May, 2017

  1. The 6-DOF VRX Simulator

    May 26, 2017 by Tessa Bousfield

    We’ve said it before: Video Games are the gateway drug to the tech sector. Well, if VRX Simulators were a drug, they’d definitely be a high-octane-full-throttle version of steroids.

    VRX Ventures builds simulators right on the Island in Sidney, BC. Owner and Founder Rob Stanners started out with a $5k simulator and keeps blowing minds with every new model.

    The current prototype, the 6-DOF Simulator is being built for a client and it is C-R-A-Z-Y.

    It’s a racing bucket with a 5 point harness that has pistons built into it that move, shake and even lift you 8 feet off the floor! It’s a totally immersive experience that transports you to a Formula 1 type race car, or even a helicopter or fighter jet. In fact, Formula 1 racers actually use VRX simulators to train on!

    The new 6-DOF even has 2 passenger seats attached to it. Rob Stanner’s vision is for fans to sit in the back as their favourite F1 racer takes them for a one-of-a-kind ride.

    What’s next for VRX? Well, Rob Stanners has a plan that may involve taking over the world. He’ll start out little though, by building a theme park.

    Learn more about VRX at www.vrx.ca and follow them on social media to find out which events you can try their products at!

    Click HERE to listen to the B-Side radio show on the Zone at 91.3fm!

    Check out the video below of Dan Gunn and his son Max giving the 6-DOF a go.


  2. Jimbo, his giant peach, and Smellvira

    May 19, 2017 by Tessa Bousfield

    What does a drag queen named Smellvira and a guy named James (who goes by Jimbo) have in common? Well, they’re one in the same and equally awesome.

    Jimbo is a collector of all things unique, he’s a costume designer and he’s also behind the giant peach structure from the Kaleidoscope Theatre’s “James and the Giant Peach”. Yes, a real life James has his very own Giant Peach.

    Smellvira is well known around town and you can even hire her to make appearances at events. Which is what the eatArt Foundation did when they got her to jump out of a cake at their Mondo Spider reveal event in Vancouver. While there, she got to know a lot of people and was able to get her hands on a CNC cutter for one of Jimbo’s visions.

    Jimbo worked out of Studio Robazzo cutting 150 plywood pieces in the shape of unique fins. The fins came together to make the shape of a giant peach!

    Jimbo is always busy doing something. You can catch some of his incredible costume designs on the Atomic Vaudeville crew in the upcoming “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” at the Metro June 8-18. Tickets here.


  3. Donuts and Crackers?!

    May 12, 2017 by Tessa Bousfield

    Picking up on the topic of local businesses run by women entrepreneurs (so far we’ve featured Singing Bowl Granola and Earth’s Herbal), Dan Gunn discusses two more local businesses: Empire Donuts and Jenny Marie’s Cracker Company.

    Empire Donuts 

    Empire Donuts aren’t your average donut (or doughnut if you want to be real Canadian about it). All the donuts are made by hand, from scratch, with quality ingredients. These babies come in all types of flavours, many of which are very unique such as: Lemon Coconut, Earl Grey, Lavender, Cinnamon Toast, Maple Butter, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Brown Butter Toffee Pecan, Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Maraschino Cherry and MUCH more!

    Melanie Laverick is the owner and operator of Empire Donuts and she’s been baking more than ever now that Empire has it’s very own shop at 736 View Street. They’re open Tuesday to Friday 8am until Sold Out, and Saturday 9am until Sold Out. You can also buy these delectable delights from: 2% Jazz, Picnic Coffee, Niagara Grocery, Hide + Seek Coffee, Fairfield Market, Second Crack Coffee, Shatterbox Coffee, Ground Control Cafe, Koffi and Fernwood Coffee. They also deliver right to your office. Sorry, none of them are fat free. www.empiredonuts.ca

    Jenny Marie’s Cracker Company

    Jenny Marie’s passion for fresh and wholesome food was born in her Grandmother’s Newfoundland kitchen. Jenny Marie’s Cracker Company uses simple ingredients, free of artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, GMO’s and hydrogenated oils. These small-batch artisan crackers are freshly baked and either enjoyed on their own, topped with fresh local cheeses, preserves or charcuterie.

    You can purchase Jenny Marie’s crackers from: Moss Street Market, Oak Bay Market, Sidney Night Market, Niagara Grocery, Pepper’s Foods, “The Local” (Haultain Corners), The Rootcellar, Ottavio Bakery & Delicatessen, Slaters Meats, Oak Bay Seafood, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Carnivore Meats & More, Deep Cove Market, Nicholas Randall, Fairways Markets, Fantastico Bar-Deli and more. www.jennymariescrackers.com

    Listen below as Dan Gunn discusses all of this, ermmm “fidget spinners”, and more on the Zone at 91.3fm…

     


  4. Earth’s Herbal

    May 5, 2017 by Tessa Bousfield

    Lily Fawn of Earth’s Herbal Tea

    “Before there were tight pants, lumberjack shirts, beards and people saying the word ‘artisanal'” there was Earth’s Herbal. Local entrepreneur, Lily Fawn, started up Earth’s Herbal in 1992 with the intent of sharing her unique herbal products with the community.

    Lily has schooling in holistic medicine, healthcare, phytotherapy and the science of herbal remedies.

    The recipes she started creating were for individual clients when she was a Holistic Consultant. The incredible blends were such a success, she was highly encouraged to create a line of products for purchase. This spawned Earth’s Herbal Products, “an ever growing line of organic tinctures, ointments, aromatherapy, sensual products and herbal teas that are not only delicious but also of the highest quality available.” There’s even a PMS and Menopause tea!

    You may have seen the fun packaging in stores around Victoria, including Ground Control Cafe. They’re colourful, playful and humorous. A few of the more popular flavours are The Study Buddy, Hangover Tea and Apple Pie.

    Her line of sensual products includes lube and nipple gel, and she even makes “Man Stuff” cologne with Rum and Bay leaves!!

    Click below to hear more about Earth’s Herbal on the B-Side show on the Zone at 91.3fm.