Life

Dear Dr. Roach: I have read that very high doses of vitamin C is a good preventive measure for cancer, and have read that even higher doses intravenously have cured cancer.

Five years ago, pinball machines were an endangered species in Vancouver. Pinball zealot Angelo Muro says there were fewer than a dozen machines left for public play across the Lower Mainland. They were poorly repaired and limping toward extinction.

Dear Eric: My local meat market sells oxtails. I have no experience with them, but have heard, if prepared properly, that they can be very tasty.

Somewhere, Louis Riel is smiling. Métis candidate Brian Bowman won Winnipeg’s mayoral election on Oct. 22, Riel’s 170th birthday. This made Winnipeg the largest Canadian city to date to be governed by one of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.

A Sentimental Christmas Carol Where: Royal Theatre When: Friday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets: $30 to $80 250-385-6815 It seems Victoria just loves A Christmas Carol.

REVIEW A Christmas Story: The Musical Where: McPherson Playhouse When: Tonight-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets: $19.75-$49.

VANCOUVER — For years, sweaters bristling with bells, lights, appliqued Santa Clauses, snowmen and reindeer were mocked as the exclusive province of the tasteless at Christmas.

Products with reassuring labels may be loaded with fat and sugar

TORONTO — Taking the time to make a simple edible gift, be it a jar of flavourful chutney or luscious chocolates, and wrap it prettily is a special way to infuse a present with a personal touch that’s an alternative to that ubiquitous bottle of wine.

How would I react if I were dying of terminal cancer and none of the current painkillers could ease my agony? Or if I were suffering day after day the pain of crippling arthritis and no medication relieved my misery? And then I read that addicts were