Total Pageviews

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Conspiracy Theory of the Vampire Authority Kind


February 18, 2012

True Blood fans everywhere are waiting patiently (relatively speaking) for season 5 to start in June. Speculations are already being made as to the cast of the Vampire Authority and several have been confirmed. Christopher Meloni (Law&Order SVU) has joined the cast which is exciting any way you look at it. Preferably half naked most of the time would be the best!

My purpose is the actual purpose of the Vampire Authority. Sure they have been around for a millennia. Governing the Vampire nation for behind it's secretive cloak of mystery. How much power do they actually wield? What is Bill's directive going to be from the Authority this year. (Outside of the novels)

Alan Ball has continually kept the viewers on the edge with his direction and vision towards Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse Chronicles. The show taking liberties and expanding story lines makes the Vampire Authority that much more appealing.

Think of it, an organization that has been around for centuries. Secretly promoting vampires to positions of power and influence. Is the President a Vampire? the Pope? *(my new book will talk more about that one). Will the Fairies be the ultimate weapon towards the Vampire Authority?

Could a nine year old boy really be the most powerful Vampire on the earth? Theoretically, yes. Since traditionally Vampires do not age. It only stands to reason that if the child (Alexander Drew) was turned as a boy, he would age but remain in a child's body. Ergo, he could virtually be 10,000 years old and still look to be only a wee boy of nine. Scary when you think of the power that he may possess and what he will do with it.

Does the Vampire Authority realize that Sookie has allowed Bill, Erik and the demised King of Mississippi Russell Edgington to stay in the sun for a brief moment in time? Will the alliance between the Vampire Authority and the Church of the Sun come to light. Reverend Steven Newlin has to have financial backing and it would not surprise me that the Vampire Authority has been hedging their bets. Why not get in bed with the enemy to rid common enemies? "Is the enemy of my enemy my friend or my enemy?" *Blade 2 

With only a few more months to wait, the growing concerns over the reign of the Vampire Authority will start making more noise. 


Keep tuned in.

Sincerely,

Sherriff Ridge Meadows

Pain, Pain Go Away

Pain, pain go away. 
Don't come back another day. 
If I cry from your wrath
Lay a tissue in my path. 


When I wake, I see my fears
Falling again covered in tears
Doctor after Doctor hear my pleas


Disease after disease is what they tell me
Fibromyalgia oh woe can it be
Chronic Pain for life shall stay
What a way to spend my day





Basking at Bread N Buns Factory

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 18, 2012

Tucked tightly into the corner of 224th and Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge is a delightful little bakery - Bread N Buns Factory. 

Don't let the small doorway fool you either, when you enter the store a whole new world emerges. It is spacious, bright and the air is filled with the aromas of freshly baked breads.  

From Pumpernickel to Garlic Bread, Bread N Buns Factory has something for everyone. Baskets along the back give shelter to freshly baked buns of all assortments. Focaccia loaves, pound cakes and pastries are just a few of the samplings. 

Bread N Buns Factory also has some splendid pantry products like Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. Of course, no bakery would be complete without a delicatessen portion in it right? "Wait, there is a fresh deli area too?". Indeed, there is. Mortadella, Pancetta and Chorizo Sausage fill the showcases as well as several Salamis and other assorted meats and cheeses. 

The fresh bacon screamed in the loud silence of the store. Calling to me as if I were the lone shopper. Sliced to perfection in front of my eyes, the bacon would be completely ignorant to it's timely demise later in a Stromboli. For the time being, the bacon would be happy to know it found a good home :)

Traditional Italian fares could be found all over the store and everything was wonderfully priced. Bags of fresh bread crumbs for stuffing only $2.49, how can you beat that?

**Really cool tip: If you shop after 2pm and spend over $10 in the deli area, you get free buns!!!!!** A dozen free!!! 

22420 Dewdney Trunk Road
604-463-9992

Winter Warming With Glenlochar Kitchens

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 18, 2012

While the wet weather outside might be better suited for ducks, the weather inside GoldenEars CheeseWorks is warm and toasty.  Georgina Sonmor from Glenlochar Kitchens is once again in the kitchen cooking up some amazing tummy warming soup. Today's 'Texas Tortilla' Soup is the perfect way to warm up while shopping for your weekly cheeses.

Seems a perfect marriage between GoldenEars CheeseWorks and Glenlochar Kitchens. Both are local, both believe in quality ingredients and both serve up delicious meal ideas for any sized family.

As you wander around the store, the sweet aromas of fresh baked breads *provided by Maple Ridge's Bread & Buns*, along with a fantastic selection of cheeses made right on site. You'll quickly notice a pattern in the offerings at GoldenEars CheeseWorks, in that, they have a large percentage of local products including Glenlochar Kitchens which is based in Surrey.

Georgina, as perky as she always is, was in the process of getting the amazing "Texas Tortilla Soup" ready for serving up. She was very excited to be sampling a little taste of this delectable soup to chilly customers. Can't say I blame her.  Today is a perfect day for soup and considering that it's low in fat, high in fibre and freezes like a dream. It almost whispers in your ear 'Try me, you'll love me'. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that GoldenEars CheeseWorks also has fresh Cheese Curds available and Jenna was prepping french fries for the ever popular French delicacy of Poutine! Oui, Oui s'il vous plait!

Stop in to GoldenEars CheeseWorks and say 'Hi' to Georgina and the crew working hard today. 

Remember to Shop Local, you'll be amazed what you can find in your hometown!


Friday, February 17, 2012

Mysterious Toews-focused Twitter feed shuts down | CTV News

Mysterious Toews-focused Twitter feed shuts down | CTV News

Vandals Mar Serbian Church

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 17, 2012

Vancouver's Stanley Cup loss wounds are oozing once more due to the stupidity and callousness of a few 'lower' class citizens.  Vancouver hometown boy, Memorial Cup Winner, former Vancouver Giant and current Stanley Cup winner Milan Lucic was at the centre of a heinous act committed against his home Church in Burnaby.

Vandals, sprayed black graffiti on the walls of the St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church. The graffiti which included profanities and a phallic symbol along with Canuck spelled incorrectly. 

With the Stanley Cup rioters finally weaving through the court system, the wounds of Vancouverites are freshened once more. Once more, Vancouverites display their love of their city and step up to the plate and help to clean up the Church's wall. 

I consider this not only a Hate Crime against the Church and the City of Vancouver but also a Hate Crime towards Serbians. Clearly, this display of vulgarity was to insight more hatred. Coming on the heels of the anniversary of Serbian Independence, I cannot but wonder if there is a connection.

These criminals and low life's should be arrested, charged and if found guilty made to clean all the Churches in the Lower Mainland as well as pay restitution to St. Archangel Michael as well as to Milan and his family.

Conduct like this is not only juvenile but it displays a total ignorance towards society. We can only surmise what possesses miscreants to commit such acts as these. Milan took the higher ground when interviewed and didn't 'egg' them into further outbreaks of wanton stupidity.

With any luck, video cameras caught the little buggers that did this and they will NOT just get a slap on the wrist.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Coming Attractions - Must See Movies

RAVENBRAN'S MUST SEE MOVIE LIST

Every season, Hollywood blasts out movies to the markets like a cannon firing at "The Black Pearl". This season running into the early summer has a good selection of movies to hit every movie goers list. 

The following are a few of my tips for must see movies:


Of course, these are but a few movies to choose from. Check your local theatre for your local coming attractions. 

POLICE PEEKING PORN POPPED

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 16, 2012

Fourteen members of the Vancouver Police Department and one civilian have been found in violation of the Department's email and Internet policies. The police officers engaged in viewing 'inappropriate' images as well as emailing them.

In what can only be considered a huge slap in the face to MP Vic Toews push for more of a 'big brother' approach to monitoring Internet usage for civilians. Big Brother can't seem to keep their own house in order, the irony in this is outstanding. 

While, none of the images thus far constitute 'illegal pornography', the act in itself casts yet another dark cloud on the already beleaguered VPD. Still trying to recover from last year's Stanley Cup riot fiasco. The VPD has desperately tried to improve its image with the citizens of Vancouver. 

Those involved were either suspended, demoted, transferred or written up. Both photos and movies were involved in this latest scandal coming to light after the investigation that ran from January to September of 2011.

This situation certainly does little to assist proponents of Internet monitoring en mass. 

A great deal of stones being thrown from shattered glass houses of late.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

One day of Activity Equals 3 days of Pain

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 15, 2012

For most Chronic Illness sufferers the title is a familiar enemy. One single day of activity; be it, shopping, housework etc can leave the body exhausted and in agony for days later. 

Suffering from one Chronic Illness like Fibromyalgia is bad enough but when it is combined with others like Osteoarthritis, IBS, Chronic Pain Syndrome etc, it makes for challenging days at the best of times. 

Recently, I have had the opportunity to get out of the house for a couple of days worth of activities. Most people call them errands, I call them excursions into anguish. The excruciating pain that takes hold after a brief outing can last for a few days at a time. This is above and beyond the pain that is already there on a daily basis. 

As this disgusting disease progresses in my body, I'm recognizing the limitations it is placing on me both physically and mentally. The pain brings forth depression which brings on even more pain. It's a vicious cycle that repeats tirelessly.  

It is becoming more and more painful to sit in the car for extended periods of time. A trip into Vancouver for appointments is a nightmare to say the very least. I dread the bumps on the highways, the continual stop and go driving that jerks the body in a myriad of horrific ways. 

Using pain medication is fine when I'm not required to drive but they impair my judgement so much that I don't often drive anywhere anymore. I rarely have a day that my pain is lower than an eight. I can't recall the last time it was below a five. 

So, here I am post Valentine's Day and I'm barely mobile. There is no respite, no release and no light at the end of the pain tunnel. I am resigned to the designation of Chronic Illness Sufferer.  

The journey continues.....

Concha Y Toro Wine Tasting

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 15, 2012

Forget the chocolates, flowers and jewellery, the perfect Valentine's Day present is a Wine Tasting with one of the most premier Wine Makers in the World - Concha Y Toro.

P.I.C.A (Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts) in Vancouver was the place to be last night as they hosted Sommelier Gabriel Salas from Concha Y Toro. 

Based in Santiago Chile, Concha Y Toro has a long legacy of wine making that dates back to the 1800's. With twenty one different vintages under their umbrella, there is definitely a wine for any taste.

Casillero Del Diablo (Literally the Devil's Cellars) to Don Melchor offerings have amazing price points and are as varied as the micro-climates in Chile itself.

The night started out with a light and crisp Sauvingnon Blanc from the Casillero Del Diablo label. A delightful little wine that would make a great appetizer wine as the taste is so delicate. Priced at $12.99, it's a bargain by far.

Next was a bright Chardonnay from the Marques De Casa Concha label.  It was bold, crisp and brilliant color. A nice nutty flavor balanced with the fruity after tones. Retailing at $19.99 it is a great wine to pair up with Roast Rabbit.

The first red wine of the evening was the Casillero Del Diablo Pinot Noir. Born out of the Casablanca Valley this red is pure, light and earthy. A fantastic offering for a small price of $13.99.


Next, one of my favorites of the night. Casillero Del Diablo presented Carmenere. With a blending of Merlot, Syrah and Carmenere varietals this wine stands boldly above the rest. The beautiful body and rich color were balanced by the sweetness of plum and berry. Another amazing bottle at $13.99   which would stand up nicely to a winter stew or a great steak on the barbecue.


Marques De Casa Concha was up again, this time with it's Merlot. The warmer climates in the Cachapoal Valley make this a big wine. It's deep luscious color doesn't hide its bold flavor. A wonderful wine to serve to any guests and priced nicely at $19.99.


What I would consider to be one of the 'must try' wines is the Terrunyo label Carmenere. With only a thousand cases made, this amazing wine is full of flavor and full bodied. Made of 95.5% Carmenere, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, it has a sharp and complex texture that needs a bold meat paired up. Roast venison and a glass of this wine is a decadent serving. Priced moderately at $34.99.


The evening winding down as Sommelier Gabriel continued his amazing presentation. Incredible photos of Chile, the vineyards (chaotically grown but working well) and the history behind Concha Y Toro. I especially enjoyed the commentary with regards to their continuing efforts for 'sustainability' and adapting to global climate changes. 


One of the best wines of the evening was the Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvingnon. Deep red color, rich coffee aromas. This wine is rich, sweet and hearty. Aged fourteen months in both French and American Oak barrels and at a wonderful price of $19.99. A must have for any red wine lover.


Marques De Casa Concha was up for its last serving of the night. From the Maipo Valley this Cabernet Sauvingnon is accented nicely with blackberry and cherry. A concentrated flavor equal only to its lush purple color. A great wine for food or just an evening by the fire. Delightfully priced at $19.99, it's an easy purchase any time of year.


Finally, the night capped off with the stellar Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvingnon. Simply put, this is excellence in a glass. Coming from only seven blocks of vineyards, the glossy purple color shelters the sharp, and fruity texture of the wine. Made from 97% Cabernet Sauvingnon and 3% Cabernet Franc. This is the wine that says it all. Crisp, bold and hearty, a wine not for the casual red wine drinker. A serious wine with a serious flavor. Exquisitely priced at $79.99 and aged for fifteen months in French Oak. 


All in all, a wonderful evening of history, stunning photos and delightful wines. Ranked 2nd in the world in production size Concha Y Toro still has room to grow and put out even more astounding wines. 


For more information on Concha Y Toro you can visit their website:
http://www.conchaytoro.com/web/
@conchaytoro on Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/conchaytorowines

You can learn more about these wines and others with the classes offered at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts as well as any other classes on their website:
http://www.picachef.com/wine.html




http://twitpic.com/8k3usp
http://twitpic.com/8k3pxb
http://twitpic.com/8k3snr
http://twitpic.com/8k4p8v
http://twitpic.com/8k514x

Monday, February 13, 2012

Songs You Can Speed To

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 13, 2012

A conversation in the car today after hearing a 'kick ass' song playing on 99.3 The Fox consisted of what songs you could easily speed listening to. I 'Googled' the topic and much to my surprise there were a few existing lists. 

After reviewing one of the lists, the conversation continued adding in our own choices and what we would consider the top song to speed to. So, as a result, I have come up with my own song list that I may or may not have been known to exceed the legal speed limit posted. (This is by no means an admission of guilt, but rather a suggestion as to what may drive the foot deeper into the pedal).

MY PERSONAL LIST

  1. Born to be Wild -Steppenwolf
  2. Zen - Bush
  3. Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down
  4. Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet
  5. Wherever I Roam - Metallica
  6. Two Tribes - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
  7. Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel 
  8. Wicked Garden - Stone Temple Pilots
  9. Uprising - Muse
  10. Radar Love - Golden Earring
  11. More Human than Human - Rob Zombie
  12. Master and Servant - Depeche Mode 
  13. Haunted - Love and Rockets
  14. Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes
  15. Vasoline - Stone Temple Pilots
  16. Gyclerine - Bush
  17. Lick it Up - Kiss
  18. Temptation - The Tea Party
  19. Let's Go - Tones on Tails
  20. Heavy - Collective Soul
This being my personal list, I'm sure I've missed some favorites of others, but mine also have some emotional attachments which aid in the pedal pushing. If you have never heard some of the songs or artists, feel free to check them out on your own. Who knows one or two might just be the songs on your mp3 or car stereo soon.

Happy listening.

**Not advocating breaking the law in any shape or form which includes excessive speed** 

 

Greece rocked by Fire but not by Prometheus

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 13, 2012

Fire has been brought forth once again to Greece but this time not by Prometheus. This time, it is the nation's citizens revolting against economic measures, the taxation rate, unemployment and the foreboding failure out of the Euro. 

The recent fires and protests are just the tip of the proverbial sword into the heart of Greece. Social media has been pivotal in getting information and photos of the riots and protests and has enabled the world to see the demise of a nation live.

It's difficult to make a guess as to what the 'new' Greece will look like after it's 'forced renovations' but one thing is for sure, the Euro will likely not be a part of it. Greece's economic house of cards is crashing with no supporting walls left to keep it erect. 

The struggling Euro can't sustain many more hits before a need for complete dissolution may be needed and a return to independent monetary standards. The flip side would be the creation of a 'Worldwide' monetary standard (George Orwell influencing this idea).



Sunday, February 12, 2012

PCAHA Juvenile Canucks Strike Gold

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 12, 2012

The Championship game of the 30th Annual PCAHA Juvenile Scholarship Tournament was held yesterday at Sungod Arena in North Delta, BC. 

In what can only be described as 'thrilling', the Senators and Canucks played an epic hockey game resulting in a double overtime 4-3 win for the Canucks. The Canucks who had lost their last round robin game to the Senators came out hungry for 'revenge'. The equally hungry Senators kept the game fast paced with everyone sitting on the edge of their seats.

Outstanding goal tending by Senators #1 Brenden Vogt (Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey) and the tag team goalies  # 30 Jason Sidhu (Surrey Minor Hockey) and #1 Tyson Leblanc (Seafair Minor Hockey) for the Canucks. 
 
Goals for the Senators:

  • #12 Brody Hemrich (Cloverdale Minor Hockey) with assist from #10 Braden Strelezki (Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey 
  • #9 Mike Ward (Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey) with assist from #16 Jacob Wiebe (Cloverdale Minor Hockey)
  • #16 Jacob Wiebe (Cloverdale Minor Hockey) unassisted
Goals for the Canucks:

  • #3 Devon Whitter (Coquitlam Minor Hockey) assisted by # 19 David Kemp (Seafair Minor Hockey) and # 10 Michael Rose (Seafair Minor Hockey)
  • #10 Michael Rose (Seafair Minor Hockey) assisted by #5 Justin Oertel (North Delta Minor Hockey)
  • #17 Bobby MacLean (Surrey Minor Hockey) unassisted
  • #5 Justin Oertel (North Delta Minor Hockey) unassisted *double overtime winning goal*
The exciting conclusion to the Tournament, came to it's apex with the rewarding of the Earl Sinkie Trophy (The creator of the Trophy and Tournament). 

Brek Stewart (Managing Director Juvenile Division for P.C.A.H.A) accompanied by Earl Sinkie presented the Trophy to the Canucks (Coached by Jim Schuck and Maurice Hamlin both of Richmond Minor Hockey). The boys all received their individual gold medals along with the hoisting of the Trophy.
The silver medals handed out to the Senators (Coached by Dan Melanson of Burnaby Winter Club and Derek Chichak of Seafair Minor Hockey) 

The closing ceremonies wouldn't have been complete without the presentation of the three five hundred dollar bursaries to the Tournament MVP's. 

First the game MVP's were handed out to:

#1 Tyson Leblanc of the Canucks (Representing Seafair Minor Hockey)
#15 Cale Bechtel of the Senators (Representing Abbotsford Minor Hockey)

The Tournament MVP Winners were as follows:

#7 Trevor Yu of the Flames (Representing Vancouver Minor Hockey)
#15 Cale Bechtel of the Senators (Representing Abbotsford Minor Hockey)
#14 Kyle Baxter of the Canucks (Representing North Delta Minor Hockey)



Discipline Gone Too Far?

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 12, 2012

Grounding, revoking privileges, corporal punishment; these are all ways of disciplining children. They all pale in comparison with the recent actions of one father from North Carolina who chose to invoke a new style of discipline.

His fifteen year old daughter had 'secretly' wrote a scathing report of her family life on her Facebook page thinking her parents couldn't see it. The greatest flaw in her plan was neglecting to recall her father is an 'I.T.' professional. After placing new software into his daughter's laptop, she made the post and oddly enough her father saw it.

As a result of her 'disrespectful' conduct, her father took out his .45 pistol and emptied an entire clip of 'hollow point' bullets into the poor unsuspecting laptop lying on the grass. 

As he remarked and rebuked her statements, he also added that she would be repaying the cost of the bullets along with paying to replace her own laptop.

Was this going too far? Was his conduct beyond acceptable? No one was injured in this disciplinary tactic. An inanimate object became an electronic paperweight in a weird art deco kind of way. Her Facebook friends all got to see what happens when you disrespect your parents. Who is to say that what he did was wrong? 

In an age where 'spanking' your child is no longer acceptable behavior, and 'grounding' doesn't tend to work. Sometimes, a good drastic display of parental dominance may be a good thing. Ultimately, he will likely end up buying another laptop for his daughter and she will likely complain again as normal children do. If nothing else, it was certainly entertaining to watch.


**this video has gone viral with over 3.5 million hits**