Fringe Video: Mothership Down
Instead of “Take me to your leader,” Marty Chan has crafted a play that’s more “We are your leaders.”
Yes, it’s aliens and politics: together at the Fringe! (more…)
Colour My World
When I was like 18, my brother and I were roommates. One of the many dumb things we did, besides refer to Bruce Willis as “Spruchay Spillis” for an entire year and take photographs to document how disgustingly dirty our apartment became, was engage in a battle of outgoing voicemail message oneupmanship.
“Paul can’t come to the phone right now because he’s painting his toenails.”
“Sally can’t come to the phone right now because she’s getting a pelvic exam”
“Paul can’t come to the phone right now because he’s learning to read.”
Anyway, for some reason, the one that really sticks in my brain is the time he changed the voicemail to say that I couldn’t answer the phone because I was colouring. Because I thought to myself, is there some SHAME in colouring? It’s like drawing, but with less responsibility. Also, more colour. It is one of the few times as an adult I can use wax crayons to express myself and not be thought of as on the verge of some kind of episode. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING A COLOURING ENTHUSIAST.
Anyway, it seems the team at Edmonton Public Libraries would back me up on this. They’re offering free .pdf downloads of colouring pages created by Edmonton illustrator Crystal Driedger (who has plenty of colouring freebies on her own site as well). They are super cute, super plentiful and they are excellent for both children, and regressing adults. Enjoy!
Frozen Events
Yeah, it’s stay-in-the-house-under-three-blankets-with-the-heat-cranked-cold. But there’s plenty of Edmonton to explore, even in the cold. You just have to bundle up and try not to spend too long outside when it’s dangerously cold.
Ice on Whyte began this week. While wind chills in the -30s aren’t the best atmosphere for checking out the ice sculptures, it won’t be this cold forever.
The Joe is releasing Float or Flail, an album five years in the making, at The Haven Social Club (now home to Pharos Pizza), with fellow Old Uglians Bike Month, Mitchmatic, and Racoon Suit along for the ride. The Haven is going to be nice and warm.
In other musical notes…Ingrid Gatin is playing at The Carrot, with Michael Reinhart, before hopping on a train to Winnipeg. Playing her all the way across the prairies…The Wheat Pool, Michael James Band, and audio/rocketry are at the Crown & Anchor Pub…Bluebird North is at the TransAlta Arts Barns…and The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is playing for the kids on Saturday. They’ll be playing behind a performance of Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood.
I’m hearing good things about the Spiral Dive trilogy at La Cite Francophone Theatre (all three run in a marathon on Sunday, January 23).
In movies…Charlie Chaplin is at Metro Cinema. His films anyway. The short film High Level Bridge is headed to Sundance. Help the film’s makers have a good time by throwing them a few bones. While having a heck of an evening at The ARTery. (They will be screening the short as well.) And there’s always regular movies too.
Meet the Edmonton Public Library’s Writer in Residence for 2011. To get in you need only bring a book for the swap. It all goes down Saturday afternoon at the Whitemud Crossing branch of the EPL.
Latitude 53 has two new shows this weekend.
And the Edmonton Motorcycle Show is this weekend up at Northlands’ Expo Centre. If you actually ride a motorcycle to the show in this weather you are indeed a brave soul.
Oh, and if you plan on using the LRT Sunday, it’s likely not your best option.
Did I miss something? If I did I’m blaming winter.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton.
That is all.
…
I’m kidding of course. There’s lots more to talk about. I just wanted you to jump for joy or curse out loud at that first piece of news. (more…)
The EPL has a lot going on
When Sarah asked if we’d include a daddy and baby class she’d be running at the Strathcona branch of the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), I thought it would be a good time to plug some of their other unique programming options. I also made a joke about giving away or racing babies or something. But today we’ll just focus on the programs and not how much money you could win by choosing the fastest baby.
So, yeah, the EPL offers plenty of classes and programs, like Daddy and Baby Time (which starts this Wednesday at the Strathcona branch of the library and doesn’t even require registration), for babies, toddlers, children, teens, and their parents and families.
They actually offer a lot more than that too. The EPL has book clubs, chess clubs, helps people improve their English (not to mention learn other languages), stretch it out with yoga, watch and discuss TED talks, and even finish your novel.
While we’re talking about library events, you can come out Saturday and meet this year’s Writer in Residence, Marty Chan, if you bring a book to trade.
Friday’s Headlines
Hi Edmonton. Welcome to Friday. It’s back to five-day work weeks from here on out. Boo-urns.
You can text ETS for bus schedules now. (More on this from Mack.)
You ever find yourself at a closed library branch on the weekend? (Photo: Brittney Le Blanc)
The Edmonton Public Library is going to be open, at just about every branch, on Sundays.
The Edmonton Ski Club is 100 years old this winter. It would be cool if they went back to doing things in Norwegian to celebrate.
The kite and toy store at West Edmonton Mall, a local business in the big mall, is closing up. You can still shop with them at South Edmonton Common though. Another local spot in WEM, a newspaper shop, is closing too.
Indoor soccer is getting too rough. So coaches are going to be asked to get their players to cool it.
The Edmonton Comedy Festival is coming.
It sounds like Edmonton’s new remand centre can’t come soon enough.
*****
The Calgary Herald is continuing to hammer the provincial government on its workplace safety rules, and enforcement. Today there’s a story on how, with one-quarter the size of our workforce, Saskatchewan prosecutes more workplace violations. Meanwhile…in the oilsands…an explosion hurts four people…
*****
Want to see your art on a billboard?
As you shake crumbs, dust bunnies, and paper clips from your keyboard, check out this cleaner version from right here in Edmonton.
We’ve got a nice little blast of winter coming today. Don’t forget to check the Long John Index as part of your daily weather routine.
Last Minute Christmas Gifts
It’s that time of year, again, isn’t it? The time of year when you panic shop to make up for all the time you spent watching Holiday Specials and swilling eggnog with your friends. Your no good, riff-raff friends. GOOD GOD, IS THIS WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO YOU?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?! GROW UP!
Anyway, in an effort to take the edge off, Monsieur Samsonow and I have made lists of a few ideas we might like to receive (p.s., send us christmas presents).
5 Gifts Sally Would Want
1) A fitness class from Defining Eve (10920 88th Avenue)
Defining Eve is a somewhat lady-centric (but dudes go there too!) fitness and training studio in the Garneau area that offers group classes, personal training and nutritional counseling. I am currently a very happy customer of theirs, and would wholeheartedly recommend this to the fitness enthusiast on your list. Or, alternately, if you have somebody who talks a lot about exercises but is actually terrified of the gym (someone like, say, ME) this place is basically their dream come true. Helpful staff, a friendly clientele and a warm atmosphere make it nothing like the junior high Phys. Ed classes etched in your memory. (more…)
Little Miss Curious is awesome
Before I start out, I’d just like to point out that Movember is almost over, thank goodness. Half of you were beginning to look like you drive a cube van and wear trench coats. Apparently, November 18 is “Sleep With a Man With a Moustache” day. But that’s only a rumor…
As I freeze my ass off despite the extra 10 pounds of clothing I have on, I’ve started doing a little looksie at what’s popular for Christmas. We don’t really celebrate in my family, but I’m always curious to see what other people are buying for the holiday season.
If anyone hasn’t seen, or read, it yet, “The Book of Awesome” is one of Amazon’s top-sellers. When I reserved it from the library I ended up being number 220 in line, but thankfully they have about 40 copies now so I didn’t have to wait that long. But to be honest, it wasn’t worth the wait. Quite frankly it sucked. “High-fiving babies,” “the first scoop of peanut butter out of the jar”? I’m not so sure how awesome these things are on a daily basis. I mean, they probably grow old after awhile.
I decided to come up with my own list of awesome. (more…)
Some Edmonton Events
There’s some good music happening in Edmonton this weekend.
CJSR’s FunDrive benefit show is tonight at The ARTery.
Todd Snider is at the Myer Horowitz. (Thanks to hi54lofi for the heads-up on this one.) Kat Danser is playing the Arden…you know you like swamp blues. Michelle Wright is bouncing around the capital region. Homefest is also this Sunday.
Lyve on Whyte gets Old Ugly Saturday night with Doug Hoyer and Mitchmatic. Oh, and Emily is going to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Also happening this weekend…Farmfair International (kind of a precursor to the Canadians Finals Rodeo, or CFR), the Oilers host the Red Wings, politicos are trying to Reboot Alberta (3.0) at the Delta South, there’s an open house at MacEwan University, it’s a Handmade Mafia weekend, and the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is holding a kick-ass book sale.
Thanks to Leanne for reminding us about the Edmonton Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival.
Don’t forget there are always new movies and November is Shop Local month.
Peace!
Curious top 10
This week I took a little break about writing about sex.
…I said writing, not thinking!
So, while the hamster in my head never stops running its laps, here are the top ten things that rocked my socks off this week.
#1 The Chilean miners being rescued. Who didn’t watch this with a box of Kleenex? What a wonderful day. Hopefully this brings to light mining safety problems, and what goes on around the world. Mining is a dangerous job, period. This is not a first time occurrence, nor sadly will it be the last, but perhaps there might be a push though for more stringent rules now when it comes to this field.
#2 Ginger juice!
It's people! Ginger juice is (ginger) people!
For those of us who suffer from extreme laziness when it comes to cooking, your prayers have arrived. I usually just use it to make tea, but you can do anything with it. Even voodoo (OK maybe not voodoo). $4 a bottle at Planet Organic.
#3 The Royal Alberta Museums opening of “The Wizard of Oz” exhibition this week.
A quick tip, on Saturday and Sunday admission is half-price between 9 and 11.
Cheap date.
#4 The “Pro-smoking” campaign that came out of Nova Scotia. Can we say “genius?!”
#5 “Soul Science” by Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara. This contemporary take on west-African music has been playing non-stop on my iPod.
Final 5 after a quick Soul Science break… (more…)
Spicy candy and beer in hell
More on this, later...
On Tuesday, I plunked my groceries down at the check-out till and made a mental note to see that I had everything. Condoms, shrimp, spinach, ice-cream, and a few other goodies for the long weekend. Check, check and check.
I wasn’t paying that much attention when all of a sudden I heard a man’s voice talking to me. Looking up I assumed it was another creeper, but instead, there in front of me, was the guy I had been flirting with, for maybe 10 years?
Our relationship had been weird; gone to school together, then lost track, would bump into each other every few years, flirt, and then go our separate ways. We talked and, after a few carefully worded questions, I found out that he lived directly across the street from me.
Yes!
There was one catch though. I couldn’t remember his name, and that indeed was a bad thing. So I did what any modern woman would do in my shoes. I pulled out a business card and said: “I’m looking for a workout buddy, you look like you’d be a good match.”
He mumbled something about probably not being able to keep up with me, and I bit my tongue so I wouldn’t agree. He took my card though, and now we’ll see if he makes the next move. If yes, great. If no, great. I never sweat it when it comes to guys. No one should.
On another note, last week I promised to discuss what mayoral candidate would look good in a wet t-shirt contest. I only have two words, Lynn Mandel. (more…)
Curious book titles (and Right Said Fred)
This week, as I prepare to figure out which mayoral candidate would win a wet t-shirt contest, I just have one question. Who writes all these crappy relationship books?
I just picked up a book from the EPL entitled ” Men Are Like Waffles. Women Are Like Spaghetti.” (And Atkins must be rolling round in his grave.) With more than 200, 000 copies sold, however, perhaps I shouldn’t be asking who writes this junk, but who reads this stuff?
Next year I’m writing the sequel to this book, a less carby version; “Men Are Like Sausage, Women Are Like Bacon” and I expect it to be a New York Times Bestseller.
Until next week Edmonton, keep it smart, single, and sexy and don’t forget to follow the elections, even if the winner is quite obvious.
Little Miss Curious is the edmontonian’s sexiest writer (sorry Gregg Beever) and we can’t thank her enough for the Right Said Fred.
Little Miss Curious (NSFW)
Do vibrating cock rings expire? As I attempt to purge myself down to 100 things (that’s a story for another day) I found a little toy that must have come with a box of condoms, from when I was dating that nerdy guy a year ago.
Sad to say his experimentation only went from placing me on the bottom to me on the top, so adventure never really crossed into mind. However, the next guy was much more involved which leads me to wonder; how was it not used up? And what happens if I use it now? Will my partner’s penis catch on fire? Will it explode? Or will it be cool running? I’ll keep you posted… hopefully with a happy ending. (more…)
Renaming the Children’s Library
If you’ve been to the Stanley A. Milner branch (Downtown) of the Edmonton Public Library, you have passed by the super-cute, brightly coloured children’s wing that is also housed within the building. It’s just to the left of the main entrance.
Recently I noticed they’ve kicked things up a notch, with an aquarium. And…is that a boat?!
So, when we received word from the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) announcing they were having a sweet library event, officially naming the children’s library, we were all over that!
EXCEPT…SNOWMAGGEDON!
Yes, that blast of winter got in our way, and we missed the news conference. We know this, since a parade of snowsuit-clad kids leaving the library greeted us.
But when life hands you snowy lemons you contact a well-connected person for some thoughts on the subject.
As these computers prove, the library is more than books.
Of course, we turned to man-about-town Jerry Aulenbach. He also just happens to be the current Mayor of the Stanley A. Milner Library on mobile game foursquare.
So we asked Jerry about naming the kid’s wing of the downtown branch the “Shelley Milner Children’s Library,” named for the late daughter of the main library’s namesake (Stanley A. Milner).
“Often, when buildings, and the like, are named after people, you don’t get to find out why, or who they were,” Jerry said.
“It’s kind of nice to know that Shelley had a love of literature, which I found out from my friend (and her cousin) Joe Milner.”
“I know that the Milner family has been investing major dollars into the library [$500,000 for this expansion], as well as other organizations, such as the U of A School of Business.
Jerry, being foursquare mayor, said an official name means the children’s library should be its own venue in the game.
I want a reading boat!
“Already added it to foursquare,” he said. “Next trip there, and I’m mayor, baby!”
(Isn’t it nice to see people excited about a library?)
The new children’s library expansion comes after a half-million dollar donation from the Milners. It adds more space for kids, and books, new computers, and provides ongoing programming and services.
Plus there IS a boat, and aquarium, a few of both which also go into other EPL branches.
Do it
Although the “it” in my headline is really left up to you. But whatever “it” is that you choose for this weekend, make it fun.
Of course, some of you may be heading down the highway to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. Say “Hi” to Spock for us.
It’s cool and rainy, so maybe something inside is just right for this weekend. How about something with lots of beer?
Also inside is the Edmonton Opera’s season-ending show, “Otelleo.” It’s Shakespeare’s Othello, but Opera-style.
Los Lonely Boys are over at the Winspear. But if that’s not your speed, how about a DJ set from TV’s Degrassi’s Caitlin and Spike?!
Now, let’s see what ShareEdmonton has to say about this weekend.
Of course, the Edmonton Poetry Festival is on. Poetry doesn’t have to be boring, check out some of the events they’ve got going. (I’m a terrible poet.)
Over at the Edmonton Expo Centre (at Northlands) you’ve got the Edmonton Ink Festival: The Tattoo & Body Modification Show.
I was talking about this in the Headlines this morning; the Edmonton Public Library is trying out an MP3 Experiment at Churchill Square. You download the audio file, head to the square, then everyone starts listening at the same time. I bet it tells you to do some wacky stuff that will appear odd to passersby. The EPL follows that up with an audience participation viewing of The Princess Bride.
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Now prepare to die. (That I typed this from memory is impressive. Or the opposite of that.)
Saturday is Astronomy Day! Celebrate at the Telus World of Science with, uh, astronomy.
And if you like transit (And who doesn’t?) then you’ll already know the Edmonton Transit Service is hosting a Community Fair at Southgate and Century Park LRT stations. Those stations also officially open to the public. Finally, I have a reason (and a way) to get down to Century Park.
Transit nerds unite!
Churchill Square, on a sunny Sunday
Previous to this latest taste of winter, I enjoyed some of our more spring-like weather and wandered around Sir Winston Churchill Square.
I feel like if I don’t force myself to spend some time in the most obvious of Edmonton spaces I’ll end up running between big box centres and forgetting that there’s some pretty neat stuff here.
First thing I did was take a visual spin around the square. (more…)
