Columnists
Tara is a published poet and children's e-book author, but currently spends most of her time traveling the Okanagan/Kootenay territories in sales. Her current focus is writing about positive living and coping skills for a full and balanced lifestyle.
Latest Columns
A taste of the good life May 19, 2013 / 5:00 amNostalgia Apr 21, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Psychic Heather Zais had a vision of her own future at the age of 11 that covered about 20 years of her life. The rest is history...
Latest Columns
Horoscope: May 19 - 25 May 19, 2013 / 5:00 amHoroscope: May 12 - 18 May 12, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
An Accredited Mortgage Professional, Laurie Baird provides guidance for obtaining a mortgage, a new home or for planning a move.
Latest Columns
Tips for a stress-free summer move May 18, 2013 / 5:00 amSelecting the right mortgage planner May 4, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Tim Schewe, has been writing his traffic column for most of the 20 years in his traffic enforcement service in the RCMP. Schewe retired from the Force in January of 2006.
Latest Columns
Keep back from fire apparatus May 18, 2013 / 5:00 amBicycle lanes, signs and markings May 11, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
'Star Trek Into Darkness' a thrilling ride May 17, 2013 / 4:00 pmStar Trek fans prepare for 'Into Darkness' May 16, 2013 / 4:00 pm» Read All
Jason is a counsellor and life coach in private practice. He believes strongly in helping clients to remove the obstacles that get in their way so they may embrace and accept who they are, utilizing their own resources. Whether you want to work on personal growth, life transitions, or just feeling stuck, Jason will help you get to where you want to go.
Latest Columns
Courage in the face of darkness May 17, 2013 / 5:00 amJust do it May 10, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
For the past twenty years Mark has been involved in real estate development and consulting and is currently a REALTOR with Realty Executives in Kelowna.
His column, brings a unique perspective on what may be important to us in the future as we come to grips with fast paced change in a world that few people barely recognize.
Latest Columns
Income properties for sustained recovery May 17, 2013 / 5:00 amThe Accidental Journey May 10, 2013 / 6:00 am» Read All
Jeff dedicates his life’s work to improving the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.
Latest Columns
Are you sexy Daddy? May 17, 2013 / 5:00 amDad Vibe: 12 Secrets to great sex May 10, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
Get in the Loop May 16, 2013 / 10:13 am3D printed guns on the horizon Apr 13, 2013 / 5:27 am» Read All
Ryan Donn, singer/songwriter who started his career around the same time that cassette tapes were losing out to CD sales. He produces events such as Global Music Fest, www.talentedkids.ca, and Music in the Park (West Kelowna).
Latest Columns
Okanagan Summer Festivals May 16, 2013 / 8:30 amKeloha 2013 May 10, 2013 / 8:29 am» Read All
Loyal Wooldridge's passion is to empower men and women feel fabulous while never losing sight of the core of style: design and experience.
Latest Columns
Spring/Summer '13 trend update May 16, 2013 / 5:00 amHealthy hair growth Mar 17, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
John Thomson is the Okanagan's pre-eminent business columnist writing his column, Rumours and Things, for over 24 years. Plugged in to the valley's who's who, John keeps his readers coming back for more with his straight talk and optimistic perspective on where we are headed next.
Latest Columns
John Thomson's I Didn't Know That! May 16, 2013 / 5:00 amJohn Thomson's I Didn't Know That! May 9, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Dr. Nimchuk is a chiropractor practicing at KLO Chiropractic Centre in Kelowna. He is also a full body Active Release Techniques provider and fitness consultant. As part of his ongoing commitment to health and fitness, Dr. Nimchuk is a clinic instructor for marathon and 1/2 marathon clinics at the Kelowna Running Room and is also the Okanagan evaluator for the RCMP Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE test).
Latest Columns
Are your sources reliable? May 16, 2013 / 5:00 amAssessment and treatment of headaches Apr 4, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Fitness has been a passion and way of life for Kasie for over 14 years, 6 of those years she has dedicated to training and educating her clients and group fitness classes.
Latest Columns
Re-organizing fitness into your schedule May 16, 2013 / 5:00 amOptimum health May 2, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Adrienne has had the pleasure of producing special events in the Okanagan with brides, grooms and businesses since 2004.
Latest Columns
Add some "eye candy" May 16, 2013 / 5:00 amLicenses, not just for driving! May 9, 2013 / 6:00 am» Read All
David Allard has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry, has a B.A. in economics and an M.B.A. He writes weekly on Market Trends.
Latest Columns
Stocks on cruise control May 15, 2013 / 5:00 amBay, Wall Streets gain May 8, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Renowned Retail Expert and Strategist Geoff Mintenko is the driving force behind the company Retail-Evolution. Geoff consults and speaks to power retailers North America-wide, sparking innovation, igniting positive change and helping companies thrive is his passion.
Latest Columns
Business SOS: Call before you're critical May 15, 2013 / 5:00 amTake me to your leader May 8, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
Tips for working parents May 15, 2013 / 5:00 amDepression as a public health problem May 8, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Giovanni is a poet, columnist, interviewer and photographer. Finding Kelowna, as he explains it in his website of the same name, is a focus on the ordinary events, people and things that often go unnoticed. Its purpose is to reveal the startling brilliance of everyday life which may be beautiful, tragic or bizarre.
Latest Columns
Brains leaking May 14, 2013 / 5:00 amThe Age of Oakley Apr 16, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Dr. Brent Barlow is a Naturopathic Physician practicing at The Kelowna Wellness Clinic in downtown Kelowna. Dr. Barlow is in general practice and welcomes all individuals and families.
Latest Columns
Probiotics for my infant? May 14, 2013 / 5:00 amVitamins for my child? May 7, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Jeff Zilkowsky is a lawyer with Hergott Law in West Kelowna, practicing primarily in personal injury and real estate law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UBC-O. In his column, Jeff provides information about current legal events or points of interest or concern relating to the law.
Latest Columns
Sue your family! May 14, 2013 / 5:00 amWitnesses are crucial in lawsuits May 7, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Dan Albas has been a Penticton resident since 1981. Dan is honoured to serve the residents of Okanagan-Coquihalla as their Member of Parliament.
Hugh Cairns is the Chief Inspector and owner of Subject 2 Home Inspections. He is a trained professional home inspector and an energy advisor.
Latest Columns
Hugh Cairns: Relaxing your home May 13, 2013 / 5:00 amHugh Cairns:Home security tips May 6, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years.
Latest Columns
What's the difference? May 13, 2013 / 5:00 amHey, you - get off my lawn! May 6, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
John is an accomplished sales person and manager with over 17 years sales and sales management experience.
Latest Columns
Knocking the competition May 13, 2013 / 5:00 amSuccess through failure Apr 29, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
This column gives Catherine the chance to share with you the many things that make Kelowna unique and unforgettable so that you can glean ideas of places to visit or take guests when they come to town.
Latest Columns
Kelowna Wine Trails inspire May 13, 2013 / 5:00 amFood & wine writers pour into Kelowna Apr 29, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Tommi Hanley has a degree in journalism from Ryerson University. She owns a an event company in Kelowna, teaches event management at the Centre for Arts and Technology and helps market the Total Health Fair and its various initiatives.
Marzio is an English teacher and freelance cartoonist who has lived in Kelowna for the past 45 years. He has published editorial cartoons in newspapers, produced illustrations for books and worked as a caricaturist in shopping centres and at festivals.
Latest Columns
Clark's Mother's Day May 12, 2013 / 1:51 pmParkade costs May 8, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
From time to time Castanet.net publishes well written articles 250 - 500 words in length on various local topics. If you are interested in writing a column drop us a line.
Latest Columns
One ingredient - endless benefits May 12, 2013 / 5:00 amGet rich or die paying? May 10, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Shane worked at a large dealership here in Kelowna as a tech for three years before opening his own mobile RV repair business, Fix Right RV, where he does onsite repairs on everything from tent trailers to large Class-A buses.
Latest Columns
Keep that RV ticking! May 12, 2013 / 5:00 amGet your RV ready to roll! Apr 18, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Andrew Portwood is a certified Masters-level counselor in Kelowna with a heart for supporting and helping children, youth and young adults.
Latest Columns
Who is setting the tone? May 12, 2013 / 5:00 amCarnival of horrors May 5, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.
Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and Regional Government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.
Latest Columns
Protecting Canadian manufacturers May 11, 2013 / 5:00 amRenewal of the Building Canada Fund Apr 21, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
AJ is the owner of Kelowna's downtown boutique firm, Vantage West Realty. The firm prides itself in breaking the mold when it comes to how they practice real estate. Taking a consultants approach rather than the tired, old-fashioned sales approach of selling kitchens and baths, they pride themselves in having a level of expertise not found in a class room.
Latest Columns
Top ten landlord tips May 11, 2013 / 5:00 amThe 'L' word Mar 26, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, being someone who is passionate about people having a good time . Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, marketing and service programs.
Latest Columns
A foodie kind of day in the Okanagan May 11, 2013 / 5:00 amA day in the life of an Okanagan foodie May 4, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
We call him the Professor of Rock: With a career in music, television and media arts spanning 30 years, Atkinson knows music. He's traveled as a professional musician and he loves Rock 'N Roll. He is a music journalist who writes internationally for Frontier Records' Melodic Rock magazine and he owns FBA International a multifaceted management, consulting, promotional entity.
Latest Columns
Black Star Rising (Part Deux) May 10, 2013 / 7:00 pm Black Star Rising (pt.1) May 3, 2013 / 7:00 pm» Read All
Andrew Gregson has many years of experience as a business consultant to small and mid-size businesses in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Andrew lives in Kelowna BC, speaks to business groups and works in finance.
Latest Columns
Stubbornly operating a losing business May 10, 2013 / 5:00 amAvoid being crushed in today's markets Apr 26, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Mark Smed is a consultant and network Technician for Northern Computer Inc. in Kelowna, and also sits on the board of directors for the Network Professional Association. He has clients in many cities in the Okanagan and lives with his family in Summerland.
Latest Columns
The relative unimportance of a quote May 9, 2013 / 5:00 amEnterprise architecture Apr 5, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Kristi Scott is a Registered Physiotherapist at Guisachan Physiotherapy. She treats a variety of orthopedic conditions, including sports injuries, and is certified to practice acupuncture. Kristi volunteers as the physiotherapist for the Kelowna Chiefs Junior Hockey Club.
Latest Columns
Osteoarthritis of the knee May 9, 2013 / 5:00 amKinesio tape Apr 25, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Mindset & Attraction Expert, Karen Luniw is the creator of the very popular iTunes podcast "The Law of Attraction Tips". This podcast has been downloaded over 13 million times by people all over the world.
Latest Columns
Two minute tidbit - say yes May 9, 2013 / 5:00 amLoss: A delicate subject Apr 25, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Dr. Moshe Oz owns Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital, a small animal veterinary practice in West Kelowna. Dr. Oz has deep love and affection for animals.
Latest Columns
Summer hazards for dogs May 8, 2013 / 9:00 amDeworming pets Apr 20, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
James Murphy is a member of the Ringfinders group. This is a global directory of metal detecting enthusiasts dedicated to the task of reuniting people with their lost possessions.
Paige, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty in Kelowna, is a member of Cascadia Green Building Council, an internationally connected group of people dedicated to the global vision for true sustainability.
Latest Columns
Congratulations Cranbrook! May 7, 2013 / 5:00 amWhat's a 'living building'? Apr 23, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Jo has been messing around with words for a long time. Sometimes she'll just say words instead of writing them, it saves on paper. The columns that will appear here are of a highly serious and scholarly nature, therefore it is advised that you keep a dictionary and ponderous thoughts nearby.
Laura has been a successful Certified Travel Counsellor since February 1999. She has worked in both Corporate and Vacation travel departments and has extensive experience as an avid traveller.
Latest Columns
Luxury travel: not for the faint of wallet! May 6, 2013 / 5:00 amHappy camping! Apr 8, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Annie Hopper is a Limbic System Rehabilitation Specialist who works primarily with those who suffer from acquired brain injuries associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chemical Sensitivities and Anxiety disorders.
Latest Columns
Trauma can lead to chronic illness May 5, 2013 / 5:00 amDream home morphs into nightmare Apr 21, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Keri Grenier is a lawyer with Pushor Mitchell LLP. In her column Keri provides practical information about personal injury claims in a format that is simple and easy to understand.
Latest Columns
Minor accident - minor injury? May 4, 2013 / 5:00 amICBC says I don’t need a lawyer Mar 3, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Derrick Nicholson is a Currency Strategist. He has been in the industry for the past 20 years. He specializes in mitigating currency risk for companies doing business outside of Canada.
Latest Columns
Don't vote May 3, 2013 / 5:00 amCanada is the next Cyprus Apr 19, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Tamara & Shannon grew up in a real estate family and learned problem solving and negotiating skills around the dinner table. They are lifelong residents of Kelowna and are passionate about the lifestyle that Kelowna offer.
Latest Columns
Always think resale May 1, 2013 / 5:00 amPlanting an Okanagan garden Mar 24, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Colleen Becker is the owner/operator of FRAKAS, Shops for Women Inc. Frakas, has three locations, one of which is in the Mission in Kelowna.
Latest Columns
Celebrating efflorescent spring styles Apr 28, 2013 / 5:00 amSpring trends Mar 16, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
The mission of United Way is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.
The mission of United Way is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.
Latest Columns
Changes & the charitable sector Apr 28, 2013 / 5:00 amGiving back: Part 2 Jan 20, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Lora Proskiw has been a licensed Realtor with Jane Hoffman Group for over 8 years. A Kelowna resident for nearly 3 decades, Lora has seen the city grow & change and enjoys introducing out-of-town buyers to all that Kelowna has to offer.
Latest Columns
Fore you? Check out this home Apr 20, 2013 / 9:11 amHot real estate prices in the Okanagan Mar 18, 2013 / 9:51 am» Read All
The Kelowna Women's Shelter is a place of refuge for women who are not safe in their own homes, women who have been beaten, traumatized, threatened, and have fled in terror from a partner. Our staff and volunteers provide services to women and children in the area boundaried by Oyama to the North and Peachland to the South.
Latest Columns
Violence Against Women Week Apr 20, 2013 / 5:00 amHome not always 'safe' Dec 23, 2012 / 5:00 am» Read All
Ruman is a born and raised Kelowna girl that lives in Vancouver. She loves Vancouver and thinks you should too, and that's why she is sharing all of its best kept secrets with the Okanagan.
Latest Columns
Kitsilano: vibrant and upbeat! Apr 12, 2013 / 5:00 amGranville Island Mar 29, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Moving in the Right Direction by Lori Rockl
Lori Rockl explores the mind-body connection and has found that Pilates and yoga are excellent tools for healthy living.
Latest Columns
Our brains are created to move Apr 7, 2013 / 5:00 amAccountability and exercise Feb 20, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Carole Fawcett is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Registered Professional Counsellor who believes that we all have the ability to self-heal the hurts of our life journey.
Latest Columns
Are you enough? Apr 2, 2013 / 5:00 amOur interesting journey Sep 26, 2012 / 5:00 am» Read All
Originally from Ladysmith, British Columbia, Thomas started his career with the Fire Service in February 1989 with Ladysmith Fire/Rescue where he spent 16 years in the positions of fire fighter, Lieutenant and later promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Training and Prevention.
Latest Columns
Flood safety tips Mar 31, 2013 / 5:00 amIce safety: myths & realities Mar 3, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Yoree Grozenok owns and operates 1-800-GOT-JUNK? in Kelowna, part of world's largest junk removal company. Years of operating this great business gave him wealth of knowledge and experience in recycling.
Latest Columns
De-clutter before you list your home! Mar 30, 2013 / 5:00 amGlenmore Landfill - more than a dump Feb 15, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Sheila Chutskoff is a born entrepreneur and the owner of oranj fitness located downtown Kelowna. She is a yoga instructor, a public speaker, a goal coach, and has a passion for living life to the fullest!
Latest Columns
Stepping outside your comfort zone Mar 18, 2013 / 5:00 am'Selfie' photos Mar 4, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
It's garage sale time Mar 8, 2013 / 11:14 amShe can't believe 10K windfall Feb 26, 2013 / 12:39 pm» Read All
Balsy's Got Beef and this is where he will share his problems with you. No guarantees but this beef should always be "well done"!
Latest Columns
Beef with snow removal - responses Jan 17, 2013 / 4:00 pmA big beef with snow removal Jan 15, 2013 / 4:14 pm» Read All
Brenda has 16 years in the beauty service industry. Join her as she explores Okanagan businesses revealing some of the best-kept beauty secrets in the valley - from home services to cosmetic surgery.
Hunkin's subjects are the very topics we usually discuss in our staff rooms, coffee shops or dinner parties. For whatever reason; being fear-based, being politically correct, or just no mainstream media theaters of discussion, these subjects rarely see the ink of print.
Latest Columns
Romance coud be a 'moment' away Oct 21, 2012 / 5:00 amWomen have it all already! Jul 8, 2012 / 5:00 am» Read All
We have two types of columnists:
1. Periodic columnists appear on our guest columnist page.
2. Regular weekly columnists get their own page and top of page masthead graphic similar to the Thomson Report page. On that page we'll show the last four articles (similar to a blog) with links to the previous four articles before that. All previous columns are searchable in our news archive. We'll also print a short bio on your page. Techies can also access your page via RSS news feeds. Whenever a new column appears, your picture and a link to the column appear on our main page, as well as our sub section pages such as Entertainment, Business, or sports if it is related to that topic.
Content: Our format is 350-500 words. Web readers tell us that they like shorter copy than what they would see in the newspaper with lots of white space to make reading easier. We can also publish photos with columns, so if you have a suggestion, even in draft form, we can work it in. Links to external sources are also welcomed.
Remuneration: The newness and economics of online media currently does not allow us to monetarily compensate our columnists. We can promise that your article will be read and that by your association with Castanet, your columnist page will be ranked higher in the search engines so that your name and effort can be resourced by others for years to come.
For columnist inquiries, please e-mail: val@castanet.net
_

















