Columnists
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.
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
Bombshell bashing Jun 19, 2013 / 5:00 amFestival Fashion: Essentials Jun 18, 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
Exceptional customer service Jun 19, 2013 / 5:00 amModern Marketing Jun 12, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Gordon Bell has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry providing wealth management and discretionary portfolio management services and solutions to private clients.
Latest Columns
Market turbulence takes its toll Jun 19, 2013 / 5:00 amBenchmarks lose footing Jun 12, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
Information revealed on Narcissism Jun 19, 2013 / 5:00 amTreating mom's depression for kids' sake Jun 12, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
New out on DVD/Blu-ray this week Jun 18, 2013 / 11:00 amSuperman soars again in 'Man of Steel' Jun 14, 2013 / 4:00 pm» 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.
Latest Columns
Dirt fishing Jun 18, 2013 / 5:00 amSunshine Coast a little brighter Jun 4, 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
ICBC advice you need to know! Jun 18, 2013 / 5:00 amBe careful when accepting job! Jun 11, 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.
Latest Columns
Bizarre week in Ottawa Jun 18, 2013 / 5:00 amHold MP's to account: Open Parliament Jun 11, 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
Do it yourself Jun 17, 2013 / 5:00 amHow did you do that? Jun 10, 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.
Latest Columns
A poundkeeper's story Jun 17, 2013 / 5:00 amWord-smartaleckiness May 20, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
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: Curb appeal in a day Jun 17, 2013 / 5:00 amHugh Cairns: more home inspection problems Jun 10, 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
Dairy Queen therapy Jun 17, 2013 / 5:00 amHow to quickly help kids with ADHD Jun 10, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
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
Interesting but useless travel facts! Jun 17, 2013 / 5:00 amAlaska - more than just a cruise! Jun 3, 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
The miracle of the healing brain Jun 16, 2013 / 5:00 amIs it real or is it the placebo effect? Jun 2, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Angel Syrette and Mark Jennings-Bates recently teamed up to combine their marketing and technology knowledge and create a digital TV show - You Gotta Try This. “I didn’t think that the environment existed for a fun, light hearted look at tourism in the Okanagan so, together with Angel, I decided to put a TV show together highlighting the beautiful area we live in and voila!”
Latest Columns
Fun stuff! Jun 16, 2013 / 5:00 amFun in the mountains! Jun 9, 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: June 16 - 22 Jun 16, 2013 / 5:00 amHoroscope: June 9 - 15 Jun 9, 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
How far can you see when night driving? Jun 15, 2013 / 5:00 amCollisions: acceptable risk of driving? Jun 8, 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
House hunting: finding the right fit Jun 15, 2013 / 5:00 amDesigning a water efficient garden Jun 1, 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
Start summer in Summerland Jun 15, 2013 / 5:00 amLazy days of summer? Jun 8, 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
A True Visionary (Frontiers pt.2) Jun 14, 2013 / 7:00 pmExpanding The Frontiers Jun 7, 2013 / 7:00 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
Living like Harold & the Purple Crayon Jun 14, 2013 / 5:00 amAccepting that which we fear Jun 7, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Dawn McIntyre, Assistant Store Manager at BCBGMAXAZRIA, is an expert fashion and beauty stylist and also in leading women into higher states of expansion and beauty consciousness.
Latest Columns
Fashionista Friday Jun 14, 2013 / 5:00 amFashionista Friday Jun 7, 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
Reflections on water Jun 14, 2013 / 5:00 amKelowna is full of amazing people! Jun 7, 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
Something rotten in the State of Denmark Jun 14, 2013 / 5:00 amDon't vote May 3, 2013 / 5:00 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
Crash the helicopter... Jun 14, 2013 / 5:00 amThis summer, your family MUST do this!! Jun 7, 2013 / 5:00 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
Fathers Day: Wings and Wheels Jun 13, 2013 / 8:30 amWine Art & Music Jun 6, 2013 / 8:30 am» Read All
KyLee Fournier is a certified sports nutritional consultant, living in Kelowna, BC who helps clients across North America make better decisions regarding what they eat. Her specialty is plant-based nutrition.
Latest Columns
Encouraging healthy eating habits Jun 13, 2013 / 5:00 amOne ingredient - endless benefits May 12, 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! Jun 13, 2013 / 5:00 amJohn Thomson's I Didn't Know That! Jun 6, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Chuck Poulsen is a mostly-retired journalist. As a senior, he works on this column to help him stay awake in the afternoon!
Latest Columns
Are some vet bills a rip-off? Jun 13, 2013 / 5:00 amPoulsen: Monsanto seeds of discontent May 30, 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
Fuel your body or fill your belly? Jun 13, 2013 / 5:00 amMind-muscle connection May 30, 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
Capturing crucial engagement photos Jun 13, 2013 / 5:00 amThe do it yourself bride & the decorator May 30, 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
Cloud computing Jun 12, 2013 / 5:00 amThe relative unimportance of a quote May 9, 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.
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
Candida: What is it? Jun 11, 2013 / 5:00 amProstate health Jun 4, 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
Contemporary elegance with a view Jun 10, 2013 / 9:00 amFore you? Check out this home Apr 20, 2013 / 9:11 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
A Kelowna excursion with wine bloggers Jun 10, 2013 / 5:00 amRun a half-marathon? Yes you can. May 27, 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.
Latest Columns
Heart Health: Essential for a long life Jun 10, 2013 / 5:00 amBreak through to prosperity May 28, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Latest Columns
The Big Surf photo contest winner is... Jun 9, 2013 / 3:57 pmIt's garage sale time Mar 8, 2013 / 11:14 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
The right RV Jun 9, 2013 / 5:00 amKeep that RV ticking! May 12, 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
Good news on the horizon Jun 8, 2013 / 5:00 amTalking to constituents May 25, 2013 / 5:00 am» 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
The bailiffs are coming! Jun 7, 2013 / 5:00 amThe most brilliant marketing strategy May 24, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
Pushor Mitchell's Employment Group assists clients in meeting the challenges of today's workplace, including: hiring, firing, management, discipline, contracts, human rights, employment standards, privacy and many other related issues. In their column, the authors' provide practical and interesting information on employment law topics for both employers and employees.
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: Time & Money Jun 6, 2013 / 5:00 amTwo minute tidbit - Say NO May 23, 2013 / 6:00 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
Inversion ankle sprains Jun 6, 2013 / 5:00 amPlantar fasciitis May 23, 2013 / 6:00 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
Cancer is a scary word Jun 5, 2013 / 7:00 amSummer hazards for dogs May 8, 2013 / 9:00 am» Read All
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
Eco-friendly kitchens Jun 4, 2013 / 5:00 amGreen Housing Expo coming up! May 26, 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
When should I settle with ICBC? Jun 3, 2013 / 5:00 amMinor accident - minor injury? May 4, 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
Moving from poverty to possibility: Jim's story Jun 2, 2013 / 5:00 amChanges & the charitable sector Apr 28, 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
Maxi-mal effect May 30, 2013 / 5:00 amCelebrating efflorescent spring styles Apr 28, 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
Will tomorrow be a replay of today? May 27, 2013 / 5:00 amKnocking the competition May 13, 2013 / 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
Grouse Mountain- The Peak of Vancouver May 25, 2013 / 5:00 amKitsilano: vibrant and upbeat! Apr 12, 2013 / 5:00 am» Read All
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dr. Shane Gagner owns Highlands Family Dentistry in Glenmore, and has been providing comprehensive family dental care in Kelowna since 2006.
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
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.
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
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