FutuRéale Magazine - August 2009 by OMAR MURJI

August 2009 volume 2 issue 6

FUTURĂ&#x2030;ALE www.futureale.com

arts . culture . living

Micah Barnes performer composer educator A Look at This Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caribana Reaching a Common Ground in the Face of Adversity Raising the Heat at The Hot White Gala The Digitalization of Art Remembering Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Navigating NXNE

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Note From the Editor After the hippies and before Y2K,

the yin yang symbol became a little too pop culture, a little too teen accessory kitsch. A pre teen myself during that time, I showed as much interest in the yin yang philosophy as anything else I was overexposed to during that time: Shakespeare lessons in school, cookie cutter clothing trends and the importance of swimming lessons. Years later when falling in and out of love with who I was, other people and anything else around me, I realized these two half moons were right on the dot. Life became as clear as black and white. I realized that everything had positive and negative in it, causing significant overwhelm to my assumption loving self. I feel daunted, still. I have to frequently remind my pessimistic self to not feel threatened by things, to smile more, to love life. Manufacturing this new habit is no quick assembly line to all things bright and progressive. It takes restriction and time to feel like you’re coming full circle, like you’re where you’re supposed to be. I have FutuRéale to thank for so much of the positivity I have recently acquired and more truthfully, needed. I am bittersweet about making the August issue my last but am certain that the new Editor-In-Chief, Ashley Foley, will continue the journey, bringing the magazine to shape. – Rochelle Grabenheimer

FUTURÉALE volume 2 issue 5

Editor in Chief Rochelle Grabenheimer

Associate Editors Leviana Coccia Melissa Doyle Ashley Foley

A rtistic Director Zack Lovatt

Senior Editorial Designer Paul Bannister

Junior Editorial Designers Salwa Ali Ravish Rawat

Contributing Writers Kaleigh Ambrose Leviana Coccia Melissa Doyle Ashley Foley Shazia Islam Karen Lam Valerie Lam Melissa Lang Andrew Rainnie Randy Resh Jess Silver Sarah Subnath Cashlyn Teggart Mike Varrin Don Young

Webmaster Heroymo Allen

Online Content Editor Shawn Shapiro

A dministrative Director Shaq Alam

E xecutive Director Omar Murji

Cofounders Vincent Lorenz Omar Murji Contact FutuRéale at: admin@futureale.com www.futureale.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

04The Ebook Empowerment

Don Young recounts the story of electronic books

05New Possibilities: The Digitialization of Art Karen Lam expresses an opinion on electronic art

06Running Towards Acceptance

Jess Silver reaches for a common ground in the face of adversity

07No Folly for Foley: Recycling Electronics Ashley Foley looks to the future

08Leaving Hinterland

Mike Varrin asks not what his country can do for him

10The Don of a New Jail - Part 2

Shazia Islam (being a repeat offender) visits the Don Jail again

12Fashion Infatuation

Leviana Coccia recession proofs your closet with vintage styles

14What’s Local and Boxy? Valerie Lam eats locally

16Canvassing the Caribbean

Sarah Subnath looks at this year’s Caribana festival

18Navigating North By Northeast

Cashlyn Teggart meets a NXNE marathoner

20Micah Barnes

Shazia Islam introduces The Medicine Man of vocal coaching

22Popcorn Napalm: Reel Race Relations

Andrew Rainnie examines Avatar: The Last Airbender’s casting controversy

24Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Andrew Rainnie reviews the film

26Raising the Heat

Melissa Doyle attends The White Hot Gala

27Adapting the Page

Melissa Lang wonders if Hollywood is hopelessly dependant on adaptations

28Remebering the Unforgettable

Kaleigh Ambrose eulogizes Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

30Poetry

Randy Resh: Saltimbanque, Menno Kant’s Cuttings, Menno Kant’s Cat, Cassiopeia

Cover image: Photograph of Micah Barnes by Paul Bannister

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Empowerment book The By Don Young Many people think an e-book is

a form of literature that you can read on a computer, but it is more than that. What will the e-book mean to the future of novels, publishers, writers and the way people get their written entertainment and learning? Are books published on paper threatened with extinction, much like music records, cassettes and CDs are facing from the evolution of iPods and MP3 players? An e-book is a written work published electronically that can be read on a variety of readers. It is not an audio book that gives a verbal reading of a novel or work. An e-book must be read independently word by word. Still, some of the readers may convert the digital text to verbal sound. The e-book originated in 1971, when Michael Ha r t created Project Gutenberg at the University of Illinois and uploaded te x t versions of book s (e-te x ts). H is premise was that since anything entered into a computer could be reproduced indefinitely and at minimal cost, e-books could make reading more accessible to the public. Currently, Project Gutenberg stores

30,000 free e-books, with new books added each month. Fol low i ng t he i nt roduc t ion of t he e-book, publishers began to contemplate the idea of electronic distribution. Since few writers or publishers could survive on the sale of one copy, the idea of free distribution was something to be avoided at all costs. An e-text format would not be suitable as it made the e-book sharable to anyone without further payment. The solution to this problem ended up being a form of Digital Rights Management (DRM) like what was seen in early music sharing. Several different schemes were created, as well as readers that solely acted as electronic ink for a story. A fter the rights had been assigned I thought it was best to test out the success readers had with e-books. I decided to download a recent addition to Project Gutenberg, The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boone, not a book likely found in the local bookstore, or even in the library. The author, John Filson has been dead since 1788; surely the novel is out of print. I got

on the website, selected the e-book and hit the download button. By the time I’d taken my finger off the keyboard, the book was on my monitor, ready to read. I was impressed by the speed Filson was brought to life. In the last month, Project Gutenberg downloaded almost two million e-books for free. Imagine how many Google did from their public domain (free) stock of 500,000 titles! Later this year, Google will start to sell current e-books that read into their web browser, on any device having Internet access. Their e-books will bypass all proprietary formats. What effect will this have on publishers, writers and the public? Since electronic publishing will be done on the Internet between the writer and an e-book store, the traditional role of publisher will disappear. Literature will be distributed more widely, efficiently and cheaply. The writer and the reader will become empowered. It’s no longer a question of what effect e-books will have on traditional publishing. It’s already in the making.

– rr

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New Possibilities The scratching sound of a pencil

against paper and the varying pressure as fingers tighten or loosen around the pencil provide one of the richest of sensory experiences. Through digitization, the artist is disconnected from the traditional process of applying pencil to paper: the tactile and physical experience is removed. Digital artwork implies that the technical ability of the artist receives greater attention than the ability to express and inspire audience. Without a doubt, basic software skills are beneficial as technical proficiency is said to be essential in preparing students for their professional careers. While it is sometimes easy to mask the lack of artistic ability with fancy software, a strong sense of design lends to opportunities for handson problem solving. However, the digital artist is disconnected from their artwork– f lat images created by using a mouse or stylus, while a f lat screen displays the software’s interpretation. The artist lacks sensory feedback, unlike a brush stroking viscous paint against a canvas, feedback

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is through the computer mouse, keyboard and monitor. In order for the artist to reconnect with their artwork, they need to exercise control. The desire for on and off, presence and absence, is the desire to direct the unambiguous. Computers are vessels for claustrophobia and restriction and digital artwork not only changes the artistic experience, but the implied overall uniqueness of the final product. Skill, time, and creativity are still just as important, if not moreso, as the digital artist now has new opportunities for editing their creations. No longer does the artist need to commit anything, unlike the physical medium where the artist is either forced to incorporate their mistake or start with a fresh canvas. It is easy to forget that change can lead to beautiful new creations; often digital artwork does not lend itself to its previous interpretations– it is rare for “drafts” to be preser ved– “mistakes” can be edited innumerable times before the final product reaches its “perfect” form.

The Digitalization of Art By Karen Lam The digitization of art is not necessarily bad, in fact, the ability to be able to use the digital medium to its full potential–to take digital artwork where traditional artwork is unable to–speaks not to the loss of artistic expression, but to the evolution of our social culture. With the movement towards Internet-based applications, the natural progression toward greater accessibility is only inevitable. But accessibility not only refers to those who have access to the Internet, the act of looking at art through computer databases is also a good way to document the archival summary of design. There are new possibilities in the digitization of artwork; technological orientation is not the death of creativity but the birth of new ways to interact with the audience. Traditional artwork will always have its place, just as galleries, museums, and exhibitions will always provide an outlet for exposure and like-minded discussion. Digital artwork is just proof that the foundation of art is a reflection of artistic ability and aesthetics.

– pb

Running Towards Acceptance: The challenge of reaching a common ground in the face of adversity

>> You’re 18 years old,

six feet two and have a body built for the game. Biceps as defined as an action figure’s rip through your basketball jersey. Legs, tanned and well conditioned, fit snug in brand new basketball shoes and your skills are incredible. You’re fast, a good rebounder and can make those crucial three pointers. You’re waiting on multiple opportunities for scholarships but you don’t get one. Why? It’s simple: you have a disability. This type of barrier is familiar to many who have a disability. No matter how smart or skilled you are, no matter what your background is, you often get turned away or ignored. People only see your wheelchair, your artificial limb. All disabilities, whether physical, mental, cognitive or behavioural are often society’s cue to discriminate, not only in sports but in everyday life. The real challenge is getting society to look beyond the wheels, the seizures, the learning disabilities and so on and treat all people as equal.

W hat causes these continued barriers and beliefs? According to Nadia NilesCampbell, OT at Bloorview Kids Rehab, “There are many differences in the way that disabled versus able-bodied people are treated in our society. I think that there are many levels on which this inequality surfaces. Social and environmental barriers contribute to [it] as well as limited exposure to people with disabilities both in the public and the media. In order to increase awareness and progress, changes need to be made in all of these areas.” These changes can start with asking the right questions. Why is it that sports played by people with disabilities and sports played by able bodied individuals are perceived differently? Why do athletes with disabilities receive less recognition? Dave Campbell, defence man of the KW-Sidewinders sledge hockey team believes that it is because, “There is a lack of publicity behind the sports that people with disabilities play and people also have a hard time believing

by Jess Silver

that someone with a disability can be a good hockey player.” In fact, according to The Canadian National Men’s Hockey Team website, sledge hockey only became recognized as a sport by the Hockey Board of Canada in 1993. With Canadians owning such a rich history of hockey, it comes as a surprise that it took so long for individuals to realize that apart from slight physical modifications to the game, the game is the same. It seems as though disability issues are still a work in progress. In fact, it can seem like there is not much light shining on people with disabilities. So how does one find a solution to this multi-level problem? The key is for people with disabilities to speak up and send a message stating what their abilities are and what they need from others. It is also important to get back to the basics and get able-bodied individuals to walk in the shoes of those who have disabilities, better yet, like a pro basketball player, run.

– sa

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Recycling Electronics: A Look into the Future

NO Folly for FOLEY

Last month, I discussed the importance of remembering to “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” and how small changes can make a huge difference– but what about electronics and the environment? by Ashley Foley

About a month ago, a friend of

Photograph by H2O Alchemist/f lickr

mine had a new stereo installed in his car by Future Shop. Once the installation was complete, the employee handed the bricksized old stereo back to my friend. With a confused look, he asked the employee how the stereo could be recycled. “The only recycling we have here, is that,” the employee answered, pointing to a blue recycle bin. He went on to explain that aw car stereo is made up of a number of different metals and in order to recycle it properly, it would have to be pulled apart so each bit could be recycled separately. My friend was shocked that Future Shop, of all companies, does not recycle old stereos parts. Instead of taking the time to unwind the metals, plastics, and other materials that hold them together, the stereos are thrown carelessly into a dump. We’ve all been told how terrible it is to throw batteries into the garbage due to the toxins and metals, but how does a battery

compare to a car stereo? Does the rusty landfill residing stereo not harm the environment? To remedy this problem the Canadian Electronic Recycling Association (also available in the US and UK) picks up and properly recycle computers, phones, satellite equipment, cameras, etc. In Canada, the program is available only in limited areas (in Ontario, this program is offered in Toronto, Ottawa, and London). Check them out at www.era.ca/donations/recycling/locations.html W hy doesn’t Future Shop use the ser v ices of t he Elect ron ic R ec ycl i ng Association? It is one thing for average citizens to be oblivious to electronic recycling depots, but it is an entirely different matter for a major electronic chain such as Future Shop to not exercise proper recycling habits. What is their excuse? It is also more reasonable to expect large companies such as Future Shop, Canadian Tire and WalMart to transport their used electronics to

a nearby recycling depot a few hours away than ask countless individual citizens to do the same. Perhaps large electronic companies could have drop boxes for everyone to use. Or perhaps electronic recycling depots could be available in more than three cities in all of Ontario. One thing is for sure, something needs to change. How many electronic appliances are in your home? Twenty? Forty? More? The fact is that we have an electronic lifestyle where blackberries, computers, stereos, and game systems are more common than notepads and newspapers. These electronics we desperately rely on age rapidly and usually become senior citizens or retirees after three years. If we continue using electronics at this rate we will have to learn to dispose them properly.

That change starts with you. ~Save a Tree~

Recycling Links Electronic Recycling Association: www.era.ca/donations/recycling/index.html Canadian government and recycling of electronics: www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/rad-rad/rad-rel-eng.htm Recycling and green living tips: www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/13/1/Recycling-electronic-equipment.html

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Leaving Hinterland Take the opportunity to ask not what your country can do for you because the examples are many and prevalent. by Mike Varrin As I double back for a jacket in the

early hours of what appeared to be a glorious summer day in July it occurs to me that summer is starting later and ending earlier, seemingly getting shorter and shorter every year. At the very least maybe it is just being slightly displaced, but what is certain is that it is imperative we pull every last productive minute out of it when it provides us with the clear skied, sun soaked climatic superlatives we all love so much. It seems on the lazy days of our temporary respite from the bitter cold and harsh realities of our Canadian winter that there is absolutely nothing better to do than stay reclined and enjoy taking in the weather alone on its merits, grinning away the stress of the everyday. Doing this while appreciating the sweet scents of nature in its full plumage peering above the piling black bagged by-product of the municipal workers strike, is too bad. It is now carpe diem time, as no day is worth seizing like a sensationally sunny summer one. Where to begin? Most of us like to take a cue from our hibernating homies in hinterland and spend the winter in some sort of selfimposed seclusion, preferring to be bundled up with a good book than to be out and about accomplishing things. That is why it is imperative that we try and maximize our output in the more permissive summer months if we want to get anything done at all around here. Many of us already have a to do list that has been steadily accumulating with the snow, providing a perfect starting point for typical productivity. In an attempt to squeeze even more life out of the best months of the year, here’s a few suggestions on how to get more done this summer and improve the quality of all aspects of your life.

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Start big. I mean globally big. In our i ncreasi ng ly t ig ht com mu n it y it has become almost too easy to find some way to improve this planet we live in. Most of us already recycle, compost, and continue to do our own conscious part for the environment so I suggest starting to help somewhere else. You can begin with the internet or by perusing the various news organizations that constantly provide us proof of the plight of the less fortunate or embattled around the planet. Where have you seen problems affecting a people or a political, environmental or social concern you have? Where can you contribute positively to? If you can’t think of an example off-hand, you won’t have to look long and hard to find something, I’m sure. This contribution does not have to be in any way financial. Sometimes simply digitally signing a petition or sending a quick email to a member of government local or abroad will provide more support than you could imagine, and that little bit of your time can make a world of difference to those involved, literally. Now that we are feeling better about ourselves and what we’re accomplishing, let’s keep that positivity snowballing. It’s time to turn our focus to the recent birthday girl. She may be 142, but this country of ours still needs a little chaperoning from time to time. If you take a minute to think about it, certainly there is something on the national scene that has caught your attention recently. Maybe it’s time to look into the Turks and Caicos situation in more detail? Take the opportunity to ask not what your country can do for you, because the examples are many and prevalent. Time to give a little back to the old girl. She’s still

waiting for that card you supposedly sent her anyway. Contemporary issues in need of help also find their way close to home. Ask your Sri Lankan neighbour, I’m sure they can tell you. In a city like Toronto, issues effecting people anywhere in the world can easily pull you in because we are all more connected to every corner of the world than any other city. However, there are obvious issues affecting this massive municipal mélange. The obvious city-workers strike, transit issues, growth: take some time to influence the problems you face at home. The ones on your doorstep are likely the ones you can exert the most influence on. Why not write a letter or show support for a local action group lobbying for your concern? Odds are you will find fulfillment achieving something substantial right under your nose, quicker than anywhere else. There is no better way to improve the world around you, this great country, and your stomping grounds themselves than to improve their inhabitants, namely, that one person who can make all the difference: you. Summer gives nature the opportunity to be reborn, why not follow the lead and do something to make you a better someone with it? Find some way to improve yourself this summer. It’s not difficult at all, believe me. At the very least, you can warm yourself this winter with the comforting thought that your summer to do list made the quality of life more enjoyable for all of us, and like the rest of us, you’re better for it.

– pb

The

Don of a New JAIL

Part 2

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What was supposed to be a fantastic tour of the Don Jail this summer turned out to be a series of calls to the tour information line finding out when the tours might actually start. by Shazia Islam All tours have been cancelled

– pb

Photograph by Paul Gorbould

until further notice and without much explanation. Since a tour isn’t possible at this time, Part 2 of my article will instead focus on the current controversy that surrounds the new Don. The new Don (aka The Don) opened in 1958 and is primarily used as a remand centre for prisoners awaiting further trial. Like the Old Don, the new Don has also had its share of infamy. In the spring of 2003 David Levac, critic of the Ministry of Public Safety and Security paid a visit to the jail as he was informed that it housed poor living conditions and treatment of prisoners. He was accompanied by two other members of his team, one of them being Toronto Star columnist, Linda Diebel. Shortly after their visit an article in the Toronto Star appeared, raising questions about the legitimacy of the facility. Diebel’s article described how the new Don had not been upgraded since it was first built as an adjunct to the Old Don. The Don has a maximum capacity of 272, with each prisoner getting their own cell. Today, there are more than 600 prisoners crammed three to a cell that only measures two by three metres! There is only one bed per cell so any additional prisoners have to sleep on the floor, sometimes right next to the toilet. It is important to note that that many of its prisoners have yet to be convicted of a crime.

Toronto judge, Mr. Justice R ichard Schneider, calls the jail, “an embarrassment to the Canadian criminal justice system” and stated that the jail did not meet the UN Charter’s minimum requirements. Prisoners need a clean place to sleep, telephone access, visitor facilities and some privacy. The Don falls short of all of the above requirements, yet it still remains open. In 2008 further controversy broke out when The Don’s guards staged a walkout and the jail was completely locked down. The walkout was said in part to be caused by the ongoing tension between guards and prisoners. With such large prisoner numbers and the overall inadequacy of the jail, it came as no surprise. Currently, the province is not doing much to change the Don’s conditions, despite strong criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers. Prisoners still await their sentences in inhumane surroundings. The Old Don was considered a real gem in its heyday for its relatively decent treatment of prisoners. Yet the new Don Jail is a shocking setback in the dignity and rights of its inhabitants. True, the ghosts of the past may haunt the corridors and cells of the Old Don, but the real horrors play themselves out in the confined spaces of the present day jail.

###

Fashion Infatuation withLevianaCoccia

Recession proof your closet with a modern vintage style In fashion, what does new mean?

A trip to the mall with some gals and guys to pick out a new dress? Maybe so, but being creative and incorporating vintage clothing with your style is both inexpensive and and new. To many, fashion is about getting out there, being different and wearing something old, in a new way. It’s about making someone stare and gasp, “Oh, I love that.

Where’s it from?” Then you turn around and say, “This old thing? I just made a few adjustments to it,” or “I just picked it up at the nearest thrift shop.” Not everyone would expect to hear the word thrift or vintage coming out in your answer. These days reusing clothing is a rarity. Instead, people are wearing their bank accounts. Even if you do have a beautiful

scarf that can also be worn as a belt with ripped jeans you end up buying a new belt (and an expensive on). You also get a new pair of slacks to match, just because. I have found two easy ways to solve this shopping dilemma and it involves taking a well-needed trip back to fashion basics. My mother’s closet is one of the greatest treasures I have ever found, with colourful

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scarves, leather belts, and bright stilettos. When I find myself in need of an extra accessory to go with a plain t-shirt and shorts outfit, I tiptoe over to the closet of goodies and pull out a yellow-green scarf. I try it around my waist, atop my hair like a bandanna, or tie it in a bow on the crown of my head. Of course, you can always find those pieces that rob your outfit of blandness in other closets as well: an aunt’s, friend of the family’s or even your grandmother’s. There’s also a second option to pursue when looking for chic style on a tight budget. Toronto is home to a fantastic vintage clothing shop called, Courage My Love located on Kensington Avenue, just north of Dundas Street West. Its owner, Stewart Scriver said that upon opening the store in 1975 the term, “vintage” was not even in use. “We started with, ‘used stuff’ because it seemed like the right thing to do and it fit our budget. It was fun and we saw a lot of happy faces return so we kept doing it,” Scriver said. Vintage clothing can also be more fun to shop for than new clothes because as Scriver mentioned about his sales staff, “We don’t have to talk people into buying stuff…we know they will be back.” There is neither overwhelming price tags nor pressure to buy. In an industry full of pressure, that’s a good thing. “Think about how many things you buy and how many things you really like. Just wanting new stuff is [an idea] that advertisers have hit us with,” Scriver said. Courage My Love is a great place to shop for even historically vintage items that can make an outfit pop. Last year their shop sold a ring that had been appraised by the ROM. If you are searching for that hot, blast from the past item but can’t find it anywhere for a decent price, go to Courage My Love. This fall, while on search for your oneof-a kind pieces, be sure to resist the sound of new pants and jackets screaming, “Buy me, buy me!” Check out your local hidden closets and Courage My Love before you swipe your exhausted credit card. And remember: just because something has been worn, doesn’t mean it’s old.

– rr

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What’s

LOCAL & BOXY?

by Val e Local food. What comes to mind?

Thin cabbage soup? Alisa Smith and J.B. MacK innon enlisting you to Mission? How about this: tables in a warehouse where volunteers lift fresh, leafy produce out of boxes marked Ontarioland. Or, Toronto District schools with salad bars and at-risk youth learning the in’s and out’s of culinary knifing. FoodShare, a not-for-profit presence in Toronto’s food security scene since 1985 is equally keen to provide tasty and wholesome

food as much as acclaimed local restaurateurs like Jamie Kennedy. While having pre-fixed dinners may be one way to enter into localized eating—dinner series on Thursday’s at chef Kennedy’s Gilead café, or fresh tastings on Wednesdays at the Gladstone Hotel—the locavore can not only survive, but enjoy fresh foods without breaking the bank. Let’s back-track a little bit. In less than a decade, we’ve seen food scares in Toronto spring out like bacteria from a Mary Shelley novel, logging over twenty deaths and at

rie Lam

least 250 illnesses related to human pathogens such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. Consequently, with one in six falling ill each year due to food-borne bacteria, Toronto Public Health finds themselves commonly busied by food-related cases. Around the same time of heightened outbreak alerts, local and organic lingo fell on the tongues of food trend-spotters, who comb regent urban gardens and enable the philanthropic; conquer of organic brands over conventional supermarkets.

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When Whole Foods Market, the world’s largest organic and natural food retailer, opened in Yorkville next to competitor Pusateri’s, it was safe to say that green was pronounced the new sophistication in gourmet tastes. Perhaps the up-scale entry of fine health foods into the green scene portrayed localized eating to be a rather expensive endeavour. Given their position on blogTO’s Best of Toronto list, Liberty Village, Sorauren, and Trinity Bellwoods are welltrodden farmers markets that can certainly deliver 100-mile fares. But if residency in the Annex is a requirement to afford to eat as fresh as this, most of us can forget local eating at all! How about the decisive locavores who have passed through the omnivore’s dilemma? Bacterial strains and food inspections have led hungry intellectuals to look to gurus like Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser for answers. New to the team is Robert Kenner, director of this summer’s documentary Food Inc., a continued discussion on the production of processed foods. In his film, we find our chicken weakkneed from carrying twice their weight in breast, and slaughterhouses looking more like public toilets after the great bovines stand for days in their own excretion. After an hour of graphic and eye-opening discoveries behind the concealed packages at our superstores, community farmers arrive at the end of the film in the shining salvation light for the North American consumer. But at the converted space of 90 Croatia Street, FoodShare relays neither exclusive glamrock nor grotesque exhibition. Following FoodShare’s executive director Debbie Field through modest offices, painted mural halls, and aromatic kitchens, I was met by smiling staff and volunteers, and smelled a pretty powerful apple pie in the making! Originally developed to respond to the overwhelming needs at food banks in 1985, today FoodShare provides solutions to food security issues like adolescent obesity and access to fresh, affordable food. Affordability, freshness, and cultural-sensitivity are the central principles upon which the Good Food Box grows. I’ve discovered something new…whatever comes [inside the box], you learn

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how to make it. It’s kind of fun, you never know what you’re gonna get!” Said Carrie, a young mom in a single-income household who has been using the Good Food Box from her home in North York. Every few weeks, she’ll drive to her nearest pickup location for roughly a month’s worth of fruits and vegetables, these boxes being the very same ones assembled by volunteers at FoodShare. “I tried it because it’s a more cost-efficient way to still have healthy food, because it’s really hard to do both, right? Healthy food is just often more expensive, if you buy a lot of produce, it’s just more expensive than buying canned food or whatever. And that’s their goal, they want to provide, you know, produce to lower-income families. But anyone can do it really. So yeah, we’ve really enjoyed it. We haven’t really had any trouble so far,” Carrie explained. “Last month we got peaches, but I’m really hoping we’ll have berries this time,” Carrie said when explaining that for $17.00 she orders the standard box, about the size of a recycling bin, containing seasonal and non-seasonal produce and one or two surprise items. In comparison with the priced paid out at conventional grocery stores, Carrie saves at least $5.00 on every Food Box order for the same variety and quantity of food. At least one-third of the standard box is comprised of seasonal produce, though choices for 100% organic, fruit-only, or pre-cut produce boxes are also available. “I guess I like the idea in theory of locally grown things, like it doesn’t make sense, why do we grow all of our fruits somewhere else and ship it here? So for me, I feel a little bit more connected with my food, but I’ve never met the farmers. But I think it makes you think about where is it coming from, because you think about the people who organize the pick-up, and then you think about all the people who get all the food into boxes and then send them all away, I think about even how much work that is. But then, that’s still so much better than a grocery store, with all the shipments from all the different countries and it goes on a conveyor belt,” Carrie said when explaining whether or not she feels a connection between her and her food.

Much like the messages coming from Robert Kenner’s on-screen pulpit, thinking about the food is a process that could make significant changes towards a healthier lifestyle. “I’m not good at it, but I like to try! It’s fun. I like learning how to be healthy what that really means. That’s what we’ve really discovered as a family, it’s the lifestyle change of being healthy. Eat healthy, basic things that other people already knew; it’s been good, it’s been a challenge,” Carrie said when explaining how she sometimes finds herself with bags of unfamiliar vegetables like rutabaga. Organizations like FoodShare are stepping up to make transitions into this locavore challenge a little bit more accessible and a little bit easier, in hopes to integrate a lot of these health benefits into our everyday lives. Going locavore may illicit ideas of a certain lifestyle, but much of what goes on is the thought put into food: slowing down long enough to appreciate where it – sa all comes from. To get connected with The Good Food Box, send an email to gfb@foodshare.net

Canvassing the Caribbe an

A Look at This Ye ars Caribana d by ords use ribe w e r a !” c to des rse, fun d of cou Caribana Parade the 42nd n a l il r h year’s . This is ment, t h r, excite articipant of this o the festivals come alive wit e t h g u la d e p , b o y a s o , it t , 9 n s ,1 “U se ron Dookhie p ro gres town To Shynelle al. As summer streets of down and food. iv the fest ive year that the aribbean music C t u consec s and smells of d n the sou by Sarah Subnath

Caribana is a two week long musical

it as her role to, “release the thrill and love we have for this event as we hit the stage.” Natalie Persaud, a 2005 Caribana masquerader says there’s a difference between being in the parade and watching it, “Being a part of the Guyana float was a great experience because you’re in the center of all the action and fun and you get to enjoy the event more. I always look forward to this time of year as a lot of my family from all over North America and sometimes Trinidad, come to celebrate this national festival with us.” With thousands of onlookers expected each year to witness the parade, it goes without saying that it is an immense tourist attraction. As Dookhie puts it simply, “It’s one of my favorite times of the year where everyone comes together to celebrate in the form of a massive street party…it’s an event for all ages as people from ages three to 93 come out to fete and have a good time.” Everyone is welcome to the parade, so be sure to check out this year’s bright Caribana.

– pb

Photograph by Paul Bannister

celebration and festival based on Caribbean carnivals, namely the one that takes place in Trinidad and Tobago. First started in Toronto in 1967, Caribana has grown to become the largest Caribbean festival in North America. Put on by Canada’s Caribbean community, it initiated as a celebration of Canada’s centennial year. Starting this year’s celebration is the official launch on July 14th at Nathan Phillips Square where patrons could taste Caribbean and international cuisine. The following two weeks are filled with the Junior Carnival (a mini Caribana put on by and for children), the Pan Alive steel pan performance and the Caribana Gala where participants battle for the Caribana King and Queen title. Closing the festival is the 1.5 km colourful Caribana Parade on August 1st that starts at the Exhibition Place and continues west along Lakeshore Blvd. It includes masqueraders dressed up in elaborate costumes and live soca, calypso, steel pan and reggae performances. The heart of the parade can be seen in the performers themselves. Dookhie describes

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Navigating North By Northeast by Cashlyn Teggart

For the last 15 years the North by Northeast (NXNE) music and film festival has taken over Toronto for five days and nights during the month of June. The festival is a chance for over 500 performers from all over the world to showcase their music in downtown Toronto. With so many events going on, it’s impossible for anyone to catch all of the action but that certainly doesn’t stop people from trying. David Oliver is an unassuming

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All Photographs by Ming Wu

Zeus@TheCourthouse

20-year-old, who might be speeding by you downtown on his bike. Few would guess that Oliver is, in fact, a NXNE fiend. “Including in-store venues, I went to 50 shows at NXNE this year...I probably hit up 13 different venues,” he said. After buying his $50 NXNE wristband, Oliver began to prepare for the music marathon that lay ahead of him. He took the first half of June off in preparation for what he anticipated would be an intense five days. Going to 50 shows in five days is no small feat. This kind of commitment takes careful organization. “I really followed my plan the first three days,” he said. “But I ended up winging the last two, more or less, which actually worked better than I had expected.”

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of the blue, and threw me up; I just went with it!” Oliver also cites the These Are Powers show at the Silver Dollar, and The Lovely Feathers show at the Horseshoe Tavern as events where he was pleasantly surprised by how great the bands played. As far as disappointments are concerned, Oliver had little to complain about. Although there were a few bands on the Yonge & Dundas side-stage that he wasn’t impressed by, Oliver was pleased overall by all the bands and venues. The only letdowns he could think of were minute. “I think the wristbands this year were worse than last year,” said Oliver. “I know a lot of people whose wristbands got ripped off this year. Last year they were made of doublesided plastic and they were stronger.”

Said the whale@the reverb

During NXNE, Oliver arrived home around 5 a.m. each morning, only to wake up at 11:30, preparing to do the whole thing all over again. Few would be able to maintain his schedule for five days (without the help of caffeine at least). However, Oliver is an exception. He doesn’t drink coffee but he did have an Amp energy drink in a tent one morning at Yonge & Dundas Square. Without coffee and shots of expresso, it’s hard to imagine where Oliver got the energy and drive to continue such a grueling schedule for almost a week. “I go to shows because I want to,” claims Oliver. “So going to NXNE was basically motivation enough.” An earnest motivation, however, is not the only secret that helped this music enthusiast keep up his energy. “What helps a lot is that I don’t drink alcohol at shows most of the time,” said Oliver. “For one, it’s expensive, but it also makes it harder to keep going, especially when you’re trying to get up in the morning.” With all his experience at NXNE this year, Oliver was able to pick out a few highlights. He said the Wrongbar was probably the best show he went to. He said when Team Robospierre, Japanther, and Matt and Kim played it was like a constant dance party. His favourite moment at NXNE was at that Wrongbar show where he crowdsurfed for the first time. He described how, “Someone I didn’t know picked me up, out

woodpidgeon@horseshoe tavern

“ ”

Including in-store venues, I went to 50 shows at NXNE this year... I probably hit up 13 different venues.

Oliver also mentioned another difference between this year’s NXNE and last year’s. To his liking, out of the 50 bands he saw perform, 26 of them he hadn’t seen before. In the end, Oliver said that NXNE was definitely worth his money and time. “I bought the wristband for $50, so it was a buck a band basically,” he explained. A f ter 15 hou rs of sleep a nd some wholesome food, Oliver has recovered from NXNE, and is ready to continue his favourite hobby; going to more shows. “I’m going to just keep going to shows, (because of NXNE) I’m coming up on my 200th, so I’m excited for that, for adding to that number.”

– pb

Micah barnes

The Medicine Man of Vocal Coaching by Shazia Islam

Singing is no walk in the park and good

for singing. Micah starts the group off with intense breathing and vocal exercises. He urges participants to make use of the ample theatre space in which most of the workshops are held. He pays close attention to each participant to ensure that everyone understands the warm-ups and reminds his students that a good warm-up is the foundation of a pro singer. He explains that, “If a performer really takes time to put the things they need in place, half of the nerves are gone.” At the beginning of his workshop, the singers work through their exercises, while Micah speaks to each one individually as a way of introduction. Some of the faces belong to his long-term students, while others are newcomers, ready to experience his magic. Micah speaks to everyone with sincere interest in hearing what brought them to him. Everyone starts to feel more comfortable, even knowing that they will soon have to sing in front of one another. As the workshop progresses, each participant gets up to sing their rendition of a Joni Mitchell tune or something they composed themselves. At this point the students are becoming comfortable with each other and aren’t feeling negative about their own abilities or competitive with the others. Micah takes a very personal approach to teaching. He gets to the heart of each

student to find out what fears lurk in their shadows. He looks for any technical/ physical issues their voices and bodies are grappling with, why they have made a particular song selection and what risks the singer is willing to take to develop showmanship. By way of dramatic vocalizations and movement, Micah encourages students to throw away their inhibitions so that they might refine sounds and motions, turning them into something powerful instead. Micah gives his students belief when they lack belief. He

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Photograph by Paul Bannister

singing, the kind that makes a crowd swoon and clap for more, is definitely in a realm of its own. The singers who dare to come forth from the privacy of the shower must find their foothold in an industry where the bar is continually being raised by child prodigies and aged spinsters on hit TV shows like American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent. There’s a singer in everyone, but does everyone have the chutzpah to venture forth into a sea with a million others, just waiting to be discovered? Well if you’re ever in need of an encouraging push, consider attending Micah’s Singers Playground workshop to help discover your true singing potential. Micah Barnes is a man of many musical gifts. He is an accomplished pianist, composer, a superbly talented singer, a formidable entertainer, and a passionate teacher. He makes an impact on the world stage both as a performer and a coach and divides his time between Toronto and L.A. He also teaches privately and gives students the opportunity to take their vocal training to the next level by setting up performances at the reputable Statler’s Piano Lounge on Church street. None of Micah’s workshops are ever the same. Each one draws in a diverse group of vocal artists, all with unique challenges to overcome, yet all united in their passion

arts.culture.living

g ives t hem d i rec t ion w hen needed . He explains: What I try to offer my students is a sense of the overarching reality of a singer’s life. Can they do business on their own? Do they know how to meet business professionals and engage in a way that’s sustainable for their career? Can they build a team to help them with their career? As a vocal coach and artist, he has made a difference in many people’s lives. He brings talent and hope to aspiring singers, he collaborates with established artists

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and works alongside his brother, drummer, Daniel Barnes. He also does vocal coaching for reality TV stars (How do you Solve a Problem like Maria), organizes career strategy seminars and is now working on his own, soon-to-be released, material. In spite of his familiarity with the music business, Micah doesn’t try to produce singers who are just molded for the market. He gives students a chance to discover their own voice and style: I give each artist the chance to work with the strengths they’ve got. I don’ t have

one sound I’m trying to create. I don’t want a singer to sound just like another singer. The rehearsal process tells you where to go, but it ’s a crazy ride, and that ’s why you’re here. Join Micah and some of Toronto’s up and coming singers at his next vocal workshop. You won’t want to miss it! For more information, visit his website at w w w. micahbarnes.com.

– pb

Popcorn Napalm

Reel Race Relations Hollywood has always been a source of contention when it comes to portraying different races in films. Take Native American director M. Night Shyamalan whose next film is an adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: by Andrew Rainnie The Last Airbender.... Avatar: The Last Airbender is well into production but the filmmaker’s choice of casting is causing tsunamis across the internet. The cartoon, while set in a fictional mythical land, clearly draws inspiration from eastern cultures. Within this imaginary world there are four races, each of which controls one of the elements - fire, water, earth and air. The Air Nomads share attributes with the Buddhist monks of Tibet, illustrated in the symbol for Air being based on the Tibetan Origin symbol. Similarly, the Water Tribes live in the frozen poles of the North and South, aligning with Inuit or Yupik cultures. The Fire Nation live amongst a collection of volcanoes and like the Earth Kingdom, are often associated with Chinese cultures. T he ma in characters in T he Last Airbender are Aang, the titular air bending Avatar whose mission is to maintain balance between the four nations. He befriends Sokka and Katara from the southern Water tribe and makes an enemy of The Fire Nation’s Prince Zuko. Originally, the film cast four young white, American actors for these roles: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone and Jesse McCartney. Thousands of fans protested, accusing Shyamalan and Paramount Pictures of a literal whitewash. The film’s controversy continued with the young Rathbone who stated during an interview that he would, “definitely need a tan” to play the Water Tribe character Sokka. Currently, devout fans of the cartoon are planning a mass boycott because of what

is called, “race bending.” For more information on the race bending protest, visit www. racebending.com. To some, good news came with singer Jesse McCartney being dropped in favour of Slumdog Millionaire hero Dev Patel. The Last Airbender finally had some colour to its cast, although Patel is an Indian Asian and not Oriental Asian, as Zuko and the entire Fire Nation’s culture are in the cartoon. However, the casting of popular Dev Patel may be more of a marketing move than an appeal to equity. Paramount Pictures, who are spending in the region of $250 million to bring the film to the big screen need a positive box office return. One can see why they may be more inclined to cast white Americans if they believe their core characters will appeal to their biggest market; America. Recasting roles with different races, sexes or ages is nothing new in Hollywood. It happens all the time. When Tim Story remade the French hit Taxi for an American audience, the original taxi driver played by Caucasian Samy Naceri was played this time by Queen Latifah. Another example would be the casting of African American Michael Duncan Clarke as K ingpin in Daredevil, a character depicted as white in the comic books. Fans generally accept such casting choices but sometimes they do not. For example, before Bryan Singer made Superman Returns, Charlie’s Angels director McG was in line to direct, and was pushing for singer Beyonce Knowles to be cast as Lois Lane. One fan was so irate that he

started a petition against the potential casting call, stating, “Lois Lane is white, plain and simple. She has been that way for over 70 years. Changing a main character’s race to simply be politically correct in this time and era is simply wrong.” Taking liberties with fictional source material is understandable, and even comic books rewrite themselves. Take Marvel’s Ultimate series, which rebooted major characters including Nick Fury whose skin colour changed from white to black, drawn with an uncanny resemblance to Samuel L. Jackson (who later played him in a cameo in Iron Man). But what of Hollywood taking liberties with real history? In Jonathan Mostow’s U-571, a story about a group of soldiers commandeering a German U-boat to steal the Enigma cipher machine, the film cast all the soldiers as American, yet in real life they had been English. This caused a furor in the UK, the film even being condemned in British Parliament by then Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mostow, both writer and director, was forced to add an end title card, crediting the Royal Navy for capturing the first Enigma machine. Hopefully, as the world moves on, as we continue to break down barriers of sex, race, age, and religion, Hollywood will follow suit, respecting true stories and source materials that provided extraordinary film ideas in the first place.

– pb

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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is the inevitable sequel to 2007’s Transformers, a film which managed to successfully transform a toy line and cartoon into a fully fledged blockbuster. by Andrew Rainnie As with all sequels, the pressure is on to build on the foundations of the first and while it certainly has more bang for its buck, one would hope there would be more to this film than meets the eye. Unfortunately, it is a 149 minute rush of CGI, not necessarily a bad thing. It seems to have lost some of the heart of the first, and is certainly not up to the standards that a Michael Bay film usually hold. While Steven Spielberg still serves as Executive Producer as he did in the first entry, his touch here is decidedly missing. The first film introduced us to the Autobots and Decepticons with pace. Here we are thrust into the world, the new characters given little characterization, with the Autobots who survived the first film (with the exception of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime) given a handful of lines and little screen time. One of the major criticisms of the first film was that there was not enough time spent on the characters of the robots, yet the filmmakers decided to throw in more characters in the sequel, giving each even less attention. There could have been a great sub-plot about a rivalry between the original Autobots and the new arrivals (the vastly underused motorcycles Arcee

and the annoying hip hop twins Wheelie and Skids). The Arcee, along with the Chihuahuatype Wheelie, also face another character challenge. They are robots perhaps marketed towards the child market; a mistake similar to Jar-Jar Binks in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Of all the new characters, the introduction of Jetfire is perhaps the best because he not only fulfills a place in the plot but his character also has an arc of growth. The titular enemy, The Fallen, is a great addition but is criminally underused, not weaved into the main story until the climax. The main human characters of Sam (Shia LaBeouf) and Mikaela (Megan Fox) are less endearing this time around, perhaps due to repetitive dialogue later in the film. Other minor characters shine, notably Sam’s parents Ron (Kevin Dunn) and Judy (Julie White). John Turturro has thankfully toned his melodrama down a notch, but he seems to have given it over to newcomer Ramon Rodriguez, his endless repetitive whining quickly grating many a nerve. W hen the action is good, it’s ver y good (the Optimus fight in the forest or Bumblebee’s kung-fu in the desert),

but when it’s bad, it’s a mess. Poor camera angles and a lack of slo-mo means it is sometimes impossible to distinguish what is actually happening in the CGI mesh, resembling old cartoon fights using conversation clouds, with an arm or leg occasionally seen. One clear example of this can be seen with the Devastator, five Decepticons who can merge together to form a megatransformer. The Decepticons are thrown together at last minute and when they connect, close angled shots come thick and fast, rather than Matrix style flo-mo, wide shot and panning. Inevitably the buck stops at the script. While the film has some great moments, ultimately, it is overshadowed by a weak story, little character depth and a ludicrous finale that demolishes the internal logic of the film’s world. Had the writers worked out a story that integrated both the old Autobots and the Fallen at a greater level, perhaps the threat of Armageddon would not feel so blasé. It is a fun slice of sci-fi fantasy but all the flaws are signs that the franchise may not last as long as fans (and the studio) had hoped.

– pb

SUMMARY REVIEW A fun rush of CGI mayhem, let down by the addition of too many characters, mediocre acting, poor editing and a ridiculous script. At its best it is a guilty pleasure, a startling and sometimes beautifully shot slice of sci-fi. Everything from the original is made bigger and bolder but unfortunately, so are the flaws, criminally side benching the original characters in favour of two hip-hop twin robots. The climax is so ludicrous that it makes the idea of alien robots as cars look realistic in comparison. H H H

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RAISING THE HEAT H O T W H I T E G A L A 2 0 0 9 On 18th June 2009, the Four Seasons

Centre, in the heart of downtown Toronto sizzled with stellar dancers as the Hot W hite Gala began. The 4 th fundraising event put on by the National Ballet of Canada included both short and long performances chosen by the Artistic Director, Karen Kain. Some of the renowned dancers included Chan Hon Goh, who after 20

by MELISSA DOYLE

years of dancing with the National Ballet of Canada, gave her final performance. The dancing was followed by drinks, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing and a raffle, with gifts including a Vespa LX Scooter and a trip for 2 to Quebec City. I spoke with Justus Rapple(22) from Chicago about Hot White Gala. He explained that he attended events held by the National Ballet of Canada before

featuring a montage of different vignettes. I went for the Nutcracker as well. Rapple said the Gala was definitely money well spent. This year, the National Ballet of Canada raised over $1 million. The event was a spectacular evening filled with remarkable dance, food and decadence.

– rr

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Adapting the Page Has Hollywood’s dependency on classic and best-selling novels, comic books, and even television shows gone too far? by Melissa Lang Or does it all come down to box office ratings? Last year, whether it was Angels and

Demons, Harry Potter, Transformers, Star Trek, or even the iron clad robust body of Iron Man, they all have something in common, they all come from successful novels, comics, or television shows. So what, you might ask? Since the movie industry started, a staggering majority of blockbuster films have come from these sources. In fact, most movies are not organic in origin. Has this dependency simply turned previously enjoyed literature into cleverly markete products? Should all the copying stop? It seems as though every film has not only copied but cannibalized some form of past pop culture craze or a New York Times bestseller. Many of these are of questionable quality. Every now and then though something original and enjoyable is created for viewers. This can be seen with the film adaptation of Star Trek, which was an immediate box-office smash. Grossing over $240 million from late June, the movie adaptation allowed the quintessential Trekkie to have no borders, going where no man has gone before. Coming out of the theatre after watching it myself, I was impressed by the

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contemporary interpretation of the classic. The film was designed for viewers who were unfamiliar with the original story, possibly the children of devout Star Trek fans. The film offered a panel of much younger characters, reincarnated through captain Kirk and Spock, and a brilliant display of special effects. The watered down storyline made people like me who haven’t even seen a full episode of Star Trek, thoroughly enjoy the movie. Star Trek and even the recent Christopher Nolan’s Batman revive old storylines into fresher, more youthful versions. In doing that, endless array of a new generations of fans will fall in love. Can you say live long and prosper? More often than not though, film adaptations do not capture the spirit of an original piece. Such an example is this year’s Twilight, a major motion picture catering to the mostly pre-teen/teen demographic. The problem with Twilight and many other adaptations is that their creators often focus solely on blockbuster appeal. Film are rushed prematurely into production to turn a quick profit and the organic rawness of the original gets lost. In the case of Twilight, the true essence and romanticism found in

the novel was, according to some, lost on screen. Christy Lemiere, an Associated Press Movie critic stated, “Much of what made the relationship between Edward and the smitten Bella Swan work in Meyer’s breezy book has been stripped on screen”. What is really going on with the quality of Twilight is probably just a commodification of the story to turn Twilight groupies into a haze of scorching, infatuated consumers. Studios can make trendy, “in the moment” books into short-term profits but comprise the integrity of the industry as a result. Admittedly so, the announcement of the movie adaptation of a best selling book, comic, advertisement or other creative source can conjure a bubbling excitement in moviegoers. W hen watching movies like Star Trek or Batman, viewers may find themselves pleasantly entertained but when catching the likes of Twilight, not so much. In an industry where film adaptations are second nature, it would be beneficial if studios produced films that served justice to the classics, giving reason for viewers to put down their heavy Harry Potter books and go see the film.

– pb

Remembering the Unforgettable Many iconic figures have passed

away on the 25th day of the month: Lisa, “L ef t-Eye” L opez, Ja mes Brow n a nd Aaliyah, just to name a few. However this past June 25, the world lost an entire era of talent with the passing of The King of Pop, Michael Jackson and Charlie’s Angels’ Farrah Fawcett. For Michael Jackson, it was his love of music and dedication to the art that made him an instant superstar, not to mention his undeniable talent. Born the seventh child of the Jackson family, Michael started his career in 1968 as a member of The Jackson 5. He began his solo career in 1971 and quickly grew to be one of the most popular and indemand artists of his time. W hen his second album Thriller hit shelves, Michael Jackson quickly became the King of Pop. Jackson’s biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli once said, “At some point, Thriller stopped selling like a leisure item - like a magazine, a toy, tickets to a hit movie - and started selling like a household staple.” Thriller also changed the music industry in its entirety because it helped bring MTV into its prime, turning the music video into a distinct art form. In a crowded room of hundreds of people, you probably wouldn’t find a single person who didn’t know the chorus to one of Michael Jackson’s songs. However, it wasn’t only his music that ended up changing the world. “He created a comfort level, where people felt…interconnected. Michael made us love each other. Michael taught us to stand with each other,” said Rev. Al Sharpton as reported by The Associated Press. In his 50 years of living, Jackson participated in over three dozen charities, raising millions of dollars for outstanding organizations including his own charity, Heal the World Foundation. The iconic entertainer still came across many obstacles in his life and was no stranger to controversy in the media. However, for better or for worse, Jackson defined what it meant to be the ultimate superstar. He will continue to shine for years and years to come.

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By Kaleigh Ambrose On the very same day that people

were mourning the passing of the King of Pop, Farrah Fawcett, the blonde bombshell, lost her long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Fawcett’s claim to fame began when she appeared as private investigator Jill Monroe on the incredibly popular television series, Charlie’s Angels. From there she went on to become one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment business, forever changing the look of fashion. The outstandingly beautiful role-model was particularly known for her trendsetting during the 1970’s. You couldn’t find anyone who didn’t want to copy her unforgettable feathered hair, affectionately known as the, “Farrah Do” or who didn’t want to go out and buy the high-waisted jeans she made so popular. Fawcett was also known for the girl-next-door red bathing suit poster that was first released in Life magazine in 1976. To date, it is the best selling pin-up poster of all time and has sold more than 12 million copies. Fawcett’s spark didn’t extinguish even when she was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. Four months after she began treatment, she was declared cancer-free but deterioration caused by the deadly disease still continued. Fawcett decided to document her battle with the disease and in May 2009, Farrah’s Story was released. Over nine million viewers watched it the first night it aired. Fawcett’s friend and Charlie’s Angels co-star, Kate Jackson, a breast cancer survivor herself declared, “Farrah didn’t do this to show that she was unique, she did it to show that we are all unique. This was meant to be a gift to others to help and inspire them.” The talent, passion and courage behind the King of Pop and Farrah Fawcett were only some of the many reasons fans had their hearts racing. June 25th, 2009 will forever remain the day the world lost two of its heav y weight pop-culture icons. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett will forever be remembered.

– pb

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SA LTI M BA N Q U E She is under the canvas canopy big top spotlit starlet she disco ball dew bed sequined spinning water for wearing

She trades platinum for trinket tinsel Saltimbanque dazzler diadem gem crowning Crowned contortionist curvaceous limber luminous limelight luscious

rays of rental borrowed beaming rays of rental liberate lending

Gracious sublimest slinky surreptitious Nimble, the natural how she carries And I am hers for fumbling tumbling I am hers for tumbling trophy

She, Promethean Princess my souvenir showgirl Slinky shining offering lioness princess limber lining She maneuvers disco ball bouncing balance-beam tumble tossing juggling three-sixties acrobat arching form fluidic fantastic finessing She rays rental beaming borrowed liberate lending for this morrow She, Promethean Princess my souvenir showgirl She fantastic for compliment she So mementos pose she Side show stealing ripe revealing captive crowds poise perfectly

I am hers for such trophy tumbling stumbling illusionist orator jester carnival smoke blowing big top barker My smoke and mirrors mimic inadequate her spot sharp shine splendour spectaculate My mirrors clumsy jitter silver bouncing balance beam beauty She fantastic gymnastic she feast of feats splinter splitting spinning radiance to rainbows refracting Mon fleur de leis fantasy She is under the canvass canopy big top spotlit starlet she Copyright Randy Resh 2008

Photograph by Forzeshow/f lickr

She toys malleable mutable magnificent trinkets, tightrope she toys trading toys she toys between these rings pleasing crowd crescsending sings pleasing her fair so immaculate spectaculate pleasing

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M E N N O KR A NT’ S C UTTI N G S

I have witnessed a host of emulators Sycophantic emphatic fanatics Invariably they’d arrive ever so early For your show openings at the Pteros Gallery Trench coat incognito discreto Dark sunglasses eye-stalk hungry

Those with the courage to stray (could see them coming from miles anyway; -) Stragglers from some secretive entourage Occulted thirst envy junkies I would leave them to their own very Respective poaching privy in the gallery Studiously drooling duly noting Deconstructing your diamond cuttings Swiftness sweeping stealthily Windswept cloaken arrival leavings Can’t say that I blame them Refusing the registry For they were not buying Nor culture hopping Your impossible pace they were only Simply keeping vying Stealing the shavings crystalline savings Your gem stellar sacred Incomparable imitable shining jewellery Copyright Randy Resh 2008

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M E N N O KR A NTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S CAT Mister Menno is playing With a polydactyl cat They both the rarest of breeds Are do such without trying Possessing unique dexterity Demarking originality God broke their elegant mold There are no copies She is at his easel impromptu Chasing oily slippery cherry Furtive follow for their forage Flowing frantic feather frenzy As his paint brushes She brushes Lunges violent Leaping luscious There is grace Bewildering beauty Prolific peculiar proclivities Affinity between Their very own and mutual Pristine primeval sensibilities They are purring perfect Magnificent exquisite Dancer-Painter symbiosity They sweep stride brush bold beholding Yet they are oblivious mutations enraptured Supernatural organic process Muted in their understandings less stated Photograph by Cactusbones/f lickr

Incomparable magnificent mutual organics Original exclusive castings Copyright Randy Resh 2008

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C A S SI O PEI A Two hours on such the brief love letter to her Just me to her to meet her Heavens are opening it all makes sense again I we are in our element Twinkling sprinkling firework missives stellar sparking sparkling supernova I I am reading into above between her lines Hmmmmmm.... trajectory sublime Floored with her adored I painting ceiling Her classic name savour such gravity her favours Hour long kisses sustain Interlacing locking ‘secting shhh... …silent sun dialing Ontological orbits poetic symmetry tracing Cassiopeia is in her element firmament finest rare feathering Photograph by Dyanna/f lickr

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