Kitchener artist takes a grizzly stance on urban space
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e’re literally rolling through the heritage of Waterloo Region,”says Sean Geobey, a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, looking through the vintage, wooden window frame and across the fields of Waterloo Region. The sun is setting, pushing streams of orange and red light through makeshift, stained-glass windows. The nostalgia of every passenger who once rode the ancient locomotive is alive in this train car. Of course, all of this is broken by a man dawning a horse head, running down the junk-mail filled aisle, followed by a
rockabilly, trumpet-toting band of merriment and 250 of Waterloo Region’s best friends – singing, laughing, swaying, and imbibing. This is Steel Rails Sessions 2014. I’m acting as a roving reporter, trying to document the duality of this locomotive and I’m flushing with a little panic about how I’ll record the thoughts of 250 passengers when the entire train boasts the blurts of a tuba, and every patron is crowding the aisle that is no wider than a newspaper. The train has been rolling – St. Jacobs bound – for about fifteen minutes, Geobey and I are still sitting in a quadrant of seats with two other passengers who have managed to navigate the billowing cars well enough to return with a few cans of beer. “The line was getting crazy, so we grabbed a few,” one of them says, explaining the tall cans cradled in her arms.
I worry about the sound quality of my tape, whether or not the laughing of our temporary neighbors or the fizz spurting from the shaken beverages will interrupt my interview with Geobey. Pushing the shotgun microphone closer to his face, I ask him about his past experiences on the train.
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THE CORD
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75 University Ave. W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 519-884-0710 x3564 Volume 2, Issue #10 Next issue: August 7, 2014 Advertising All advertising inquiries should be directed to Angela Endicott at 519-884-0710 x3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com Editor-in-Chief Allison M. Leonard aleonard@thecord.ca
Cord Editor-in-Chief Kate Turner kturner@thecord.ca
Publisher Bryn Ossington bryn.ossington@wlusp.com
Production Editor Tegan Thuss tthuss@thecord.ca
Cord Photo Editor Will Huang whuang@thecord.ca
Arts & Culture Editor Anna Beard abeard@thecord.ca
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Cord Photo Editor Heather Davidson hdavidson@thecord.ca Social Media Coordinator Juliana Gomez jgomez@thecord.ca CONTRIBUTORS Cristina Alumdevar Carla Beharry Shelby Blakely Samantha Estoesta Scotty Glaysher Stacey Jacobs
Nick Lachance Justin Smirlies Matt Smith
WLUSP ADMINISTRATION President Executive Director Advertising Manager Treasurer Vice-Chair Director Director Director Corporate Secretary Distribution Manager Web Manager
Dani Saad Bryn Ossington Angela Endicott John Pehar Abdiasis Issa Shelby Blackley Neha Soni Taylor Berzins Laura Buck Angela Endicott George Liu
The Cord Community Edition is the monthly magazine version of the Cord, the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 2012, The Cord Community Edition is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within The Cord Community Edition are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or The Guelph Mercury. All content appearing in The Cord Community Edition bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Cord Community Edition is created using Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.5 using Adobe Creative Suite 4. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. The Cord Community’s title font is Bebas, an open source font created by Dharma fonts (formerly Flat-it).
• NICK LACHANCE. CCE CONTRIBUTOR
.-!9:;<!;<<=> ?36/#43! Steel Rails 2014 PAGE 8 The CCE invited you and 300 of your closest friends for an art party on a train - hilarity ensued -3@< 3 4 5
The true cost of construction Catherine Fife’s re-election Election Watch
#4A6-!! 3BC7+4.-D The Cord Community Edition is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ontpress.com or call 416-340-1981. The Cord Community Edition circulates monthly. Normal circulation is 33,000 and enjoys a readership of over 60,000. Cord Community Edition subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada. PREAMBLE TO THE CORD CONSTITUTION The Cord Community Edition will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy. The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on the community of KitchenerWaterloo. Ultimately, The Cord Community Edition will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate. The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the community. The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of community press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our magazine.
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Tri-City Thrifty, the book edition Pro-choice, not pro-abortion Keeping safe in the sun
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Grizzlies in Kitchener Deltron 3030 to play at Starlight Luke Michielson Jazz Fest brings the cool cats to KW Reviews Listings
73//348!!/+!!/23!!35./+4 All letters to the editor can be sent to communityeditor@thecord.ca
Every issue we highlight five people who have made a contribution to keep the CCE going. Want to help? E-mail communityeditor@thecord.ca
F!!G><<FH>!!IJKG!!9:>! L.-/34.,M!!3.* No, I’m not Waterloo Region’s beloved, overqualified and admirably investigative H.G. Watson. Yes, I will be the first to admit that I wish H.G., as one hell of journalist, didn’t leave this office. Despite the planned departure of our editor who tirelessly built this community voiced paper, the CCE lives on in the exact way it should – at the hands of each of you. My name is Allison M. Leonard, or Allie beyond the feature-reading community, and I’m proud to say that I was part of the administration at WLU Student Publications that brought this publication to fruition, and the way I see it, success. The CCE, by the support of its readers, advertisers and hardworking volunteers has told the stories of many, shed light on the Region’s underreported issues and offered ideologies worth considering to anyone willing to flip through our pages with their coffee. Why would I ever change that? The CCE’s high quality writing and visual direction will go unscathed during our time of transition as long as you consider the following: This, is my introduction, but we’ve known each other a long time, friends. I’ve photographed tales of triumph. I’ve wept alongside you while copy editing the woeful times, too. It’s your turn to pony up. Do your old pal a favour and send me your pitches for stories, volunteer those writing skills you haven’t dusted off in years or offer up that visual creativity and share your photography with the city. Your community, and its media are calling in a favour. Regrettably, I’ll only be taking on this role on an interim basis. Academia will call in September when I’ll begin my M.A. I hope to leave these pages, the CCE’s volunteer base and the support of a community waiting for my successor – the person who will tell your stories next. I’m yours for one more month, KW. Let’s make the most of it. - Allison M. Leonard
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-389 ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE CONNOR WARD
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News beat ! DEVELOPERS SEEK TO BUILD COSTCO SOONER
CCE CONTRIBUTOR
n May 6, a construction worker fell from a balcony on a work site in Kitchener, suffering non-life threatening injuries to his back and legs. This incident closely resembled the fatal fall of another construction worker from an apartment being built across from the Wilfrid Laurier University campus on Bricker Avenue on Oct. 11, 2013. These incidents reflect the regular nature of construction accidents in the Region of Waterloo. According to the Waterloo Regional Police Service, they responded to 20 construction site accidents in 2012, and saw an increase in 2013, responding to 30. “All other types of workplace accidents have remained fairly stable from 2012 to 2013,” said WRPS staff sergeant Shaena Morris. “It’s actually just the construction accidents that increased from 2012 to 2013.” The underlying physical cause of these accidents is falling from a serious height, such as a balcony, scaffolding or a crane. The Ontario Ministry of Labour has reported that the largest cause of construction accidents in the province is falling from a serious height, and this has been demonstrated in the region. “What’s actually causing the accidents is falls for various reasons,” said Lou LeBlanc, owner of Cambridge-based company BuildSafe, which specializes in construction safety services. However, the root of these accidents is much more complex than falling. While the increase in construction site accidents could be simply attributed to an increase in construction in the region, it does not explain the underlying cause for most construction accidents overall. LeBlanc asserted that construction site accidents in general are no simple matter to explain. A number of factors are often involved in an incident, making it difficult to place
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Developers who want to build the Waterloo Costco do not want to wait the proposed five years that Waterloo Council approved. Instead, they have made an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. Council approved the project, only if a traffic study was completed, along with roadwork in the area. However, the company building Costco, Rice Commercial Group, is appealing this decision, stating that traffic analysis was done in their initial development application.
• HEATHER DAVIDSON CCE CONTRIBUTOR
fault on any one person or group. “Sometimes it’s the employer’s lack of training, lack of knowledge or lack of proper training. Supervisors under budget and time restraints might also place safety second,” said LeBlanc. “In other cases, the supervisor might just not have a clue. Some supervisors were promoted because they were a good worker, not because they have management abilities.” LeBlanc also mentioned that many workers shun safety because they believe it slows them down, and instead adopt a “get it done” attitude that can lead to hazardous practices. For these workers, LeBlanc recommended simply slowing down and working cautiously. The provincial government became starkly aware to the issue of construction workplace safety in 2009 after an accident caused multiple deaths in Toronto, and has been working to reduce construction site incidents. In 2011, the government passed a series of health and safety act amendments based on recommendations found in an expert panel review of the province’s occupational health
and safety. These amendments created a Chief Prevention Officer for the province, as well as a prevention council including labour representatives, employers and safety experts to help guide the Chief Prevention Officer and Minister of Labour. Yet even with a large amount of relatively new legislation and training standards for employers and workers, workplace accidents on construction sites have continued to take place. This may be due in part to a resistance to fully implement and enforce the health and safety act amendments. It might also continue to take place for a much more rudimentary reason. LeBlanc mentioned that often people involved with construction see accidents as something that won’t happen on their work site, and that sometimes construction safety isn’t taken seriously until an accident hits close to home. “A lot of supervisors and workers haven’t dealt with dead workers,” he said. “You don’t get it until you have dealt with a dead worker or had your own scare.”
We went to uptown Waterloo and asked:
What’s keeping you in Waterloo Region?
“The friendly people and the community.”
“My life is here. My job, my karate, everything.”
“I have always lived here. I love Waterloo, I don’t go to Kitchener.”
Roger LeBlanc, retired
Rob Ball, front hand clerk
Lola MacDonald, retired
! FUNRAISERS APP WILL AID BUSINESSES AND CHARITIES Former Blackberry employee Dev Thakkar invented an appcalle FunRaisers, similar to Groupon or WagJag, but with the aims of donations of $5 going to a local charity. Launched on June 24, this app will allow those purchasing items from the eight local businesses to feel as though they are giving back to the community, by assisting one of five local charities included. The app can be downloaded on any device.
! RESIDENTS WORRIED ABOUT GRAVEL PIT A yet-to-be-approved gravel pit slated for County Route 124 between Cambridge and Guelph has residents up in arms. Local residents are forming a protest against the gravel pit, which they claim will degrade the quality of their drinking water, as representatives acknowledged at a public information meeting. The residents are also worried about traffic flow, as County Route 124 is already heavy with traffic without adding large trucks into the mix.
! FIVE RECEIVE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS Ashna Maredia, Peter Last, Zachary Hamel, Kokulan Jeyaraman and Jeonghoon Lee were five local students presented with the Duke of Edinburgh gold award by Governor General David Johnston in Toronto. There were 104 presented with this honour, which are given to youth who have strived in four chosen areas — community service, skill development, physical recreation and adventurous journey. Created in 1963 by Prince Phillip, the awards encouraged community development among youth.
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FIFE TO FOLLOW THE SAME PATH
Re-elected NDP MPP to focus on transit, environment, employment JUSTIN SMIRLIES CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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atherine Fife was only in office for little over a year-and-half before she had to go knocking on doors again. As the winner of the Kitchener-Waterloo byelection in September 2012, the New Democratic Party incumbent somewhat felt she wasn’t validated yet as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo. That feeling changed the night of June 12. “Byelections feel very different than general elections, so I felt validated by the support of the community and I was very pleased to get a second mandate to the represent the people of Kitchener-Waterloo at Queen’s Park,” explained Fife, who was re-elected in Ontario’s general election, a couple weeks later. Widely regarded as one of the closest three-way races in the province, Fife overcame two strong opponents in the K-W riding: Liberal candidate Jaime Burton and Progressive Conservative candidate Tracey Weiler. Fife finished with around 37.5 per cent of the vote, with Burton receiving 30 per cent and Weiler getting 26. The plan for Fife, however, doesn’t stray too far from what it was when she took over after Elizabeth Witmer, the PC MPP in K-W for 22 years, in the late summer of 2012.
.!!>B=CD!!=EF!!G:=CG!!>:! 9:;;:6!!>B?!!7HF?! IH>>?@C!! .EJ?!!H;6HK7!! 9:;;:6?L0 Catherine Fife, MPP.
Issues such as two-way, all day GO service between Toronto and the Region, as well avoiding the privatization of healthcare are still at the top of her list, she said. “I think I’m going to follow the same pattern that I have always followed as a politician, and that is to remain engaged with the community and to bring forward the issues that people care about in Kitchener-Waterloo,” Fife added. The circumstances, though, are different this time around. Instead of the Liberal minority government that Fife briefly experienced before, she’ll now be going up against a Liberal majority under the leadership of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. She said the first challenge for her is going to be the proposed Liberal budget, which she
Fife celebrates her win on election night. • HEATHER DAVIDSON CCE CONTRIBUTOR
referred to as a “campaign budget.” Fife also defended Andrea Horwath’s decision to trigger an election a couple months ago by rejecting the Liberal budget. “It’s still not a budget that is in the best interest of the people of this province, so I stand by that decision,” Fife said. Fife said that her support started to trickle in from non-traditional areas such as the suburbs outside the core of Waterloo. And as she did before, she gained that support by knocking on doors. “What I heard at the doors was that people liked that I brought attention to some of the
key issues that were affecting this riding — to transit, to the environment and to youth employment,” she said. “In general, people felt that I was doing a good job.” Furthermore, Fife felt that the K-W community places more of an emphasis on the individual candidates rather than the parties they represent — a dynamic she said also contributed to her success in this general election. Fife, along with all the other MPP-elects in Ontario, were sworn into parliament on July 2.
CITY OF KITCHENER SHIFTS GEARS Kitchener moves toward safer cycle lanes near the downtown core SAMANTHA ESTOESTA CCE CONTRIBUTOR
J
osh Joseph, the City of Kitchener’s transportation demand management coordinator, is passionate about change and making Kitchener accessible to all methods of transportation. On June 23, Kitchener city council’s community and infrastructure services committee made a landmark unanimous decision to focus on the improvement and accessibility of cycling in the city. The giant green and white chevrons with cyclist decals on the road, and the brightly coloured bike-shaped racks are well-known descriptors of Kitchener’s downtown. Currently, the downtown core of Kitchener is the most accessible for cyclists, but there is much to be changed to make the entire city accessible and cyclist-friendly. Switching from a car-centric society to a
biking, public transit and people-first society isn’t going to be a quick process, Joseph explained. The changes will affect a multitude of areas, from city bi-laws, urban planning decisions and even cyclist and driver education. The first steps in improvement would focus on bikeways - such as sharrows, bike lanes and signs to designate bike lanes and bike parking. Sharrows, much like the ones on the King St. in the downtown core, are used to indicate to drivers and cyclists to share the road and indicate if it’s not safe for a cyclist to bike on the right hand side of the road or if they can take up the whole road. The proposed streets to get both sharrows and bike route signage are Jubilee Drive, Joseph St., Water St., Queen St., and Duke St., while Henry St., David St., College St., Young St., Church St., and Cedar St. are only proposed to have bike route signage. This focus on cycling in the city comes with
both positive and negative reactions from the community. Roads like Queen St., which has a bike lane, have been problematic in the past for bikers, as the lanes were too short. The most vocal proponent of car drivers, city councilor Dan Glenn-Graham, wonders if sharrows should be placed in areas with high volumes of traffic, such as the proposed Queen St. sharrow. “If a cyclist takes the whole lane, they’re going to build up some frustration up behind them in terms of traffic,” said Glenn-Graham. While traffic concerns may be at the forefront for some, for cyclists, these improvements are a matter of life or death. On June 15, the second annual Cycle for Angels ride took place in Waterloo to honour cyclists killed or hurt while riding. Each of the 200 cyclists at the ride wore white to represent a killed or hurt cyclist. A province-wide review by Ontario’s chief coroner in 2012 stated that 125 cyclists died
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between 2006 and 2010, with 15 to 20 bike riders dying every year in the province. The City of Kitchener recognizes the congestion of traffic in the downtown core, but where a life is concerned, an extra couple minutes means nothing.
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WATCH Elections call for digitized information hub ANNA BEARD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
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n terms of municipal election years, 2014 is to be exactly like every other election year past. The first half of this year has been heavily consumed by declarations and hushed whispers of potential candidates. But like usual, there’s a lack of information sharing – who stands for what and what does it mean for voters? In Waterloo Region we’re in the interesting position of having a two-tiered government system. Residents are able to vote not only for their preferred school board trustees, city councilors and mayoral candidates, but also for their preferred regional councilors and chair. As a result, each municipal system has a different approach to providing the general
public with candidate information. The City of Kitchener website has a comprehensive approach to covering the election with a full listing of who is running for which role and provides both a telephone number and an e-mail address. Cambridge also operates under this set up though the information is slightly more buried. The City of Waterloo’s voter information is relatively extensive, but a listing of candidates is hard to find and not accessible from the main landing page like it is for Kitchener. The major difference with Waterloo’s candidate listing is the website links directly to each candidate’s nomination form where people can then find contact information. The information is all there, it just takes more work than it should to find. While municipal websites are a fantastic
Courtesy Flickr Creative Commons
still some time away from launching. Local media organizations have done a relatively good job making information readily available to those who want it, but articles and exposure can still come across biased, favouring one candidate over another and focusing on those individuals who give sensationalists that rush of excitement by stoking the fire. There needs to be a non-partisan, centralized, digital space for voters where real information is listed, not just who is running. A space that pulls together the information that voter’s want - why we should vote, why we should support them and what changes candidates want to bring to the municipalities.
way to figure out who is running, unfortunately they fail to provide any concrete information. There are no links to candidate websites, social media accounts or platform summaries. This is a necessity in order to stay neutral, as not all candidates will choose to engage with voters electronically. However, when voter turn out is so low - like the 27 percent turnout for Kitchener in the 2010 election - you would hope municipalities would be doing everything they can to allow people to make an informed decision and actually cast a ballot. The big difference between 2010 and 2014 is the eight municipalities are working together to create a portal that will direct voters to the information that I had a bit of a go finding, and will be supporting a Twitter widget as well. It’s a good first step, but they’re
CITY OF WATERLOO | OUR COMMUNITY A Message From City of Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran ... July is here and that means it is officially time to put away those rain boots and umbrellas ... and break out the sandals and sunscreen. With warmer weather on the horizon and so many wonderful events going on throughout the city this month; I am looking forward to spending some time in the sunshine with my friends and loved ones. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the fantastic summer activities and community programing taking place in Waterloo this July. Last month I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of the new entrance at Waterloo Park. The new gardens and play area were designed as an inviting place for the community to gather. With its climbing play area, sand and water features, this upgrade complements the existing appeal of Waterloo Park – trails, picnic areas, Eby’s farm,
Lion’s Lagoon splash pad and so much more. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon and appreciate all the natural beauty Waterloo has to offer. And of course festival season is now in full swing. This year marks the 22nd annual Sun Life Financial Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival. Come out and enjoy world-class artists and musicians in the uptown core. Open Streets will also take over uptown Waterloo on July 19, 2014, offering another great afternoon of food, fun, and community engagement. For more summer festivals and events, be sure to visit waterloo.ca/calendar. However you choose to spend these beautiful summer days, I hope you enjoy a happy and healthy July.
As always, I’m open to any questions or comments you have. Please send me an email or call 519-747-8700 to get in touch. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit us online and join in the conversation at
— Mayor Brenda Halloran
/citywaterloo
The City of Waterloo is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work better for you, please contact:
P. 519.886.1550
E. communications@waterloo.ca
TTY. 1.866.786.3941
W. waterloo.ca
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A Waterloo favourite, Ish & Chips, is back in food truck form after experiencing a devastating fire during the summer of 2012.
HEATHER DAVIDSON CCE CONTRIBUTOR
TRI-CITY THRIFTY: BOOKSTORES The CCE is featuring the thriftiest ways to shop, play and experience Waterloo Region. This month we read into bookstores for every budget and every reading style. By Samantha Estoesta. Photos by Matt Smith. THE LOVER OF LOCAL: WORDS WORTH BOOKS
THE HUMAN ENCYCLOPEDIA: OLD GOAT BOOKS
THE ROMANTIC READER: KW BOOKSTORE There is something about walking into a used bookstore and just seeing stacks and stacks of paperbacks that makes me feel at home. The KW Bookstore embraces its position as a quiet sanctuary, filled with the smell of well-loved pages and forgotten coffee. It is the type of bookstore that stops time as soon as you walk through the door – your step becomes lighter and each book calls you on a journey. It is not uncommon to see a person sitting cross-legged on the ground with two piles of books on either side of them. KW Bookstore is an entrance to what books are supposed to entail: solitude, solace and separation from an all too busy world.
Think back to teen dramas in the 1990s – remember when the nerdy but super awesome female character would walk into her favourite bookstore and there would be this fantastical owner who would basically pull books out of a hat that fit just her needs? Welcome to Old Goat Books. Interested in the histories and applications of heraldry, flags and formalities? Perhaps the entire social and political history of Australia? Old Goat has a book for you. In fact, it probably has an entire catalogue for you and a couple of tidbits that, no doubt, will lead to a victory in your next game of Trivial Pursuit.
THE QUIRKY COMIC FAN: SECOND LOOK BOOKS Come for the fantastic selection of graphic novels and books on societal issues, and stay for the conversation. I have bought terrific graphic novels (Persepolis, Maus and many more) for a quarter of the price than any other store, in excellent condition. I have bought a multitude of books, from feminism to the free market, for pennies. From Faubert to Faust to Fadia Faqir, Second Look Books keeps a wellstocked treasure trove. The best part of Second Look Books is the conversation. More often than not, you will spend more time discussing themes, motifs and juxtaposition in the works joining your personal collection than you did finding them.
My love of Words Worth is shown in the purchase of my first nonchapter book and I haven’t looked back. Words Worth is the epitome of what I want uptown Waterloo to be: local, friendly and full of fantastic goodies and treasures. From best selling books to a dictionary of all non-English words used in Tolkien’s Silmarillion, Words Worth has something for everyone. The best part of Words Worth – beside the super adorable nook in the children’s section – is not just the selection, but the wonderful staff. A helpful sign here, a recommendation there, it makes you feel as special as the books on the shelves.
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CARLA BEHARRY Classical Homeopath, practicing at the True Wellness Integrative Health Clinic in Kitchener. Find her at: www.carlabeharryhomeopathy.com.
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s we head into Ontario’s summer months, we all deserve to soak up the warming and invigorating rays of the sun. But, how do we reap the benefits of maximizing our vitamin D production and allow ourselves some pure, sun-inspired emotional bliss while protecting our skin? Here are a few worthy sun and sunscreen facts to note before heading outside.
UVA versus UVB: UVB rays constitute only five per cent of total UV radiation and are associated with non-melanoma skin cancers. They also assist our bodies in making vitamin D. UVA rays are longer rays that penetrate deeper into the skin and make up 95 per cent of the rays in our atmosphere. UVA rays are associated with malignant melanoma – the most fatal type of skin cancer. While sunscreen protects from sunburn,
it does not protect fully against skin cancer – most protect from UVB but not UVA. It is dangerous to assume that we can apply sunscreen and stay out in the hot sun for hours. All precautions, including long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats should be worn.
Spray versus cream: While the convenience of a spray can seem appealing, sunscreen spray leaves you vulnerable to inhaling dangerous chemicals directly into your lungs. Even “natural” mineral-based sunscreen contains nano-particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are harmful when inhaled.
Make your own coconut oil sunscreen 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup shea butter or cocoa butter 1/8 cup jojoba or sesame oil 2 tbsp of beeswax 2 tbsp non-nano zinc-oxide (optional) 1 tsp red raspberry oil 30 drops of carrot seed oil Essential oils (lavender, rosemary) Using a double boiler, melt your oils, shea butter and beeswax. Once melted, cool to room temperature. Whisk in zinc oxide (do not inhale), chill in fridge. Add in your raspberry, carrot and essential oils, whip until light and fluffy. Sources: Living Pretty Naturally, Wellness Mama & Environmental Working Group
Higher SPF versus lower SPF: Sunscreens over 30-50 SPF are no better at protecting from harmful UVA rays and contain a higher concentration of sun-filtering chemicals. It is best to use a natural SPF of 15-30 and reapply often. I like to make my own – due to toxic amount
of chemicals in store bought, or to source out eco-friendly and body-friendly choices. Natural oils offer a viable and effective alternative. It is important to note that SPF in natural oils varies based on skin tone and time of year.
DEFINING PRO-CHOICE STACEY JACOBS Stacey Jacobs is the Community Sexual Health Educator at Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region, ppwr.on.ca, and has taught sexuality classes at the University of Waterloo.
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ast week I was accused of being pro-abortion. This has happened before because I work at Planned Parenthood, and educate the community about abortion and the choices available to women. People have even gone as far as to accuse me of working on commission, suggesting I receive money for every person I refer for an abortion. I, however, am not pro-abortion. I am pro-choice, and there is a big difference. I equate calling someone pro-abortion to calling someone pro-root canal. A root canal is not something people dream of having, or expect to have. It is not something people wish upon other people. It is a medical procedure that we are lucky to have access to in Waterloo Region, just like an abortion. I am going to suggest that no one is proabortion, as I would hope that no one would want a woman to be in a position where she has to make the decision to terminate her pregnancy. What most people also do not realize is that legally, it is the person who is pregnant
who must make the decision of whether to parent, place for adoption or have an abortion. It is not the decision of the partner, the parents or a health care professional. I wish people were never in the position to have to make this decision, however, I am grateful it is a decision they can legally make in Canada. Being pro-choice, I trust women to make the right decision for themselves, and working at Planned Parenthood I try to support women in any way I can. I do this by giving them accurate, up-to-date information and resources, and connecting them with the agencies and services they need. I would never be so arrogant as to think I know better than the woman herself what is right for her and her family. Pro-choice is also pro-family. I am a sexual health educator who focuses on prevention. I think it is important to find ways to prevent abortions – not make them less accessible, inaccessible or illegal. I think the two most practical ways to prevent abortions are providing education and making contraception easily available.
Comprehensive sexuality and sexual health education, including information about relationships and positive self-worth, as well as contraception, safer sex, anatomy, pregnancy and skill building techniques could prevent many unintended pregnancies. Many young people I talk to do not know how their bodies function and as a result do not know how to prevent a pregnancy. As well, contraception, including emergency contraception such as the morning after pill, must be accessible for everyone, even people who do not have a family physician. Cost should not be a barrier to using contraception. If someone cannot afford birth control, how can they afford a child? Condoms can often be found free of charge – however, people may not know where to find them (Planned Parenthood has free condoms). With all that said, the political climate of today is often hostile towards those of us who believe in choice. Politicians are working hard to take away our choices. We must stand up for what we believe in by voting, supporting political parties that believe in choice, writing letters to our government, writing articles, blogging, tweeting and telling people we are pro-choice. Fighting for our right to choose what happens to our own bodies is an important fight.
! REJUVENATING BECHTEL PARK TVO Kids series Giver and Sinking Ship Entertainment chose Bechtel Park out of 200 applicants across Ontario, to donate $10,000 to rebuild. They also hosted auditions for the show, in which six children were able to help build the park. The park will be the jewel of the area, and the design, parts of which were created by the children, includes swings, a slide, a spinner and a sandbox.
! BRINGING FOOD TRUCKS TO VICTORIA PARK The delay of the Boathouse opening means that food trucks will be given access to the area in the meantime. Councillor Frank Etherington brought forward a plan to a special council meeting on Monday, June 23, and the idea was unanimously agreed to by council. The next step will be creating a schedule for one truck at a time to be in the area. Appetites in Victoria Park will now be appeased while waiting for the bar and music venue to reopen.
! ALEXANDRA CONDO PROJECT APPROVED Originally introduced in 2003, the 14-storey, 152-unit condo project planned for Alexandra Avenue, in Waterloo, was finally approved by Waterloo City Council on Monday, June 23. It was voted 3-2 by council, with residents trying one last time to halt the project. The developer had two recent community open houses to answer questions and listen to resident concerns. The project includes 109 spaces on 1.5 levels of underground parking and a three-storey parking podium with approximately 228 spots.
! CAMBRIDGE JUMPING ON FOOD TRUCK WAGON Cambridge council voted unanimously to come up with a food truck bylaw, which would allow food trucks to park in downtown Galt and Preston on a trial basis. By this summer, Cambridge is hoping to allow nine food trucks to operate in their core, if they have the proper license purchased for $264. This will be a two-year trial period in which the City will collect feedback from all those involved – residents, food trucks and restaurateurs – If everyone works in harmony and all restrictions are met, then food trucks may become a permanent fixture.
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CONTINUED FROM COVER
“I’ve been to Steel Rails before – there’s been some wild stuff, like snakes! And one time we sang ‘Hey, Jude,’ all together as a group,” Geobey says. That warm, orange light still pushes through the window, washing nostalgia across more than just the train, but across its passengers, too. Geobey is laughing now. “Yeah, that was definitely my favourite memory so far.” Before I know it, Geobey is swept into a conversation with our neighbours, the cans in hand now a little lighter. I know that my first attempt at a traditional interview on the modern art party is over. I rise from the red, material bound business car’s seats, tripping over both people and sale flyers that line the floor. The train’s traffic has smoothed out by now. People seem to be learning how to move efficiently, two lanes of people coming and going, shuffling between the cars. I’m pushing past bars and actors clad in outfits of old. One sports an eye patch and introduces himself as The Baron, he insists on telling me about the lack of integrity held by the woman in red – The Countess. Passengers run to him with a message to deliver. I practically throw my microphone into the conversation with hopes of picking up the nuances of Steel Rails. “She told me you killed her cat!” someone says, as if divulging the most delectable kind of gossip.
Surprised at the ease in which they interact with the theatre-based installment, I record the rest of the conversation, trying to catch snippets as their voices escalate in excitement. I know the sound will swell beyond intelligibility when I play back the tape. I move further down the length of the locomotive, ducking beneath appetizers that seem to fly between grabbing hands. As if a heavy door is opened, light, a breeze and noises, new noises, ones from outside the train, surround me. Yes, the only car with windows that open. Warm, sprawling bodies cover the olive-green, leather bound seats. Moving through with my microphone on, I’m excited for the ‘B roll’ – a niche term for the sounds I hope to find traces of the Steel Rails experience within: flashes of conversation, laughing friends, small talk between strangers. Just as my recorder is reaching a minute of this tape, the train comes to a halt. With the beginning of the halfway party in St. Jacobs, I say goodbye to that golden audio footage as passengers push by me and scrape against my microphone to see what waits beyond the train. A frantic dash of dozens of volunteers begins. As electro music from the pop-up party space wafts through the train’s windows, the installations get a facelift and prepare to return to the station. A crowd even more rambunctious than the one that departed, boards the train. Round two. My last shot at a suitable feature-length interview. The final car is no exception to the boisterous
energy, a man belts the high notes of his youth into a Rock Band microphone. Michael Kates, a recent graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University, watches from the corner with friends as I approach. “It’s just something so unique for a Friday night in Waterloo, something different than anything I’ve been to,” Kates says, obliging my request for an interview. “But we’re all in it together.” “I really can’t explain it, but I don’t think I’m supposed to. I think I’m supposed to appreciate it, and I really, really do.” With that, a drum solo explodes, as do the newly established fans’ cheers and I know the sound levels for a longer interview are beyond salvaging. With Kates’ final words in mind, I tuck my recorder into the purse and makeshift mic-bag slung across my shoulder. I turn to look down the narrow aisle spanning all six cars of this interactive, inexplicable, interdisciplinary modern art display that’s chugging through the region. Professional and student, young and old, modern and heritage, this duality can’t solely be captured on tape. Returning to the airy car with green banquets, I find a seat with new friends and old and experience the ride for myself.
Steel Rails is a moving art party on a train in Waterloo Region hosted by the Cord Community Edition with the support of many valued sponsors. Wish you were on the train? Follow @SteelRails for more information on how to get tickets for next year.
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6789!!:! ;<=8<7> DELTRON 3030 BACK AT IT After a long intermission, the rap pack is back SCOTT GLAYSHER CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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he year 2000 was a banner year – Y2K proved to be nothing more than a fatalist’s excuse, George Bush took over the white house to the despair of the much of the free world, and the Backstreet Boys were throwing youth into a frenzy. All that aside, the year 2000 saw hip-hop music hit with one of the most timeless albums of all times. Alternative hip-hop super group Deltron 3030,dropped their debut album and changed the rap game forever. The album, self-titled Deltron 3030, was basically the first concept rap album of its time. Hopheads would refer to it as a ‘rap opera.’ For those who are new to the game, a rap opera tells a particular story through consecutive songs or pieces of music involving the same character or characters. This particular album is set in a dystopian future –the year 3030 to be exact. The 21-track album follows a cynical soldier and a computer technology genius as they rebel against the 31st-century new world order. The group that put this classic LP together is made up of producer Dan the Automator, rapper Del the Funky Homosapien and turntable guru Kid Koala. After the release of their show stopping debut, the group seemed to go into hiding for over a decade. It wasn’t until this past September that Deltron 3030 reignited their collective creativity and
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dropped a follow up album entitled Event 2. Event 2 kept up the post-apocalyptic concept found in their first album; giving the motif a gloomier but, easy to listen to, feel. It was a well thought out follow up project that had substantial commentary on society, government and conspiracies. Containing standout tracks like “Do You Remember” featuring Jamie Cullum and “City Rising From the Ashes”, Event 2 put Deltron 3030 back on the underground hiphop radar in a big way. In an attempt to promote their most recent
project, Del, Dan and Kid Koala are bringing their authentic hip-hop sound to venues all around North America. During March and April of this year, they promptly rocked stages from Arizona to Fort Lauderdale but this summer they are bringing it north and into our backyard.. On Friday July 11, Starlight will play host to the hip-hop super group. With an accompanying orchestra and full catalogue at the ready, Deltron 3030 will do nothing less than give people the perfect hiphop concert. The use of a live orchestra adds those extra vibrancies to the music that a lot of live hip-hop is lacking these days. Be prepared to experience much more than a rap concert, you’ll get a live rap opera. You will both see and hear album storylines unfold right before your eyes. However, don’t think for even a second that this will be similar to some boring play you saw in high school. The energy and showmanship brought to each and every show is next level. They will undoubtedly keep your undivided attention from the opening rhyme to the closing punchline. Even if you’re not that familiar with Deltron 3030, I would highly recommend buying a ticket and going to the show with an open mind. As unconventional as their sound may be, there’s a very good chance you’ll leave the show thoroughly impressed. Deltron 3030 plays Starlight on July 11, featuring Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator and Kid Koala. Tickets are available for $38 from Orange Monkey and Encore Records.
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Arts beat !KULTRÚN TAKES UPTOWN The Kultrún (cool-troon) World Music Festival kicks off July 11, taking over Uptown for 48 jampacked hours. Kultrún: The Sound and Rhythm of World Music, as it’s formally called, is named after the first peoples of Artistic Director Isabel Cisterna’s homeland. For the Mapuche people of Chile, a Kultrún is not simply a drum, it is also the heartbeat of life embodied in the sound and rhythm of a drum. The entire festival happens in the Waterloo Public Square, is free, and for all ages.
!BUILDING WATERLOO REGION On July 5 and running until October 3, Building Waterloo Region gives residents an opportunity to soak in the architectural brilliance found in the Region. The festival is a culmination of exhibitions and events celebrating the past, present and future, of progressive architecture and design here at home and is partnered with Open Ears and CAFK+A in the 2014 Festival of Art, Architecture and Sound.
!KOIFEST ANNOUNCES BIG NAMES The 2014 Kitchener Ontario Independent (KOI) Music Festival announced some major names coming to town on September 19. Silverstein, Mad Caddies, Protest the Hero and Danko Jones are only some of the fantastic independent acts that will make up the festival this fall. Add in a food festival, a charity drive, and a fancy comic book and you have one of Ontario’s premiere independent music festivals. KOI Music Festival is the brainchild of Curt and Cory Crossman who have been organizing concerts for well over a decade.
!MILL RACE FESTIVAL TURNS 22
“The giant bean sculpture in Chicago.” Christina McDougall, University of Waterloo
“The people walking down the building on the parking garage in Downtown Kitchener.”
“The flower arrangements around Waterloo Park. It’s a really nice form of public art.”
Kurtis Thomas, Open Text
Jill Storey, University of Waterloo
Mill Race Festival of Traditional Folk Music is celebrating its twenty second birthday this year and kicks off on August 1. Running until August 3, the festival features both local and internationally acclaimed artists who perform traditional folk music and dance from around the world. In addition to the music, there will be a craft village and children’s entertainment. The event runs rain or shine and is completely free.
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RECLAIMING URBAN SURFACES
Chris Austin brings a whole new meaning to community art
Austin’s second grizzly mural appeared behind Artizan Zone in Downtown Kitchener at the end of May. • PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS AUSTIN
ANNA BEARD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
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aking something new again, fighting demons, putting your mark on the world – content creators turn to art for a variety of different reasons. For Kitchener visual artist, Chris Austin, reclaiming lost environments just comes naturally. “I started painting when I was 15, it was an escape from my struggles growing up. I was always drawing and doodling, and knew that someday I’d want to be an artist. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” said Austin. Attacking visual art from an almost stoic and geometric angle, originality and experimentation run in large supply with Austin’s work. Each piece is different, even if the subject is similar. “I think it’s really important for an artist to embrace originality. It took me years to develop my own style of work that stands out from the rest. It’s hard though as it seems everything has been done before. In the end, art
is art, whether it’s been piggy backed or not,” he said. Working in downtown Kitchener, Austin brought street art out of the shadows and back into the urban environment it was originally intended for. Kitchener’s iconic bear murals first appeared last summer during a downtown art market, finding a home on the south side of StylFrugal. The second bear came to life this year towards the end of May and is located in the alley running behind Artizan Zone. “I paint a lot of bears mainly because they are scary to me, yet beautiful creatures. My paintings aren’t based on one bear in particular, but I enjoy painting grizzlies the most,” explained Austin. “I wanted to leave statement pieces downtown, because I found the urban landscape to be bleak. I wanted to leave a message saying I’m here, enjoy it!” Although the grizzlies are in a lot of Austin’s pieces, his portfolio is far more diverse than the exterior wall of a building. Offices, tabletops, cupboard doors, planks of wood – every surface is a canvas. “Reclaimed surfaces is important to me.
I like to create on old, often found, objects lessening my impact on the global environment. I enjoy taking something old, and making it new and exciting again,” said Austin. “I work with spray paint mostly when I paint murals, and here and there in the studio. It’s a fast, satisfying result. However, I paint with a lot of fluid acrylics in the studio and oil paint when I have the time.” Austin has collaborated with a variety of artists in the region, such as musician Luke Michielson and graphic designer and screen printer Jon ‘Bearface’ Johnson. For him, the collaborations are a way to reach out and connect with a new audience. “I enjoy collaborating with other artists, because I work well with other artists visions and similar tastes. Jon Johnson is an inspiring artist for me and I was honoured when he asked me to collaborate on some shirt designs,” said Austin. “It’s also cool to see my work in other forms of media rather than just on canvas or wall spaces. It’s all about getting your work out there for an audience that wouldn’t normally see it in a gallery setting.” Austin’s grizzlies are just one of many
Austin’s art is available for sale and for appreciation at various locations in Kitchener-Waterloo. • PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS AUSTIN
public art installations found within Kitchener and Waterloo. “I think it’s important for communities to embrace art, whether it be murals or sculpture or installation pieces,” said Austin. “It gives a sense of communication and creates a good buzz. It brings people together. Even if you don’t like art, you’d still talk about it being there to others, good or bad, it’s still talked about, leaving an impact.” Creating big statement pieces, such as the grizzlies in downtown has no doubt raised the profile on Austin’s work here in Waterloo Region. Now, as he heads off to Toronto to set up shop in the big city, there’s no doubt he’ll carry a few fond memories of home along for the ride. “I’ve received some great responses and feedback from the community about my work. I’m referred to as the ‘bear guy’ now to people that don’t know my name. I get stopped on the street from strangers and get nothing but respect and good vibes – it’s very rewarding to me.”
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CROWDFUNDING COMMUNITY
Luke Michielsen proves fans will buy before they recieve
Luke Michielsen is releasing his third studio album this September and he is looking to raise $5750 through crowdfunding. • PHOTO COURTESY LUKE MICHIELSEN
ANNA BEARD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
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olky, alternative, pop is one way to describe the musical styling of Kitchener based artist, Luke Michielsen. With two albums under his belt, and his third full length album Oh Surround Me launching this September, you would imagine that this guitar toting master would be have the process locked down. He would will tell you however, that’s not the case. “The new album has been a much more thorough process compared with my previous two,” said Michielsen. “I collaborated with a backing band for two months before heading into the studio. This helped me find a direction for my songs.” Oh Surround Me has no defined theme but Michielsen describes the album as having a spirit. “The spirit comes from realizing life is short, and you have to take your chance when you have it. My chance is now, but I can’t do it alone. I need the help of other artists, other musicians and the larger music community to get behind me on this,” explained Michielsen. “Even though I’m a solo artist, I want to collaborate with others because that’s where the magic happens.” That’s exactly what happened when Michielson headed into the studio with Jeff Woods, Owen Cherry and Milosz Sikora acting as a backing band and collaborated with a few of his favourite musicians. “Once the band put down their tracks in the studio, I had more musicians come in and add parts. Jazz guitarist Thom Gill has always been a favourite of mine. He came in
and really heightened the feeling of the songs with tasty guitar work,” said Michielsen. In addition to Gill, vocalist D’Eve Archer, saxophonist Martin Eckart and symphony cellist Samuel Bisson are featured on the album. Collaborating with other artists gives the music an extra little something, Michielsen explained. “One Saturday I had about 10 musician friends come into the studio and sing group vocals on a few of the tracks. It really adds a great atmosphere to the tracks.” Collaboration for gained another touch of Kitchener’s artistic community when Michielsen asked visual artist Chris Austin to do the album art. “I have seen Chris’ art around for the last year or so at local places like StylFrugal and Cafe Pyrus and it always intrigued me. I was sort of lucky that I saw his painting Walkin’ On in the window of Artisan Zone, on King Street. As soon as I saw it I immediately thought it would be great for my album cover. It fits in with the spirit of the album. That fact that he’s local is a huge bonus.” Keeping things local is one way to help with the cost of putting out an album and making a name for yourself, but with bigger sound comes bigger production. Michielsen is taking advantage of the crowdfunding wave and hoping he can source enough to cover the cost of his latest album’s production costs. “The financial stress is the worst part. There’s no way I would be making this album so soon without the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the support of my fans and a little bit of debt,” said Michielsen. “I’ve had so many people tell me that my music means
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a lot to them over the years, that crowdfunding seemed like a natural option to help cover costs. A lot of people who are music supporters do understand the costs and dedication involved, and they know how hard I work at it.” Like most crowdfunding campaigns, there are a number or rewards that come with supporting the project. The main reward includes a hand-numbered and signed, deluxe edition of the album, and an eight-page booklet. Core supporters receive a five-song
bonus EP. For those fans feeling extra supportive, a private concert or freestyle songs on a topic of choice are up for grabs. Being a performer in Waterloo Region isn’t the easiest, even when you’re putting in the footwork. “I’ve been in the Region for about two years ago, some would say I’m still new here. For me, K-W has been great. I have become a regular performing at Imbibe Food/ Drink, which is right down the street from me. That’s a major thing that has made me feel at home, and valued. Knowing there’s a local place where my music is appreciated. There’s been a lot of support from that community,” said Michielsen. “The only way the music scene is lacking for me here is that not enough mid-level successful touring acts come through the city. I’m not sure if it’s lack of audience, lack of venues or what. But hopefully that will turn around soon.” Even though it can be tough at times, Michielsen said being a musician is his favourite thing and encourages others who want to be musicians to work hard and go for it. “First, decide you want to do it. Then work on your music a lot. Play lots of shows for a year. Make an album or some sort of release. Make connections with other musicians. Get your web presence going. It’s never-ending work but if you love it like me, get started!” To support Luke’s crowdfunding campaign visit http://lukemichielsen.com. A listing of rewards, albums, and events can be found online. Oh Surround Me is set for release this coming September.
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ENCORE MOVES
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JULIANA GOMEZ CCE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
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Encore records moves shop to King Street • HEATHER DAVIDSON CCE CONTRIBUTOR
CRISTINA ALMUDEVAR CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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owntown Kitchener record shop Encore Records is getting a second run in a new location. The shop is moving to King Street from their current Queen Street location, which they’ve been in since 1989. The recent sale of their building prompted their move, which happened July 2. “The building being sold was the catalyst for the move. You know, changing it up and getting to a different area. But it takes sometimes a bit of a kick to get anything moving. We’ve been here 25 years and have been sort of comfortable here,” owner Mark Logan said. “But it feels good, the space is nice — it’s bigger. There will be more room for stuff.” Their building had been up for sale for the past year and was recently sold. Logan noted their new location on King Street is in a similar area from when they first opened their doors in 1981 and that it is “good to be back there.” The biggest attraction for Logan, and customers of the shop, is the large parking lot directly attached to the new building. Overall, patron reception has been strongly optimistic. “People have been pretty positive. Most people come here to come here; we don’t get a huge amount of walk-by traffic,” Logan said. “There’s a 50 car parking lot so it’ll make it a lot easier for people to come to us. I hear
of lots of people have been driving around for 10-15 minutes [until they find a parking spot].” Logan explained that Encore Records is one of the oldest independently owned record stores in the country. A large portion of customers specifically travel to the shop because so many record stores in their cities have closed. Staying in business over the past 25 years has not always been an easy task according to Logan, but he has preserved through the challenges and competitors. “It’s more challenging for [the local record shop] because my main competitor is Amazon for physical goods. It’s not a level playing field,” Logan said. “In the state of my industry, the sales are really off. We’ve been able to hang on because we’ve got good pricing and a wide range of stuff.” To celebrate the upcoming move, Logan is hoping to put on a concert on July 5 tentatively—Encore’s third to date. His plan is to get the shop licensed so people can shop, drink and enjoy live music. “It’s tentative for now because I won’t know … if my grand idea is actually feasible. I want to have a stage that I can take up and down so it’s not taking up a huge amount of space but I don’t know if it’s going to work … it’ll be local artists and we had some rumblings from a few touring artists.” With the additional parking space for customers and a fresh perspective, Encore’s new location will hopefully be able to keep customers coming back for another 25 years.
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fter going through what seemed like an awful heartbreak when I was 16, my sister soothed me with two things: the book He’s Just Not That Into You and Lily Allen’s album Alright, Still. Flash forward eight years, and along with the realization that my breakup wasn’t as bad as they can get, Lily Allen is back with a new album – Sheezus. Given my history with Allen and the buzz surrounding the music video for “Hard Out Here,” I was excited to dig into an album full of social commentary, specifically regarding the way society treats women. While many critics commended Allen on her feminist lyrics, there were some who were not impressed with the music video depicting a fully clothed Allen surrounded by hyper-sexualized, mostly non-white back up dancers. I found similar contradictions in her album that, truthfully, were disappointing. Without a doubt, “Hard Out Here” and “Sheezus” are the strongest tracks on the album. Musically they are catchy and lyrically they offer a social critique of the way women are portrayed in the media. This is the Allen that I like and was expecting the whole way
A223 Craft beers at Imbibe Food and Drink SCOTT GLAYSHER CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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ocated at 10 King St. N. in Kitchener, Imbibe Food/Drink is rapidly becoming the go-to spot for craft beers in Kitchener-Waterloo. Their food is top notch, but it’s their specialization in craft beer that really makes it worth the visit. They have a rotating beer menu that switches every day. We’ve compiled reviews on a few of our favourite Ontario brews. F&M STONE HAMMER (PILSNER, 5%) Next is a pilsner from our neighbors to the east. Guelph’s F&M Brewery got it right with their Stone Hammer pilsner. This beer can easily be summed up in one word: refreshing. With its clear golden colouring, crisp aroma and soft citrus finish, this beer is a necessity on the summer patio. BROADHEAD’S BUSH MONSTER (INDIA PALE ALE, 6.2%) Coming straight out of the Ottawa Valley is the Broadhead Brewing Company’s premium IPA. The appropriately titled Bush Monster is wood amber in colour with a very
Lily Allen. Flick’r Creative Commons
through. However, the rest of the album stays safe and maintains Allen’s sugary,pop style, save “As Long as I Got You” which has an ill-fitting hokey feel to it. The celebrity homages throughout are awkwardly shoved in to songs. The title Sheezus is a play on Kanye West’s latest album, Yeezus. nstead of sassy and witty social commentary, the album feels like it’s just grabbing at whatever it can to make money, as mentioned in “Insincerely Yours.” The album won’t completely change the conversation regarding the role of women in media and society, but it will still be good to throw on when you want to dance alone in your room or prepare for a night on the town – in that case, I highly recommend the track “Our Time.”
thin off-white head. You can definitely taste the light citrus hops and caramel malts. The aftertaste is a bit stern on the palate, but goes down smooth. You may want to be careful with this one though because of its higher alcohol percentage. Even though it is fruity and fresh, it still packs a punch. FLYING MONKEY’S GENIUS OF SUBURBIA (WHEAT ALE, 3.8%) Barrie’s Flying Monkey Brewery has been known for its unorthodox yet satisfying craft beers, this one being no exception. At 3.8% alcohol, this beer is the definition of easy drinking. It has a smooth pour, a faint whiff of pale wheat malt and at some points seems almost too easy to drink. It also has very minimal carbonation. It could very well pass as a drinking game beer but would probably be better enjoyed relaxing on a patio outside in the sun. BLOCK THREE KING STREET (SAISON, 4.6%) Brewed in St. Jacob’s, Block Three’s flagship saison — a pale ale with a little more carbonation and a fruity bouquet — really hits the spot. It is bright golden in colour with slight haziness. The head was overly frothy, but the floral hops aroma made up for it. After a few solid sips of this beer you can start to taste the hint of banana; not something you’d typically taste in a beer of this nature. This sweet fruity flavour was coupled with a slight bitterness, leaving it feeling very well balanced.
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Forbes Park Music Festival Forbes Park, Cambridge, 10:00 a.m.
Q=F<%T The Paper Kites Starlight Social Club, 19+, $12 adv.
!=F<%(( Kultrún World Music Festival Waterloo Public Square, 4:00 p.m. Runs July 11-12 Deltron 3030 feat. Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator and Kid Koala Starlight Social Club, 19+, $38 adv.
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Q=F<%6 Sketch Elora with the KW Urban Sketchers Elora Centre for the Arts, 10:00 a.m. UpTown Gallery | Expressions of Warmth Uptown Gallery, 12:00 p.m. The Elora Piano Elora Centre for the Arts, 12:00 p.m. Dine Her Harmony Lunch, 8:00 p.m., $35
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44th International SketchCrawl hosted by the KW Urban Sketchers Waterloo Park Consession Stand, 9:00 a.m.
Waterloo Region Museum Summer Concert Series Waterloo Region Museum, 1:00 p.m., $10
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KW|AG presents: From Sandhills to Google: A Walking Tour of Kitchener’s Core KW|AG, 2:00 p.m., $10
David Buchbinder’s ODESSA/HAVANA ensemble The Jazz Room, 8:30 p.m., $25
Q=F<%(W Sunlife Financial Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival Waterloo Public Square/Waterloo City Hall 6:00 p.m. Runs July 18-20 Fern Lindzon Quartet The Jazz Room, 6:00 p.m., $15 Robi Botos Trio The Jazz Room, 9:00 p.m., $20
Q=F<%(T Lydia Persaud Quartet The Jazz Room, 6:00 p.m., $15
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Burgers & Brews Block Three Brewing, 6:30 p.m., 19+, $17
Q=F<%(W Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show Victoria Park, 5:00 p.m. Runs July 18-20
Open Streets Uptown Waterloo at night Uptown Waterloo, 6:00 p.m.
Ought w.s.g. Freelove Fenner Starlight Social Club, 19+, $8 adv.
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Cherry Festival Cherry Park, 11 a.m.
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Waterloo Region Museum Summer Concert Series Waterloo Region Museum, 1:00 p.m., $10
LRT, municipal elections, where that ambulance is going, local festivals, new condo developments, what’s happening with old factories, new tech, Google and BlackBerry, statues in Victoria Park, animals in Waterloo Park, local social services - or anything else?
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Jason Raso Quartet The Jazz Room, 10:30 p.m., $20
Rebecca Binnendyk Quartet The Jazz Room, 11:00 a.m., $15
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Waterloo Region Food Truck Fare Waterloo Public Square, 3:00 p.m.
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5=P=98%S Open Streets Uptown Waterloo Uptown Waterloo, 1:00 p.m.
To feature your event listing in the Cord Community e-mail details to culture@thecord.ca
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