Minutes," Steve Schmidt described Palin as "very calm - nonplussed" after McCain met with her. 1/10/2010 5:53:38 PM
Stop for hot chocolate results in sweet lottery win A stop for hot chocolate has led to a sweet lottery win for an Edmonton-area woman. Joy Bailey of Leduc became $2 million richer when she scratched a Super Set for Life ticket while she waited for cocoa at a drive-thru with her daughter. 1/10/2010 5:36:18 PM
Guide to a good life: Talk to strangers Ask a stranger a question. Go on. Especially cab drivers. Or your dry cleaner. Or the woman two seats to your left carrying a pillow on the Sherbourne bus. Or the nurse standing behind you at the bank machine kiosk. Or the uncle you see once every four years. 1/10/2010 5:24:37 PM
Jeremy Clarkson's 'Car of the Decade - 254 mph It all began when Volkswagen bought Bugatti, and Ferdinand Piëch — the mad-eyed boss — decided he wanted his new acquisition to make a 1,000 horsepower car that could do 400kph (248mph). Piëch was talking about a normal road car that could be driven round town like a Golf and last a thousand years. 1/10/2010 8:41:25 AM
Rare nickel fetches $3.7 million at auction A rare 1913 U.S. Liberty Head nickel that was featured in a 1973 episode of the television series "Hawaii Five-O" has been sold for $3.7 million at a public auction. Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss paid $200,000 for the coin in 1978. 1/10/2010 6:05:48 AM
Exercise the best medicine for senior citizens Joe Derochie, 70, of Vernon doesn‘t want to be a frail old man.
So he exercises – a lot. Such a lifestyle is ideal for turning back the clock on age-related frailty, according to a new UBC Okanagan research study done on exercise and aging. 1/10/2010 5:29:44 AM
Pulled over by the cops: Now what? A survey conducted by InsuranceHotline.com found that the best way to talk your way out of a ticket is by being polite, admit your guilt (if you're guilty) and ask for a break. Getting the police officer to crack a smile doesn't hurt either. 1/10/2010 5:17:43 AM
Bookie refuses to pay out $11 million on snow bet Bookmaker Ladbrokes is refusing to pay out more than 7 million pounds ($11 million) to a man who gambled on a white Christmas across the UK, as the bet was accepted by mistake. Cliff Bryant had placed two bets that snow would fall on 24 towns and cities on Christmas Day. 1/9/2010 9:50:59 AM
Man ties record for biggest largemouth bass A man was being credited with tying the 77-year-old world record for catching the biggest largemouth bass. The International Game Fish Association announced Friday that it had confirmed the 22-pound, 4-ounce fish caught by Manabu Kurita. 1/9/2010 5:47:14 AM
Forget the hundred-mile diet -- buy a mango One of the worst by-products -- among many -- of the rapid expansion of government in the past 50 years has been the politicization of everything, including aspects of personal daily life that government has no business in. 1/8/2010 5:18:04 PM
Bra colors sweep Facebook in awareness push This week a campaign apparently designed to raise awareness about breast cancer is sweeping the social networking site with a message asking women to update their status with one simple word: the color of their bra. 1/8/2010 3:38:06 PM
Skaha Rotary steps up effort to improve trail network One sunny day in Penticton, you will be able to round up your kids and dog, throw on some runners or hop on your bike and enjoy a system of community trails, circulating from lake to lake and throughout the city. That is, if Ben Minuk and members of The Rotary Club of Penticton Skaha chapter have it their way. 1/8/2010 2:54:00 PM
Don't avoid conflict, get a backbone It's a new year, and as is my habit, I'm taking advantage of the occasion to reflect on how to be a better human being. For the second year in a row, this means making a resolution to be more stubborn, pick more fights and just generally be harder to get along with. 1/8/2010 2:37:32 PM
Northern Ireland rocked by PM's wife's affair with teen The leader of Northern Ireland is under withering political fire after it emerged that his wife, a 60-year-old MP, may have given political favours to her teenage lover. The salacious details are piling up prompting calls that he step down. (Ed: Her name is Mrs. Robinson)
1/8/2010 2:26:40 PM
Texas mom 'groomed' Ontario teen for sex A 42-year-old Houston mom relentlessly "groomed" an Ontario teen online before flying north and having sex with him at a hotelU.S. authorities say. Lauri Price, a mother of four, met the boy online playing "World of Warcraft" in September 2008 when he was 15. 1/8/2010 9:21:07 AM
10 ways to be a whole lot happier The year 2009 was one that few of us will soon forget. But the tough times we’ve been through illuminate the human ability to weather challenges that might at first seem overwhelming. As so many millions have painfully learned, we can’t fully control our circumstances. 1/8/2010 6:02:08 AM
Man cuts off penis in restaurant A man cut off his penis with a knife in a packed London restaurant. Police were forced to use CS gas to restrain the man when they entered the Zizzi restaurant in The Strand on Sunday evening. 1/8/2010 5:51:03 AM
Brenda Martin in trouble, arrested for intoxication A Canadian woman who spent more than two years in a Mexican prison has been arrested again for public intoxication. Brenda Martin, 53, was arrested late Thursday in an apartment lobby in Trenton, Ont. She was taken to nearby Belleville and held in a local jail. 1/8/2010 5:21:04 AM
Marc Emery could be extradited to U.S. Friday Vancouver marijuana activist Marc Emery is taking his last puff of freedom — as the clock counts down on an extradition order that will send him to a U.S. jail for five years. "I've been enjoying every moment of it out with my wife. We are just living day to day," he said. 1/8/2010 5:12:43 AM
Wal-Mart Sam's Club to sell private-label premium vodka Discount chain Sam's Club is venturing into the world of liquor, launching a new store-brand premium vodka this month in more than 240 stores across the United States. 1/7/2010 4:43:37 PM
Man uses buttocks to smash ex's 72-inch TV Oklahoma City police arrested a Midwest City man early New Year's Day after his ex-girlfriend said he kicked in her door, fought with her current boyfriend and used his rear end to smash her television set. He was banging on the front door when police arrested him. 1/7/2010 1:43:24 PM
Speeding Swiss millionaire fined $290,000 A Swiss court has slapped a wealthy speeder with a chalet-sized fine — a full $290,000. Judges in eastern Switzerland, based the record-breaking fine on the speeder's estimated wealth of more than $20 million. A statement on the court's Web site says the driver was a repeat offender. 1/7/2010 1:39:07 PM
Marketers mine your Facebook info Got an e-mail list of customers or readers and want to know more about each one, such as their full name, friends, gender, age, interests, location, job and education level? Facebook has just the free feature you're looking for, thanks to its recent privacy changes. 1/7/2010 12:44:58 PM
In war of dogs vs. cats, the winner is clear Cats. Dogs. Those can be fighting words in some circles. Cats are "nasty, stinking creatures," says Mark David of Warrensburg, Missouri. And dogs? They're noisy, disruptive and "lick you and themselves," counters Sanford Reikes of Louisville, Kentucky. 1/7/2010 12:05:26 PM
Shania Twain recalls impoverished past to help charity Canadian country pop singer Shania Twain has started a charity called Shania Kids Can that she hopes will open opportunities for talented boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Twain began singing as a teenager for $25 or $50 an engagement, money that immediately went to the family finances. 1/7/2010 11:17:54 AM
Canadians unhappy with PM's climate performance A new on-line poll suggests that Canadians were not overly enthused with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s performance at the climate-change summit. Just 28 per cent said they were content with the leadership shown by Mr. Harper. Almost half (48 per cent) were dissatisfied. 1/7/2010 6:43:43 AM
Jail-bound ‘balloon boy’ dad: It wasn’t a hoax The Colorado father who pleaded guilty to a felony in the runaway balloon saga insisted in an interview set to air Friday that the event wasn't a hoax. Richard Heene said that he believed that his 6-year-old son, Falcon, was in the homemade balloon when it took off. 1/7/2010 6:08:29 AM
Woman sues gym over pole-dancing injury A woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that a Manhattan gym left her hanging when she tried a new workout: pole-dancing. Sue Ann Wee is seeking unspecified damages from the companies that run the Crunch fitness center chain. 1/7/2010 5:48:47 AM
Penticton Music festival going green After 83 years, the Penticton Kiwanis Music, Dance and Speech Arts Festival is changing its colours. For the first time the annual festival is going green by allowing people to download and print off event programs from its website. 1/7/2010 5:28:31 AM
BC Political quotes of the decade, by Michael Smyth Some examples: - "He's a Liberal. But he's a conservative. If you know what I mean." - Then-Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, describing B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell......"Sober." - Liberal whip Kevin Krueger, describing the mood in the government caucus after Campbell's drunk-driving arrest. 1/6/2010 6:29:20 PM
Bad gym teachers can ruin sports for kids It turns out that humiliating a child by forcing them to try to climb a rope in front of their classmates is not the way to keep them active in sports. Repetitive basketball drills, or sitting on the bench forever watching the athletic kids finish the dodge ball game, don't help either. 1/6/2010 5:19:51 PM
BC Trucker plans to golf more after $6.7M lotto win B.C.'s latest lotto millionaire says he'll be trading truck driving for driving golf balls. Karl Hoolsema of Aldergrove is taking home $6.7 million, half of the $13.3 million jackpot from the Dec. 12 Lotto 6/49 draw, with the other half going to a Quebec resident. 1/6/2010 5:09:15 PM
A spanked child may be a better adult: study The U.S.-based research states that spanking children up to six years old made them more successful in school, more optimistic about life, more likely to take voluntary work, and more keen to attend university than their never-spanked counterparts. 1/6/2010 2:13:13 PM
The year Canada becomes cool Wooo-hooo! It's 2010. Brace yourself. We're about to be discovered as one of the coolest places on Earth when the Olympic circus comes to town. And I don't mean temperature-wise. I mean temperament-wise and even style-wise. Let's face it, Canada has long been quietly and consistently cool. 1/6/2010 11:45:51 AM
Lawyer son of acquitted Air India suspect suspended, fined The lawyer son of a man accused — then acquitted — of taking part in the Air India bombing has been suspended for a month and fined for misleading a B.C. court about his family's finances before the high-profile trial. Jaspreet Singh Malik has been ordered to pay $2,520 to the Law Society of B.C. 1/6/2010 11:35:05 AM
Mountie to name son after boy who escaped cougar The RCMP officer who shot a cougar in Boston Bar, B.C., to save the life of a cherished family dog says he will name his son after the dog's young owner. Gravelle said the incident has helped him and his wife pick a name for their child. 1/6/2010 10:52:51 AM
Okanagan Art nominations wanted for Valley Awards Nominations closing...Communities all through the Okanagan are encouraged to nominate individuals and organizations for their contribution to the arts before the deadline on Jan 11. The Okanagan Arts Awards celebrate the arts, artists and arts supporters in a variety of disciplines. 1/6/2010 10:00:44 AM
* Mega-church preachers promote gospel of 'winning' It was one of the more brilliant journalistic ideas I'd seen in a long time. Canada's Geez Magazine dug into what is being taught from the pulpit at 20 of the largest churches in the U.S. and Canada. The big-name evangelical preachers (all male) put a strong emphasis on winning. 1/6/2010 7:43:57 AM
If you've got it don't flaunt it, US Marine tells Aussie women A US Marine Captain has attacked the dress standards of Australian women after a night on the town in Darwin. "Ladies have been conned into thinking that just because you have it means you should flaunt it," he wrote. 1/6/2010 6:58:52 AM
Job list highlights the best and worst careers of 2010 Being an actuary, calculating statistics to determine probability and risk, is the best job to have in 2010, while working on an oil rig as a roustabout is the worst. The second-best job is software engineer, followed by computer systems analyst, biologist and historian. 1/6/2010 5:28:57 AM
Officer recognized: Dog saves boy, Mountie saves dog he B.C. RCMP officer who shot and killed a cougar that had attacked a family's golden retriever was recognized for his quick response Tuesday. Angel, meanwhile, was still recovering from surgery Tuesday but her prognosis is good, doctors have said. 1/6/2010 5:14:37 AM
Penticton Yacht Club defends beach accessibility If you’re going to develop the east side of Okanagan Lake, keep the marina affordable to local boaters. This was the underlying message the Penticton Yacht and Tennis Club had. They held an impromptu press conference Monday afternoon to voice their concerns regarding comments Mayor Dan Ashton made. 1/5/2010 8:09:20 PM
Update: Fred the dog rolling home It must take quite a winning personality to shine out from a crate in a train car rumbling across Canada. But Fred the dog has done just that, rolling over for visitors to rub his belly, making babies giggle at stops en route and charming the train's chef into cooking for him. 1/5/2010 3:16:27 PM
Poker champ shares $100,000 with his buddies Jamie Klinger is divvying up the top prize from a six-day Texas Hold-'Em tourney three ways. A one-third slice goes to him, with equal slices going to two high school buddies - "now very grateful old high school buddies," Klinger chuckled - who each agreed to stake him to one-third of the $750 entry fee. 1/5/2010 3:14:13 PM
Wife of cheating governor Jenny Sanford exacts a political revenge Among the many collections of quotes from 2009 in the American media, none has been complete without “hiking the Appalachian trail” — the euphemism given by the office of Mark Sanford, the governor of South Carolina, to explain his absence while he was in Buenos Aires with his Argentine mistress. 1/5/2010 10:54:49 AM
Winnipegger rescued by shiny-shoed stranger A frail, elderly Winnipeg woman narrowly avoided being stranded at a U.S. airport thanks to a stranger in shiny shoes who transformed into her guardian angel. Elsie Clark's return trip home from a holiday with family in Texas last week became turbulent quickly after she was dropped at the wrong departure gate. 1/4/2010 8:22:39 PM
Neighbour saves dog using CPR Cats may have nine lives but this dog definitely has more than one. Matt Armstrong, 46, brought his neighbour's dog, Sheena the Boxer, back to life by performing CPR after she collapsed and stopped breathing while on a walk. "Just out of nowhere Sheena collapsed, she had no life signs, no heartbeat. 1/4/2010 4:22:56 PM
Man sues former lover for showing sex tapes to ex A West Vancouver man is suing his former lover after discovering she videotaped their sex acts and showed them to her ex-husband. CPG claims that had the woman - who's a school teacher - warned him about her videotaping habit, he wouldn't have entered into the relationship. 1/4/2010 1:03:56 PM
Simple pleas of a humble snow plower (Ed: More snow in the Okanagan this morning) - Snowplows are to be respected and given wide berth, not played chicken with and given the finger. "Those flashing lights are not our way of celebrating the holidays or adding bling to our trucks. It is to mark that we are a very real danger to motorists." 1/4/2010 6:00:46 AM
Italian man robs store to avoid spending holidays with family A Sicilian man stole sweets and a packet of chewing gum so he could get arrested and spend New Year's Eve in a jail cell rather than be with his wife and relatives, Italian media reported on Friday. 1/4/2010 5:32:22 AM
Olympics or bust as Rawlinson removes implants Star Austalian hurdler Jana Rawlinson has had her breast implants removed to boost her chances of winning a medal for Australia at the 2012 Olympics, a magazine reported on Monday. Rawlinson, whose private life has often made headlines, said she enjoyed having larger breasts but did not want to "short-change Australia". 1/4/2010 5:25:22 AM
It's pancakes. In a can. It's made $15 million In 2001, Sean O'Connor was co-owner of a San Francisco club that served up punk bands alongside yak burgers and bear-meat chili. When the dot-coms collapsed, he pared down the menu to focus on cheap. During an experiment with whipped cream canisters he stumbled on a better idea: putting pancake mix in pressurized cans for quick and easy breakfasts. 1/3/2010 5:14:55 PM
A few good men weren't hard for brothel to find Wanted: "A few good men. 21 to 40. Must have a good work ethic. Must be service-oriented. Have a willingness to please. Have a positive attitude." The Shady Lady Ranch wants to be the first brothel in Nevada to legally offer the services of male prostitutes for women. 1/3/2010 3:53:16 PM
Internet: Virtual friends no answer They may be more "connected" than ever, but even among young people loneliness is a problem. A recent survey found that young people worried more about loneliness than the elderly: 21 per cent of 18 to 24's said it was one of their main worries, compared with 8 per cent of the over-55s. 1/3/2010 6:03:49 AM
Tiger Woods' wife plays hardball over payout Tiger Woods' betrayed wife has taken another chunk out of the love-rat golfer. Elin Nordegren revealed to friends how she extracted revenge when they asked what the shamed golfing superstar had given her for Christmas. She coolly declared, "Three hundred million dollars, thank you very much." 1/3/2010 5:34:28 AM
Just Say No to Aging? Imagine that you could rewind the clock 20 years. It's 1989. Madonna is topping the pop charts, and TV sets are tuned to "Cheers" and "Murphy Brown." Widespread Internet use is just a pipe dream, and Sugar Ray Leonard and Joe Montana are on recent covers of Sports Illustrated. 1/3/2010 5:22:49 AM
Biblical scholar's date for rapture: May 21, 2011 Harold Camping lets out a hearty chuckle when he considers the people who believe the world will end in 2012. "That date has not one stitch of biblical authority," Camping says. The real date for the end of times, he says, is in 2011. 1/3/2010 4:53:33 AM
Pent. Chamber set to host annual Community Awards The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is excited to be hosting the 22nd annual Community Excellence Awards Banquet on Jan. 25. The theme this year is “The Sport of Business Excellence” in honour of the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics being held in British Columbia. 1/3/2010 4:49:28 AM
Osoyoos: G & M feature salutes Chief Clarence Louie There are no oil riches, nor are there veins of gold to be found on Canada's most successful native reserve. In fact, the land of the Osoyoos band in the Okanagan Valley straddles this country's only true desert – hardly an auspicious starting point for an aboriginal economic revolution. 1/2/2010 8:17:48 PM
You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off! The pair used so much dynamite that they managed to destroy the entire bank building - and themselves with it. Wendy Northcutt declared them the 2009 winners of the Darwin Awards, given to those doing the most to improve the human gene pool by removing themselves from it. 1/2/2010 3:09:25 PM
Marijuana Pepsi will see you now Celebrities giving their offspring names that they call creative and others call bizarre is nothing new. But celebrities aren’t the only ones who enjoy inflicting challenging names on their children. Take, for instance, the aforementioned Marijuana, whose full name is Marijuana Pepsi Sawyer. 1/2/2010 9:39:46 AM
Public funeral to be held for Lt. Andrew Nuttall Victoria: A public funeral service for Lt. Andrew Nuttall will be held at Christ Church Cathedral at 1 p.m. Monday. Along with a soldier from the Afghan National Army, 30-year-old Nuttall was killed Dec. 23 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Nuttall was born in Prince Rupert. 1/2/2010 9:01:56 AM
Calgary man mourns fiance lost to Taliban bomb Michael Louie spent his "entire life trying to find Michelle Lang," only to lose her to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan this week. Even before Mr. Louie proposed in November on a drizzly Vancouver night, the pair had booked the Calgary Winter Club for their July wedding. 1/2/2010 8:43:43 AM
Guide to a good life: When all hope is lost, pray A year ago, Marcella Dubuque was preparing for what she believed would be her last Christmas. A month earlier, she had been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, the tumour that had been growing in her right breast had already invaded her lymph nodes. Too advanced for surgery. She was 76 years old. 1/2/2010 8:37:56 AM
Oilers ‘went ballistic’ over $18,000 bill at Calgary restaurant Members of the Edmonton Oilers are accused of starting off the year by causing a scene at a Calgary restaurant that now has them labelled as cheapskates. The owner of the high-profile Calgary restaurant says the players refused to pay a massive New Year’s Eve tab. 1/2/2010 8:19:47 AM
Summerland: Swimmers start year with chilly plunge The new year started with an icy swim for the participants in the annual Polar Bear Dip at Sunoka Beach on Jan. 1. Frederik Numsen, organizer of the event, said at least 85 people took part in the swim, while many more watched from the sidelines. Swimmers had a variety of reasons for participating. 1/2/2010 5:27:27 AM
Valley welcomes New Year’s babies, Penticton first. A baby girl born in Penticton became the first New Year‘s baby in the Valley this year. Mother Sukh Mandeep Kaur and Navdeep Singh are the proud parents of the girl, who entered the world at 2:42 a.m. Friday weighing six pounds 15 ounces. 1/2/2010 4:45:31 AM
Russia doubles price of vodka The Russian government has set a minimum price for vodka that more than doubles the cost of the cheapest vodka on the market in an effort to fight rampant alcoholism. The measure also is aimed at reducing the extraordinary number of deaths caused by drinking in Russia. 1/1/2010 11:47:29 AM
Horoscopes: The year ahead Happy New Year! The Moon in Cancer today trines the planet of the unexpected, Uranus, bringing a quirky flavor to the first day of 2010. Time spent with home and family may bring some fun and enjoyable surprises, so don't be afraid to try something new. 1/1/2010 5:59:38 AM
Burning snowman seen on Rattlesnake Island If you see massive flames lighting up Rattlesnake Mountain tonight, don’t panic! It’s not a forest fire, or a ceremony to bring Ogopogo up from the depths of the dark, cold lake. Instead it will be a giant burning wood snowman. Tonight the torched snowman is a 100 year centennial send off. 1/1/2010 5:10:49 AM
New Year's 2010 around the world (Video) Cities throughout the world have been welcoming 2010 in a variety of ways. Fireworks lit up the skies of major cities across the world, whilst in Japan balloons were released, and in Paris the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with a laser display. 12/31/2009 5:38:34 PM
Poetry to warm the wintry soul: Rhonda Ganz Inspiration takes flight It was an airplane flight that launched Rhonda Ganz's path as a poet. Ganz was flying home about five years ago. Victoria poet Wendy Morton was reading poems aloud to passengers as part of her duties as WestJet's Poet of the Skies. 12/31/2009 11:47:52 AM
Guardian angels bringing Fred the dog home Fred the dog has two guardian angels who will travel across the country tomorrow to fetch him, in a journey that shows just how far some people are willing go for a pet - even one they've yet to meet. Fred was found by Cyril Roy's side Nov. 30, three days after the man died. 12/31/2009 7:35:01 AM
Guest column: The time to start showing your love is now This Dec. 23, at 9:30 a.m., I received a frantic phone call from my mother that jolted me out of my sleep. Even though I only heard her voice for a second, I knew the call would change my life. "Your dad is scaring me. He was dizzy in the shower and now he's talking funny. I don't know what to do!" 12/31/2009 6:50:59 AM
Olympic torches continue to be auctioned off for big profit The value of the spirit of the Olympic flame hasn’t fizzled out as the torch relay approaches its halfway point; an eBay auction selling one of the torches carried in Ontario recently was fetching bids of $1,500 US Wednesday. 12/31/2009 5:28:16 AM
DUI charge could keep Olympics tourists out You're an American who's arrived at the border, or perhaps landed at the airport, on the eve of the Olympics. Those pricey tickets to the opening ceremonies and medal round hockey suddenly have become worthless - to you, anyway - when the Canada Border Services agent orders you to turn around. 12/31/2009 5:05:47 AM
Eight stories that rocked the fitness world Our week-long recap of stories from 2009:: Whether we cheered, cringed or contemplated, the year's defining stories in athletics reverberated far beyond the soccer pitch or ski hill: If the cameras hadn't been rolling, we may never have been introduced to Elizabeth Lambert. 12/30/2009 7:38:48 PM
'Dead mother and son' alive after Christmas 'miracle' (Video) A mother from Colorado who doctors said had died while giving birth to her son, has said it is a Christmas miracle. Tracey Hermanstorfer's heart stopped beating and her son Coltyn appeared lifeless. However a few minutes after he was delivered, both began breathing again. 12/30/2009 5:43:27 PM
Setting some goals to create a memorable year How many of you can say that 2009 was one of your best years of the decade? The year 2010 is the year of the Tiger (the cat) and it has the potential to be a “10” for you if you set some goals that are realistic, measurable and above all, have a fun factor. 12/30/2009 10:53:47 AM
Hungry monkeys belly up to buffet in Thailand We have so much to be thankful to monkeys for: they're the butts of our jokes, the typists on our theoretical typewriters, and the subjects of our medical experiments. Monkeys help us feel as if we've made some evolutionary progress over the past couple million years. Yet seldom do we say thank you. 12/30/2009 10:21:02 AM
God created women to be men's companion: Pope Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday God wanted women to be a companion for men and neither his slave nor dominating boss, as he brought up family issues during his weekly audience at the Vatican. "God created woman from Adam's rib so she would not be dominating, or a slave, but his companion." 12/30/2009 9:58:07 AM
Penticton: School of arts to pitch plans for Shatford If a permanent arts centre is established in Penticton, the city could become an innovative and creative hub of arts and culture. On Jan. 11 the Okanagan School of the Arts plans on sharing its drive to develop a permanent teaching and training centre at the Shatford Building. 12/30/2009 6:03:59 AM
Tomb of warlord Cao Cao found in China Chinese archeologists working in Henan province believe they have found the tomb of Cao Cao, a 3rd century general and ruler known for his ruthlessness. He ruled northern China from 208 to 280 A.D. during the Three Kingdoms period, when what is now modern China was divided into three kingdoms. 12/30/2009 5:59:33 AM
Couple stranded after GPS leads them astray As Starry Bush-Rhoads and her husband, John, drove along a remote Oregon road on Christmas Day, their SUV struggling through freshly fallen snow, the familiar female voice of their GPS system informed them that they had just shaved two minutes off their trip home to Reno, Nev. 12/29/2009 2:06:40 PM
Out with the Aughts: The end of privacy In this series, we look at the ideas that shaped the past decade. Today, the end of privacy...With the advent of online social-networking sites, blogging, celebrity sex tapes and reality television, the past decade has seemed at times like a stampede to surrender privacy. 12/29/2009 10:16:15 AM
Author sues Google, wants money over scanned book A Chinese novelist is suing Google Inc. for scanning her work into its online library. Mian Mian, a counterculture writer known for her lurid tales of sex, drugs and nightlife, filed suit in October after the U.S. search giant scanned her latest book, "Acid House." 12/29/2009 7:51:35 AM
Bristol Palin seeks full custody of baby A judge's ruling has revealed a heated legal custody battle between Sarah Palin's daughter and the father of her grandson. Bristol Palin's request to keep the proceedings closed was denied. Levi Johnston, the father of 1-year-old Tripp, has pushed for open court proceedings. 12/29/2009 6:16:12 AM
What not to say when buying a car It's easy to get excited by a new car, like the Porsche 911 Carrera S which has a six-cylinder, 385-horsepower engine that gets to 60 miles an hour in 4.5 seconds, and it tops out at 188 mph. But if you want a chance at getting a good deal on one of the 2010 models, keep that enthusiasm to yourself. 12/29/2009 6:00:41 AM
Penticton: Ring in the New Year with a helping hand Complimentary champagne — sounds like a great way to bring in the New Year. But, it’s the $3 donation that local night club, Nite Moves, is collecting from patrons New Year’s Eve that is going to make 2010 even better. The money raised will go to a new CT scanner for the Penticton Hospital. 12/29/2009 5:36:33 AM
Boyfriend pillow for Japan singles Japan's single women are being offered the ultimate sleeping partner - a comfort to cuddle up to, but one which does not snore or make demands. The Boyfriend's Arm Pillow, shaped like a man's torso with one sturdy arm, has been on sale since December. 12/28/2009 5:16:15 AM
War vets, shelter dogs heal together in program Dave Sharpe was troubled by thoughts he could not share after he returned from a tour in Iraq. "I found myself waking up in the middle of the night, punching holes in walls, kicking and beating the refrigerator door," he said. Then one day, he went to a local pit bull rescue and took home a puppy. 12/27/2009 6:26:58 PM
Tribes buy back America — acres at a time Native American tribes tired of waiting for the U.S. government to honor centuries-old treaties are buying back land where their ancestors lived and putting it in federal trust. Native Americans say the purchases will help protect their culture and way of life. 12/27/2009 6:21:15 PM
Great moments in world buffoonery, 2009 Orgies! A teenage girlfriend for a grandfather-aged man! Expensive divorce! And that's just for one world leader. Here's a guide to some of the most buffoonish and outlandish behaviour by leaders on the world stage in 2009. 12/27/2009 5:45:50 PM
'Barefoot bandit' continues to eludes police Eighteen-year-old Colton Harris-Moore is achieving folk hero status as the "Barefoot Bandit" in the US and Canada after a string of burglaries and dare-devil escapes from the law. Harris Moore has a criminal record stretching back to when he was just 12. 12/27/2009 3:22:42 PM
Carla Bruni 'befriends homeless man' in Paris It is a heart-warming tale of rags and riches - or first lady and the tramp. Carla Bruni has reportedly befriended a homeless man who lives near her home in Paris's 16th arrondissement, giving him money and talking about music. 12/27/2009 9:08:52 AM
Chilly swim to mark New Year's Day It will be a bracing and icy start to the new year as around 100 brave or foolhardy swimmers will participate in the Polar Bear Dip at Sunoka Beach on Jan. 1. The event, which begins at noon, will mark its 25th year. People from Summerland and the rest of the Okanagan are expected to take part. 12/27/2009 7:40:15 AM
Christmas Eve North Vancouver house fire had silver lining He lost almost everything in a fire Christmas Eve, but a North Vancouver man still believes he experienced a miracle. He had hidden a diamond engagement ring at the top of the Christmas tree, planning to propose on Christmas morning. "Please," he told a firefighter, "you have to get that." 12/27/2009 5:19:20 AM
Armchair deputies enlisted to patrol US-Mexico border When John Spears gets home from his sales job in New York, he sits down at his computer with a bottle of beer and starts patrolling the US border. He is one of tens of thousands of people around the world who are volunteering to patrol the 1250-mile long (2000 km) stretch between Texas and Mexico via the web. 12/26/2009 8:07:20 PM
OMG, how obsolete am I? I exchange a lot of e-mail with a certain friend of mine, whom I'll call A. A is quite expressive, and until recently she concluded her e-mails by writing, “LOL, A.” Eventually she discovered her mistake – but only after sending several condolence messages 12/26/2009 7:27:30 PM
2009: And the dubious achievement 'winners' are ... Worst Family Planning: Octomom. Though Nadya Suleman already had six children, she convinced a fertility doctor to implant six embryos. After two of them split, she gave birth to octuplets. Even her mother thought she was crazy. 12/26/2009 12:46:35 PM
Canadians have long-standing love affair with skating When Bob Poldon was a young man living in Ottawa, he would grab his skates in the worst weather and head for the Rideau Canal. "I would go out skating at night when it was minus 27 and windy. Beautiful." In the next week or so, when we get a good stint of sub-zero weather, Poldon will be out in the cold again. 12/26/2009 12:10:05 PM
'Polar bear' plunges a healthy way to ring in the new year? Ever get the notion that it would be “fun” or “invigorating” to ring in the New Year with a quick dip in icy Cayuga Lake? Members of the Polar Bear Club do it every year, after all. Well, let Carol Sames knock some sense into you. She does urge caution. 12/26/2009 12:00:07 PM
Indian governor, 86, resigns after tape shows him in bed with 3 women The 86-year-old governor of a southern Indian state resigned Saturday, a day after a television news channel broadcast a tape allegedly showing him in bed with three women, an official said. The television channel ABN Andhra Jyoti News said the tape was made in a sting operation. 12/26/2009 9:26:10 AM
White Spot staff forego wages, tips for charity In a troubled economy, the last thing you'd expect a company to do is give away part of its revenue -- but that's what happened at a Richmond White Spot on Friday, where even the workers were giving away their earnings. 12/26/2009 9:05:00 AM
Fred, the loyal dog, is going to a new home Fred the Dog is going home. Via Rail has offered free tickets for Fred and two Montreal residents who will fly to Vancouver to accompany him on a four-day ride to Montreal and a new home with relatives of his master, who died in November. Fred was found at his side and taken to the local pound. 12/26/2009 6:21:25 AM
Good-doing brands succeed Doing good really does pay, with a global survey finding more than six in 10 people would buy, and recommend, a brand that gave back to society or helped the environment, even if it wasn't the cheapest. (Paul Newman, pictured, was a great example.) 12/26/2009 6:14:19 AM
.Do-it-yourself spa treatments let you indulge without a huge expense Picture yourself at a Palm Springs resort spa modelled after an Italian villa, relaxing in a river-like, saltwater pool surrounded by waterfalls and flagstone. If the image appeals, but the $300-to $400-a-night price tag doesn't, here's an alternative: create your own spa experience at home. 12/26/2009 6:11:00 AM
Penticton Mayor casts eye towards city’s waterfront “The city and the community has done an incredible job if you take a look at Okanagan Lake Park and if you take a look at Marina Way Park. All these new improvements have really made a huge difference down here,” says Ashton. “This is kind of the last piece of the puzzle." 12/26/2009 5:38:58 AM
Books: A Quebec country Christmas Michael and I had been married five years when we moved from Montreal to Sutton, in Quebec's Eastern Townships. It was his second marriage, after losing his first wife, and my only marriage, having spent my life in a primary relationship with myself. Now it was time to love someone else. 12/25/2009 11:38:26 AM
Osoyoos launches 2010 visitors guide The many faces of Osoyoos will again extend their warmest welcome to visitors to the South Okanagan. The 2010 Osoyoos visitors guide features some of the prominent faces from the region gracing the front cover just in time for the Olympics. 12/25/2009 10:11:33 AM
How to sum up the 'Noughties' 2000 - 2009 ?? (Ed: As 2009 draws to a close, you might enjoy this video clip from the BBC World service. Runs about 4 min.) - Time Magazine called it the 'decade from hell', but despite 9/11, two wars and a financial crisis it hasn't been all bad. So how would you describe it? Watch Matt Frei's thoughts. 12/25/2009 9:26:15 AM
Be a smart shopper and avoid Boxing Day scams Boxing Day may yield great bargains, but beware the scams, says the Better Business Bureau. "People get caught up in the excitement of hunting for a great deal and they forget to ask questions before buying," said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President. 12/25/2009 8:16:05 AM
Money: How a family reaped a 600-per-cent gain Last Christmas, the Quattrone family – father Joe, mother Barbara, Joe, Jenny, and Kateri – did something rather unorthodox. Instead of giving each other presents, they pooled their money and invested it. As it turned out, The stocks they bought did rather well. The Family Fund, which began with $700, is now worth about $5,000. 12/25/2009 7:52:05 AM
What are you doing for New Year’’s? Kelowna is one of the coolest places to be in Canada this New Year‘s Eve, the Toronto Star says. The newspaper‘s Lifestyle magazine has named the Midnight in New Orleans party, planned for the Kelowna Community Theatre, as one of 10 unique places to ring in 2010. 12/25/2009 6:05:38 AM
Kelowna chef turns gingerbread house into a village At the Guishican House Restaurant in Kelowna Thursday, Christmas Eve lunch featured crepes, but chef and proprietor Goerg Rieder had other things on his mind. He was putting the finishing touches on a gingerbread house that grew into a gingerbread village. 12/25/2009 5:49:33 AM
Single present saved in North Vancouver house fire A North Vancouver family has lost all of their belongings in a massive fire the day before Christmas, save for one particularly precious gift Jamie Poole bought for his wife-to-be. One of the most valuable items in the house was a diamond engagement ring, which Poole had stored in a box within the family's Christmas Tree. 12/25/2009 5:46:10 AM
Customer repays Edmonton store — 24 years later When a mysterious caller rang up a camera store in Edmonton two weeks ago, general manager Neil McBain was skeptical. Wanting a private appointment, the man said little. But right on schedule, a nicely dressed man entered the shop. He explained he was a recovering alcoholic wanting to make things right. 12/25/2009 5:42:29 AM
Pregnant mom involved in Calgary sex ring to stay in jail A pregnant mother of three facing removal from Canada after she was arrested during an ongoing investigation of a Calgary sex trade ring will remain behind bars until she is sent back to Hong Kong in the new year. Siu Ling Wong wept quietly during a detention review hearing. 12/25/2009 5:39:00 AM
Salvation Army major slain on Christmas Eve (Video) A Salvation Army major was shot dead in front of his three children on Christmas Eve in North Little Rock, Arkansas, authorities said. Maj. Philip Wise, 40, was gunned down Thursday. He was found lying by the back entrance of a Salvation Army facility, said a police spokesman. 12/25/2009 5:27:43 AM
Canadians still helping tsunami victims, 5 years later Last year, the Canadian Red Cross passed out disposable cameras to 41 children in Indonesia and gave them each an assignment. The children, living in two regions devastated by the 2004 Asian tsunami, were to take photographs of what made them happy. 12/25/2009 5:22:11 AM
Gordie Howe carries torch near Windsor, Ont. After a daylong journey through southern Ontario, where it thrilled thousands in Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, Amherstburg and LaSalle, where it was held high by hockey legend Gordie Howe, the Olympic torch entered the City of Windsor. 12/24/2009 5:34:42 AM
Keremeos: Big league neighbour It may not be the Baseball Hall of Fame, but Wendell Clifton will have some of his baseball memorobilia displayed in perpetuity - or at least for as long as the Crowbar and Grill remains a sports bar after a surprise commemoration event at the restaurant in Keremeos last Thursday. 12/23/2009 2:26:59 PM
Holiday regifting: Naughty or nice? In the Seinfeld episode aptly titled "The Label Maker," Elaine calls Dr. Tim Whatley a "regifter" after he gives Jerry a present originally gifted to him by Elaine. Almost a decade after Elaine popularized the term it's no longer just a punchline -- regifting is a popular gift-giving phenomenon. 12/23/2009 2:12:54 PM
Priest's advice to shoplift should not be taken literally, ethics prof says There is great value — not just controversy — in the words of a British priest who advised his congregation to shoplift, said Clara Joseph, an associate professor and expert in ethics at the University of Calgary. 12/23/2009 6:10:56 AM
Schumacher confirms he's coming out of retirement Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is coming out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in 2010, saying Wednesday that he expects to contend for the title again. The German, who turns 41 on Jan. 3, announced his comeback after three years away from the sport that he dominated. 12/23/2009 6:00:31 AM
Grinch steals Burnaby family's Christmas For the Lavin family, who immigrated to Burnaby from Ireland six months ago, Monday seemed just like any other day. In the afternoon, Karen Lavin loaded her two young children, aged four and six, into the car and drove off to pick up their father Daragh from work. 12/23/2009 5:55:36 AM
N.Z.: Naked biking allowed, with helmet Two young men caught cycling with no clothes on have escaped charges of offensive behaviour, but received a warning to wear protective headgear. Policewoman Cathy Duder was unfazed. "They were more shocked than I was, trying to cover up their bits and pieces with their hands," she said. 12/23/2009 5:25:42 AM
Welfare authorities want young Dutch sailor put in care Child welfare authorities will request a Dutch court on Tuesday to remove teenage sailor Laura Dekker from her father's care after she returned to the Netherlands following her disappearance last week. She was found on the island of St. Martin in the Dutch Antilles, off the coast of Venezuela on Sunday. 12/22/2009 9:57:10 PM
Balloon boy parents must pay $42,000 rescue bill US parents who triggered a major alert by claiming their son was adrift in a helium balloon have been ordered to pay the $42,000 (£26,000) rescue bill. The Colorado couple reported in October that their young son had been carried away by the balloon. 12/22/2009 6:01:29 PM
Animals trump presents for Cody on his eighth Cody McGunigle has a passion for helping animals in need. The David Thompson elementary student donated $321 to the BCSPCA — money that was given him by schoolmates on his eighth birthday party. 12/22/2009 5:27:14 PM
LED Christmas lights don't cut it: holdouts Holdouts to the LED Christmas light revolution are finding it harder to get replacement bulbs for well-loved incandescent strings that have been passed on within families. Steve Walls of Oklahoma has been using the same old-style, torpedo-shaped Christmas lights for years. 12/22/2009 4:53:46 PM
Prince WIlliam sleeps with homeless on London streets Britain’s Prince William spent a night sleeping on the freezing streets of London to draw attention to the plight of homeless people, a charity said Tuesday. William slept on cardboard boxes in an alleyway near the River Thames last week. 12/22/2009 8:49:16 AM
One of Canada's Great Escapees dies at 91 The most fascinating entry on his resume was Harold Garland's involvement as a Second World War prisoner of war in the mass breakout later immortalized by the Hollywood film The Great Escape. Though Garland wasn't among the escapees, he helped to make it happen. 12/22/2009 5:21:27 AM
Dying man tried out his coffin first A month before cancer finally claimed his life, Craig Royce told his family there was something he wanted to do – pick his own coffin. His wife and daughter were mortified but, on a doctor's advice, they didn't stand in his way. 12/21/2009 8:46:50 PM
Salvation Army demand up, donations down Demand for Salvation Army services is up by about 25 percent across B.C., yet donations have fallen far short of this year's targets. "Our kettles are almost half a million dollars behind where they need to be to meet our goals," says Major Brian Venables, a Salvation Army spokesman. 12/21/2009 5:36:16 PM
D.C. chief slams cop over gun at snowball fight The city's police chief slammed a veteran detective Monday for pulling a gun during a mass snowball fight. Chief Cathy Lanier said she watched video clips from the confrontation and has no doubt the off-duty detective pulled his gun after snowballs hit his personal car. 12/21/2009 4:47:41 PM
Sarah Palin's health care 'death panels' warning named 'Lie of the Year' PolitiFact.com has chosen an August Facebook posting by Sarah Palin, warning that Barack Obama's health care reform would bring "death panels" was chosen by 61% of the 4,864 award voters. The next runner-up with a paltry 12.3% of votes was talk show host Glenn Beck. 12/21/2009 12:51:32 PM
Buying Toys as an investment for your child You still have a few more days to buy two toys for each child on your Christmas list. Make a gift of one, and hide away the other toy unopened in its original box for 20 years. In 2029, give the now-grown child the second copy, which they can sell to a collector and use to buy a house -- or at least a sofa. 12/21/2009 11:59:04 AM
British priest urges congregation to shoplift A British Anglican priest is facing criticism following a controversial sermon in which he advises his congregation to shoplift, according to a report from The Daily Mail. Rev. Tim Jones, 41, told his followers stealing from large chain stores is sometimes the best option for the poor. 12/21/2009 11:54:50 AM
John Baird has reneged on airline ad reforms Transport Minister John Baird has reneged on a commitment to hold public consultations this fall as the last step in a long-delayed plan to force airlines to advertise the full price of airfares. After 30 months, it hasn’t happened. Critics say this latest delay shows the government is stalling. 12/21/2009 7:20:19 AM
When in doubt: an atheist's Christmas I lost my faith in God when I was 13. It wasn't as if I hadn't tried. Before my confirmation in the Episcopalian Church of Wilmette, Ill., I spent months in ardent prayer, longing for a conversion experience that would erase my growing doubts. Sadly, it didn't happen. 12/21/2009 5:06:16 AM
Savona: How Tigger came in from the cold When we moved into our home, homeless Tigger spent much of his time on our porch. Over the month, my husband Jordan and I realized that no one was feeding Tigger, as we had originally assumed. Soon we were buying cat food and putting it out on the porch. 12/21/2009 4:58:19 AM
Missing Dutch teen sailor found in Antilles A Dutch teenager who went missing after child welfare authorities thwarted her attempt to become the youngest person to sail singlehanded round the world has been found in the Dutch Antilles. Laura Dekker, 14, has been found on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. 12/20/2009 4:16:46 PM
Standing in for Santa Claus made my Saturday "Was that Santa?" Hearing that innocent statement drift down the hallway in one of the upper floors of a dilapidated Jane-and-Finch highrise seriously made my day. If the incredibly warm "thank you" the boy's father had given me was any indication, Santa really did need a little help this season. 12/20/2009 12:18:46 PM
Switching from one race car to another - what's the big deal? It’s interesting how many people are suggesting that Danica Patrick won’t be able to make the transition from Indy cars to stock cars and that, in fact, she’ll likely fall flat on her kisser. Okay, perhaps all forms of car racing have become so sophisticated as compared to the "olden days" that it’s not all that easy 12/20/2009 6:06:58 AM
Flying Chihuahuas! Dogs head east due to glut Chihuahuas have been flying out of California since other states learned about the glut of little dogs in the Golden State. A group of 25 dogs has already arrived at the Humane Society in New Hampshire, thanks to "Grey's Anatomy" actress Katherine Heigl, Kinder4Rescue in Studio City and American Airlines. 12/20/2009 5:40:32 AM
Paradise lost for many Canadian rural dwellers Wendy Deavitt remembers the day in 2001 when she spotted her dream home in the country. At the end of a tree-dotted gravel driveway stood the farmhouse and adjacent horse barn that turned her fantasy about rural living into a reality. “This is heaven,” she recalls thinking. 12/20/2009 5:13:13 AM
Penticton Chamber of commerce ushers in changes Nominations are open for the 2009 Community Business Excellence Awards which is themed “The Sport of Business Excellence” to honour the 2010 Games here in B.C. If you have someone you would like to nominate, you have until Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. to get your application in to the Penticton Chamber. 12/20/2009 4:46:03 AM
Survivor, families struggle with aftermath of avalanche that killed eight Jeff Adams' tormented mission drove him again and again to the mountain ridge that spewed deadly waves of snow last December. Each time he returned, Adams would dig up debris left behind from the frantic rescue effort: snowmobiles, helmets, pieces of winter gear. 12/20/2009 4:38:30 AM
Prayer boosts forgiveness: study "What seems to be operative here is that people experience a selfless love when they pray; they appear to be connecting more with humanity and feeling more positively toward humanity as a whole. That's what leads them to be more willing to forgive." 12/19/2009 6:42:26 PM
Bookies take bets on size of Woods divorce settlement If Tiger Woods and his Swedish wife get divorced, Elin Nordegren won't be the only one collecting on the settlement. British bookmaker William Hill is taking bets on just how much Nordegren will get if she decides to divorce the world's No. 1 golfer. 12/19/2009 6:21:34 PM
$50M lotto winner plays Santa A small-town Manitoba ringette player was given a big-time Christmas present thanks to a chance encounter with one of the province's newest multimillionaires. The mother and daughter said they plan to pass on Kirby Fontaine's kindness by doing something generous for someone else. 12/19/2009 6:13:23 PM
Dad somehow lifts car off 6-year-old girl A Kansas mother is praising a neighbor as "Superman" after her 6-year-old daughter told her he somehow found the strength to lift a car off her. The girl escaped with minor injuries after she and neighbor Nick Harris said she was pinned under the vehicle. 12/19/2009 1:37:40 PM
SESS to present “The Wiz” “The Wiz” is coming to SESS in Keremeos in January. Little Theatre Company is proud to present the wonderful musical version of “The Wizard of Oz”. “The Wiz” is a jazzy, upbeat version of the original story. The musical is directed by Scott Tremblay. 12/19/2009 6:27:33 AM
Canadian-British couple split by immigration officials reunited for Christmas Chantel Barden is reuniting with her husband for the holidays, and this time, she hopes it's permanent. The Alberta woman met Darren Jarrad, 28, more than three years ago while he was in Canada with the British army at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in southern Alberta. 12/19/2009 6:12:51 AM
Two-legged dog Faith inspires after learning to walk A two-legged dog named Faith is inspiring disabled veterans across the United States after learning how to walk upright, despite missing her two front legs. She was rescued from a junkyard in January 2003. Faith was nursed back to health and taught how to walk by Reuben Stringfellow and his mother, Jude. 12/19/2009 5:31:21 AM
Porn popular with young web surfers Just when you thought little Susie was surfing for news of Twilight or Johnny was looking for Lego parts comes the distressing news from Symantec that youngsters have put sex and porn among the top overall search terms for kids age 18 and under. Symantec announced the results of data collected. 12/19/2009 4:49:14 AM
Boy, 4, caught with beer, stolen gifts Tennessee investigators say a 4-year-old boy was found roaming his neighborhood in the night, drinking beer and wearing a little girl’s dress taken from under a neighbor’s Christmas tree. The child’s mother said the boy “wants to go to jail because that’s where his daddy is.” 12/19/2009 4:09:45 AM
The do's and don'ts of trying to act younger As older employees are increasingly surrounded by younger ones, they risk displaying telltale signs of their age that can lead to unfair stereotyping. It's a tricky balancing act: You don't want to come across as an oldster, or try too hard to appear young. 12/18/2009 12:34:08 PM
Herald's Be An Angel campaign goes over the top! So far, this year‘s Be an Angel campaign is over the top. With about a week to go, it has amassed $17,600 easily surpassing the target of $15,000 set out when the campaign launched on Dec. 1. The funds raised go towards the Christmas hampers that will be given to families in need in the area. 12/18/2009 5:00:42 AM
Seniors' home residents need more protection: ombudsperson Residents of B.C. seniors' homes need a bill of rights, better access to information online, and greater say, according to a long-awaited report. Carter spent months listening to seniors and their families, hearing complaints about dreadful food, soiled linens, inadequate cleaning, and staff shortages. 12/18/2009 4:58:04 AM
The Zalm loves every minute of HST fight Ex-premier Bill Vander Zalm is in his glory these days, soaking up the most positive press he's enjoyed in years with his robust and spirited crusade against the HST. He pleaded with Premier Gordon Campbell's MLAs to rise up against the tax. He appealed to federal MPs, too. 12/17/2009 5:06:47 PM
'Bigots' react to Brison's Christmas card Nova Scotia Liberal MP Scott Brison has received some negative feedback from "a handful of bigots" who didn't like his Christmas card. The politician's glossy holiday greeting features him and his spouse casually dressed and posing in a pastoral setting with their golden retriever. 12/17/2009 4:49:45 PM
Olympics’ Molson Canadian Hockey House slashes entry price to $99 Molson Canadian Hockey House officials have slashed the entry price to the Olympic hockey pavilion from $500 for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink, all-day pass to $99 for a "Fan Zone" pass that lets you stay for half a day. The passes allow access to entertainment and food but only include two drinks. 12/17/2009 3:55:04 PM
The grim reality of life as Flight Attendant (Ed: BA workers had voted to strike before Christmas. The court just stopped that). British Airways' Imogen Edwards-Jones says that it’s no wonder cabin crew have had enough — the old days of job satisfaction and glamour are long gone. 12/17/2009 2:05:46 PM
50 of the world's best design blogs Do you aspire to something more original than a generic Ikea-filled home? These blogs are full of inspired home-styling ideas, handmade items and vintage and modern homeware, as well as tips for upcycling old furniture. All post regularly and have a strong identity with original content. 12/17/2009 1:25:25 PM
Formerly homeless hero honoured He selflessly rescued two people from drowning on separate occasions this summer. And on Wednesday, Faron Hall, once lovingly dubbed Winnipeg's "homeless hero," was honoured three times for his bravery. At the time of the first rescue, Hall had been homeless for years. 12/17/2009 1:06:01 PM
'Sexting' on the rise among U.S. teens (Canadians too) Fifteen per cent of U.S. teenagers aged 12 to 17 who own cellphones have received nude or nearly nude images of someone they know, according to a survey. The Pew survey found that girls and boys were equally as likely to have sent a suggestive picture to another person. 12/17/2009 7:30:36 AM
Salvation Army struggling with campaign With a week to go until Christmas Eve, the Salvation Army has raised just half its $16-million goal for this year's kettle campaign to match 2008 donations, even while it estimates the need for its feeding centres, food banks and Christmas hampers is up 10 to 40 per cent across Canada. 12/17/2009 7:21:34 AM
Check your Facebook privacy settings. Now! If Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg can't figure out his social networking site's privacy settings after they were ripped open earlier this month, what hope is there for the rest of us? Zuckerberg has since slammed the door on his Facebook profile's open access, and it's time for you to do the same. 12/17/2009 6:19:24 AM
Efforts grow to transport loyal dog from Vancouver Island to late master's Montreal family Fred the dog might not make it home for Christmas, but he has already given his late master's grieving family a present. Fred ended up at the Parksville, B.C., pound Nov. 30 after police found him at Cyril Roy's side three days after the 58-year-old died alone of heart failure. 12/17/2009 6:09:55 AM
Britain: Parents giving children alcohol 'fuels binge drinking' Parents who allow their children alcohol at home may be increasing the chances of future drinking problems. Sir Liam Donaldson accused some parents of a "laissez-faire" approach and said letting children taste alcohol to ready them for adulthood was "misguided". 12/17/2009 5:56:44 AM
Unholy row over Virgin Mary image An unholy row has broken out in New Zealand over a church billboard aimed at "challenging stereotypes" about the birth of Jesus Christ. A dejected-looking Joseph lies in bed next to Mary under the caption, "Poor Joseph. God was a hard act to follow". 12/17/2009 5:54:23 AM
'Do the right thing' and ignore Woodlands settlement cutoff Former residents of Woodlands School and their advocates are calling on B.C. Attorney General Mike de Jong to lift an “arbitrary cutoff date” that will see more than 500 victims of abuse not eligible for compensation. “Premier Gordon Campbell should do the right thing." 12/17/2009 5:21:52 AM
Cindy Crawford, Michael Phelps among Vancouver Olympic visitors Supermodel Cindy Crawford heads a list of Omega celebrity "ambassadors" who will visit Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics, Omega confirmed today. The Olympic sponsor said Crawford will appear at an event to be held Feb. 14 at the Omega boutique at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. 12/16/2009 1:17:58 PM
Students are a force for change Several less fortunate families in the South Okanagan will have a bit more joy this Christmas, thanks to the generosity and dedication of students at Penticton Secondary. In less than a month, the students at Pen High managed to collect enough spare change to help out 15 families. 12/16/2009 1:05:57 PM
Chihuahua frozen to death in domestic dispute A Southern Alberta man who allegedly left the family dog to freeze to death during a domestic dispute has been charged with two criminal offences. Temperatures in the Brooks area dipped to –31 C on Monday, as a deep freeze gripped most of Alberta. 12/16/2009 5:57:40 AM
Tony Parsons' 35-year reign on Global TV ends Wednesday night Tony Parsons is wrapping up 35 years as the voice and face of Global TV’s supper-hour newscast Wednesday night, but says he’s not ready to give up TV news. “[Wednesday] is my last day doing the broadcast,” Parsons said Tuesday. “I’m not retiring, I’m just leaving Global TV.” 12/16/2009 5:28:55 AM
Fairytales come true for local children Adrenaline could easily have fueled the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 jet to destination Disneyland last Thursday morning. Leaving the aircraft the group was met by over 100 people, including representatives of the Orange County Sheriffs Department, the kids’ companions for the day. 12/16/2009 4:54:21 AM
Victims of Keremeos house fire look for support Brian Brown and his family are trying to put their lives together after fire left them homeless in Keremeos last week. Brown is finding himself considerably stressed, having been subjected to a couple of experiences that have left him wondering what has happened to some people’s sense of humanity. 12/15/2009 4:21:17 PM
Television evangelist Oral Roberts dies at 91 Television evangelist Oral Roberts has died, a posting on the Oral Roberts Ministries site said Tuesday. He was 91. "The Oral Roberts University family was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our dear Chancellor, Oral Roberts," Oral Roberts University President Mark Rutland said. 12/15/2009 12:14:42 PM
$53million Joke: Cornwall inquiry fails to quash pedophile ring rumours There were systemic failures in how local and provincial institutions responded to historical allegations of sexual abuse in Cornwall, Ont., a public inquiry has found. "Throughout this inquiry I have heard evidence that suggested that there were cases of joint abuse, passing of alleged victims." 12/15/2009 11:53:52 AM
Tiger Woods speaks of family values in interview Tiger Woods spoke of his commitment to his family during an interview screened in New Zealand on Tuesday that was conducted before his car crash and subsequent admission of several infidelities. Asked in the interview "family first and golf second ... always been that way?" Woods replied: "Always. Always." 12/15/2009 9:04:13 AM
Summerland: Torch relay participants sought When the Olympic torch passes through the community on Jan. 25, it will be a time to celebrate. A ceremony at Centre Stage Theatre Jan. 24th will recognize Summerlanders who are taking part in the torch relay. The last part is proving difficult, since names of the participants are not being released. 12/15/2009 8:24:46 AM
Noisy sex woman admits breaching court order A woman who was given an anti-social behaviour order banning her from making loud noises during sex has admitted breaching the order. Caroline and Steve Cartwright's love-making was described as "murder" and "unnatural" at Newcastle Crown Court. 12/15/2009 6:52:25 AM
Urn with human ashes turns up at Value Village Employees at a Value Village in east Saint John got an unusual donation over the weekend: an urn filled with human ashes. Leisa Dube said the staff's curiosity was piqued when they saw the crematorium sticker on the outside of the urn. 12/15/2009 6:34:57 AM
Americans more generous than Canadians: Report The holiday season is a time for giving, and according to a report released Monday. "There's a commonly held notion that Canadians are more generous than Americans, but this is clearly not true," said the report's co-author. 12/15/2009 5:12:54 AM
If you see a doctor coming, swerve Is there a connection between your career and how you perform on the road? Yes, according to researchers at Quality Planning Corp., a San Francisco-based firm that validates policyholder information for insurance companies...I was floored by the results. 12/15/2009 4:42:03 AM
Tiger Woods wired regular payments to girlfriends According to several women who were involved with the golfer, Woods wired money to them on a monthly basis. The dollar amounts they cite range from $5,000 to $10,000 per month, and there’s talk among those women that someone out there might be getting as much as $20,000 per month. 12/14/2009 7:35:40 PM
Emotional funeral for lost boy in Nova Scotia Police, paramedics and ground searchers each placed a spruce cutting on top of James Delorey's casket following a funeral Monday for the little boy who died last week after spending two nights lost in the woods. Rev. Errol MacDonald said during the sermon that Canadians didn't get the miracle they hoped for. 12/14/2009 3:44:47 PM
Tiger Woods update: Betrayals mount as mistress deals some low blows On Sunday, Jamie Jungers made a bid for her fifteen minutes of infamy, telling the British tabloid News of the World that she was with Woods at his family home in California when his father died. The affair lasted eighteen months, during which time she was a regular visitor to Woods's home. 12/14/2009 3:03:36 PM
America's richest families For Sam Walton, low prices meant vast riches. By 1985, Walton was America's richest man. At the time of his death in 1992 he and his family were worth at least $23 billion, proceeds of a life spent selling everything he could fit under the roofs of his Wal-Mart stores. 12/14/2009 2:18:08 PM
Dogs are better pets than cats, study finds The New Scientist is resorting to science to try to find the truth about cats and dogs. Using a wealth of recent research to measure pets in 11 categories, the magazine has come to the reluctant conclusion that dogs are better pets than cats, by a whisker. 12/14/2009 2:11:12 PM
New Facebook privacy settings make your private photos public As far as I can tell there is no way to keep your profile picture private on Facebook anymore. Not only that, Facebook has also now decided, in its infinite wisdom, that the whole world should know who all your friends are and what organizations, TV shows and/or political parties you are a fan of. 12/14/2009 9:27:45 AM
Marijuana Mom and the Cannabis Kid The crop has been harvested, and Diane Irwin's secret technique paid off. "Every morning I would go out and talk to my girls," she said, "pray over them and ask them to provide good medicine." Her "girls" are marijuana plants destined for her son Jason's medical marijuana dispensary in Denver. 12/14/2009 8:55:35 AM
Miss February found 12 strangers to pose naked for Babes go Bare fundraising calendar Don't be surprised to see Joseph Caddy hawking calendars around town. After all, his pretty, vivacious daughter Trish is Miss February. She's also naked as a jaybird, with just a cocked leg and strategically placed hand protecting her modesty. But that doesn't bother Joseph. 12/14/2009 8:18:32 AM
Grandpa doesn't want another necktie Sometimes it is hard to find a present for an older person – especially someone who is downsizing and wants no more "stuff." What they really want is time together, say those who work with seniors. "They love their family to visit and to have Christmas together," says elder caregiver Lorraine Tischart. 12/14/2009 7:25:53 AM
Manitoba leads Canada in charitable giving: Report The holiday season is a time for giving, and according to a report released Monday, Manitoba is Santa Claus. For the 10th year in a row, Manitoba beat out every other Canadian province and territory with the most number of charitable donations given in 2009. 12/14/2009 5:17:56 AM
'Baby-faced' people live longer People blessed with youthful faces are more likely to live to a ripe old age than those who look more than their years, work shows. Danish scientists say appearance alone can predict survival, after they studied 387 pairs of twins. 12/14/2009 4:56:49 AM
Summerland: Dogs provide therapy Murphy is a four- year-old Bernese Mountain Dog From Summerland. He and Karen Christensen have been part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program since May 2009. They visit the residential care facility at Summerland Seniors’ Village weekly. 12/14/2009 4:16:34 AM
Penticton: Efforts brighten a lonely Christmas “One wakes up to a bleak, small Christmas morning usually with snow on the ground. It seems to make this otherwise special day that much more alone and lonely,” begins Robert Enns’ description of Christmases past. Like many in Penticton with a mental illness, Enns lives alone. 12/13/2009 9:26:22 PM
Healing powers of a good guitar Hari Sihvo, known as "the guitar guy" to many of his friends' children, is sitting in the living room of his comfortable house in Scarborough surrounded by stringed instruments. A 45-year-old executive with Molson Canada Inc., Sihvo is, like many of his generation, passionate about pop music. 12/13/2009 8:20:14 PM
Good! Bankers 'whacked' in arcade game An arcade game that allows people to vent their anger at bankers has proved so popular the owner keeps having to replace worn out mallets. Inventor Tim Hunkin introduced "Whack a Banker", which is based on the older "Whack a Mole" game, at his arcade in Suffolk. "I keep having to replace worn-out mallets," he said. 12/13/2009 10:58:33 AM
More heat on Facebook as privacy advocates slam changes Privacy advocates slammed revamped Facebook privacy controls on Thursday, saying the change masks a move to get members to expose more information online. The controversy came a day after Facebook began requiring users to refine settings with a new software tool. 12/13/2009 10:33:45 AM
Stick to list, shop, go home: credit expert Consumers can keep to their holiday budgets if they bring a list of what they want to buy and follow it religiously while shopping, says the executive director of Credit Canada. "Stick to the list and make sure you have a dollar amount there, and when you are done with that list, go home." 12/13/2009 9:48:25 AM
Miss Penticton Royalty program holding meetings The Miss Penticton Royalty program is gearing up for the next chapter in its long and storied history. The committee is inviting students in Grade 11 or 12 to take part in the program that provides an opportunity to learn valuable life skills and represent Penticton as an ambassador. 12/13/2009 8:12:17 AM
Going green with a real tree You can’t wipe the friendly grin off Josh Ilott’s face and who can blame him, considering who his customers are. “Almost every person that comes here is happy and leaves happy,” said Ilott beneath a heavy jacket and hood that covers his head. 12/13/2009 5:41:52 AM
Lottery winners reshaping Manitoba community It was a massive lottery jackpot. And now, on the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, about 100km from Winnipeg, signs are starting to emerge of the generosity of the couple who last month won $50 million. But getting people to talk about Kirby and Marie Fontaine is no easy task. 12/12/2009 11:22:18 AM
The dawn of a new day in sexual liberation is upon us? As the glitter settles on the Queen Elizabeth stage after three consecutive performances from pop iconoclast Lady Gaga, the cultural ground is rumbling: In the realm of human sexual expression, a seismic shift in underway. 12/12/2009 11:11:56 AM
Why (most) women like to shop, and men don't Our ancestors didn't shop for holiday gifts, but the way we buy may owe credit to thousands of years of evolution. In a new study, researchers propose that our mall-visiting behaviors harken back to the days when men hunted and women foraged. 12/12/2009 9:07:26 AM
Disneyland Trip a screaming good time for sick kids The 2009 Sunshine Dreamlift to Disneyland was a scream, literally. The 81 kids screamed as their Boeing 737 rocketed down the runway at Kelowna Airport. They screamed again when they passed low over the Magic Kingdom. They screamed as they careered around the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 12/12/2009 7:11:48 AM
Toronto rejects streetcar ad promoting infidelity Life is short. So was this affair. It took about a day for an infidelity-promoting ad to go from what philandering website AshleyMadison.com thought was a done deal to the dustbin of streetcar advertising when the Toronto Transit Commission rejected it Friday. 12/12/2009 5:04:51 AM
Genetic 'map' of Asia's diversity An international scientific effort has revealed the genetics behind Asia's diversity. Their findings support the hypothesis that Asia was populated primarily through a single migration event from the south. Previously, there has been some debate about whether Asia was populated in two waves. 12/12/2009 4:44:56 AM
US woman of 98 accused of choking roommate aged 100 A Massachusetts jury has charged a woman of 98 with suffocating her 100-year-old nursing home roommate after complaining of too many visitors. Police in Dartmouth initially believed Elizabeth Barrow had committed suicide but eventually recommended a murder charge against Laura Lundquist. 12/12/2009 4:41:30 AM
Facebook: Depressed woman fails to recoup benefits A Quebec woman who says her disability pay for depression was cancelled because of her Facebook profile has lost her first bid to have her benefits restored while she battles her insurance company. Manulife stopped paying her sick-leave benefits, and her mortgage company, Desjardins, ended her insurance payments. 12/11/2009 3:24:23 PM
Whitehorse dog spared from death row needs a home Months after a Yukon court spared Trevor the dog from euthanization at the city pound, the Humane Society Yukon is still unable to find a suitable home for the troubled canine. (Ed: That's because the court order came with some pretty stupid conditions, like Trevor has to stay in Whitehorse. Why?) 12/11/2009 10:16:51 AM
Tiger Woods paid $60K for kinky sex, three-ways, claims Hollywood madam Tiger Woods was into threesomes and shelled out more than $60,000 to cat around with high-priced hookers, a Hollywood madam claimed Thursday. Woods "had a pretty big appetite for women" added Michelle Braun, as the world famous athlete's list of extramarital "transgressions" continues to grow. 12/11/2009 9:41:37 AM
Court grants injunction to bar naked photos of Tiger British lawyers acting on behalf of Tiger Woods have won a British court order banning publication in Britain of any photos or video showing him nude or having sex. Several outlets have reported that Playgirl is in possession of nude photos of a man resembling Woods. 12/11/2009 9:33:49 AM
The Grape Divide: What women want Walk into any wine outlet and chances are 50-50 you'll see a woman buying wine. No surprise there. It's a fact of the wine market here that women love wine as much as men, even more so when it comes to whites and rose. But there's a fundamental difference between the two sexes. 12/11/2009 5:26:21 AM
Sex, lies and online profiles: Can you spot the fakes? Women lie more about their weight and men more about their height and balding patterns, says new research into deception in online dating profiles from a Cornell University professor who once worked as a Canadian border guard. Online daters who are lying tend to avoid using the words “I” and “me.” 12/10/2009 7:04:24 PM
239 lbs. lighter, he’s ‘Biggest Loser’ of all time Like the previous seven seasons of “The Biggest Loser,” Tuesday’s finale ended with dramatic weight losses and one fit winner. But season 8 also had a few surprises, including a live marriage proposal and a new big-money challenge for one contestant. 12/10/2009 5:41:51 PM
100-year-old N.Y. child molester to be freed New York's oldest registered sex offender is scheduled to move by out of a Buffalo halfway house and into a place of his own, after completing his latest prison term for molesting little girls. Being grandfatherly was how the 5-foot-5, 150-pound Sypnier found his victims, authorities say. 12/10/2009 5:37:54 PM
Roomba - Top Christmas gift for a Family (Video) It seems that every year before Christmas time the popularity of the automatic vaccum cleaner, the Roomba, surges. Roomba is the small electric circle that can sense dirt on a floor, then go and pick it up. The Roomba gained worldwide popularity 4 years ago and has been a popular gift ever since. 12/10/2009 11:27:31 AM
Cosmetic surgery becoming part of wedding to-do list More than half of Britain's brides-to-be and 39 percent of grooms are considering cosmetic surgery or an aesthetic treatment in preparation for their wedding, according to a new study. Treatments and procedures range from botox through to breast augmentation. 12/10/2009 11:11:01 AM
Tiger Woods 'mistress' apologises to wife Cocktail waitress Jaimee Grubbs has issued an on-air apology to Tiger Woods’ wife, saying that she was “deeply sorry for never considering her” during her 31-month affair with the golf star. 12/10/2009 7:49:33 AM
Chemistry puts pep in dancing steps Chemistry -- just how important is it in any relationship or when you're dating? I'm not talking about just sex. I'm talking about butterflies in the stomach, that aching feeling of missing and needing that person to be in your presence? I say "very" and here's why. 12/10/2009 7:36:45 AM
Facebook faces criticism on privacy change Digital rights groups and bloggers have heaped criticism on Facebook's changed privacy policy. Critics said the changes were unwelcome and "nudged" people towards sharing updates with the wider web and made them findable via search engines. 12/10/2009 7:28:30 AM
End near for historic building with a naughty past A 100-year-old building with a storied - and sometimes naughty - history could soon be torn down in Vancouver's West End to make way for a 20-storey rental and market housing tower. The building is currently occupied by a cabaret, Maxine's Hideaway. 12/10/2009 7:20:14 AM
Okanagan Dreamlift becomes a reality The gasp of 81 excited children said it all. They were watching a video of the Disneyland log ride, knowing that in less than 24 hours it would be them getting soaked in the Magic Kingdom. At 6 a.m. today, the Southern Interior kids boarded an Alaska Airlines Boeing 747 for a whirlwind day at Disneyland. 12/10/2009 6:44:17 AM
Penticton Art Gallery: Last call for 2010 art Time is running out for artists wanting to participate in the 2010 Legacies Now Exhibition planned for the Penticton Art Gallery in January, with only a few days left for artists to get their confirmation and artist statement by Dec. 18. The gallery has issued an open invitation to artists from across B.C. 12/10/2009 5:58:07 AM
Most Canadians believe Afghan detainees tortured: poll Despite recent testimony from Rick Hillier, the former chief of defence staff, and other top generals before a parliamentary committee, the majority of Canadians believe that some prisoners who were handed to Afghan authorities by the military were tortured. 12/10/2009 5:38:40 AM
Outrigger Canoes: Radical ocean racing Two local outrigger paddlers recently competed in the Vaka Eiva Outrigger canoe races in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. Seven days of racing and ceremonies saw paddlers competing in one and six-person boats at varying distances. 12/10/2009 4:44:56 AM
Big White big thrill for Hawaiian family What do Hawaiian children do the first time they see snow? After watching Charlie Brown‘s Christmas on TV, Rylan and Alyssa Sakai made snow angels as soon as they arrived at Big White. “We had a snowball fight, we made snow angels and we tasted snow,” said their mother, Rae, with a laugh. 12/10/2009 4:37:11 AM
Pink stinks campaign: Pink is the new crack On one level the campaign, founded by London sisters Abi and Emma Moore, is about the tyranny of pink, but more importantly it’s about widening the world view for girls and giving them role models apart from pop stars and reality TV contestants. 12/9/2009 8:57:00 PM
How Tiger Woods affair story is playing in Sweden The saga of Tiger Woods and his Swedish wife, Elin Nordegren, has played out on a huge stage here in North America, writ large on Web sites, TVs and tabloids alike. The same can be said in Sweden, where Nordegren is a major public figure. 12/9/2009 7:29:44 PM
Sarah Palin's dad and 'the minority type thing' Sarah Palin's school years come back to haunt again, this time with a quote from father Chuck Heath. During the presidential campaign, the media scrutinized her college history, which begins in -- of all places -- Hawaii, Obama's home state. 12/9/2009 6:28:30 PM
91-year-old almost-Olympian carries torch in Quebec With more than a thousand people cheering Peter Duncan skied down Quebec’s Mont Tremblant ski resort, his arms in the air, and one hand holding the Olympic torch. At the bottom he handed the torch over to 91-year-old Peggy Austin who would have made the Olympics but for WW11. 12/9/2009 6:12:22 PM
B.C. homeless win court fight over tent cities Homeless people have the right to set up temporary camps in public parks if the community cannot provide enough shelter beds. A British Columbia Court of Appeal panel upheld a lower court ruling that a ban on so-called tent cities in parks violated a homeless person's constitutional right. 12/9/2009 5:31:31 PM
Small horses a big attraction in Texas When the horses you're herding are about the size of chunky golden retrievers, roundup time is no big deal in this part of south-central Texas. Sister Angela certainly had few problems corralling her frisky purebred miniature horses in time for the early-morning arrival of tourists. 12/9/2009 4:51:05 PM
Bribing the motivation out of our kids My daughter came home from school today with another prize she earned from the treasure chest. Her behaviour was in the "green" zone all week, which meant she earned a trip to the prize box. Kids who end up in "red" don't get a reward. At the dentist, she gets another prize. 12/9/2009 4:37:55 PM
Iraqi man, lucky dog reunite after Baghdad blast Liza is one lucky dog. And so, it turns out, is her family. The ginger-colored mutt stranded alone atop the bombed-out ruins of her Baghdad home was reunited with her owners Wednesday after a night spent chained to a railing, bringing a few smiles after the Iraqi capital's latest day of sorrow. 12/9/2009 1:47:48 PM
Aboriginals more likely to volunteer than non-natives: Study First Nations, Inuit and Metis have higher rates of volunteerism and family involvement than non-aboriginal Canadians. The study found that more than 70 per cent of First Nations adults living on-reserve volunteered within their own community, compared to 46 per cent of adult Canadians. 12/9/2009 12:45:48 PM
Testosterone leads to fairness, not aggression: researchers Testosterone doesn't cause people to become aggressive or risky as many people believe but actually encourages fairness. Instead, the study, published this week in Nature, found that women who received the testosterone behaved more fairly and had fewer conflicts in their negotiations. 12/9/2009 11:44:59 AM
Anonymous donor feeds more than 1,000 More than 1,000 of Windsor, Ont.'s neediest citizens were served a turkey dinner — with stuffing, potatoes and gravy — thanks to an $8,500 gift to the local Salvation Army. They were also treated to a performance by a local orchestra and top-notch service from more than 100 volunteers. 12/9/2009 11:28:42 AM
Cop arrested for attack on boyfriend having sex with her daughter A sheriff's corrections deputy was arrested Monday for assaulting a man at gunpoint who was having sex with her daughter in the deputy's home. Dorethea Collier, 48, was charged with false imprisonment, aggravated assault and battery for the Nov. 2 incident. 12/9/2009 10:18:22 AM
Tiger Woods: Porn star Joslyn James is tenth woman, so far A pornography actress was today the tenth woman to be linked to scandal-hit golfer Tiger Woods. Joslyn James, who has starred in a number of extremely explicit adult films, allegedly slept with the sportsman on a number of occasions. 12/9/2009 6:29:11 AM
Barry Bonds son arrrested for assaulting his mother Nikolai Bonds was an omnipresent cheerleader during his father's quest for history. Now he's 19 and arrested for assaulting his mother. They grow up so fast. For unknown reasons, Nikolai went after Sun Bonds, Barry's wife from 1988 to 1994. 12/9/2009 6:25:10 AM
Why is the NBA getting a pass in Donaghy, referee scandal? You get the feeling that a bunch of real-life Tony Sopranos and Don Corleones could sit courtside at an NBA game, hand out $100 bills to the refs as they run by, and the league executives would still insist that the NBA is clean as a whistle. Credibility problems? What credibility problems? 12/9/2009 6:04:23 AM
Beware cheaters: Your lover's spouse can sue you The next time a married man or woman glances your way, you might think twice before acting on impulse and frolicking between satin sheets. The scorned spouse could sue you. Yes, you read that right. You, the paramour, can get hit with a lawsuit. 12/9/2009 5:56:37 AM
Holy cow? White cross on forehead of calf A holy cow in Connecticut, perhaps? Or maybe a divine bovine? A calf with a white marking on its forehead in the approximate shape of a cross was born last week at a dairy farm. Neighborhood children have named it Moses. 12/9/2009 5:31:06 AM
TV chosen over longer life: Poll What would you refuse to give up even if it added five healthy years to your life? According to many Canadians, you can put television on that list — and don’t try to take away booze or red meat, either. The breakdown was more pronounced along gender lines. 12/9/2009 5:27:55 AM
Tennessee Mayor sorry for Obama 'Peanuts' accusation A Tennessee mayor is apologizing for writing on his Facebook page that President Barack Obama deliberately timed a speech last week to block the "Peanuts" Christmas special. Russell Wiseman also said the president is Muslim. Obama is Christian. 12/8/2009 6:27:31 PM
Holiday magic awaits local youngsters Penticton’s Shayna Stickney will be among 81 very special passengers on board Thursday morning’s flight leaving Kelowna International Airport and winging its way south to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” 12/8/2009 5:12:11 PM
The Jungle Book predators who have forged a lifelong friendship They make an unlikely trio, but Baloo the bear, Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger have forged an unusually strong bond. Considering that they would be mortal enemies if they ever were to meet in the wild, it is stunning to see their unique and genuine friendship in these intimate pictures. 12/8/2009 5:06:51 PM
Woman who battled cancer by embarking on string of adventures plunges 100m to her death A young woman who battled cancer by going on a series of adventures plunged 100m to her death whilst on a family walking holiday. Ruth Holdway, 29, is believed to have stumbled whilst clambering across rocks to explore a tunnel behind a waterfall on the island of Madeira last week. 12/8/2009 4:49:09 PM
Senators urge serious look at guaranteed annual income The cycle of poverty must be broken in Canada "once and for all" by lifting all people out of its grip, says a new Senate report. It says governments at all levels must join forces with community groups to go beyond alleviating to actually eliminating it. 12/8/2009 4:01:35 PM
Danica Patrick to race in NASCAR Danica Patrick ended months of speculation when she announced on Tuesday a deal to race part-time in NASCAR's Nationwide Series. The only woman to win an IndyCar race will suit up for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. 12/8/2009 2:51:03 PM
Tiger Woods' mother-in-law admitted to hospital Tiger Woods' mother-in-law was admitted to a hospital early Tuesday with a stomach ailment, a hospital spokesman said. Dan Yates from Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Florida, said doctors are still evaluating Barbro Holmberg. 12/8/2009 7:29:44 AM
Young boy dies after being found in N.S. woods Hospital officials have confirmed the death of James Delorey -- the seven-year-old Cape Breton boy who spent two days in the cold and whose disappearance triggered a massive search involving aircraft, police and volunteers. Delorey went missing on Saturday after following his dog. 12/8/2009 7:23:27 AM
Online spoofs targeting Tiger Woods go viral Christmas may be a time of good cheer, but peace and good will likely weren't on the minds of people behind a growing number of online spoofs aimed at poking fun Tiger Woods' alleged martial infidelity. The Tiger Woods Voicemail Slow Jam is the most popular of the spoofs. (*Link here.) 12/7/2009 12:56:15 PM
Update: N.S. boy found alive suffering from hypothermia (Video) James Delorey, a young autistic boy found in the woods this morning after being missing for two days, is alive but suffering from hypothermia and is in critical condition. Seven-year-old James Delorey is being flown by a LifeFlight, an emergency services helicopter 12/7/2009 12:38:06 PM
Were your parents cooler than you? Exhibit A: Your dad pulling an Evil Knievel on his motorcycle in little more than short shorts. Exhibit B: Your mother on a cruise wearing pigtails and a bikini while stocking up at the buffet. Twentysomethings who have come to realize their parents are human. 12/7/2009 8:57:18 AM
Kamloops: Celebrating and cycling for change Every month, they come on their bikes and ride around the city. It’s a group of friends, friends of friends and the occasional newcomer. They amiably talk about the weather and other places they have cycled. Riding bikes is what brings them together. 12/7/2009 6:44:26 AM
List of Woods’ legion of ladies likely to grow The number of women connected to Tiger Woods could topple a dozen by week’s end, according to several sources familiar with Woods’ behavior during his frequent trips to Las Vegas. “He wasn’t one to send away someone who was interested. There was a revolving door of women with Tiger,” said one. 12/7/2009 5:35:42 AM
Ottawa woman safe after Antarctica ordeal An Ottawa resident who is trekking solo across Antarctica says she is doing fine despite a "pretty serious fall" down an icy crevasse just two days into her expedition. She had to use a satellite phone to call for assistance. Meagan McGrath is attempting a 45-day, 1,100-kilometre journey to the South Pole. 12/7/2009 5:16:12 AM
Maggie Grad class a driving force for holiday safety It's only December, but the 2010 grad class at Princess Margaret Secondary is hoping to earn enough money for an excellent party to go to. That's the annual dry grad, an alcohol-free blast to mark the end of their grade school years. But putting on a good party is expensive. 12/6/2009 6:54:19 PM
Strip club Christmas charity draws controversy The moment the first stripper walked onstage you got the sense that it wasn't your average fundraiser. All Sunday afternoon exotic dancers bared it all -- for free. The cover charge, the drink sales, and the money from raffles are all going to the Maple Ridge Christmas Hamper Society. 12/6/2009 6:45:10 PM
Scientists, lawyers mull effects of home robots We're still far from the sci-fi dream of having robots whirring about and catering to our every need. But little by little, we'll be sharing more of our space with robots in the next decade, as prices drop and new technology creates specialized machines. 12/6/2009 6:41:05 PM
America's new fun pastime: Tiger Woods jokes Tiger Woods jokes are currently sweeping the nation. And unlike the joke tsunamis that always seem to hit after tragedies and natural disasters, this concerns illicit affairs and a car accident in which no one was seriously injured. In other words, potential comedy gold. 12/6/2009 8:27:43 AM
Teacher filmed stripping in front of class reprimanded A supply teacher filmed stripping off in front of a class at a Suffolk school has been found guilty of misconduct. A pupil filmed Martin Rouse removing his shirt in June 2008 at Sudbury Upper School and put the footage on YouTube. 12/6/2009 8:10:52 AM
Let's get to the bottom of our butt obsession Last week, I was running in the park when a strange man called out to me. I swiveled around, breathless, sweaty and turnip-faced, thinking I had dropped my keys. I was astonished when he smiled and said simply: “Nice butt.” 12/6/2009 5:24:46 AM
Man busted at airport carrying drug-stuffed chicken Customs inspectors at Dulles International Airport say a man from Guatemala was detained after he tried to carry a cooked chicken stuffed with more than $4,000 worth of cocaine. Customs says agents decided the fully cooked chicken warranted closer inspection. 12/5/2009 7:50:35 PM
Prostitutes to offer free sex to UN climate summit participants Prostitutes of a Danish sex workers association will offer their services for free to delegates of the UN climate summit in Copenhagen. The move was meant to protest an anti-prostitution initiative undertaken by Copenhagen city hall. 12/5/2009 7:43:25 PM
B.C. government says no to most arts and culture funding requests The government has approved 350 applications made by arts and culture groups, totalling $8.9 million. Last year, the government gave out $18 million to 840 arts and culture groups through the same program. Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman was not available for comment. 12/5/2009 6:08:48 PM
When wedding bells ring a second time If you're getting remarried, you may find yourself wondering what rules have changed since the last time you said, "I do." Here's a look at wedding etiquette then and now, with thanks to Elise Mac Adam, author of Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone in Between. 12/5/2009 10:33:48 AM
Why Glee's Losers and Mean Girls Are So True to Life Versions of the mean, popular high-school girl character have been in movies and television for years, but since the release of Mean Girls, the character has almost become a modern archetype. However, there is a new show that really is getting it right, week after week. Fox's Glee. 12/5/2009 5:50:31 AM
Marilyn was right: Diamonds are a girl's best friend Are diamonds the new gold when it comes to safe investments? “When times are tough, hard assets like diamonds are in greater demand because they will hold their value when inflation hits – and it will hit,” says jeweller Myles Mindham. 12/5/2009 5:15:11 AM
The Secret World of Golf Groupies Tiger Woods isn’t the only golfer with carousing issues. Retired players and current caddies tell Gerald Posner about the game inside the real PGA: The “Party Groupie Association.” Plus, Posner on exclusive details of Tiger's new prenup. 12/4/2009 7:11:40 PM
Disneyland Dream takes flight Pure magic is expected next Thursday as a special bunch of children forget their troubles and head to Disneyland. Eighty-one kids with severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses will fly to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. for the day as part of the sixth Sunshine Dreamlift. 12/4/2009 6:50:13 PM
No time for 'terminal' in her busy life Samantha Mattersdorfer is living with more than 20 tumours in her lungs -- and a dire diagnosis. Yet the 19-year-old from Ladner, who is battling an aggressive form of bone cancer, intends to defy expectations armed with little more than a smile, courage and unyielding optimism. 12/4/2009 6:01:26 PM
Court orders Wikipedia to reveal identity of editor A nasty office dispute has led to the first court order against Wikipedia to disclose the identity of one of its editors. The entry "contained private and confidential information of a sensitive nature concerning herself and her child," the judge said. 12/4/2009 5:38:10 PM
Tiger Woods' furious wife accuses mother-in-law of turning blind eye YET another woman entered the spotlight in the scandal surrounding Tiger Woods yesterday – his mother. Reports emerged that "tensions" over the champion golfer's extra-marital affairs already existed between Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren, 29, and his mother, Kultida, 65, before the car crash. 12/4/2009 4:59:07 PM
$50M lotto winners share wealth A Manitoba couple who won a $50-million lottery jackpot in November are sharing the wealth with their Sagkeeng First Nation community. Kirby and Marie Fontaine have outfitted a hockey team and set their sights on a hot meal program at a school on Sagkeeng First Nation 12/4/2009 4:31:52 PM
Amanda Knox sentenced to 26 years An Italian jury has found American student Amanda Knox and her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito guilty in the stabbing death of British exchange student Meredith Kercher. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison and Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years. 12/4/2009 4:09:14 PM
Scroogenomics: Gift-giving is waste of money, economist says Christmas is a waste of money because people who give presents overestimate how much recipients will enjoy their offerings, economist Joel Waldfogel said. Waldfogel, an economics professor, is the author of Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn't Buy Presents for the Holidays. 12/4/2009 9:04:01 AM
Santa in Keremeos tonight, Penticton Saturday night (Ed: Keremeos celebrates Santa Friday night beginning at 4:30) - So, Santa has checked in and everything is ready to go for the annual Santa Claus parade Saturday in Penticton. “He is very excited to come,” said Barb Haynes, executive director for the Downtown Penticton Association. 12/4/2009 7:29:14 AM
Woods 'snoring' after car crash A neighbour of Tiger Woods has said he found the golf star lying in the street "snoring" after a car crash last week. Woods's wife, Elin Nordegren, was with the golfer and there was "definitely" no sign he had been drinking, Jarius Adams told Florida police. 12/4/2009 5:25:50 AM
Toronto woman to get $110,000 a month in spousal support A 61-year-old Toronto woman whose marriage fell apart after 33 years has won a record-setting spousal support award of $110,000 a month. The extraordinary award also included two years of retroactive support at $140,000 a month. 12/4/2009 5:06:06 AM
TMZ: Rachel and Tiger Spoke Last Night Gloria Allred has never canceled a news conference in her career ... so why was today's scuttled? Sources tell us Rachel Uchitel and Tiger Woods have been communicating. Sources say Rachel was in touch with Tiger and his reps before Friday's car accident and last night for approximately a half hour. 12/3/2009 12:32:45 PM
Secret Service puts 3 on leave over Gate crashers President Barack Obama says "the system didn't work the way it was supposed to" at last week's White House state dinner, where an uninvited Virginia couple got in and shook hands with the president. Obama said, "I could not have more confidence in the Secret Service." 12/3/2009 11:28:44 AM
Think your kid isn't ‘sexting’? Think again Sexting — sharing sexually explicit photos, videos and chat by cell phone or online — is fairly commonplace among young people, despite sometimes grim consequences for those who do it. More than a quarter of young people have been involved in sexting in some form, an Associated Press-MTV poll found. 12/3/2009 11:17:32 AM
Tiger's wife having pre-nup rewritten, and more The Daily Beast has learned exclusively that the beleaguered golfer is negotiating an immediate $5 million payout to his wife—and revising her prenup to give her as much as $55 million more to stay with him two more years. 12/3/2009 10:40:14 AM
Tom Jackson, Singing for Supper in Penticton Monday Tom Jackson, currently touring Canada raising funds and food donations for food banks, brings Singing for Supper to the Cleland Theatre Monday, December 7. “Tom is well known through his Huron Carol Christmas Show that toured the country for 17 years and was also shown on television” said Andrina Iliffe, local organizer. 12/3/2009 9:28:34 AM
Bride doused by sister-in-law with black spray paint It was supposed to be a quick bathroom break at the local Tim Hortons before the bride-to-be walked down the aisle. But Nancy Rose knew her big day was about to turn ugly when she spotted an enraged woman in a tube top racing toward her, a can of spray-paint in her hand. 12/3/2009 7:06:07 AM
What really killed Jane Austen? It is a truth universally acknowledged -- or nearly so -- that Jane Austen, the author of "Pride and Prejudice," died of a rare illness called Addison's disease, which robs the body of the ability to make critical hormones. Katherine White doesn't believe it. 12/3/2009 6:26:20 AM
All men watch porn, finds University academic When Simon Louis Lajeunesse launched his project with men in their 20s, he wanted to interview subjects who had never been exposed to pornography — porn virgins. But he couldn't find any. Lajeunesse suggested that pornography has been demonized and that its effects are negligible. 12/3/2009 6:03:46 AM
Amanda Knox lawyer delivers emotional plea A defense lawyer for Amanda Knox made an impassioned plea to the jury Wednesday as the high-profile case neared its conclusion. Knox is the Seattle student accused of killing her British roommate, Meredith Kercher, at the villa they shared in Italy. 12/3/2009 5:58:53 AM
Maple Ridge home features 40,000 Christmas lights Mike Czepak is putting the finishing touches on his Christmas light display -- that he started just before Halloween. Not a spot on his Maple Ridge, B.C., home isn't twinkling with lights. There are about 40,000 of them. And, of course, there's Santa on the roof. 12/3/2009 5:30:34 AM
Life for wives of pro athletes no 'fairy tale' Erin Crispin feels a great deal of empathy for Tiger Woods' wife. "It's a double-edged sword, because you get special treatment when things are going well, and you also get special treatment of another sort when things aren't," said Crispin. 12/3/2009 4:35:50 AM
Tiger Woods apologizes to family as alleged phone call to mistress released (with clip) Tiger Woods said Wednesday he let his family down, as he made his first public statements since allegations of an affair with a Los Angeles cocktail waitress broke on Tuesday. Wednesday's statement culminates nearly week of turmoil for Woods, and his wife, Elin Nordegren. 12/3/2009 4:19:10 AM
Canadian Tire launches limited edition $1 coin Some Canadian Tire shoppers were scratching their heads with confusion on Wednesday after the iconic retailer took a cue from the loonie and temporarily introduced a dollar coin. The coins will be arriving at stores in most parts of the country on Saturday and ending their run on Sunday. 12/2/2009 6:47:31 PM
Mountie escapes charges, and no answers offered She could tell you about the pain she deals with – the excruciating reminders of her son Orion's too-short life that she confronts virtually every day. But for now, Judith Hutchinson prefers to keep it to herself. “Nothing can repair our pain or replace our loss.” 12/2/2009 6:03:34 PM
Makeover: Burka Barbie The words "Barbie doll" used to elicit the image of a ditzy blonde bimbo. No longer. Since Nov. 20, the 50th anniversary of this iconic doll and beloved plaything of little girls everywhere, 500 Barbies have been on show, including various Barbies wearing chadors and full burkas. 12/2/2009 2:31:46 PM
Girl Guides' new motto: We'll fight if we have to Northern lights and stars in the inky black of night. Girls' voices echoing across Gillies Lake. Beaver paths and the call of loons. For decades that was the way of life for Girl Guides at Camp Ashwene near New Liskeard. With declining membership, fewer Guides are using the camps. 12/2/2009 11:38:12 AM
L'Oreal family fight over Multi-Billion $ fortune The daughter of Europe's richest woman, a L'Oreal heiress, has asked that she be placed under judicial supervision to stop her handing away her money. Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers argues 87-year-old Liliane Bettencourt is no longer in her right mind after she gave more than a Billion dollars to a friend. 12/2/2009 11:34:15 AM
Movement under way in California to ban divorce Til death do us part? The vow would really hold true in California if a Sacramento Web designer gets his way. In a movement that seems ripped from the pages of Comedy Channel writers, John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California. 12/2/2009 11:29:57 AM
I am profoundly sorry, Tiger Woods says Golfer Tiger Woods has apologized for his "transgressions" and for letting "his family down" after the release Wednesday of a voicemail message that suggests he had an extramarital affair. In it, Woods asks would-be reality star Jamiee Grubbs, 24, to change the outgoing message on her voicemail. 12/2/2009 11:07:56 AM
Racist Obama image shines light on Web searching When a racist image of first lady Michelle Obama surfaced from the ugliest corners of the Internet last week to top Google's image search results, the episode shined a spotlight on the mysterious workings of search engines. 12/2/2009 6:26:38 AM
Alleged Tiger Woods voice mail released by Us Weekly magazine Tiger Woods' private life took a new hit Wednesday. A cover story in Us Weekly magazine alleges that a Los Angeles cocktail waitress had a 31-month affair with the world's No. 1 golfer. Jaimee Grubbs told the magazine she met Woods at a Las Vegas nightclub. 12/2/2009 6:15:18 AM
Is Ovechkin a dirty player? Every interested hockey eye has been turned towards Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday, but this time it's for all the wrong reasons. The Capitals superstar was ejected from Monday's game against Carolina after a knee-on-knee hit on Tim Gleason left both players sprawling. 12/2/2009 6:03:18 AM
Woman denies affair with Tiger Woods A New York nightclub hostess identified by a supermarket tabloid as Tiger Woods' mistress has called allegations that she is romantically involved with the golf superstar false and "ridiculous." Rachel Uchitel told The New York Post that a disgruntled acquaintance sold the story. 12/2/2009 5:04:38 AM
Woods to be cited for careless driving Tiger Woods will be cited for careless driving in a car crash outside his Orlando-area mansion, but will not face criminal charges. Woods faces a $164 fine and four points against his driver’s license, not close to enough to have it suspended. The citation closes the investigation of last week’s crash. 12/1/2009 12:12:30 PM
Penticton racers had great finishes at Ultraman Hawaii At the just completed Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, Penticton racers held the distinction of being the youngest and oldest finishers. Sheena Miller, 26, knocked an hour off her Penticton time. Ellis Andrews, 65, was the oldest finisher in the field, breaking legendary Ultraman Bill Bell's record. (*Complete results) 12/1/2009 12:06:05 PM
Uninvited guests deny they crashed White House party Appearing on a nationally broadcast morning news show with his wife, Michaele, Tareq Salahi said the furor surrounding their attendance at the state dinner for the visiting Indian prime minister has been a "most devastating" experience. 12/1/2009 6:04:57 AM
Dreamlift kids counting down to fun Dreamlift to Disneyland: nine sleeps and counting. More than 80 special needs children from the Southern Interior are anxiously awaiting Dec. 10 when they will board an Alaska Airlines charter jet bound for the Magic Kingdom. 12/1/2009 5:47:18 AM
Are you raising a bratty kid? Okay, parents, here's a pop quiz. Say you're at the sandbox and your two-year-old bops another toddler on the head. You tell him not to. He does it again. Do you a) apologize to the kid's mom and explain that your son is teething/overstimulated/going through a tough developmental stage. 12/1/2009 5:23:32 AM
Reality bites back for Tiger Since bursting on the scene more than a decade ago as the most exciting golfer alive and living up to his promise as the most dominating athlete in professional sports, Eldrick (Tiger) Woods has been in the spotlight precisely because he seems unlike anyone else. 12/1/2009 5:20:46 AM
Loneliness can be contagious, new study finds We’re used to hearing about people spreading colds and flu. But according to a new study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, there’s another human condition that’s equally contagious: loneliness. “Loneliness spreads across time,” says John Cacioppo. 12/1/2009 5:08:47 AM
Renowned wine journalist George Taber finds new ground in wine tourism Review: Thirty-three years ago, George M. Taber set the world of wine on fire with a four-paragraph dispatch about a tasting in France that compared the work of French vintners with those of their counterparts in California. The California wines won, and winemaking in the New World has never been the same. 11/30/2009 6:08:52 PM
You vs customer service: How to complain and conquer(Video) 'Tis the season to shop till you drop – but also to suffer through terrible customer service. Here's your battle plan for successful complaints.
1. Name and shame
2. Threaten to go elsewhere
3. Keep records
4. Go to the top
5. Stay cool 11/30/2009 5:11:47 PM
Does being the eldest, middle or baby in your family determine personality? QUESTION - Is there any truth to the notion that your birth order in your family determines your personality? And if so, what generalizations can be made?
ANSWER - Birth order, and its relationship to personality, has been the subject of much research and debate. 11/30/2009 5:02:10 PM
Chelsea Clinton to wed next summer Chelsea Clinton, the 29-year old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, investment banker Marc Mezvinsky. A spokesman for the former president confirmed the engagement Monday. 11/30/2009 12:37:55 PM
Danica resigns with Andretti racing, what about NASCAR? Danica Patrick unveiled her splashy new car in New York's Times Square, its bright green, black and orange color scheme right at home with the flashy billboards and lights above. A car with fenders could be next for IndyCar's most marketable star. 11/30/2009 11:53:02 AM
Tiger Woods tourney this week? He's not coming out Tiger Woods has pulled out of this week's Chevron World Challenge and won't appear at the tournament in Thousand Oaks, Calif., the golfer announced on his website Monday. Woods cited the injuries he suffered in a car accident outside his Florida home on Friday as the reason for his withdrawal. 11/30/2009 11:28:35 AM
An unforgettable lesson on a cold winter day Pitt Meadows Secondary Grade 12 student Laura Third will never forget the time she got an unexpected gift from someone who was homeless. About two winters ago near Christmas, she was walking across a field and her feet broke through the ice, filling her boots with water. 11/30/2009 11:12:18 AM
Canada's most powerful women named The list, compiled by the Women's Executive Network, included Auditor-General Sheila Fraser, Lululemon Athletica CEO Christine Day and Supreme Court of Canada chief justice Beverley McLachlin. The women were chosen from a number of sectors. 11/30/2009 11:08:18 AM
What is the appeal of Scottish identity? Tartan, shortbread, haggis and whisky...Some of the stereotypes might make the average Scot cringe. For the past 10 months thousands of people of Scottish descent have been heeding a call to return "home" for a visit. What is the appeal of the Scottish identity? 11/30/2009 6:18:25 AM
Tips for safe online holiday shopping As Canadians enter their second holiday season under the strains of the global economic recession, they continue to turn to the web for bargains, product reviews and hard-to-find items. But if you're thinking about doing your holiday shopping online this year, there are a few safety tips to consider. 11/30/2009 5:40:28 AM
Bellevue bikini espresso stand told to close its drive-thru Traffic control cones were in place at Knotty Boddies late Tuesday afternoon, blocking cars from using the drive-through window of the bikini espresso stand. Walk-up customers still were being served. Knotty Bodies opened without first obtaining a business license. 11/30/2009 5:34:16 AM
Less than 1% of $1.9-billion social-housing fund spent so far Less than 1 per cent of a $1.9-billion federal fund for social housing has actually been spent – more than a year after it was announced by the Harper government in the midst of the 2008 election campaign. Another $1.5-billion of social-housing money allotted in February's budget is also only trickling out the door. 11/30/2009 4:43:53 AM
Tiger calls his accident a ‘private matter’ Despite presenting his side of the car-crash story and asking that it remain “a private matter,” Tiger Woods may still not be in the clear. Yet several public-relations experts believed there was little chance of that request being honored. 11/30/2009 4:27:25 AM
Mafia wife urges others to turn in husbands too The wife of a Sicilian gangster, who has been praised for betraying him at their daughters’ request, has appealed to other mob women to leave their men. The challenge to the Mafia by Carmela Iuculano, 36, whose evidence sent her husband, Pino Rizzo, to jail for life, is rare. 11/29/2009 11:20:25 AM
Jet-powered Ford guns for 300 mph (500kph) Joe Wilkins knew there was only one way to give his supercharged, alcohol-injected Hemi-engined hot rod more power: Put a jet engine in the trunk. "It started as a hobby and turned into a monster," said Wilkins. He plans to attempt a land speed record in the near future. 11/29/2009 11:19:02 AM
Why Tiger's crash is raising eyebrows GOLF.com It was not a happy Thanksgiving for Tiger Woods. When Woods was involved in a late-night, one-car accident near the driveway of his home in the wealthy gated community of Isleworth in Windermere, Fla., it took 13 hours for news of it to become public. 11/29/2009 10:47:40 AM
Cat's tunes turn Spokane man into fat cat (Video) Years ago, people dreamed of striking it rich by sending their funny - and sometimes terribly embarrassing - home videos in to "America's Home Video." Today, Charlie Schmidt is striking it rich thanks to his dearly departed cat, Fatso, who known to the rest of the world as "the Keyboard Cat." 11/29/2009 10:36:08 AM
Gold parties raise the eyebrows of established bullion dealers As gold prices soar into the stratosphere and other value benchmarks crash, it’s no wonder that gold parties are rapidly gaining in popularity. “Hostesses” invite friends over to sip wine while an appraiser sizes up their dated gold jewellry. 11/29/2009 7:52:59 AM
Cawston: Basketball at Kobau Well, it’s been a couple years in the making, but the basketball hoops are finally up at Kobau Park. The project initially began with the support of the Similkameen Recreation Committee giving Kobau Park a grant to pour the cement slab. Then, Mike Freeman at Central Fabricating, created the poles and mounting brackets.
11/29/2009 7:40:37 AM
US: Grandma delivers baby, Thanksgiving dinner A Boston woman has succeeded at one of the all-time great Thanksgiving Day juggling acts: She cooked the turkey while helping deliver her baby granddaughter. Patricia McCalop was in the middle of preparing the meal when her daughter suddenly went into labor two weeks early. 11/29/2009 7:17:49 AM
Justice: Canadian crime and American punishment With remarkably little debate, the Conservatives have pushed through major changes to the justice system in the name of being ‘tough on crime.' But legal experts say it all could lead to a U.S.-style future of bursting prisons and cash-strapped courts – without making us any safer. 11/29/2009 7:07:08 AM
Penticton's Sheena Miller in 4th place at Hawaii Ultraman Day 2 is complete at the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii. Penticton's Sheena Miller, 26, remains in mid-pack overall, and 4th in the women's division. Brazil's Alexandre Robeiro leads, Texan Shanna Armstrong is top woman. Day 3 is now underway. Steve King is the race announcer. (Here's a link). 11/29/2009 6:14:28 AM
The man who smuggled himself into Auschwitz (Video) When millions would have done anything to get out, one remarkable British soldier smuggled himself into Auschwitz to witness the horror so he could tell others the truth. When millions would have done anything to get out, Dennis Avey repeatedly smuggled himself into the camp. 11/29/2009 5:46:47 AM
Science: Why smart people do dumb things Keith Stanovich, a professor of human development, studies why smart people do stupid things - or, in more scientific terms, how intelligence is distinct from rationality. His work offers insight into important cognitive abilities that are not measured by IQ tests. 11/29/2009 5:12:56 AM
Brazilian student whose miniskirt triggered uproar to star in Carnival parades Brazilians will be seeing a whole lot more of the student whose short pink dress got her booted from college: She's agreed to march in the nation's famously flesh-baring Carnival parades. "Sometimes, good things come from bad things," she said. 11/29/2009 4:48:03 AM
Tiger Woods delays police questions again (Video) Tiger Woods will not speak to police about his car crash outside his Florida home on Friday until Sunday. "It is unusual that we haven't gotten a statement," said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt Kim Montes. (Ed: Woods private life was featured in the National Enquirer this past week.) 11/28/2009 7:31:49 PM
Dad‘s visit couldn‘t be more special This being “Parents Weekend” for the Penticton Vees, mothers and fathers have travelled from as far away as Montreal, California, and Minnesota. None, though, came farther than Rich Curadi, who last week was flying helicopters in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. 11/28/2009 4:53:56 AM
Christmas tree rental firms hope to stop waste Two Vancouver-area firms are hoping to capitalize on the concept of a "green Christmas" by renting out live potted evergreens for the holidays. For about $100, both firms will drop off an evergreen at your door and then pick it up at the end of the holiday season. 11/28/2009 4:45:42 AM
Teachers begin using cell phones for class lessons Ariana Leonard's high school students shuffled in their seats, eagerly awaiting a cue from their Spanish teacher that the assignment would begin. "Take out your cell phones," she said in Spanish. The teens pulled out an array of colorful flip phones, iPhones and SideKicks. 11/27/2009 5:12:06 PM
Cops: Wife used golf club to help rescue Tiger Tiger Woods was injured in a car accident early Friday outside his Florida mansion, and a local police chief said his wife used a golf club to smash out the back window and help get the world’s No. 1 golfer out of the SUV. 11/27/2009 3:38:09 PM
World's Strongest Beer: How about 32% alcohol? A Scottish brewery is courting controversy by releasing a beer that is 32 per cent alcohol — nearly as strong as whisky. Fraserburgh's BrewDog calls its creation Tactical Nuclear Penguin. Only 500 bottles will be sold. BrewDog - www.brewdog.com - is selling it online for $69 per bottle.
11/27/2009 7:59:54 AM
Dirty Tricks: Speaker rebukes Tories for `damaging' flyers The federal Conservatives have earned an official rebuke from the Commons Speaker. Irwin Cotler said he was pleased that the Commons Speaker recognized the "abhorrent" nature of the Conservative pamphlets dropped into Liberal ridings, including his own, with significant Jewish populations. 11/27/2009 7:43:42 AM
Dad locks kids in trunk, goes shopping A man locked his two young sons in the trunk of his car while he ran an errand. Police allege Michael Monahan put his kids, ages 3 and 6, in the trunk of his Pontiac Trans Am for several minutes Monahan told investigators the boys like to play in the trunk. 11/27/2009 7:32:25 AM
N.B. military widow feels betrayed by Ottawa and Military A Fredericton military widow says she feels betrayed by the Canadian Forces and federal government. Susan Short was reacting to being told by CBC News that the military has no idea what happened to the men suspected of killing her husband in 2003. 11/27/2009 5:45:59 AM
Shaquille O’Neal pays for slain girl’s funeral Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal has paid for the funeral of a 5-year-old North Carolina girl whose kidnapping and slaying received national news coverage. More than 2,000 people attended her funeral Sunday. The girl's body was found Nov. 16 beside a rural road. 11/26/2009 10:14:53 AM
Report says Berlusconi's wife seeking pricey alimony Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's estranged wife is seeking 43 million euros, or about $65 Million US, A YEAR in alimony in a divorce case she launched after her husband was embroiled in a sex scandal, an Italian newspaper reported Thursday. 11/26/2009 9:32:34 AM
Man confesses to abuse in Mother’s Day card A Winnipeg man used a Happy Mother’s Day card to tell his common-law wife he’d been sexually abusing her 11-year-old daughter for several months. His startling confession was read aloud in court Wednesday after the 37-year-old pleaded guilty to sexual assault. 11/26/2009 6:16:36 AM
Summerland lights to shine on Friday Summerland will glow on Friday evening as the 22nd annual Festival of Lights will feature plenty of excitement for all ages. Lisa Jaager, manager of the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism, said the festival schedule has changed for this year. 11/26/2009 4:53:07 AM
Stanley Park petting zoo and Bloedel Conservatory axed The Vancouver Parks Board voted late Wednesday 4-3 to approve a $2.8-million budget shortfall that will close the children’s farmyard in Stanley Park and the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park. Emotions ran high as taxpayers and commissioners argued. 11/26/2009 4:43:53 AM
Deja Vu again: Penticton eyes wakeboard championship Penticton council voted unanimously to consider pursuing the opportunity to become the host location for the 2010 Canadian Wakeboard Championship. The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce asked council to do so in a letter written by chamber president-elect Cary Schneiderat. 11/25/2009 3:49:31 PM
Road rage after 69-year-old woman flips him the bird A 22-year-old man has been ordered into anger management counseling after a 69-year-old woman flipped him the bird. "She fingered me five times," Pelletier told the court. "You can't hit a woman so what's the next best thing? Hit her car, right?" 11/25/2009 12:53:32 PM
Women more cautious driving in winter: Poll Next to men not asking for directions, the hoariest of automotive cliches is that women are the less confident sex behind the wheel — especially during poor conditions. Those who cringe at this stereotype should stop reading now. 11/25/2009 12:15:44 PM
Vladimir Putin's endangered tiger is missing, despite satellite collar Vladimir Putin’s tigress is missing. The rare Siberian tiger that Russia’s Prime Minister shot with a tranquiliser dart and fitted with a satellite-tracking collar has disappeared, according to environmentalists. 11/25/2009 11:51:27 AM
Daughter says release secret RCMP files on Tommy Douglas Actress Shirley Douglas says decades-old RCMP Security Service files on her father Tommy Douglas should be made public. The government is refusing to turn over all the documents on the socialist politician, essentially on the grounds of national security. 11/25/2009 11:15:42 AM
Lewd Latin email shocked woman, court told Ariane Gordji, a young university graduate looking for work, began a correspondence with millionaire banker Mark Lowe in early 2006. Gordji told a court yesterday that it seemed high minded and friendly. Until she translated it. Lowe stands accused in front of an employment tribunal in London, England. 11/25/2009 9:54:01 AM
Rocket man bid to fly from Morocco to Spain fails A Swiss adventurer ditched safely into the chilly waters between Morocco and Spain on Wednesday after a technical malfunction ended the first attempted intercontinental crossing on jet-powered wings. A rescue helicopter winched Yves Gossy to safety from the wind-swept Atlantic. 11/25/2009 9:44:56 AM
She's gone: 2-year ban for speedskater Pechstein Five-time Olympic speedskating champion Claudia Pechstein lost her appeal against a two-year ban for blood doping Wednesday and will miss the Vancouver Games. The Court dismissed the German's appeal against a ban imposed by the International Skating Union. 11/25/2009 7:32:20 AM
Cdns skeptical government's detainee abuse denials: poll Canadians aren't buying the Harper government's story on Afghan detainee torture. Canadians are twice as likely to believe whistleblower Richard Colvin's claim that all prisoners handed over to Afghan authorities were likely abused and that government officials were well aware. 11/25/2009 6:28:25 AM
Women on board: How far have we come? While women appear to be making headway in the boardrooms of the nation, a lack of CEO experience and access to some crucial business networks mean that directorships are still proving elusive, the latest Report on Business survey reveals. 11/25/2009 6:22:47 AM
Salvation Army kettles take credit There could be less jingle in the Salvation's Army's hallmark red kettles this season. The charity is testing kettles that take debit and credit cards. In Colorado Springs, fundraising last year went up $64,000 from the year before, an 11-per-cent increase. 11/25/2009 6:17:51 AM
Child entrepreneur gives back for holidays In the home of eighth-grader Jason O'Neill, teddy bears are everywhere. They're white, black or brown. Some have bow ties and some have ribbons. They sit on chairs, tables, counter tops and the floor. O'Neill has been giving money to charity since he started Pencil Bugs four years ago. 11/25/2009 5:59:22 AM
S. O. Event Centre Marketing Director 'Fired' GM Curtis Webb said that Ryan McCarthy’s leaving had nothing to do with the lower than expected attendance at Vees’ games. (Ed: Despite denials from Global Spectrum, we have it from a very reliable source that Ryan McCarthy was Fired. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why.) 11/25/2009 5:33:22 AM
'Comfort food' relieves stress: Australian study A high-fat, high-sugar diet could have the same effect on brain chemistry as mood-altering drugs. "We asked the question, if you're stressed early in life and then you're given yummy food to eat does that reduce your behavioural deficit, and basically that's what we found," said researcher Margaret Morris. 11/24/2009 5:52:38 PM
Don Cherry says new CBC biopic doesn't pull any punches: 'I was selfish' "There's no lying about it. I guess I was a selfish guy. ... I only thought of myself, I never thought of the family a lot - that's the way it comes out (in the film). It's tough to see yourself like that, but that's the way it was." 11/24/2009 5:24:27 PM
Regina man survives 3-day ordeal on B.C. island A Regina man considers himself lucky to be alive after being alone for three days on a small B.C. island with his bones broken and nothing to eat or drink. Jordan Nicurity, 26, is in hospital in Vancouver, his pelvis broken in three places in a hiking accident last month. 11/24/2009 4:05:52 PM
Mistletoe kisses adapted for H1N1 It's more hygienic to exchange kisses on the cheek than to shake hands, so the swine flu pandemic should not make people afraid of kissing under the mistletoe this holiday season, Britain's authority on etiquette says. 11/24/2009 5:37:14 AM
“I couldn’t breathe, but I just pushed on,” says Quesnel River rescue hero When Kimberly Friesen leapt into the raging Quesnel River to save an eight-year-old boy it took her breath away — literally. “I couldn’t breathe, but I just pushed on, it was instinct,” said Friesen, a Quesnel elementary school teacher. 11/24/2009 4:55:34 AM
Michael Buble's not so smooth side (Video) SILKEN-voiced Michael Buble is sick of being typecast as a "cheesy crooner", warning the next person that dares criticise him will end up with a fist in their face. Buble unleashed an uncharacteristic expletive-laden rant when discussing the journalist who described his music as being "as cheesy as a quesadilla". 11/23/2009 8:48:31 PM
'Rock star sex' for hero pilot The Pilot who landed a jetliner in New York's Hudson River said his heroics have led to "rock star sex". In an interview with NBC's People of the Year TV, Chesley Sullenberger and his wife, Laurie, said the famous incident had done wonders for their marriage. 11/23/2009 8:45:49 PM
The Realities of Love at First Sight You walk into a party and head for the bar. Suddenly someone is beside you, offering to get you a drink. You begin to talk. Almost immediately you're struck by the eerie feeling that you may have just found Mr. Right. But that's crazy, isn't it? Or is it? Can a person really know something this life-changing so fast? 11/23/2009 5:36:54 PM
Man in ‘coma’ heard everything for 23 years For 23 torturous years, Rom Houben says he lay trapped in his paralyzed body, aware of what was going on around him but unable to tell anyone or even cry out. The car-crash victim had been diagnosed as being in a vegetative state but appears to have been conscious the whole time. 11/23/2009 3:47:11 PM
Dogs trust too much to know you’re lying to them Can you con Fido? Can he really tell which hand is holding that dog biscuit? Or whether your calls for treats are really a ruse to get him back on the leash? That’s what Dalhousie University PhD student Mark Petter set out to find out with his research that was just published. 11/23/2009 8:17:14 AM
Educated immigrants underemployed in Canada Two-thirds of university-educated recent immigrants to Canada are underemployed in jobs requiring at most a college education or apprenticeship, according to a Statistics Canada report released Monday. 11/23/2009 8:03:32 AM
Like it or not, your name can impact your career Throughout Shuki Khalili’s career, he suspected his name might be holding him back. When he worked for a Wall Street headhunter, he felt potential clients would blow him off when they heard his name. 11/23/2009 7:36:55 AM
Why women can't afford to ignore Palin's ego trip I'm aware of what we've assembled with our ever-expanding media – news channels, print, the Internet and its offbeat children, Facebook and Twitter. And yet I was concerned as Sarah Palin's memoir, Going Rogue , launched this week that even with all of this in her hands, there still might not be enough rope for Ms. Palin to hang herself. 11/23/2009 5:57:58 AM
Britain: Abused by their own children Beaten and abused, but what if the bully is your own child? Parents are regularly being threatened, abused, even beaten up by their own children, says a UK parental guidance charity. Many have reached the point where they are afraid to be left alone in the house with them. 11/23/2009 5:45:05 AM
Teens love to be miserable: Study Parents who've ever wondered how a teen with an iPhone in one hand and the world in the other can be so miserable now have their answer: adolescents, sometimes, intentionally seek to feel unhappy. By contrast, people over 18 are more often pleasure-seekers. 11/23/2009 5:02:50 AM
Kangaroo tries to drown dog, attacks owner A kangaroo startled by a man walking his dog attacked the pair, pinning the pet underwater and slashing the owner in the abdomen with its hind legs. He said he was walking his blue heeler, Rocky, on Sunday morning when they surprised a sleeping kangaroo. 11/23/2009 4:40:43 AM
B.C. RCMP officer helps deliver neighbour's baby Steve and Heather Boey have always felt safe in their Vancouver-area home, having an RCMP officer living nearby. But they didn't realize what a great neighbour they had until the officer helped deliver their baby boy -- inside their Maple Ridge home. 11/23/2009 4:37:01 AM
Houston, we have a baby Shuttle Atlantis astronaut Randy Bresnik awoke early on Sunday to a much-anticipated call that his new daughter had been born. Bresnik's wife, Rebecca, gave birth to Abigail Mae Bresnik just after midnight. At the time, Bresnik was in orbit aboard the International Space Station. 11/22/2009 5:34:45 AM
Pot controversy prepared Rebagliati for politics Ross Rebagliati says when he first heard about Vancouver winning the 2010 Olympic Games, he considered getting back on his snowboard. Rebagliati announced last month he would seek the federal Liberal Party nomination for the Okanagan-Coquihalla riding, currently held by Stockwell Day. 11/22/2009 4:50:44 AM
Sign with topless woman too much for Games, business owner suspects The owner of a Vancouver tattoo parlour suspects a bid to clean up the city for the Olympic Games is behind a visit he received from city inspectors about a sign outside his shop that features a bare-breasted woman. “If it’s an Olympic crackdown, I think it’s pretty tacky,” Thomas Lockhart fumed Saturday. 11/22/2009 4:22:08 AM
The Carrie Prejean story: Sex, lies and too many videotapes Today: V is for vetting, a process right-wing conservatives ignore at their peril. Instead, they’re quick to trumpet the virtues of anyone who shares their views and looks vaguely presentable. That’s how they ended lining up behind Carrie Prejean, the former Miss California and self-avowed Christian. 11/21/2009 4:44:26 PM
Harwick wins season finale, wife wins owners championship Kevin and Delana Harvick were an extremely happy couple Friday night. Kevin Harvick made a late pass to cap a dominating show to win the season-ending Trucks Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and wife Delana clinched the owners' championship. 11/21/2009 12:30:19 PM
Marks go up after school bans homework (Video) Kids at Prince of Wales Public School in Barrie, Ont. are probably some of the happiest in the country. Not only because their school banned homework last year, but because their marks actually went up as a result. 11/21/2009 8:19:40 AM
Barmaid claims sex with South Australia Premier SOUTH Australian Premier Mike Rann says claims by a former parliament house barmaid that they had a sexual relationship are "wildly sensational". The woman, Michelle Chantelois, has claimed she had sexual relations with the Premier in his Parliament House office on several occasions. 11/21/2009 7:56:48 AM
Ugly invite mayor wins sexism 'award' A CALL for "beauty-disadvantaged women" to consider moving to a remote Australian mining town in northwest Queensland has earned Mt Isa mayor John Molony this year's golden Ernie award. Now in their 16th year, the aim of the awards is to shame men for outrageous sexism. 11/21/2009 7:50:47 AM
No. 99 discusses Wayne Gretzy Estates and the winemaking tradition in his family When Wayne Gretzky was a child, his grandfather - a Russian immigrant - used to make wine at home in Ontario. "He grew his own grapes, everything," said Gretzky, who remembers trying it when he was younger. Flash-forward more than 30 years. 11/21/2009 5:25:30 AM
Lesbian U.S. soldier wins bid for asylum A lesbian soldier who deserted the U.S. army won a key court victory Friday when a judge ordered the refugee board to reconsider her failed asylum claim and take into account compelling evidence that she was persecuted and that her sexual orientation could mean stiffer punishment for going AWOL. 11/20/2009 3:12:25 PM
Net erupts over video of fish eaten alive An internet video purportedly shot in an unidentified Chinese restaurant is firing up animal rights activists for showing patrons eating a live fish. The video being circulated on YouTube shows diners laughing as they dig into a fish deep-fried, as it continues to wiggle around and gasp. 11/20/2009 7:35:36 AM
Heidi Klum wows crowd at Victoria's Secret show Heidi Klum and her post-baby body led the parade at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which returned to New York with some fresh faces after four years on the road. But Klum, who gave birth to a daughter five weeks ago, was the audience favourite. 11/20/2009 5:52:03 AM
More teachers flexing around homework For elementary-school teacher Sally Frazer, this is the perfect homework assignment: sending her science pupils outside with their parents to watch the lunar eclipse. “It's the teachable moments that count,” says the Grade 4 teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Red Deer, Alta. 11/20/2009 5:48:58 AM
U.S. postal service to stop sending letters to North Pole Thousands of starry-eyed children all over the world are writing letters to Santa Claus, the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season, but they will not likely get a response. The U.S. Postal Service is dropping a popular effort begun in 1954 in the small Alaska town of North Pole. 11/20/2009 5:35:29 AM
South Okanagan: Hampers fill a growing need “We are now accepting applications for our Christmas Hamper campaign and we have a steady stream of people who are coming through our family services office,” said Christine Simmons, community ministries director for the Penticton Sally Ann. “I think the economy is the main reason. A lot of people have been laid off this year.". 11/20/2009 5:09:41 AM
Fundraising in style at the OSNS Evergreen Ball Hundreds of people will be dressed to the nines for a gala to benefit at the O-S-N-S Judy Sentes says the organization is hosting the Evergreen Ball, a glitzy glamourous event for a good cause. The night includes dinner, charity auction, entertainment in a Christmas-like environment at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. 11/19/2009 5:38:03 PM
Beans’n Jeans fundraiser nets $1,700 for Kenny MacLean statue Lynda Routley of The Royal Canadian Legion, Okanagan Falls Branch 227 and Stan Maber of the Okanagan Falls Lions Club recently presented to Director Schwarz a cheque for $1,716.29 from funds raised at the Okanagan Falls “Beans ‘n Jeans” fundraising event. 11/19/2009 9:52:32 AM
Long-haired man targeted by West Van cops takes case to human rights tribunal After successfully suing the West Vancouver police for unlawful arrest, Don Sipes is hoping the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal will help him in his fight against illegal police profiling. Sipes, 47, has long hair and often wears scruffy clothes because he works as a labourer. 11/19/2009 6:11:53 AM
Snow removal in the hands of angels On Monday night, council authorized staff to begin developing and implementing a Snow Angel program pairing snow-shoveling volunteers with citizens in need of assistance. Only Coun. Mike Pearce voted against endorsing the program. (Ed: We guess someone has to be Scrooge.) 11/19/2009 5:11:49 AM
'Viagra for women' stumbled upon by researchers A drug that failed to fight the blues could be the female Viagra. Women who took the drug flibanserin when it was being tested as an anti-depressant said it didn’t help them beat the glums, but did give them "an increase in libido that they liked," said John Thorp. 11/18/2009 7:47:57 PM
More homework rebels speak out This month, a Calgary couple took the controversial step of negotiating a legal contract with their children's school that prevents teachers from giving them homework – adding fuel to the homework debate constantly playing out in schools and families across the country. 11/18/2009 5:11:35 PM
Affectionate cat distracts policeman (Video) A police department in Texas in the US has released footage of an over-affectionate cat distracting a policeman trying to issue a ticket to a motorist. The video, filmed by a camera in officer Keith Urban's patrol car, shows the cat crawling up his leg and then onto his head. 11/18/2009 4:36:23 PM
Britain: Rabbi 'offered cocaine for sex' A rabbi financed a drug-dealing business and offered cocaine to girls in exchange for sex. Rabbi Baruch Chalomish rented an apartment where he could "relax and have a party", Manchester Crown Court heard. Police discovered a total of 101 grams (3.6oz) of cocaine. 11/18/2009 4:31:13 PM
Hockey dads take the stink out of gear So you've come up with what you're convinced is a dynamite little product, but success rests on getting those hordes of potential customers on board. And how do you get it to market? In the case of Tsawwassen resident Keith Howlett, testing it on friends and family was a great route to liftoff. 11/18/2009 11:17:48 AM
Beautiful bright lights shine for dying boy On a crisp Halloween night, icicle lights and Santa Clauses mingled with ghosts and jack-o'-lanterns in a Washington, Illinois, neighborhood. The community is helping a family squeeze in a little extra holiday cheer with their young son. 2-year-old Dax Locke is losing his fight with acute myeloid leukemia. 11/18/2009 11:02:53 AM
Clint Eastwood is ticked off about America GQ magazine's Men of the Year issue is out next week. Clint Eastwood was named “Badass of the Year.” Eastwood, 79, didn’t mince words. "[The U.S. is] becoming more juvenile as a nation. The guys who won World War II and that whole generation have disappeared, and now we have a bunch of teenage twits.” 11/18/2009 10:58:01 AM
10-year-old girl is tasered by cop in Arkansas Ozark Police Chief Jim Noggle says one of his officers used a Taser on a 10-year-old girl who was combative when the officer tried to get the girl into a patrol car to be taken to a youth shelter. The girl was violently kicking, the report said, and struck the cop in the groin. 11/18/2009 10:27:59 AM
'Hamster hotel' opens in France It’s a unique concept according to its creators, a hotel in the French town of Nantes is offering the chance for people to become a hamster. For 99 euros ($148.10) a night, you can eat hamster grain, run in a giant wheel, sleep in hay stacks in the what is called the “Hamster Villa.” 11/18/2009 8:52:14 AM
Teen’s efforts promise to spread holiday warmth A Penticton teen has turned what many deem an environmental nuisance into a charitable solution. Ashley Aoki, a Grade 11 student at Penticton Secondary School, has created sleeping mats out of plastic shopping bags to give to the Soupateria. Aoki came up with the idea with her mom Patti. 11/18/2009 7:03:19 AM
Britain: Square Mile sex scandal heats up The headlines scream of a lurid sex scandal with London papers salivating as a normally staid employment tribunal hears tales of prostitutes, hitmen, strip clubs and inappropriate sexual advances. At the centre of the storm is Jordan Wimmer, 29. (She's from Toronto.) 11/18/2009 6:05:26 AM
Cheating woman soccer player now has 'so much regret' Nearly two weeks later, the University of New Mexico soccer player Elizabeth Lambert said she still could not fully explain what led her to yank an opponent from Brigham Young down by her ponytail. “I look at it and I’m like, ‘That is not me,’ ” said Lambert. (See the video). 11/18/2009 5:55:06 AM
Kelowna: Recession making it very tough on food banks Working on the front line against poverty, it would be easy for Vonnie Lavers to become depressed. It was especially depressing the past week when the Kelowna Community Food Bank executive director got calls from two regular supporters, company owners who warned their workers could become food bank clients. 11/18/2009 5:00:23 AM
South Similkameen Christmas Hamper drive underway South Similkameen Christmas Hamper Fund is made up of volunteers from local churches and townspeople, who come together each year to canvas, then assemble food hampers in order to deliver to recipients in time for Christmas. A fund raising drive is well under way. 11/17/2009 7:45:44 PM
Parents note: How one family won the battle to ban homework Sherri and Tom Milley were exhausted by the weepy weeknight struggles over math problems and writing assignments with their three school-aged children. They were fed up with rushing home from soccer practice or speed skating only to stand over their kids tossing out answers so they could finish and get to bed. 11/17/2009 7:10:05 PM
Better not cough: Santas lobby for H1N1 shots Forget cookies and milk. Santa wants the swine flu vaccine. Many U.S. Santas want to be given priority for the vaccine. Swine flu has become such a concern that the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas featured a seminar on the illness at a recent conference. 11/17/2009 2:14:22 PM
Man killed wife 'during a dream' The trial of a husband accused of murdering his wife as they slept in a camper van has heard he killed her while he dreamt she was an intruder. Swansea Crown Court heard Brian Thomas, 59, accepts he killed her but says he has a sleep disorder. 11/17/2009 1:55:03 PM
9-year-old 'hero' rescues family from house fire A 9-year-old Mission girl is being credited with saving her family. "I woke up and I was really scared. There was so much smoke in Dad's room, I couldn't breathe," said Macey Finlay-Podnar. "I had to crawl on the ground and go upstairs and wake everybody up." 11/17/2009 8:16:07 AM
Sarah Palin gets even, and making millions doing it “I was naive to think that the media would leave my kids alone,” said Sarah. You gotta love her. She never doubted for a second that she could do the job. But she was an innocent among the wolves. That perky, snotty Katie Couric. John McCain's evil campaign aides. Levi!!! 11/17/2009 5:30:48 AM
U.S. says 14% of Americans short of food More than 49 Million Americans — one in seven — struggled to get enough to eat in 2008, the highest total in 14 years," the U.S. government said. Anti-hunger groups pointed to the huge increase from the preceding year when 36.2 million people had trouble getting enough food. 11/16/2009 5:37:08 PM
My wife wants to drive. What should I do? There are two times when it is okay for my wife to drive our car:
1. I've had one of those evenings. When this happens, the keys are hers. I'm in the passenger seat trying to use mindfulness meditation techniques to combat my impending hangover. 11/16/2009 5:09:27 PM
Canadian's world-record buck could come up short For nearly 20 years, it's been a source of national pride among Canada's hunters. But the majestic animal, a white-tailed deer with the biggest antlers of their kind ever recorded in the world, may finally be dethroned. A Wisconsin bow hunter killed a "monster" deer earlier this month. 11/16/2009 3:25:15 PM
'Unfriend' is 2009 Word of the Year: Oxford dictionary A testament to how popular social networking has become, Oxford American Dictionary has picked the word "unfriend" as the word of the year. According to the dictionary, unfriend is a verb that means to "remove someone as a friend on a social networking site such as Facebook." 11/16/2009 11:01:45 AM
Losing free speech is a sign of Olympic times Picture this: a resident of a downtown Vancouver apartment puts a sign in her window during the Olympics that says, "B.C. homelessness — a disgrace." She finds a notice from the city on her door ordering her to take it down, and she refuses, believing the Charter protects her right to express political opinions. 11/16/2009 10:40:39 AM
No sign of apology to Canada's 'home children' The Canadian government is showing no signs of an apology to the families of thousands of poor children who were shipped to Canada and Australia from Britain -- children who were often abused and forced into labour. Some children were told their parents were dead. 11/16/2009 9:06:26 AM
Miss Colombia beauty pageant comes to a big end When it comes to feminine pulchritude, human passion and good old-fashioned politics – all enlivened by a generous dollop of scandal – the yearly competition to be crowned Colombia's most beautiful woman is likely equalled by no other contest on Earth. 11/16/2009 8:23:51 AM
You betcha! Palin's way o' talkin' is darned funny Sarah Palin and her distinctive way of talking are about to bombard the public soundscape again. Monday, she's on Oprah. Tuesday, the first of a five-part series of interviews with Barbara Walters airs on Good Morning America . Wednesday she hops on a bus for a three-week tour. 11/16/2009 5:16:56 AM
Idaho boy kills bear that wouldn’t leave porch An 11-year-old Idaho boy fatally shot a black bear on his family's front porch after he said it wouldn't leave. The boy was at his home near Driggs, just west of the Idaho-Wyoming border, with his younger sisters last Wednesday when the bear showed up. 11/16/2009 5:00:38 AM
Shackleton's whisky to be dug up Two crates of Scotch whisky which belonged to the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton are to be recovered after a century buried in the Antarctic ice. The whisky was found buried under a hut built and used during Shackleton's unsuccessful South Pole expedition between 1907 and 1909. 11/16/2009 4:47:35 AM
Life isn't all perfect for the perfectly beautiful A minor fuss has erupted over the global launch of BeautifulPeople.com, a self-described "elite dating site" that allows only good-looking people to join. It works like this: Would-be members submit a bio and photo. Existing members then rate the applicants, voting them on or off the virtual island. 11/15/2009 6:54:54 PM
Dog swims dangerous waters to leave new lighthouse home The wide open spaces of Trial Island might be paradise for most dogs, but one canine apparently found life at a lighthouse a little too quiet for his taste. the 10-year-old Labrador-shepherd cross, called Malcolm, dog-paddled his way back to Victoria through dangerous waters. 11/15/2009 6:49:25 PM
Rebagliati turns page on days as Olympic champion dude Yes, the marijuana controversy is covered in Olympic champion snowboarder Ross Rebagliati‘s new book. “It is what it is,” said Rebagliati, 38, during a signing session Saturday at Kelowna‘s Mosaic Books for Off the Chain: An Insider‘s History of Snowboarding. 11/15/2009 6:34:55 PM
Website touts itself as an EBay for billionaires In the market for a 51-carat pink diamond? How about a $74 million, 313-room resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Perhaps you'd like to buy Alex Rodriguez's Miami mansion for $9,999,999? These items, plus a slew of other pricey toys, are available on a new auction site aimed at the mega-rich. 11/15/2009 6:08:33 PM
Rediscovering canoeing at 90 "Nimble," is how Linda Thomson, president of the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, describes newest member Mike Brodsky. At 90, Brodsky is still a highly skilled, focused and energized paddler. A strong and elegant 90-year-old canoeist is rare enough, but Brodsky is blind, too. 11/15/2009 5:34:26 PM
Out of the closet and into the cabinet When Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman (pictured) kissed his spouse, Christopher Peloso, before a bank of cameras this week, he announced his campaign with a public display of affection normally reserved for heterosexual candidates and their spouses. 11/15/2009 5:13:31 PM
Colombian cooking concocts dessert with passion fruit - and Viagra A Colombian cooking school has concocted a "love dessert" made with passion fruit - and Viagra. Student chefs at the state culinary school in Quindio province wouldn't give the complete ingredients but say it contains the active ingredient in Viagra. 11/15/2009 1:05:35 PM
Australia: Elite college students proud of 'pro-rape' Facebook page A GROUP of past and present University of Sydney students set up a ''pro-rape'' page in the sports and recreation section on Facebook, describing themselves as ''anti-consent''. The Facebook page ran from August until late last month, and is part of a broader culture at the residential colleges experts say. 11/15/2009 7:44:09 AM
Here's a little of that Sarah Palin Book NBC News has obtained an advanced copy of Sarah Palin's new book, "Going Rogue: An American Life" Below are some of the fascinating excerpts, thanks to the tireless efforts of the fine folks working the late shift. The excerpts are presented in order as they appear in the book. 11/15/2009 5:50:48 AM
45,000 attend Enke's memorial (Video) More than 45,000 fans, friends and team mates have paid their last respects to Germany's national goalkeeper Robert Enke, who killed himself on Tuesday. His flower-draped coffin was put in the middle of the stadium of his team, Hanover 96, for the memorial ceremony. 11/15/2009 5:23:47 AM
Langley couple hires psychics to help find their missing dog A Langley couple has hired two American animal psychics to help find a missing four-legged mom. Nisga’a, a prized Coton de Tulear pooch, disappeared Nov. 9 while being walked by an international student staying with the couple. 11/15/2009 4:56:12 AM
The best excuse yet for men not to do the housework It's the get-out clause work-shy husbands have been praying for for years. A study has found that household chores – including using a vacuum cleaner or microwave oven – could reduce a man’s chances of having children. 11/14/2009 4:16:08 PM
Britain: Health and safety snoops to enter family homes Health and safety inspectors are to be given unprecedented access to family homes to ensure that parents are protecting their children from household accidents. New guidance urges councils and other public sector bodies to “collect data” on parents. 11/14/2009 3:27:07 PM
Woman jailed for poisoned puddings A Stripper who tried to poison her lover by lacing his mousse dessert with anti-freeze has been jailed. Sophie Mardon, 26, poured half a bottle into a purple dessert. The boyfriend, his brother, and father tasted it, but found it so disgusting they refused to eat any more. 11/14/2009 11:00:17 AM
Conrad Black: On teaching fellow inmates (Ed: Conrad Black is currently in prison in Florida.) My arrangement with my gracious temporary hosts includes the understanding that while I write a great deal for publication in many places in several countries, I do not describe what happens here, other than in the sketchiest terms. 11/14/2009 6:19:48 AM
David Frum on Sarah's Choice A rising young governor from a state remote from America’s media is given a big national chance. That’s the story of Bill Clinton. As Sarah Palin planned her own comeback strategy, she could have learned a lot from it. Instead of attending to her job as Alaska governor, she quit halfway through her first term. 11/14/2009 5:40:52 AM
Elizabeth Lambert is the modern female athlete (Video) Elizabeth Lambert, who achieved Internet and now television fame by basically hitting, hair-pulling, and beating the tar out of BYU's women's soccer team, is the picture of the modern female athlete.
What?
Yes. And no, this is not an endorsement of her actions. 11/13/2009 7:47:47 PM
Keremeos light up promises to be a little different The Keremeos Christmas Light Parade will be held on Friday, December 4. It will start at Valley First and continue down Main Street to the village offices. This year the Memorial Park gazebo will be decorated and Santa will be stopping there to visit with the children. 11/13/2009 7:25:59 PM
Russia's Putin wins respect at hip-hop party Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rubbed shoulders with rappers and was hailed with "respect" in a television show on Friday that could help boost his flagging ratings. Putin, wearing a turtleneck sweater and jacket, went on stage to present awards. 11/13/2009 5:49:15 PM
Mike Tyson: I was defending my wife and child It may come down to a tale of the videotape. A publicist for Mike Tyson said the former boxing champ was merely defending his wife and 10-month-old child after an altercation with an overaggressive photographer at LAX on Wednesday. Both men made citizen's arrests on each other. 11/13/2009 5:15:05 PM
Sports widows need their own hobbies Anne Young's husband Nathan spends three nights a week watching sports and playing poker with his buddies – and devotes his weekends to the NFL six months of the year. Instead of nagging him, Ms. Young, a 28-year-old fourth grade teacher, started a Facebook group. 11/13/2009 4:58:00 PM
Man arrested for calling 911, asking for sex Florida police say a man arrested for repeatedly calling 911 looking for sex claimed it was the only number he could dial after running out of cell phone minutes. Tampa police said Joshua Basso made sexual comments to the 911 dispatcher and asked if he could come to her house. 11/13/2009 5:43:17 AM
Principal bans four-letter word — ‘meep!’ Who knew "meep!" was a four-letter word? The utterance favored by bungling lab assistant Beaker of "The Muppet Show" has been banned at Danvers High School in Massachusetts after students said it to repeatedly interrupt schoo 11/13/2009 5:39:10 AM
$1 million car driven into marsh A man blamed a low-flying pelican and a dropped cell phone for his veering his million-dollar sports car off a road and into a salt marsh near Galveston. The Houston Chronicle reported the Texan has become something of a celebrity. 11/13/2009 5:37:23 AM
Orchardist family adapts to apple harvest evolution The orchard industry’s annual Golden Apple Award goes this year to a Lake Country family who operate Dorenberg Orchards—60 acres where they’ve specialized in growing just three varieties: Sunrise, Royal Gala and Ambrosia. Marc Van Roechoudt has seen a lot of changes. 11/13/2009 5:22:08 AM
Friday the 13th phobia? You're not alone Henry Ford would have hated 2009, and not just because it's been a tough year to sell cars. Ford refused to do business on Friday the 13th, and this week marks the third time this year that the 13th will fall on a Friday -- the most times it can happen in one year. 11/13/2009 5:09:43 AM
Kids aware of racism by age 9, study finds By their ninth birthday, most children are aware of racism and know the stereotypes other people hold about certain groups, according to a new study that belies the idea of innocent, colour-blind childhood. “Kids are very savvy, they are wired to understand the social world.” 11/13/2009 4:45:25 AM
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