Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Thor

 Humanity has been fascinated with the awe-inspiring power of lightning since its earliest days, a fact that is clearly illustrated by the Norse peoples having a deity specifically dedicated to lightning and thunder. The modernized version of this character, Marvel's Thor, is an important and powerful member of the Avengers

An Italian Gem from Banfi at Under $16.00

 Did you miss the September 1st release of the Castello Banfi 2010 Centine, I sure did, but I'm glad I got a chance to taste it now.  I was at a Banfi tasting seminar earlier this week and amongst the 40 and 60-plus dollar bottles of wine was this gem

Deception, Virulence and a Bomb: Iran Obstinately Moves Closer to the Nuclear Tipping Point

 The Canadian government’s sudden decision to sever all diplomatic ties with Iran earlier this month can be seen as a clear indication that, in the eyes of the Government of Canada, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s saber-rattling is fast-approaching the point of no return. Yet, in an attempt to avoid

Holly McNarland: Juggling Lives On Her Own Terms

 When Holly McNarland’s smash single “Numb” went viral as she approached her mid-twenties, she was a bright young rocker, a rookie to the record label and a hopeful firecracker quickly winning her way on to MuchMusic countdowns and Women & Songs compilations. Like any fresh face, she was ready to

54-40 is Still Rocking Over 30 Years Later

 As time goes by, those groups of old friends – the ones who have known each other for decades, seen it all and weathered the storms of time as a unit – can’t always find the time to get together. But when they do, when life grants them the excuse

Get Thee to The Shrine

 THE SHRINE (2010) is the second horror movie directed by Canadian Jon Knautz (pronounced “kuh-nots”), 32, whose first feature, the horror-comedy JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER (2007), co-starring Robert Englund, generated tremendous buzz for a debut effort and won several honours at the 2009 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. THE SHRINE was an

Publisher speaks to Justin Trudeau’s Liberal leadership potential

 Sun TV News interview with OLM Publisher, Dan Donovan, on Liberal Leadership hopeful Justin Trudeau.

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Hover Vehicles

 Hover vehicles have shown up in many works of science fiction and taken many forms, including the hover tanks of the Battlezone series, Halo's motorcycle like Ghost, and the well known Snowspeeders from Star Wars. Although they are portrayed as being used in different roles and being built with different

Petal Power: The Art of Irena Sherstyuk

 Irena Sherstyuk creates mesmerizing paintings of psychedelic flowers and young lovers in abstract cityscapes. Her work is attracting attention at galleries across Canada. OTTAWA LIFE: When did you decide to become a professional painter? IRENA SHERSTYUK: From an early age, I always liked to paint and it was something that gave

A Tale of Two Conventions: The Summer Campaign for the White House Draws to a Close

 With both the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) now over, the American summer political season has officially drawn to a close. Last week’s DNC in Charlotte, North Carolina and the previous week’s Republican counterpart in Tampa, Florida offered both parties a three-to-four day opportunity to

Fall Back on an Old Favourite or Find a New One…

 As we head into fall, we swap those light and fruity whites for the heavier, warming appeal of reds. I like to give you the latest releases available, but it’s always good to step back a few weeks to see if certain faves are still kicking around the LCBO. We’re

Letter from the Publisher

 Twelve years ago when we started the first Annual Top People in the Capital issue, JDS Uniphase CEO Jozef Straus was our number one pick. Remember him? Do you even remember JDS Uniphase – the Halley’s Comet of Ottawa high-tech companies? Other picks in 2000 included then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien

OLM Recipe: Curried Squash and Apple Soup

 Summer is not quite over, especially given the warm weather, but school has already begun and the leaves are slowly starting to turn. As with any season, come culinary traditions and seasonal delights. Fall, being the season that is to prepare us for winter is usually thought of as the

Installation = Music + Time

 In 2011, two local experimental artists met and chronologically depicted 88 individuals to correspond to each key of the piano. Julia Krolik and Owen Fernley (aka the Decomposing Pianos project team) then made a movie which serves as an introduction to the project and showcases the capabilities of an “interactive

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Professor X

 Professor Charles Xavier, better known as Professor X, is the founder of the Marvel X-Men team and is one of the most powerful telepaths in the Marvel universe. Telepathy is the ability to perceive another person's thoughts, often by hearing or seeing them, and is a fairly common ability in

Musical Mayhem Goes beyond the Greenbelt

 It’s a fact – to make it as a musician, you have to tour. As a result, because a musician’s vocals and vibes need to be heard beyond home turf, many local bands are going beyond the greenbelt.  This month a slew of Ottawa bands are traveling to Montreal to

OLM’s Summer Sizzlers: Crêpes Your Way

 Celebrate this long weekend with crêpes. This versatile dessert can be topped with anything from Nutella and bananas to bacon bits and cheese. The savoury and sweet combinations are endless; let your taste buds lead you to your perfect crêpe. Crêpes can be made ahead of time and whipped together at

Behind the Seams: Designing the Perfect Dress with David McCaffrey

 If you’re planning a wedding in Ottawa you've no doubt planned to have your wedding photos taken along the Rideau Canal, in front of the Parliament buildings or to have the National Art Gallery featured in the backdrop.  Not only does Ottawa offer some incredibly beautiful backdrops but its historical

Mandating a Hidden Passenger in Your Automobile

 Most people know that any modern aircraft carries a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or Accident Data Recorder (ADR) as well as a Cockpit Voice Reorder (CVR) and that these two devices are consolidated into what is commonly referred to as a “black box” — despite the fact that it is

Homes: British Mania

 With 2012 being the banner year for all things British, what with the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June and the Olympics in July, it couldn’t be a better time to show a little love for the union jack. Have you ever considered injecting a little British flavor

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Railguns

 The railgun is a weapon commonly shown or described in science fiction, and works by using an electromagnetic force to launch a projectile down a pair of conductive rails, rather than relying on gunpowder. Although films, like the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Eraser, and novels often refer to all projectile weapons

Ottawa’s first board game cafe hopes to monopolize entertainment in the capital

 In the course of a typical day at work, David Narbaitz can be a real estate hot shot, military strategist and a duelling magician. It’s easy to see why his resume can be so full when you walk into his store on Somerset Street. The rooms are mazes of board

Nina Bains Uncensored: The force behind the Ottawa International Film Festival

 Dynamic and daring, filmmaker/entrepreneur, Nina Bains has put Ottawa on the international film map. Her ingenuity, drive and determination to give local filmmakers their silver screen glory has made everyone feel ''f'ilmfabulous". The buzz during the five-day event (Aug. 15-19) was unmistakable, and those nighttime parties OIFF held  at Arc

Persona Non Grata: Art by Lesotho’s Orphans

 Persona Non Grata is an art show to benefit the orphans of Rachel’s Home taking place on October 10th, 2012 from 7-10 PM. This event will be held at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick St., Ottawa, to raise funds for post-secondary scholarships and awareness about the

Deported Man from Guinea Sues Canadian Ex-Wife Lainie Towell

 Love hurts. Few people know this better than Lainie Towell, an independent artist and dancer from the National Capital Region. Eight years ago, in the spring of 2004, Lainie Towell traveled to the West African country of Guinea to study African choreography with a Guinean dance troupe. During her three