Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to find out what it takes to Roast Coffee Beans. Being able to Roasting Coffee Beans in the north is a rare trade. Mira Hall is one of only a hand full in the Northwest Territories and Yukon that have the trade. At this point it doesn’t look like anyone in Nunavut is doing it.
Most of us enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning, whether it is from home, Tim Horton’s or one the downtown coffee shop; but we don’t often think about where the coffee comes from or how it ends up as the hot liquid in our cups. Importing coffee beans from around the world is only one step in the process and we’ll cover it in another part of this series. In this video post (Part 1) Mira explains the process of roasting the coffee beans in the roaster and how she does it. She talks about how the beans are kept fresh after being roasted and how soothing roasting beans can be.
Part 2 & 3 will be the actual roasting of the beans and a look at where the beans come from. Leave your feedback below.
I nearly jumped off my seat when I saw the message from one of the announcers of the local radio station. For the longest time I haven’t thought to highly of their site, but understood there were many factors to why it was so out dated. I’m in awe at how they didn’t say they were coming out with a new site, although I think Paul, the morning host, has been dropping hints for a while. Never the less it is here, and I am excited!
At first glance it looks very slick and professional. A rotating image of hot artistes and bands is what caught my eye first and then the station logo. A nice easy to use navigation is just above that at the top of the page. Going through all the different sections you’ll find all the information you need about the station. Everything from Announcers Bios to contest info. They have also updated their news and sports page, it now no longer pops out into a different window. The only thing I couldn’t find was a RSS feed, although there must be somewhere. They did add a “Share This” button for readers to share the news within their social circle. I’m not sure how the Events page will work as there is nothing on the page yet and the Radio Marketing if for those wanting to advertise on the radio. Back on the homepage they have eight fancy looking image/buttons that take you throughout the site. One being for Mix 100 Cool Club, which will apparently keep us up-to-date about events and concerts. I am presuming it will be a e-mail newsletter type of deal, although I can’t be sure until I get the first update.
The last two things I want to talk about are the two things that excite me the most and what I have always pushed for. CJCD now is on Twitter at CJCD_Mix100 and they are now streaming radio live from their website. Twitter for a radio station is a wonderful tool, I follow a couple from out-of-town and have seen the benefits of having it. It is another way for listeners to interact with announcers live, as well it allows announcers to send out messages. Messages like teasers, contest details, and news. Online radio is quickly becoming more and more popular for those who obviously don’t have access to a radio. It now allows us the listeners to take CJCD with us anywhere we go. I could go on and on like the fan boy I am but I wont. What I will do though is send you to their brand new website at CJCD.ca. Go now.
Yellowknifers, what are your thoughts on their new website. Do you plan on going to it more often now? Let everyone know in the comments.
When I see more businesses and local groups using the Internet I get excited and feel the need to share that with everyone. A couple weeks ago Radio Taiga emerged online on both Twitter and Facebook. As soon as I saw this I became a Fan and followed them on twitter, as I do anyone from Yellowknife. I have always known there was a Francophone Radio Station but have never really listened in, only because I don’t speak French and don’t understand a word of it. Seeing their website, Facebook Page, and Twitter account, I sure wish I could though.
About Radio Taiga, translated by Google Translator:
Since 2001, volunteer leaders give themselves, body and soul, to the mission of Radio Taiga, which is to provide the Francophone and Francophile population of Yellowknife. This local French radio station is able to reflect the interests and concerns of the community. Each volunteer contributes to the team radio, they contribute their enthusiasm, knowledge and abilities. The participation of these volunteers enriches the role of how our radio plays from the Francophone and Francophile population of Yellowknife. REMEC We very warmly thank all those brave people.
It seems they are making a tremendous effort to appeal to listeners online and I think this is just great. Their website not only has full news stories in text, but on occasion they include the audio clip. I will admit it is a little hard for me to navigate their website. This is mainly because I don’t know what some of the words are but some of the features I have found on the site are, like I mentioned News stories sometimes with audio, a full schedule and program descriptions. One other feature their website has that is worth mentioning is the ability to subscribe to their news feed via RSS. RSS is a simple way for their news content to be sent me, rather than me going and looking for it. They also have had a couple local bands come into their studio to perform. Below is the video of 3 Across Dee Eye performing in studio, another band would be Priscilla’s Revenge and hopefully more in the future.
I don’t think they stream their audio live on their website, but I’m willing to let that slide as they have an abundance of other content available for followers. I can confidently say that Radio Taiga is a valuable part of Yellowknife and its Francophone Community. I hope they continue to grow both online and throughout Yellowknife.
It seems like it has been a long time coming but the first store to open in the Centre Ice Plaza has now done so. Nico’s Market opened its doors to the public on Friday afternoon and the word quickly got out, as it was busy by the time I got around to going at noon on Saturday. I did not know what to expect from this store and for the longest time had no idea what it even going to be like. All I knew is that is was open and run by Chef Pierre, a local chef and owner of a couple restaurants and Le Stockpot a Deli/Bakery.
Walking in was literally like walking into a market down south, this may just be because this was the first time I walked into this store but it did remind me of similar stores I have been to in Ontario. I will first give you my impression of the store and then some of the details I know about the store.
When you walk in, you think “wow this is nice”. It isn’t like any other store we have here in Yellowknife. Everything is so close together and there were staff everywhere trying their best to help everyone. The selection of vegetables was decent and they all looked fresh, keep in mind I don’t often go to Co-op and can’t compare. The one thing I noticed right away was the rows and rows of spices and sauces along with many other jarred goods. The choice was there, which is something I think a lot of Yellowknifers will appreciate. At the back of the store is a cooler section which was empty at the moment, but I am guessing will be stocked with juices, milk and dairy products. Along one side is where you’ll find your meats and cheeses to choose from. Then there is the little café called Nico’s Cafe, which serves a variety of food and drinks including Specialty Drinks, Coffee, Panini’s and Sandwiches. On the other side you’ll find kitchen supplies, tons of them. I even saw cast iron pan, which I have been looking for. The selection of supplies was phenomenal and if you can’t find what you are looking for in there, then it probably doesn’t exist. In all I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the store. There are still some kinks that need to be worked out, such as the checking out processes. Many items in the store were not yet in the computer and slowed down the check out process drastically. I am also hoping that they price everything in the coming days, I find that is the one think that will put me off from buying at a store is not knowing the price. I think many would agree, especially since a Facebook Group devoted to the Cost of Living in Yellowknife has just been created.
On to what I know or rather what I was told. If you have at all been to Le Stockpot lately you will have noticed many items there are now gone. That is because the majority of kitchen supplies along with some jarred goods, which I mention earlier, are now available at Nico’s Market. They have now made or are making Le Stockpot more of a Sandwich Shop/Cafe with the addition of tables and chairs. This is all coming from Chef Pierre himself who I was able to talk to while in Nico’s Market. One of things I asked him was store hours as I could not find them posted anywhere. He told me, although he said he could be wrong, as of now they are Monday – Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday 9am-6pm. These seem a little early but he did say they are subject to change.
You have heard my thoughts on the store and now I want to hear yours. Do you think it will succeed? Will you shop there? Let us know.
First if you haven’t had time to make it over there here is a short video and photos.
There’s no easy way to put this: I’ve packed on the pounds since I moved up here last February. Be it the cold creating an out-of-control urgency for carbs or the long, dark nights with my new big screen TV, my wardrobe no longer fits.
“It’s time to take myself in hand” I muttered Jan 1st. But unlike Vancouver where there’s low-cal everything everywhere and a seawall that begs to be run, Yellowknife looked awfully cold and daunting. I don’t like exercise at the best of times, but I knew it wasn’t just a case of eating less (although, alas, that’s part of the plan. Farewell, TimHo’s French Vanilla Capuccinos! Farewell, snacks, gorgeous, home-made snacks, on every third workstation at work!) … it wasn’t just a case of eating less but of integrating activity into my lifestyle. *le sigh* I’d much rather be blogging.
I gingerly considered my options. I am simply not a gym person. And that UltraIcyRockDeathByColdExcercise thing going on up here just makes me faint to think of it. Xnay that. I also get bored easily of any one activity. So with a buddy in Vancouver, we came up with a list of activity options. Turns out, there’s a real variety of possibilities!
squash
shoveling snow
swimming with the help of a coworker who coaches
Wii Fit / Active
shoveling snow
power walks
yoga
Zumba (talk to Donna Wong. Exercise has never had such an evangelist!)
X-country skiing
Snowshoeing
shoveling snow
skating
Agility with the daschunds (in the spring)
Running groups at Bodyworks (in the spring)
exercise podcasts (justifies the big screen tv, non?)
Riding lessons
So here’s my plan. I’ve created a set of activities, but only through March. Then, to prevent boredom, I’ll switch it up to something spring-ier.
For now, I’ve joined the Raquet Club. I have to give them a shoutout. It’s the most down-to-earth, cozy kinda/sorta gym I’ve ever been to. We even have candles in our Nia class, for heaven’s sake! And people there come in all shapes and sizes (and I contribute to that) and age ranges. It’s not the yummy mummy lululemon club (which is not to say there aren’t any. It’s just a nice variety of people.). Anyway, if I can be comfortable there, I’m guessing anyone can be. I imagine the same applies to Breakaway and BodyWorks
So it’s Nia Class at the club on Tuesday evenings, and Spin at the club on Saturday mornings.
Thursday, a group of us power-walk at lunch to the hospital and back. Anyone is welcome to join us – we meet 12:05 in the courthouse lobby.
And last, I’m hoping to learn to snowshoe (pssst – anyone have a second hand pair you’d like to sell? I’m too cheap to invest in a new pair til I find out if I like it).
Wish me luck, folks. And if you have any more ideas, I’m wanting to hear them – leave a comment below.
Tis’ the season to go shopping! We are less than a month away from the big day so I hope you have at least started some of your shopping. If not this post may help you find the time to get out and get started. Not only do local Yellowknife businesses want your business, they also what to make the experience pleasurable. One of the ways they are doing this is by extending their hours.
Shopping locally is one of my favorite things, even though my brain can find a better deal online, my heart has the passion of this city. I’ve said it before, and the one thing I truly love about shopping locally is the relationship building. I rarely run into employees who don’t want to help you and after returning a couple times it is as if your buying something off a good friend.
Both the Centre Square Mall and Yk Centre off a wide range of stores to meat everyone’s needs. Electronics to coffees, computers to mens wear, art to music, whatever it is you are almost guaranteed to find it somewhere.
The Yk Centre, which has a new website, wants to help make this shopping season easy on you, so they have extended their shopping hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday, Friday: 10am-8pm, Gift Wrapping 6-8pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm, Gift Wrapping 10am-4pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Gift Wrapping 4-5pm
Over the last week before Christmas Day the mall will also have special hours. As followed:
Dec. 21, 22, 23: 10am-8pm, Gift Wrapping 6-8
Dec.24, 31: 12-4pm
The Mall will be CLOSED December 25, 26 and January 1, 2010.
The Centre Square Mall will be sticking with its regular hours, but are already extended for you convenience. They will only be closed December 25, and January 1, 2010.
Monday-Thursday, Saturday: 9:30am-6pm
Friday: 9:30am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm
There are also many store which surround both of these malls that are worth stopping into.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe shopping season. If you know of any extended store hours in the downtown core, please feel free to post them in the comment section below.
Today, Friday November 13, is CJCD Mix 100’s 30th birthday. To me it only seems like last year they celebrated their 25th. It has been neat to listen to the station over the last week. They have been getting recording of past DJ’s and owners talking about their memories and stories of the station. They have also been sending Yellowknifers on a scavenger hunt for great prizes throughout Yellowknife. Today, on their birthday, they are giving away a trip for 2 anywhere First Air flies.
Listening to the Morning Show today with Paul McMullen really put a smile on my face. It was hilarious, especially when he had previous owner Charles Dent and friend on air talking about when the station first started. To top of the hilarity on the show, during the Birthday Wish, which happens at about 7:50am, two employees phoned in because they were locked outside the building. Needless to say everyone, including Paul, got a kick out of that.
Happy Birthday CJCD! I hope you continue to grow over the next 30!
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of dropping by Dave Brosha’s Studio Open House. I have been a big fan of Dave’s photography for sometime, and was excited to hear a couple of months ago he was planning on opening a studio/gallery. Well that time has come, he is now working out of the studio.
Unfortunately because I myself am no photographer, I was not able to capture any photos of his new studio. Although I can safely say it is an awesome one. As I also did not take any video like I had originally intended, I shall reenact my experience via words.
To the untrained eye you may not notice the sign to Dave Brosha’s studio, so that is why I want to explain it to you. If you know where the Taste of Saigon and Fuego’s restaurants are, then you are more than likely going to be able to find the studio. The door leading up to the studio is situated right in between the two. Upon entering the door you immediately go up a flight of stairs and find yourself in a magnificent hallway. This hallway like the rest of the studio has just been renovated, with hardwood flooring and wall mounted light fixtures. One of the first things you will notice while going down this hallway, which I assume doubles as part of the gallery, is all the photographs that have been framed and are just waiting for someone to take home. There are several doorways off this hallway that lead to the rest of the flat. One door to another gallery area, another to an office and even a waiting room for clients. There is a large open area at the end of the hallway where the magic must happen. If you are ever in the area you should definitely check it out.
It was a pleasure seeing Dave and his studio again. Dave is a magnificent photographer and if you are at all interested in getting some photographs done I would encourage you to give him a call. Everyone that I have spoken to that has ever work with him has nothing but good things to say. You should also check out his website, he has one of the most active photo blogs of the north.
All photos associated with this post from DaveBrosha.com
My first memory of Sutherlands Drugs was as a thief. Yep, I shoplifted a candy bracelet at the behest of the delinquent babysitter of my 6 year old girlfriend. The statute of limitations has long run out (right, Karan? Right?).
Fourty years later, with twenty years of Vancouver living in between, I worked up my nerve to walk back in.
While Shoppers is gorgeous, and the Co-op meets most of my grocery needs, Sutherlands has knocked my socks off.
I honestly think it’s the most understated, awesome socially conscious store I’ve ever been in. I can buy…
Happy Planet juice (the founder of this is now Vancouver’s mayor, after being one of the original organic farmers)
and an incredible array of intelligent, quality magazines
What amuses and impresses me is that in Vancouver, a shop carrying such good products would be all slick and self-congratulatory. Sutherlands has this completely humble look and feel as it quietly provides exactly the kinds of products I want to buy. Hat tip, Sutherlands!
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to find out what it takes to Roast Coffee Beans. Being able to Roasting Coffee Beans in the north is a rare trade. Mira Hall is one of only a hand full in the Northwest Territories and Yukon that have the trade. At this point it doesn’t look like anyone in Nunavut is doing it.
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of dropping by Dave Brosha’s Studio Open House. I have been a big fan of Dave’s photography for sometime, and was excited to hear a couple of months ago he was planning on opening a studio/gallery. Well that time has come, he is now working out of the studio.
