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Note From the Editor FUTURÉALE
HelloLoyal Loyal FutuReale Readers, Hello FutuReale Readers, Wow, it is already May 2011! Time really does speed
Wow, it is already May 2011! Time really does up when you are having fun as we do putting the speed up when youAsare as much magazine together. perhaving usual, tons of hardfun workas wewent do into putting the magazine together. As per making this magazine what it is so a “BIG THANKS” goes outwork to everyone usual, tons of hard went who intocontributed, making this edited or gave time to put it together. magazine what it is so a “BIG THANKS” goes out to everyone who contributed, edited or We have a VERY special cover this month. It is the gave time toJean putPierre it together. wonderful ( JP). His brand of entertain-
ment is unrivaled, and he a hoot to get to know! Enjoy
thehave coverastory andspecial get to know thethis manmonth. behind the We VERY cover It is magic! the wonderful Jean Pierre ( JP). His brand of entertainment is unrivaled, and he is a hoot to We strive to give exposure to artists of all kinds of getmediums to know! theiscover story and to and Enjoy this month no different. We get try and know the man behind the magic! cover distinct stories and really open a forum for Arts, Culture and Living.
Editor in Chief Shawn Shapiro
We strive to give exposure to artists of all kinds Enjoy May and see you in June! of mediums and this month is no different. We try and cover distinct stories and really open a forum for Arts, Culture and Living. Enjoy May and see you in June!
Online Content Editor Shawn Shapiro Executive Director Omar Murji Contact FutuRéale at: info@futureale.com www.futureale.com ISSN 1916-3215 FUTURÉALE FutuRéale Magazine is published by The Organic Press www.organicpress.ca FutuRéale Magazine is a proud member of the ONAMAP Network www.onamap.ca © 2011 ONAMAP Enterprises
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Publisher Omar Murji Editor in Chief Shawn Shapiro Layout Artists Michael Nguyen Rav Rawat Kelly Potter Layout/Tech Ankur Taxali GH Interns: Sarah Doktor Olena Protsiv Melissa Doyle Editorial Interns Anastasia Rokina Lindsay Romeo Olivia D’Orazio Jess Silver Kelly Potter Brian McLellan Jess Morton Olga Shugurova Contributing Editors: Karen Lam Russ Martin Kevin Hamilton Podcast Amanda Cupido Contributing Writers Anastasia Rokina Lindsay Romeo Jess Silver Kelly Potter Brian McLellan Jess Morton Sarah Doktor Olena Protsiv Maxwell Wynter Cindy Ng Man Him Christna Dun Jeremy Colangelo Marcus Pidek Craig Wilkins Mark Kinash Abby Plener
FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
Table of Contents
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FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
04 Friday Night Foods Craig Wilkins 06 Covered Up Jeremy Colangelo 08 Downsize Your Waist with Taste Cindy Ng Man Him 11 When do the Sequels End? Jess Morton 12 Art for our Sakes Marcus Pidek 14 Nacho Mania Sarah Doktor 16 Moustache Love Mark Kinash 18 Day For Night Mark Kinash 20 Something to Scream Four! Jeff T. Smith 22 Jean-Pierre Cover Story Melissa Doyle 24 Toronto’s Theatre Scene Chris Allaire 26 Argos in the Offseason Krista Sharpe 28 Jane’s Walk Olena Protsiv 29 Green Goddess Abby Plener 30 Love Rhythms Anastasia Rokina 31 Have Plans for May 24? Kelly Potter 32 The Big Smoke Kyle Kasino 34 Hidden Gems and Guilty Pleasures Brian McLellan 36 Buying your First Home Maxwell Wynters PAW PRINTS By: Lindsay Romeo, Kelly Potter, Sarah Doktor and Olena Protsiv
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Friday Night Foods “Next time you and your friends catch up on the latest movie, go for the healthier snack. By: Craig Wilkins
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“That’s the butter. We like butter, butter is good!”
out of the fridge.
Eating healthy at the movies can be a challenging but it is never impossible to munch on craisins.
At the AMC Yonge & Dundas there was no tea, at least that I could see, and the snack choices were all what you’d call “Theatre Snacks”. That was my first movie of the day so I decided to go with a standard pick for me. I like the candy, the chocolate especially, and sometimes going to the movies is about an indulgence. I chose the Reese’s Pieces in a 105 gram family pack. The calories per serving were 190. Unfortunately that was for a 40 gram serving. Using my handy dandy online calculator that works out to 500 calories. That’s a monster 25% of your daily 2000 calories, and you haven’t eaten anything good for you yet.
To the woman who was teaching her two young children the joy of butter, let me just mention that the large popcorn with butter you purchased comes in at 1640 calories and a whopping 126 grams of fat. Add the large Coke at 310 calories and you’re nearly at 2000 calories. This lesson on the joy of butter took place at 10:30 on a Saturday morning; I was off to Soul Surfer, the woman and her kids to “Born to be Wild”, carrying her days calories. My mission this month was to go to the movies and find a healthier way to snack while watching the independent films I love so much. I know that’s a little different from my Indie movie column, and I promise next month I’ll be back to talking about the films we all love so much. But I’ve been thinking a lot lately about lifestyle, balancing health with happiness and shouldn’t they be one and the same. I’ve been fighting my own weight battle for three years now. I love food, I love to snack, and outside of a physical job I live a mostly sedentary life. I write, I watch movies, I read, and I surf the net. I think that describes a lot of us these days. 70% of us are obese or overweight if you believe the statistics. Most of us need to be a little more active. We should walk more, maybe hit the gym, or join a sports league. But I’m not a weight loss guru. I’m an indie movie guy. I sit in the dark three times a week and watch little films that most people have never even heard of. Like most of you, I enjoy a snack when I go to the movies. If you go once a month that large popcorn with the matching Coke isn’t such a big deal. But, if you go every week, or more than once every week, then you know having your full days calories while watching the new Aronofsky film is not a good idea as far as your health is concerned. I went to five films this week at five different theatres and I used five different methods of snacking. I also looked at menus and found a couple of ideas you might not normally think of. I received criticism in the process of writing this article, all big time movie addicts like me. “I can’t imagine going to the theatre and not having a pop and a popcorn.” I heard this more than once, even after giving them the calorie counts and then the websites so they could look it up themselves. I told them that instead of the large buttered popcorn with a Coke; why not try a small popcorn without butter for 225 calories and just 11 grams of fat and a diet cola or water. Even if you want to add the butter, another 400 calories, 630 calories total is still 1000 less than that large buttered popcorn they’re always trying to upsize you to. You can have popcorn and eat it too if you think about serving size. I had a small unbuttered popcorn at The Carlton while watching a little Canadian indie, “The Bend”. I enjoyed the movie a lot more than the popcorn; I am just not a popcorn guy. But I will admit that it took me nearly half the film to eat and, if the calorie counting website I went to is correct, at 225 calories, it was not a major hit to my diet. Another thing I noticed at The Carlton was fair trade coffee and tea. As long as you don’t drown your hot beverage with cream and sugar, that can make for a fantastic low or no calorie movie snack. I know it’s outside most peoples comfort zones, but if you’re battling with your weight or you have a bikini you want to rock at the beach this summer, then why not try a green tea next time you sit down to enjoy an indie at The Carlton. Consider it guilt free snacking, and best of all, you can’t pause the movie to go get something
I checked out the Junior Mints, 566 calories, and the peanut M&M’s 600 calories, so for a large candy choice this is “not bad”. And with about 120 pieces in every box it was a snack I could slowly enjoy for a good third of the film. I know I can’t do this every time I go to the movies, or even every second time which is my usual “treat yourself ” ratio. Once a week, no more. The TIFF Bell Lightbox was showing a little Icelandic movie called “Jitters”. It’s my fourth time to the Lightbox, but the first time I ever bought snacks. They have wonderful fresh baked cookies for sale. The price was right at $2.25. The calorie count I can’t be exactly sure of, but using Mrs. Fields as a comparable product it looks like around 280-300 calories. It was a nice treat, not healthy to be sure, but half the calories of my usual chocolate treat and fresh. But, I was in the theatre and the movie had started, so I sat back and enjoyed a really good coming of age story from a first time Icelandic director. Like the tea idea, the movie is what it’s all about, and once it started I didn’t miss my movie snack. The final movie of the day was at the Scotiabank. I love their fast food places, and if I wasn’t worried about my weight I’d get a large fries from New York Fries, 820 calories, or a Whopper and large onion rings from Burger King, 1110 calories. Instead I decided to skip the food altogether and just watch my movie. Turns out “Hobo with a Shotgun” had more than enough cheese to keep me satiated. I work just downstairs from the Varsity Theatre and during the week I like to sneak out early and catch a movie from time to time (don’t tell my boss). The Varsity is one of the last places you can buy a frozen yogurt. At just over three dollars and 120 calories, the frozen yogurt was a small hit to my pocket and an even smaller hit to my diet. Adding frozen cherries and mango slices made this snack as close to healthy as I came all week. What have I learned and what advice do I have for summer movie season? Eating healthy at the movies is no simple task, but there is one very simple rule when it comes to eating healthier at the movies. Choose the less expensive item on the menu. This works for portion and health. The cookie was half the price and half the calories as the chocolate treat. The yogurt with real fruit, the coffee and the tea were the cheapest items on the menu and the healthiest. And for popcorn people, skipping the butter and getting the small instead of the large turns a diet killer into a special treat, and we calorie counters love our special treats, don’t we? I can’t guarantee you’ll lose weight following this strategy, but you won’t be able to blame the movies for your weight gain, and you’ll save a little money. Maybe you can spend that extra cash on a few extra indie movies this summer. It looks like a great summer for movies and I know that’s where my extra money will be going. -M.N
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Covered Up First impressions are very important in life. Even in books. A good cover design is crucial since it is the first thing a person sees when picking up a book. Although the cover doesn’t dictate how good or bad the book is, it’s still an integral part of what you’re about to read. By: Jeremy Colangelo
When I choose a new book to read, I usually make my decision in one of two ways. Often times I’ve
heard about a particular book from friends, or the Internet, or somewhere else, and so when I spot that book on the shelf in a bookstore I snap it up. I don’t always have the luxury of knowing about a book beforehand, so when I go to pick one out I often have to make a gamble. Of course, before I will commit time or money to a new book, I need to have some idea of what it’s about – and one of the most important ways one can guess a book’s contents is by its cover. The old idiom that “you can’t judge a book by looking at its cover” is, in fact, not true – at least not always. Sure, the blurb on the back will tell you mostly need to know plot-wise, but the cover and design itself carries its own connotations and uses its own language. A good cover should provide some insight into what the book is about. It is very hard to show specifics in a single image; so most illustrators communicate the book’s theme or an important symbol to the text’s message. Some covers provide a visual metaphor for the book’s name or content, letting the reader make an instant connection between theme and presentation. Other covers include in-jokes or allusions to the book’s origin or author, giving the more knowledgeable reader something to chuckle at. Not all covers are successful. Some designs are too abstract, creating a cover that is aesthetically pleasing but which communicates nothing. The 1995 Vintage Books reprint of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is an example of this. Its horizontal coloured bars, multihued letters, and dominant reds could possibly be a metaphor for Ellison’s deep criticism of American race relations, but that would be a bit of a stretch. The book looks nice, but it says very little. Vintage seems to like this format, as I could make the exact same point about the design for
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FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
its Toni Morrison (Beloved¸ Song of Solomon) editions. The books all have a monochromatic front with vertical colour bars running down the spines and the title running across the top in elegant cursive letters. Aesthetically, I love these books, but they tell me nothing. Penguin has resorted to this technique on some occasions. Its 2000 Penguin Classics reprint of James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake, for example, is just a stock photo of some clouds. Though, considering how difficult it is to even read the Wake¸ much less picture it, I can hardly blame them. One of my biggest pet peeves for cover design is when the author’s name is larger than the title. This design privileges the author over the work, and shows a great deal of hubris on the publisher’s part. This style is also rather silly, as one usually only cares about who the author is based on his or her books, which would logically make the book more important than the author. You often see covers like this when the author has become famous, or has written prolifically. Steven King (The Stand, Misery) is a frequent offender – his otherwise wonderful autobiography On Writing is suffering from this stylistic sin. The more recently famous Jonathan Franzen has had this happen too. Franzen has his newest novel Freedom with his name ever so slightly larger than the title on the cover, and several orders of magnitude larger on the spine. As the author only rarely has a say in the cover design, I can’t hold them accountable, but it would be nice if there were fewer books with this sort of cover design.
-It is pretty e idea of what a to say based cover-desig
Often times, well known authors will have their books
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A good cover should provide some insight into what the book is about.
re-printed in series with the covers all sharing a unified aesthetic. I’ve already mentioned Toni Morrison’s prints, but Kurt Vonnegut (Slaughterhouse Five, Cat’s Cradle) has had a similar treatment with Dell Press’s 1991 editions. These books are also good examples of the in-jokes I mentioned before, as the front covers all use line-art that the author drew himself, and the back covers all have the author’s selfportrait by his biography. The main issue with a series like this is the difficulty that comes with adapting the book’s themes and content to a standardised design. These covers can often have very rigid formats which, while nice to look at in a row on your bookshelf, make it difficult to figure out what the novel is supposed to be about. That being said, the publication of a series like this makes it pretty clear that the author is a big deal in the literary world – for many people this is probably enough.
easy to get an book is trying seems to be good at sticking d on what the Penguin little references in its cover designs. It very rarely gives its “classic” books original gner made. covers – though, as its 2008 reprints of
George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty Four and Animal Farm show, they can still design some pretty good ones. Usually, their covers employ a stock photo along with some standardized format taken from whatever series they’re printing. Their 2003 reprint of The Lais of Marie de France as part of their Penguin Classics series had a very good cover image of an illuminated medieval manuscript with a picture of the author herself. Not only is the image quite beautiful – as illuminated manuscripts tend to be – but it also shows the reader one of the few images we have of the elusive Marie. The 2000 Modern Classics edition of James Joyce’s
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Ulysses is another good example – showing a photograph of what appears to be the small Martello tower near Dublin where the novel’s first scene takes place, and which now houses the Joyce museum. This cover not only illustrates a scene from the plot, it also connects the book back to its historical roots and its author’s personal history. If a cover designer is trying to illustrate the book’s theme or argument, one of the best methods is to provide a visual metaphor. One of the best examples that I have seen is from the 2008 New World Library edition of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, as part of a series on the collected works of Joseph Campbell. The cover image is quite stunning – made of several dozen photographs of people from all over the world arranged to create the image of a single face. It is a literal representation of the book’s title, and a good metaphor for what Campbell wrote about. Another, somewhat more obscure, example is the poetry collection How to Write by Derek Beaulieu, published by Talon Books. The background image is of a crossed out section of text where the un-crossed words, read in order, form a sort of manifesto for the whole collection. Under the author’s name, you can see faintly the names of Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound, other poets who have written books with the same title. As the poetry inside draws heavily from plundered text, this cover is highly appropriate. Covers are not simply decorations for the text, they are a way to communicate – quickly and easily – the book’s contents. Obviously a cover should not be ugly, but the design should have more than mere aesthetic considerations. Covers have their own language, which they use to communicate various important details about the contents, the author, and the book’s point. A good, well-designed cover is vital for any book, no matter how obscure.
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Downsize Your Waist With Taste
By: Cindy Ng Man Him Hot Weather is not the only thing awaiting us in May. .Along with the occasional rain, you still have time to pick some of the freshest fruits and vegetables spring has to offer: plump strawberries, shiny apples, beautiful greens and so much more. But what’s the point in all this? Think about it this way… Cooking in the winter has always posed a problem. There aren’t that many fruits and vegetables in season, so you’re stuck with very similar meals until spring rolls around. Add that to the laziness of cooking versus the simple dial of a restaurant’s number and not being able to do exercise in the cold, and you ultimately get the fat you don’t want. With spring, however, the weather offers a variety of fruits and vegetables and lets you stretch your legs in the fresh open air.
Salads Tired of the old fashioned Caesar salad? Why not try something a little more creative with these salad recipes. Tangy Pepper & Feta Salad Ingredients • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp each of dried basil and oregano leaves • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/3 cup olive oil • 1/2 English cucumber • 1/2 each red and yellow pepper or 1 red pepper • 6 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts • 8 cups mesclun greens • 1/2 cup crumbled feta Preparation 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, basil, oregano, garlic and salt. Slowly whisk in the oil and set aside. Cut the cucumber lengthwise and then into quarters. Coarsely chop. Slice peppers into thin
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strips. Drain artichokes and then coarsely chop. Combine all of the ingredients into a large bowl. Add mesclun greens and finish off with a sprinkle of feta. Sicilian Escarole Salad with Citrus Dressing Ingredients • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 1/2 cup olive oil • 2 heads of escarole, washed very well and roughly chopped • 2 oranges, peeled and segmented • Juice of one large orange • 1/4 of a red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup cured black olives • Salt and pepper Preparation 1. In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar with the juice from the orange, salt and pepper. Continue to whisk while you slowly drizzle in the olive oil until your dressing gets slightly thicker. 2. Add the escarole, onions and olives and toss to coat. Top with orange segments and serve.
Dinner Forget about restaurants and dine at home. Herbed Roast Chicken Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 whole chicken (4 lbs) • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, quartered • 1 stalk celery but into quarters • 1 tbsp freshly chopped thyme • 1 tbsp freshly chopped sage • 1 tbsp freshly chopped rosemary • Freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees °F. Remove giblets from chicken; rinse chicken and pat dry. 2. Place onion and celery quarters inside the cavity. Place chicken breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Rub oil over bird. Sprinkle herbs all over and add freshly ground pepper. 3. Roast uncovered for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting frequently with juices and fat-free chicken broth, until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads between 165 degrees °F and 180 degrees °F. Remove chicken from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. 4. Serve with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Halibut with Asparagus, Tomatoes and Rosemary Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 lbs of fresh asparagus
Lunch Eat something light and fresh rather than that greasy take-out. Couscous with Green and White Asparagus Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, or low-sodium canned, fat skimmed • 1 cup couscous • 3/4 lbs green and white asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in half (about 2 cups) • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 cup chopped arugula • 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil Preparation 1. In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the couscous, stir and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. 2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus and then transfer to a bowl filled with ice water. 3. Season the couscous with salt and pepper. Stir in asparagus, cover and let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a bowl. Stir in the arugula and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve. Asparagus with Shiitakes, Shallots, and Peas Prep Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
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• 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary • 4-6 oz halibut fillets • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Juice of 1 lemon • Freshly ground black pepper Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees °F. Break woody ends off asparagus and lay stems in dish. Scatter cherry tomato halves on top. Lay rosemary sprigs on top. Place halibut fillets on bed of vegetables. Combine olive oil and lemon juice and drizzle over halibut. Sprinkle with black pepper and roast uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. 2. Serve with quinoa, couscous or whole grain rice. Sole with Asparagus and Potatoes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 lbs small potatoes, sliced • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 1/4 lbs sole fillets • 1 lbs asparagus, ends broken off • 2 tbsp lemon juice • Black pepper to taste Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees °F. Place potato slices in a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish. Drizzle oil over potatoes and toss. Spread in a single layer after coating in oil. Place potatoes in oven for 30 minutes or until tender. 2. Lay fish fillets on a flat surface. Divide asparagus spears among the fillets before rolling up the fish. Place sole and asparagus roll-ups on top of the cooked potatoes. Drizzle lemon juice over the fish, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is crisp tender.
Serving: 6 Ingredients • 2 tsp olive oil • 5 shallots, halved and thinly sliced lengthwise • 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed • Coarse salt • Ground pepper • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon • 2 medium thick asparagus bunches, tough ends removed and cut on diagonal into 2 inch lengths • 1 cup frozen peas • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice Preparation 1. In a large non-stick skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium. Add shallots and cook until they begin to color. This will take about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes while tossing occasionally until mushrooms and shallots are tender. Transfer to a bowl. Add lemon zest and tarragon, and toss to combine. 2. In the same skillet, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. Add asparagus, season with salt, cover and cook until asparagus is bright green and tender. That will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Add peas to skillet and then drain. 3. Transfer to bowl with the shallots and mushrooms, add lemon juice, and toss to combine.
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a r t s . c u l t u r e. l i v i n g Drinks Drop those soda pop cans and make juice interesting for a change. Strawberry Heaven Serving: 4 Ingredients • 2 cups strawberries • 3 cups orange juice • 4 tbsp sugar (optional) • Crushed ice Preparation 1. Blend ingredients until smooth. Icy Red Berry Mocktail Serving: 4 Ingredients • 500g strawberries, hulled • 1/2 cup cranberry juice • 5 cups lemonade
Preparation • Blend the strawberries and cranberry juice until smooth. Pour into 4 tall glasses and top it off with the lemonade. Tropical Bliss Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 cup mineral or soda water, chilled • 1 cup pineapple juice, chilled • 1 banana • 9 mint leaves • 12 ice cubes • Pinch of nutmeg Preparation 1. Blend together the banana, 5 mint leaves, pineapple juice and nutmeg. Combine with the mineral water and add the ice cubes. Garnish each glass with mint leaf, stir and serve immediately.
Dessert Enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty. Four Berry Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2 tsp light-brown sugar • 1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved, or quartered if large • 1 cup blueberries • 3/4 cup raspberries • 1/2 cup blackberries • 2 tbsp small mint leaves • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped (optional) Preparation 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar and sugar. 2. Add strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and mint. Toss to combine. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle nuts over top if desired. Roasted Apricots with Dulce de Leche Serving: 4 Ingredients • 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 6 fresh apricots, halved and pitted • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 1/4 cup Dulce de Leche (see below to see how it’s made) • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or fresh orange juice Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees °F. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon. 2. In another bowl, toss the apricots, vanilla, and Grand Marnier. Add the sugar mixture and toss. 3. In a 9 inch by 11 inch roasting pan, place the apricots skin side down. Roast for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until the apricots are fork-tender. Meanwhile, make the Dulce de Leche. 4. Arrange 3 apricot halves, along with the pan juices, on each of 4 dessert plates. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of Dulce de Leche over each. The apricots can be served warm or at room temperature. Dulce de Leche Makes 1/4 cup Ingredients • 1/2 cup non-fat sweetened condensed milk • 2 tbsp sugar Preparation 1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar and cook over medium heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. The mixture will turn the color of peanut shells.
Now that you’ve had a taste of spring, don’t you think you can get by without those greasy things? I’m not saying that you have to give up eating take-out food or junk food for the rest of your life. God knows that a little treat now and then is worth a little money. However, I am saying that with healthier eating and a little exercise, you can go a long way without feeling guilty about having those extra pounds on your waist. So stop sitting down and start cooking!
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When do the sequels ends? – When directors should stop a movie series By: Jess Morton
These days it is not uncommon to find yourself groaning when another sequel hits theatres. Often when we
were sure the story had ended an unforeseen consequence drags it on. The bad guy gets away, someone survives the disaster, or the answers simply give us new questions. This summer is packed with greatly anticipated sequels and prequels including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hangover, X-Men: First Class, Scream 4, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. For sequels the line between success and failure is a thin one. All the hype for the next movie can set us up for disappointment, but I have some high hopes for a few of these upcoming sequels. Starting from the beginning with the prequel X-Men: First Class, set to hit theatres on June 3rd, this film features the promising talents James McAvoy as Professor X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto. With this prequel the X-Men series has exhausted all of its options for extending the franchise. There have been two sequels to the original, an Origins film following Wolverine’s back-story and there are talks for another Wolverine film to be released in 2012. You would think X-Men has been done to death – but the producers behind the prequel made a smart move. Making a movie on the story behind the story is the best way to get the crowd back that made the X-Men series a hit at the box office. The film swiftly avoids disappointment by including all the key characters we know and love. It’s all about telling us how it all started and showing us things we never knew about Professor X and Magneto. The film has huge potential, plot-wise and action-wise. It is a safe bet for producers. Going back to the basics with X-Men: First Class, gives fans a fresh look on their favourite characters and the director a lot of room to get creative. Aside from needing a better title, The Hangover Part II seems to give us the most potential for yawns. The trailer shows us that the film follows almost the exact same plotline: buddy getting married, bachelor party gone awry, nobody remembers a thing, and an important member of the wedding party goes missing. It’s important for a sequel to follow some elements from the original but the worry is that The Hangover Part II will follow too closely to its predecessor. The last thing a person wants with a sequel is to feel like they’ve seen it all before. The Hangover initially proved itself as one of the most outrageous movies of 2009. The fact that it’s so outrageous also brings to question: ‘How much can be shown in a G rated trailer for an R rated movie?’ Considering The Hangover’s reputation the trailer must leave much to the imagination. Considering how little The Hangover Part II trailer did show the movie will definitely top its predecessor. The Scream series resurrected itself despite what will be an eleven-year break with the release of Scream 4. Horror movies can stay good if you keep the concept original. In its time Scream (1996) was extremely horrific and remains a classic in its genre. But every new sequel that hits theatres kills the originality of the first film. The loyal audiences of Scream have moved on due to the long break between sequels. Since Scream 3 (2000) several bigger and better horror ideas
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have come and gone. Audiences become desensitized of the Scream concept with the emergence of films like The Ring (2002) and Saw (2004). Scream has simply been overdone and is old news compared to new franchises that have cropped up. Unless it surprises us, Scream 4 will likely do badly at the box office, or at least be quickly forgotten after it hits theatres. Transformers is a film franchise that stuck to the basic sequels formula: keep the same characters and concepts while expanding with new plot ideas. The first sequel in the series made huge profits by adopting this formula and of course upping the ante on the action. The Transformers series is known for great action scenes and having humans and machines work together to defeat the enemy. Michael Bay knows how to raise the stakes with every film in the series. Bay stays true to the fight between good and evil theme that we all love. He had to make one compromise with Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When Bay replaced the lead’s love interest with a new character. Megan Fox is no longer in the Transformers series and Dark of the Moon may suffer because of it. Without the original actors the films just aren’t the same. Often fans are disappointed when a lead character is not included or replaced in a sequel. I’m sure Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be worth a watch, but Megan Fox will be sorely missed to loyal viewers. Now Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, aka Pirates 4, makes me want to roll my eyes. The film has just as much marketing behind it, if not more, than Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The Pirates franchise had gone off on a supernatural tangent in the second and third films with the legend of Davy Jones. This tactic, although full of non-stop action, strayed too far from the treasure hunting adventure. I have high hopes for Pirates 4 because it goes back to original themes from Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. We have Jack Sparrow going on a treasure hunting adventure, and he’s in competition with Blackbeard and the East India Company. This brings the film’s focus back to pirates themselves. It puts Jack Sparrow in the spotlight by introducing, another person from his past, Blackbeard’s daughter Angelica. I think that Jack Sparrow was underplayed in the last two films. I’m excited to see Pirates 4 showcase Johnny Depp’s character in its entirety. Sequels in themselves are an art. Some of them are risky, some are safe, and some are just unwanted. It’s hard for writers and directors to find the balance between new and familiar to satisfy their target audience. With a sequel to an already successful film fans tend to hold certain expectations when they buy their tickets at the box office. The key is to use the same details that appealed to the viewers that made the original a hit. Filmmakers should always use the same characters, follow the same themes, and keep the release dates fairly close together. The one thing that fans and directors alike should expect from sequels is that they outdo their predecessor.
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Art for Our Sakes By Marcus Pidek
Yvonne Villeneuve - A Dreamer of Colours
FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
Any colour that can be dreamed can be born as a piece of jewelry; exquisite and unique. If one delicate shade can
dazzle, then a bouquet of brilliant tones can overwhelm the eye, pulling you back to resolve this light show of hues and floating transparencies. They will never occur again in precisely the same splash of playful imagination. If the universe of colours is your palette, how could you ever be bored of starting a new day with a new idea for enamel jewelry? I have known Yvonne for a few years and as we talked, I said, “You know I don’t normally say things like this but I was sitting here, writing what you said and looking at you and thinking you look good.” She laughed, “That’s what comes from a contented life.” We joked that it could also be the light in the kitchen we were in of her new home that she had moved into the week before. One thing that Yvonne never needs to unpack is her humour. And I see now that it is an important ingredient in her love for pursuing the brilliant colours that blaze from her pieces of jewelry. I asked Yvonne if she had a target market in mind, a particular demographic. “My art attracts mostly females with some men for the large pieces. They range from teens to sixties. They all love bright beautiful colours, especially people who have their own sense of style. My pieces definitely have their own look. People often tell me, “I’ve never seen any other work that looks like yours.” My collection is unique but it must also be wearable, approachable. Sometimes people like to look at pieces of jewelry but they would never actually wear them.” I will always connect Yvonne in my mind with the memory of her huge, heavy rings. I had to ask, “Why big?” She likes the way a big ring looks. “Bolder, makes a statement, impact, people notice it. It’s the same reason I like bright colours, it gets your attention.” Jewelry is as much a part of fashion as spring time dresses and designer underwear. “So, do you ever play to fashions?” Yvonne responds: “Not so much, I learned, and for an interesting reason. “A little, I might make some brighter in spring and darker in fall. But I try not to follow trends because I believe you should be able to wear what you want. I like to think my jewelry is for people who don’t need to be told what to wear. People with self assured fashion sense can make their own decisions. They don’t need to look in a fashion magazine.” Wow, is what I thought. Yvonne has been to Europe, and is going to Argentina this summer. “A lot of places I’ve been in have bright interiors; blue, pink, yellow, green. There’s a much different feel to a place. It inspires me to play with colours.” I saw so many icons that people paint, that I became curious about the idea of icon jewelry. I do get frustrated when I travel because it’s hard to find people who do original work. All the paintings and jewelry are for the tourists. It’s a hunt to locate a place with original pieces in a city you’re not familiar with.” Nature gives inspiration for the colours of flowers and birds. “I like rounded organic shapes. I’m not fond of rigid lines. I don’t do much metal work, I don’t cut many shapes. I prefer rounder, organic, softer, but still bold. And I like things that are symmetrical. For the demand, I’m going back into silver but it’s a bit of a push because I’m not as interested in silver as my customers are.” She smiles at the power of her fans.
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“I always have the urge to create. Ideas come into your head and you want to bring them to life and can’t stop. It’s like a compulsion.” Yvonne does not just enamel jewelry, she also does amazing bowls and enamel panel artwork in which the colours seem to be floating. “I have a background in painting and print making and I want to express the same concepts but I’m limited by the size of my kiln to about four by six inch pieces. If I could, I would join panels together and form a large scale mosaic.” “I’m not interested in realism. You might as well take a picture. It involves more technique than creativity. I prefer abstract. Even in artwork forms, I still feel more attraction to organic shapes and variety of colours. I’ll take Picasso over Rembrandt.” Yvonne creates her own enamel colours using techniques similar to painting, by using layers and blending to render unique and incredibly vibrant colours. “I have a fascination with bright colours and burning things.” No coincidence, then that her site is named “torchedstudio. com.” “And luckily, enameling allows me to indulge in both. Yvonne went to university but not to create. So, how do enamels fit into her life style? “My first piece of jewelry was in grade eight. It was the first year girls were allowed in shop. This was ground breaking. They also had a lapidary shop so I cut, shaped and polished my stone and mounted it. I wanted to join the lapidary club in Kingston but couldn’t, because of the distance. Twenty years later, the same club offered a silversmithing course, so I started.” Her students come to learn in her home studio. “Why teach?” I had to ask her because it does take away from pursuing your own work. “I like it so much. I like sharing it with other people. I wanted to offer classes not based on a rigid format, where my students are encouraged to experiment and make the things that they love. It’s a joy to look at the students faces when they realize what they can create. Sometimes they do a little enameling dance. They do!” She laughs. “Hopping from one foot to the other, they’re so excited. There is a lot of immediate gratification involved. It’s fun.” “It’s extremely easy to learn the basics of enameling. And how intricate you want your work to be is up to your imagination.” I was wondering what kind of people come to her to play with coloured glass and dance around the kiln. “A lot of my students were artists to begin with; a design teacher, a glass artist, professional painters and accomplished jewelers. I also have complete beginners who don’t know anything about making jewelry, it suits everybody. Several students bought kilns and sell their own work, now.” So, how long does it take the beginner to see results? “In the first class, you’ll be admiring your first piece within an hour.” Wow, compared to some forms of creating jewelry, that is almost instant. “There is no limit to what you can do with enamels. You can make a new piece every day and never run out of things to do.” That is truly a remarkable way to see it. In a universe full of colours, which ones would you choose?
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FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
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Nacho-Mania By: Sarah Doktor
Best Nachos in Toronto: Nachos are one of the all-time ultimate snack saving foods. They are gooey, savoury, spicy, crispy and delicious. While
most nachos have the standard; chips, cheese and salsa, everyone has their own take on this share-worthy treat. There is nothing better than sitting around a table with your friends, having a few beers and devouring this messy Mexican pub grub. Almost every bar and some restaurants as well, offer their take on nachos. Here is a list of my top five places that I have found to grab nachos in Toronto; they are in no particular order: 1. Sneaky Dee’s: Every college kid’s favourite hangout. They have cheap beer, cheap eats and live music upstairs. The graffiti covered walls make an ideal hangout for hipsters and punk kids alike, and their low prices are a definite attraction to a younger crowd. Their nachos are a classic late night snack. Their nachos can easily feed more than four people; piled high with layers of cheese, jalapenos, salsa and lettuce. Sneaks have a variety of nachos to choose from including vegan, vegetarian which is my favourite, and so on. Love ‘em or hate ‘em Sneaky Dee’s is there for your late night nacho cravings. 2. Utopia: Another college street bar. Utopia has five kinds of nachos on their menu. The “utopia nachos” includes chicken, steak and guacamole. They claim that “if you don’t like these then you probably don’t like nachos”, touché. Make sure to go early, like most bars in the trendy little Italy village, this place gets busy quick. 3. Hair of the Dog: Their Oven Baked Nachos use homemade flour tortilla chips which some might say are heavenly, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and jalapenos. It is served alongside with their homemade salsa. You can order your nachos as vegetarian which is plain or with tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp. 4. Mitzi’s Sister: Mile high nachos made with lime salted chips that are layered with cheese, homemade re-friend beans, chipotle tomato salsa, guacamole, and southwest sour cream. The best part, they are half-priced on Mondays. 5. Cadillac Lounge: Cadillac lounge offers veggie nachos (or chicken, for an extra $2) piled high with cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, peppers, olives, jalapenos, salsa and sour cream. These are the most “traditional” kind of nachos on the list, and they are getting a reassuring nod for the experience. The Cadillac Lounge is also known for its patio, so be sure to enjoy your nachos on a nice summer day.
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Moustache Love
a r t s . c u l t u r e. l i v i n g
By Mark Kinash
ber...
I remember, remember the 5th of Movem-
That was when my moustache grew in. Granted, it didn’t take much time, but I can’t say I was very surprised. I’ve always suffered from a very hairy predicament. I was the first person in my high school gym class to grow armpit hair, which gave me bragging rights for a year, until all my peers realized that armpit hair was gross. By college I was already sporting the hairy Hasselhoff chest hair, which I was trying in vain to completely shave off. (By the late 90’s Hasselhoff was out. The smooth Marky Mark look was in). Ever since then I’ve been sporting a permanent 5 o’clock shadow, even when I give my face a twice-over with a Gillette Mach 5 razor every morning, while trying desperately to avoid slicing any skin tissue down the sink. (A skill they should stress in every issue of GQ. What difference would a clean-shaven face make if I came into work every morning looking like The Red Skull?) Thus I welcomed a chance to give my upper lip a break from my blades of steel. Granted, I was worried about the itch. Occasional outbreaks of psoriasis sometimes left my face looking as fried as Robert Downey Jr’s in “The Singing Detective”. With thick facial hair it would be torture. However, I was giving up comfort for a good cause. I volunteered with a group of other guys in my sales call centre to grow a moustache to raise funds for prostate cancer. I welcomed the chance to seem charitable without having to donate any money.
ney Spears in her “Womanizer” music video. I say “in spurts” because it seemed to others that he was secretly trimming his moustache for vanity’s sake (Which was against the rules of Movember.) When suspicions became too much for him to bear, he decided to let his moustache grow, as his appearance continued to shrink along with it. Soon he went from Maxim-styled playboy philanderer to resembling Aaron Eckhart’s slovenly cuckold in “Your Friends and Neighbors”. But he wasn’t the only one. My boss’s new “Cruising”-style handlebar moustache made him seem ten times scarier, especially when complemented by his bald head. After chiding me for losing a big sale, I was pissing my pants in fear that he would run me over with a Harley Davidson. Other members of the Movember team sadly lacked the testosterone necessary to grow a recognizable moustache. Mine was the worst. After becoming bushy beyond belief it welcomed frequent comparisons to Borat. After Movember I gave up facial hair for good, even shaving twice a day to cleanse myself further of any moustache residue. However, I noticed the moustaches of others more and more. It seemed that some people were proud of enough of theirs to continue their moustaches into the off-season. They seemed to represent the rarity of those that could pull it off.
“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of Watching the recent election debate, I’d moustaches on thousands of men’s fac- add Jack Layton on that list. As someone es around the world. The aim of which who easily captures the young and trendy leftist vote, Jack Layton’s moustache added is to raise vital funds and awareness for some much needed gravitas to his appearwhile standing between a crisp and men’s health, specifically men’s cancer ance conservatively dressed Stephen Harper, the friendly giant that is Michael Ignaand depression.” - Movember’s official and tieff. Yet I’m always cautious of voting for style over substance. I was very disturbed website, movember.com last election season when I learned of an
A moustache could make me look cool too, or so I thought. Along with my Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses, I assumed the look would bring to mind the ubermacho “Starsky and Hutch”-esque cops in the Beastie Boys “Sabotage” video. Burt Reynolds was another desired comparison. As for Tom Selleck, I never cared for him. (Did I want to seem like a cheesy TV private eye turned NRA gun nut? I think not!) Movember turned out to be the best of times, and the worst of times. Yes, the itch was terrible. And try scratching your upper lip while eating lunch with your co-workers without grossing them out. (It can’t be done!) On the other hand, it was funny watching the moustaches of others on my Movember team materialize. A diminutive Italian, whose constant preening in front of any mirror or reflective surface that was unfortunate to get in his way prompted me to dub him “Vanity Smurf ”, grew a moustache which made him look more like Super Mario. But since joining Movember was his idea, I certainly admire his courage to go through with it. This certainly wasn’t the case at the beginning with the moustache which grew in spurts from the resident ladies man, whose proud buff yuppie prettyboy looks made him fit to be tied up by Brit-
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acquaintance who was voting for Layton simply because he was the only candidate with a moustache.
I noticed that my conservative brother was also proud of his new moustache. When I asked what on earth had inspired him to grow one in the first place, he mentioned that it was part of a curling playoff thing. As someone with little knowledge of the various idiosyncrasies of macho curling culture, I took him at his word, but after committing to write this article, I decided to call him and ask more questions about it. He finally caved in after ten minutes of trying to convince me to vote Harper. (Perhaps Harper is even swaying the coveted moustache vote away from Layton.) However, my brother admitted that not many people around him had brought up his moustache other than me. So I suppose that “Moustache Love” is more common than I thought. Does that mean that the baby-faced look is dead? Maybe when the entire cast of “Twilight” grow moustaches. (So far only Kristen Stewart is sporting one.) Until then I dream of being as hairless as an albino, or at least a Vanity Smurf.
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Day for Night: Portrait of Emer
Deep in the heart of Toronto’s Korean
village, aspiring filmmaker Elli Raynai, 33, sits hunched
over his Apple laptop manically typing his latest screenplay in relative seclusion at the Toronto Writers’ centre, a quiet home away from home for writers big and small. Over a couple cups of cappuccino, he takes a much needed break (He’s been typing for more than a few hours already) to chat about his struggle for recognition within the Canadian film industry. Elli graduated in 2000 with a B.A. in Film Studies from Queen’s University. Even though the program was heavy on theory and less so in production, Elli expected, like many of his film school peers, to work his way up in the industry until he became established as a film director. However, the road to success came with a few oversized potholes. Sure, he was able to find work quickly as a production assistant at the then emerging Decode Entertainment (A television animation production company which was working on the Teletoon series “Angela Anaconda” at the time). Still, after a year of working P.A. jobs, Elli realized he was going nowhere fast. “With many careers you have a clear road map showing how you can succeed in your industry,” Elli admits. “In law for example, you graduate law school, get a job as an assistant, pass the bar and become a lawyer. Film isn’t so simple. After working at the bottom of the ladder for a while, I realized I had no idea of how to become a director.” First he decided to go back to film school. After being rejected by York’s Masters’ program in Film Production, Elli saw an ad for a Masters Program in Creative and Media Enterprises offered by Warwick University, in London, England and decided to enroll. After graduating in one year, he worked for a film marketing company in
Elli stayed up nights and weekends filming his first short “The Return”, a zombie film that was able to distinguish itself from the pack with its sinister visuals shot on the mean streets of Montreal.
England that organized web campaigns for major Hollywood films like “The Hulk”. After the company folded, Elli moved back to Canada to film some of his own scripts. While working as an IT sales executive,
After spending a small fortune on film equipment, Elli noticed a slight problem with “The Return”. “The zombie makeup effects weren’t convincing” Elli laments. “No one could believe the zombies were actually
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rging Filmmaker Elli Raynai
The best was yet to come. To keep the cash flow coming for his next film, he decided to snip the effects shots into a demo reel that would market himself as an effects artist. After a while knocking on doors, and not taking no for an answer, he got a job doing compositing and roto work for films such as “Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” and “Tron: Legacy”. Elli put his special effects to good use in his next short, “My Loss, Your Gain”, which is currently in post-production. Elli graciously revealed a rough cut at the writer’s centre. A B-movie homage to 50’s sci-fi, “My Loss, Your Gain” reminded me of Cronenberg’s early films (“Stereo” and “Crimes of the Future”), especially his 1980’s remake of “The Fly”. Existential dread and spine-tingling suspense are achieved masterfully without any dialogue, recalling the silent German Expressionist Horror masterpieces of the 1920’s (“Nosferatu”, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”) and even David Lynch’s cult classic “Eraserhead”. All in two short minutes! For more information on Elli’s films, you can visit his production company website at www.alittlefx.com. The movie website for “The Return” and “Your Loss, Your Gain” are at www.willhereturn. com and www.mylossyourgainthemovie.com respectively. All three sites feature Elli’s blog entries.
Story written by: Mark Kinash zombies. I needed to have the look of the zombies redone with some visual effects compositing”. Unfortunately, he got ripped off after shelling a couple thousand to a compositor who took the money and ran. Thus, Elli decided to do the compositing himself, even though he had little prior knowledge on how to do effects. “I read everything I could on it. When I was finally done, I was able to get it accepted in a small genre festival in Loch Ness, Scotland”.
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SOMETHING TO
SCREAM FOUR!
By: Jeff T. Smith
“You’ve got what you wanted: Hero and Villain, face-to-face,
well you know what happens now? The villain dies.” With that line of dialogue, horror audiences saw the climactic moments of heroine Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) meet her last oppressor in 2000’s Scream 3. For the past eleven years, fans of the Scream trilogy could dissect each installment and put the pieces together to form a monarch story; one that had ended permanently. Looking back over the past decade, horror fans always kept their beloved saga in their back pockets in hopes that one day writer Kevin Williamson and director Wes Craven would re-unite with a new baby for the modern era. Williamson noted that there was no inspiration for a proper story, one that would respectively continue the lives of not only Sidney, but fan favorites Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox). For Scream 4 to happen, it would require the right social commentary and intelligence not seen since the creation of the original in 1996. While there have been many horror hits over the past ten years, the focus has gone from terror and suspense to gut-wrenching visual stimulation, the need for the gory and the gruesome. This “torture porn” era had become the standard for new-age slashers. In 2009, Williamson was in the midst of writing The Vampire Diaries when that spark of light emerged. Always intent to keep things on the move, Williamson contacted Bob Weinstein, the production head behind the original Scream trilogy and its distribution company Dimension Films. With the opening scene pitched, Weinstein wasted no time in giving the green light. Before long, internet sites lit up and fans flocked with news that Scream 4 was officially in development. The principle stars were contacted with Courteney Cox and her husband at the time David Arquette agreeing. Only two were left, Campbell and Craven. Craven met with Williamson, key on ensuring that the script had the “it” factor which is something that spoke out and drove the proverbial knife into the modern world. Pleased with the direction of the story, Craven signed on. All eyes were now on Campbell, known during the production of Scream 3, to have serious reservations
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about any return to the series. Flash forward seven months later to early 2010; Campbell accepted that the time was right to step back into Sidney’s shoes for another go-around with Ghostface. In June of 2010, production began in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Joining the established vets would be hot newcomers Emma Roberts as Jill, Rory Culkin as Charlie, Anthony Anderson as Deputy Perkins, Marley Shelton as Deputy Hicks, Aimee Teegarden as Jenny and best of all Hayden Panettiere as Kirby. Kristen Bell and Anna Paquin also make cameos. Like its predecessors, the crucial details of the story were kept secret. This time out, the focus is on Jill Roberts, cousin to Sidney and now the centre of the murders. Sidney had come to terms with her past, accepting her place as a victim and finding a resolve in the form of a book; her book entitled ‘Out of Darkness’. Sidney returns to Woodsboro as the last stop of her book tour. No sooner does she arrive that two gruesome murders occur. Dewey is now the Sheriff and Gale has regretfully taken her place as his small-town, stay-at-home wife. Gale decides that the murders are related to Sidney’s return and serve as the perfect opportunity to get back into the line of journalism. By July, shooting was on the move and so was Williamson. His contract requirements for The Vampire Diaries caused a stir between himself and Weinstein who strongly enforced that production schedules be met. With a continuous stream of script revisions, there was no longer time for Williamson to put the finishing polish on his work. Ehren Kruger (writer of Scream 3) filled the gap causing a few outcries, since he brought more comedy into the series which left a sour taste with most fans. Craven persevered with some additional input of his own. Principle photography wrapped in August and websites such as www.hellosidney.com became the go-to-source for all Scream 4 news. In October, SpikeTV held the annual Scream Awards; Craven, Campbell, Arquette and Roberts went onstage and revealed the first glimpse to the world of Scream 4. Soon, Entertainment Weekly gave a short preview story and Entertainment Tonight showed their
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visit on-set. Post-production continued with the addition of the score, once again orchestrated by Marco Beltrami. A test screening was held in January to positive reviews however Weinstein and Craven both felt there could be additional pieces put in. Returning to Michigan, Craven shot material that would be included into the opening with Jenny and the parking lot encounter between Sidney’s publicist Rebecca (Alison Brie) and Ghostface. Craven dismissed any complaints that they were shooting scenes that would dilute the original focus of Williamson’s script. With the official theatrical trailers out and TV Spots airing daily, April 15th, 2011 approached. One persistent element found in Scream 4 is toying with people’s expectations of not only what to expect but fundamental elements that make up a Scream picture. The opening scenes quickly establish that by breaking the fourth wall, you have now taken the genre standards and turned them into a farce. One key moment to the opening is a subtle foreshadowing of things to come; played out so obvious that one would never expect it to be a factor down the road. The new killer has some spunk, still menacing with threats but showing a little attitude; a true comprehension of their needs as a killer and the purpose behind each victim. The re-establishing of the core characters clearly express where each one is with life. Most noticeable is Gale, her unhappiness expressed through her envy of Sidney and the media success she now has. The watered down, forgotten journalist and author is just one aspect of the new commentary found in Williamson’s script. It shows that society today quickly forgets those that came before it, possessing a short term memory served to follow only the here and now. Upon first viewing, the film’s pacing hurts the new characters by not giving ample time to know them. It could be just another play by Craven and Williamson to express that people today have lost touch with being a human personality and simply live through technology. How technology has merged into the lives of each and every one of us is reflected courtesy of Ronnie (Eric Knudsen), Woodsboro High’s VP of the Cinema Club who continuously streams his life through a webcam headset. The focus to network online brings about a revelation that the new killer can immortalize their actions through this medium. As more murders continue, in a scene that had this fan holding his breath, Gale confirms that the killer is recording. The murders are copycatting the original, but the difference is found in the outbreak of horror remakes. Scream 4 deliberately takes its wink to the past decade and remakes itself but does so by simultaneously keeping the audience “in-the-know” as the film progresses. An important new rule is that a remake has to out-do the original by going over-the-top in its third act. As the story falls into place, the movie does not fail to follow the pattern of the new rules as the climax reflects perfectly. Suffice to say there are a few anti-climactic, climactic moments wisely entwined to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The acting is the most important aspect of keeping a Scream film real and not only do the originals hit home but the new cast too. Specific credit goes to Panettiere and Culkin whose use of facial expression, movement and wit, give us new characters to fondly reflect. Beltrami’s score has once again set the mood that even caters to the emotions of specific characters. The only negative would be a few humored down kills, specifically a cop who somehow survives a knife to the
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head and says a one-liner before collapsing. However, fans must remember even at those times when corny seems to have stabbed creative: “This isn’t a comedy, this is a horror film.” as Ghostface so eloquently puts it. It must be said that those critics who constantly hold Scream 4 to the original have to get over themselves. For a saga focusing on breaking the rules and exposing clichés, then any review should learn by not obsessing over the first Scream. If that is all people want then stay home and watch it. Yes, the movie deliberately parodies itself, but when you made the movie, then why not? It has monopolized a trend and killed it at the same time. By the final reel, Scream 4 delivered a decade of desire. If you haven’t seen it, then like Gale says in a deleted line of dialogue, “Go ahead if you have the guts!”
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Jean-Pierre Parent: A
By: Melissa Doyle
Magic seems to string in the thoughts of the cast of Harry Potter or the stunts of Criss Angel from the rooftops of buildings. However, one magician has decided to combine both comedy and magic, and turn it into something for both children and adults. His name is Jean-Pierre Person and he was born in Montreal, Canada. Touring with many various cruise lines around the world, he brings his comedy to families on this ships watching the show, as the children and parents both become engaged in the tricks. Also, companies such as Dell and Pepsi have hired him as well. Jeane-Pierre is known for doing anything from card tricks to dangerous underwater stunts, only considered able to be done, by the masters of the craft. FutuReale was lucky enough to get a moment with JeanPierre , to talk to him about how he learned his tricks of the trade, and where we will find him next , with new tricks and techniques that make him stand out. Futureale: Is there any reason which you decided to have magic and comedy together ? Jean-Pierre : “In the beginning I didn’t speak English very well, so when i started on the ship it was about magic . One night something happened and I screwed up real bad and people thought it was very funny. From that moment on , I was like, there is something there that magicians are supposed to have. I messed up and people thought it was the funniest thing so more and more I started to combine more mess-ups and that’s how it started , the whole comedy/magic. F.R: Where did you learn the magic you know ? JP: “Well , a lot of it was stuff I taught myself. I got magic kits for
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Christmas and it wasn’t very serious, but more and more I started to read books on magic, and with magicians that were older than me, they exchanged tricks with me and I with them, just like you exchange baseball cards and that’s how it got more and more serious.” F.R: Who are some of the magicians that you have worked with ? JP:“ Back in the time, when I had become serious , I was 16 I met a pretty well known magician in Montreal. He helped me a lot, and told me a lot of the illusions that he was using. Once I was 18 , I already knew that is what I wanted to do for a living. My dad always pushed me and my sister to do what we love for a living.” F.R: When competing with other magicians, what are some of the techniques you use to stand out ? JP:“ I think you have to have your own schtick you know, and for me, my magic is interactive. People love to laugh at other people. They are not the one on stage and I think usually you watch magic and there is nobody on stage. Including people on stage adds a whole new dimension. F.R: In being a cruise magician , what do you find are some of the advantages and disadvantages ?
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I messed up thought it was est thing so mo I started to com mess-ups and t started, the wh magic.”
JP:“ The advantage is that when I was 20 years old I started on ships. I travelled a little bit, but nothing like now. I never thought in my life that I would travel that much in my wildest dreams. Traveling is a big part of it, when you have to be in different countries every day. It is crazy and when I was 20 years old, it was a dream come true. And not only that , but I was doing what I loved , for a living. It is my passion. So once you find what you love , that you can do it for a living, you
A Man and His Magic don’t have to work for your life because it doesn’t really feel like work. So that is the good side of it. The bad side is that you are away from your family a lot . So at the beginning I would be gone for 6 months, come back home for 2 months, and then, 6 months again, so that’s hard. It is hard on relationships too because you can’t date anybody that doesn’t have the same kind of job as you, because you are always gone. I actually just got engaged to a dancer I met on a cruise ship. Now she gets to travel with me” F.R: I understand you worked on a show in Vegas, how do you find that the corporate show compares to that of mainstream ?
JP:“It is kind of strange cause I always had a dream to have my own show and Vegas is pretty much the magic capital of the world. All of the mainstream p and people magicians are there. There was a spot for me in the the funnishow at Las Vegas, so I was very excited. It was only a one week contract but for me it was a big ore and more deal. It was very different from the cruise because mbine more here we have a lot of kids and a melting pot of that’s how it people, because there is an older crowd, there is families, and couples, but in Vegas, there is all hole comedy/ adults. So I had to adjust my humour and everything because here we have to be really squeaky clean with the humour. It was different because over there I had to perform twice a day for 6 days. On the cruise ship, I just have one night a week that is my show, because every night there is a different show. So for example, this week, my show is only on Thursday so I don’t have to work everyday.” F: Do you prefer working on the cruise or working in Vegas?
JP:“It is a whole different kind of ball game but in the show, I really like the part where we have kids come on stage and kids are so impromptu , you never know what they are going to say. So I really like that , because everyone loves kids in general , but the way they react with magic and everything. When you are a kid and doing tricks , it is really cool to see their eyes light up. In Vegas, there were no kids , because they were serving alcohol and because of the casino. I kind of miss that part of it, because a lot of my show is angled towards kids.” F.R: What is your usual routine for a show on the cruise ship? JP:“The show includes illusions and close magic, which includes cards tricks that you would do in front of them, so because we have technology here , we have a movie screen and my hands are projected and so they can see the trick as if they were right next to me.” F.R: Who are some magicians that you would want to work with ? JP:“ The leading name in magic is still David Copperfield. And there are a lot of magicians that people don’t know. People behind the scenes that don’t perform the tricks, but they invent them and write them. A lot of magicians are not known to the public , but are well known to the world of magic. F.R: I heard you are having an upcoming show. JP:“Yes, it will be this summer in Montreal and Toronto. It is very exciting to me, because the ship gig is amazing, but to get myself out there, is a dream come true , because that is one step to doing what I love, and actually having a regular life on land.”
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The Toronto Theatre Scene By Chris Allaire The city of Toronto is known for many things. As one
of the most diverse and cultural cities in Canada, Toronto is home to great restaurants, boutiques, sport arenas, bands, and countless others. But one hub that is often ignored is Toronto’s theatre world. From major productions to smaller off-Broadway type plays, Toronto is definitely giving the cities New York and Ontario’s Stratford a run for their money.
This West End London play has been thrilling audiences and critics for over a year, and has finally come to scare Toronto with an all-Canadian cast.
With major production companies such as Mirvish Productions, CanStage, and Soulpepper setting the stage for major plays like Billy Elliot and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it is clear that Toronto’s theatre scene is definitely on the rise. Toronto’s reputation as a leading player in the theatre community is also quickly rising to fruition, most recently with the contributing Elton John to Billy Elliot, which he produced and wrote the score for, gaining global exposure and rave reviews alike.
With what may be their most unique production, the show has one purpose and one purpose only and that is to scare the audience out of their seats. It even has a 14+ rating and a warning sign cautioning people to think seriously before attending. If you have a fatal heart, I suggest not attending.
Here’s a look at some of Toronto’s most popular and obscure production companies, as well as which shows they are currently offering. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or comedic tragedies, Torontonians surely are not limited in curing their theatre fix!
This family favourite has been entertaining Toronto off and on for years. It has an unforgettable score, which includes Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”
Mirvish Production
We all know the story, the play follows the young lion cub Simba who is tricked into thinking he killed his father, and then guiltily abandoning his identity as the future King. The play is a huge hit for families and children, and is strongly recommended for a fun family outing.
Mirvish Productions is a Canadian theatre production company that was founded in 1987 by David Mirvish, a Canadian art dealer and theatre producer. His father, Ed Mirvish, made headlines in 1963 when he purchased and saved Toronto’s historic Royal Alexandra Theatre, which is one of the oldest and famous theatres in North America. The production house is one of Canada’s largest commercial theatre companies today, and is responsible for past hits such as Jane Eyre, which moved to Broadway, Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, the first commercial production of a Canadian Native play, and Les Misérables, a Canadian classic. The company currently owns four theatres in downtown Toronto, including the Royal Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, the Canon and the Panasonic, each offering unique shows and experiences. Let’s look at some shows that are currently in action. Billy Elliot: The Musical Where: The Canon Theatre The ten-time 2009 Tony Award winning musical is now being shown in Toronto, directed by Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall, as well as written scores by music legend Elton John. The play follows young Billy and his journey out of the boxing ring into a ballet class where he discovers his true passion and dream to dance. Based on the smash-hit film, the play is a unique mix of laughter, danc-
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ing, drama and life. Ghost Stories Where: The Panasonic Theatre
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Disney’s The Lion King Where: The Princess of Wales Theatre
Women Fully Clothed: Older & Hotter Where: The Royal Alexandra Theatre The sequel play to Women Fully Clothed, the show promises friendship, international relations, executive duties and personal dreams. These star comedians are guaranteed to make you laugh, that’s for sure. The show has quite the all-star cast, including Robin Duke from Saturday Night Live and SCTV, Jayne Eastwood from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Chicago, and Hairspray, as well as Kathryn Greenwood from Whose Line Is It Anyway.
Dancap Productions Dancap Productions was founded by Aubrey Dan, a Tony Award winning producer and Canadian businessman, in 2007. The production company currently operates under two theaters; The Toronto Centre for the Arts and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. One of Toronto’s newest production companies, Dancap has housed many contemporary plays including Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, and My Fair Lady. Here’s some current shows being offered under the company.
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9 To 5: The Musical Where: The Toronto Centre for the Arts 9 to 5 tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn that there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. It is outrageous, fun, romantic and it definitely mixes business with pleasure. Based on the hit movie and featuring Dolly Parton’s Tony and Grammy nominated score, the play is great for the entire family and is straight out of Broadway. Next To Normal Where: The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and three 2009 Tony Awards, this highly anticipated musical tells the story of an emotional dynamic of a family dealing with mental illness. The play is directed by the director of Rent and is starring Tony Awardwinning star Alice Ripley. The play has received critical acclaim and is a definite emotional powerhouse and rollercoaster. The Addams Family Where: The Toronto Centre for the Arts The widely popular musical is coming to Toronto, featuring the weird and freaky family we’ve all come to know and love! The musical focuses on Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who finds a normal boyfriend which causes chaos and shock for her twisted parents Gomez and Morticia. In this case, the scarier and freakier, the better. Memphis Where: The Toronto Centre for the Arts This widely acclaimed musical is also coming to Toronto, telling the tale of a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her claim to fame, and it all takes place in underground dance club in the 1950s, of course. The musical has won four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and features a Tony-winning original score by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Soulpepper Theatre Company The Soulpepper Theatre Company began with twelve actors who wanted to explore the world of classical theatre and inspire the next generation of artists and audiences.
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Eventually working their way up to their first season at Harbourfront, the critics and audiences raved that Soulpepper delivered what Toronto was waiting for. Now known as Toronto’s nurturing and training theatre for young performers. A Midsummer Night’s Dream Where: The Young Centre for the Performing Arts William Shakespeare’s classic comedy of meddling fairies and amateur actors comes to the stage this season. This is classic theatre at its finest. The Odd Couple Where: The Young Centre for the Performing Arts This play by legendary Playwright Neil Simon explores the relationship between Felix and his sloppy roommate Oscar. This is one of the most iconic pieces in twentieth century American Comedy. Diego Matamoros and Albert Schultz are the comic duo, both having received Oscar-raved reviews in 2008. The Price Where: The Young Centre for the Performing Arts This play by legendary Arthur Miller tells the story of two estranged brothers who meet in a condemned house to sell their father’s possession, all while discovering their difficult family past has more of a price than any of their inheritances. White Biting Dog Where: The Young Centre for the Performing Arts The play tells the story of a distraught lawyer who steps to the edge of Toronto’s Bloor Street bridge, only to be stopped by the words of a small white dog who instructs him to save his dying father in order to cease his mental pain. Written by celebrated Canadian writer Judith Thompson, the play is a dramatic and beloved Toronto platy. Toronto’s theatre district is definitely showing no sign of slowing down, every year hosting bigger and better productions. Attracting the attention of global theatre critics and fans alike, tourism in Toronto is sure to get a boost thanks to the bustling theatre world that is evolving ever so quickly. So next time you’re headed to the movies or watching television on your couch, pause for thought, get dressed, and head down to the many theatres Toronto has to offer. There is great talent, experiences, and entertainment to be witnessed.
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Argo’s in the Off Season
FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
a r t s . c u l t u r e. l i v i n g
Written by: Krista Sharpe The Toronto Argonauts are getting ready for a brand new season. With training camp kicking off next month in Florida,
Coach Jim Barker says, “there’s a lot to be excited about.” The Toronto Argonauts Football Association has decided to reward head Coach Jim Barker by making him General Manager as well. He was responsible for transforming the last place team, into a serious playoff contender. Former GM Adam Rita’s contract was not renewed. The Toronto Argonauts have a history of strong defense, “Among the top of the league,” says Barker. This year, the offensive side will be the real target to improve upon. At the end of the Argo’s 2010 season Cleo Lemon was the starting quarterback, but now there’s new competition in town. Dalton Dell, last year’s back up QB, only has room to improve and is a major contender to be on the lookout for. Danny Brannagan, a Burlington native and a former Queens University QB, will be playing his second season in the CFL and is also in the running for starter. The most exciting trade this year would is by no doubt Steven Jyles. The Winnipeg Jets’ quarterback came to Toronto, in return for a first round draft pick. Jyles had surgery on his shoulder in September of 2010 but coach Barker remains confident that he will be ready in time to save the offense side, “We have no problems that he’s going to be at 100 per cent by the time we go to training camp.” As for who will be starting QB, Barker says that decision cannot be made yet. “We’ll have a competition in training camp, and who ever ends up the best one, will be the one that we go with.” After the retirement of Andre Talbot, the team just gets younger. Don’t be surprised to see even more youthful players added to the roster. 21 year-old Steven ‘Afterburn’ Turner from Bishop’s University was signed with the Argo’s last year. But even before the end of training camp he ripped his Achilles tendon, and was out for the rest of the season. “It’s going to be interesting to see how he comes back, he’s a guy that everything he does is based on quickness and change of direction” says Barker. This is an injury that can take more than a year to recover from, but the team remains hopeful. “If he comes back healthy, he’s a guy who can [play] return, and he can play receiver. He has a lot of abilities.” Turner may be back or his second rookie season. Five new names have recently been added to the Argonauts roster. Defensive backer Ray Cheatham, was picked up from Calgary, originally from Kansas state. Wide receiver Curtis Walls graduated with a business degree from North Carolina A&T University and has a 1,000 yard career record. Defensive end, Michael Hancock, has been picked up from the Florida Atlantic Owls and spent mini-camp with the Miami Dolphins.
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Running back, Chad Kackert of the New Hampshire Wildcats, and Demetrice “Dee” Webb, a cornerback from Jacksonville will also be joining Toronto. Many fans know Montreal is currently the Argonauts biggest competitor. After winning two consecutive Grey Cups and pushing the Argo’s out of the playoffs last year; a Montreal vs. Toronto game, could be the most exciting of the regular season. “They’ve got a strong quarterback,” admits Barker. The Montreal Allouets’ Quarter Back, Anthony Cavillo is a force to be reckoned with. Although a football team depends on much more than just their quarterback. “We beat them twice last year so I think our players know we can beat them and we just have to be able to do it when the Grey Cup is on the line.” Of course, a good quarter back is nothing without his offense and defense. Keeping strong this year with players such as Owens,Boyd and Johnson who will be there to help out new comer Spencer Watt. Watt, a 22 year-old wide receiver who proved himself last year after coring his first CFL touchdown during the a playoff game. Argo offense is going to be a theme at training camp this year. Toronto fans can only hope for a strong QB and a stronger offense that will lead them to their first grey cup win since 2004. It has been six years since the Argonauts have had their names engraved as champions. Second to the Toronto Rock Lacrosse team, who won their league title in 2005, The Toronto Argonauts Football Club has the shortest losing streak of any Toronto professional sports team. This year, Argo fans will get the chance of a life time. The Argo’s ‘Ultimate Draft Experience’ will allow one lucky fan to be in the middle of the action on May 8th, CFL Canadian draft day. The winner will be sitting at the round table with GM, executives, and coaches while drafting Canadian players. This is an experience that has never been offered before in Toronto. Eric Holmes, an Argo’s representative who s running part of the Ultimate Draft Experience says that the Hamilton Ti-cats have done something similar in the past, although it was a corporate sponsor who sat in. The Argo’s have never had anyone besides officials in the draft room. “It’s an experience you can’t buy,” says Holmes. To enter the contest visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/Argosfootball and upload your one minute ultimate fan video. The five videos with the most ‘Likes’ will go onto the final round to make a three minute ‘Argo’s draft spoof.’ Those five contenders will then be handpicked by the Argo’s family to decide who’s invited to draft day. Catch the Argo’s and possibly their new QB, kick off the season with their home opener against Hamilton on June 18th at the Rogers Center.
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Jane’s Walk:
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A unique way to tell your story By: Abby Plener
Remember the time when you traveled to a different country and paid a tour guide to take you around the city to discover its stories and history?
Although that is still available and always present there is another movement slowly making headway. There is an even better way to get acquainted either with your neighborhood or someone else’s. It is called Jane’s Walk and it was created by a close group of Jane Jacob’s friends who wanted to honour her ideas and legacy. Imagine going on a free neighbourhood walk, meeting a complete stranger and sharing a story or sharing the experience of finding a unique piece of history from someone else’s past and memories. It is one of a kind and changes an individual to want to do something for the better, whether the neighborhood is good, bad or pristine. According to Jane’s Walk website, Jacobs “ looked closely at what makes neighborhoods work, how sprawl could be halted by intensifying existing neighborhoods, and why old buildings are necessary for social and economic innovation.” Her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961) talks about these ideas as well as others, such as why some cities always remain impoverished while others flourish, why some streets are safer than others, and much more. Jane’s walk began in May 5, 2007 in Toronto. By the time May 2010 rolled in, there were 424 walks being held in 68 countries worldwide. Some of the countries involved are Sao Paulo in Brazil, Jalisco and Guadalajara in Mexico, Tel Aviv and Yaffo in Israel, Wuhan in China and Ljubljana in Slovenia. These walks are no ordinary walks, but are filled with passion and drive to tell a story and heighten literacy about an individual’s city. Each year the majority of the walks are done on the first weekend of May to coincide with Jane Jacob’s birthday. This year it is happening May 7 and 8 worldwide. Go online and search your area to see where the nearest walk is being held. There are other walks that are done throughout the year by individuals and other organizations; however, the first weekend in May is where all the energy and resources are focused and it is the main event. Jane Farrows, Executive Director of Jane’s Walk says she went during
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the inauguration of the first walk, was hooked right from the start, and wanted to find out how to get on board right from the beginning. “It felt like both stories were about storytelling. It felt like getting involved with my neighborhood and it made me feel really useful. They were neighborhoods that had really negative stories. When I heard a teenager tell a story about a Jane/Finch area, I heard the love about family, food, the passion that surrounds these areas, not just the negative aspects. If you make a place for a person to tell their story and then hear it, it is very moving,” says Jane Farrows, regarding what made her leave her job at CBC and come on board with Jane’s Walks. Jane’s Walk takes an average of two hours to go around a selected area with the tour guide conducting the tours. The groups can range from 25 to 30 people and sometimes it is even more. They select the neighborhoods and the stories that will be told to the public and audience. The topics are chosen by the tour guides and it is what they are passionate about and will talk with enthusiasm. The walks are promoted by those conducting them through word of mouth, posters created by the individuals. Also there are some on bus shelters, the mainstream media such as the Toronto Star and social media, which has a major role in spreading the word. They all emphasize self organization and taking initiative, civic engagement and raising urban literacy. “Jane’s Walk is what a wiki or Facebook page would look like in person. You’ve got all the information and stories, like a wiki, and all the social networks coming together like Facebook. It’s completely brilliant,” says a Toronto participant. Not only does one get a chance to venture outdoors, but they get the opportunity to meet new people, get exercise, and learn something that they did not know before. The human race is constantly trying to learn something new so that it can help out and give back, and this is a prime example of doing that. Anyone can start their own tours and there are tools available on the website to help start out. The founders and other employees keep on giving feedback and helping out so that the movement spreads further out. There are walkability tool kits, which show how safe and inviting or uninviting it is to walk in that particular area, guidelines on the website to help people start their own walks. Although the organization has only one fulltime employee, Jane Farrows, and a few part time employees, it does not stop the organization from getting volunteers and pushing the grassroots movement forward. “What would be great is to capture the follow up that Jane’s Walk generates. People get together and have valuable community conversation where they get new ideas and feel empowered to do something. It will help people make an impact and get out of that apathy state of doing nothing,” Farrow says regarding the future of Jane’s Walk.
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Green goddess When a Field of Dreams is Not Enough By: Abby Plener
When I first began writing this column some months ago, I vowed to interrogate my idealistic instincts to go green in the hopes of truly becoming informed about environmental issues to which many urbanites are so eager to half-heartedly commit. Based on my research thus far, it seems that my personal challenge is one that profoundly impacts ecoconscious consumers and the businesses who seek to impress them with their sustainable products. These companies play upon urbanites’ desires to live a simpler, seemingly more eco-friendly life, perhaps alleviating some of their guilt for unwittingly contributing to the environmental problems they hope to combat simply by living industrialized, overpolluted cities. Yet, as these businesses and environmental movements alike reinforce the tendency of urban dwellers to romanticize their eco-conscious efforts, they often provide simple solutions that can quickly and easily be consumed, without encouraging their customers and supporters to further investigate the issue at hand. Enter the urban farmer. This well-intentioned character appears to represent the epitome of city folks’ sustainable dreams. These farmers are nostalgic for a time when cityscapes and highways did not separate them from their food source, glamorizing the notion that their own labour could provide them with the necessary nutrition. Critics say their imaginations are far too big for the crowded city centre, because there is simply no room in these densely populated areas to sustain their dreams for wide open spaces. Romantic as the farmer may be, it seems urbanites are rising to the occasion, technology in tow, to make this dream a reality. First of all, though some may dismiss urban farming efforts as a distant dream, the advantages are really quite compelling. Not only does urban agriculture cut down the environmental cost of packaging and transporting products to the city, but the items produced are fresher and therefore healthier. Moreover, domestic organic waste and urban wastewater can be put to productive use by providing nutrients and irrigation for urban gardens. Rooftop and community gardens also improve the city’s air quality, absorb greenhouse gases, and increase the city’s biodiversity by creating a home for various wildlife such as soil organisms, wild plants, insects, birds and amphibians. Additionally, urban farming decreases city dwellers reliance on the wasteful food industry and large commercial farms which require harmful environmental practices to operate, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers. In
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this way, cities can become more self-sufficient and thus enjoy greater food security by producing more and more of their food themselves. The biggest challenge to urban food farming is space. Limited land, bylaw restrictions, and urban planning prevent urban food production from reaching its full potential to feed cities on its own. While community and rooftop gardens are a fantastic option, their success is often accompanied by impossibly long wait lists. However, there are various organizations working to find more and more space fro urban farming to take root. SharingBackyards.com connects home owners with ample backyard space with experienced gardeners looking for land to use. Founded in Victoria, BC the site now serves neighbourhoods across Canada and around the globe. Montreal-based Lufa Farms has recently launched the world’s first rooftop garden farm. The company is continuing to search for rooftop space throughout the city that can be used for their greenhouses. Lufa Farms claims that 10% of commercial rooftops in Canada could support a greenhouse, providing a viable alternative to the lack of arable land in urban areas. Moreover, the office buildings which support these rooftop farms would also benefit from significantly reduced heating costs because of the insulations the greenhouses provide. Like many other greenhouses and rooftop gardens, Lufa Farms uses hydroponic systems which allow growers to produce more plants, in a smaller space, in a shorter amount of time. Greenhouse hydroponic systems have the potential to grow all the produce a city could possibly need within an urban centre. Through the Lufa Farms website, as well as companies like the Ottawa-based vegetablepatch.ca, urbanites can order delivery baskets of fruits and vegetables from these truly local sources. While hydroponic systems built for commercial use may be too expensive for individual farmers, initiatives like the Windowfarms Project sell low-cost systems to allow city residents to grow food in their apartment or office windows. As technology makes urban agriculture an increasingly viable alternative, the urban farmer is no longer an idealist to be easily dismissed, but has become a true innovator.
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LoveRhythms Can you die from heartbreak? In, 2003, a medical examiner had performed autopsies on an octogenarian couple, both of whom had died on the same day. The husband was found dead
in his yard, and his wife on the porch. His medical history showed a long history of heart disease. His wife however, did not show any evidence of heart problems whatsoever. “His wife, dead a shorter time, was found on the front porch, at an angle showing that she would have seen her husband’s body. Next to her was the bell she had brought to summon him to the lunch sitting on the table inside. Her autopsy showed no obvious cause of death other than a heart that had stopped.” Merrill and Ethel Puerner both died on Valentine’s day in 1997, within 10 hours of each other. Merrill died in his sleep after suffering from emphysema, glaucoma, prostate cancer, and a hernia. Not too long afterwards, his life long healthy wife Ethel died of stomach cancer. On June 11, 2008, Virginia Bonney had died, and only 8 days after her passing, husband Aurlo Bonney passed away. Only 5 months after Brittany Murphy’s death, husband Simon Monjack died from cardiac arrest. Could all of these cases be coincidences? Or is it true? Can we die from heartbreak? In a study done by the Medical Research Council, it was found that “stress or bereavement was linked to a decrease in the levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is the body’s first defense against foreign microbes” (The Guardian, 2005). Those going through difficulties in a relationship, or the loss of a partner, were found more likely to get sick due to a weakened immune system resulting from high levels of cortisol. Cortisol levels increase during stressful situations in general, but when it comes to relationships, a study conducted in 1996 of 1.5 million participants found that the risk of dying from a heart attack after losing a spouse increased 20-35% in the following 6 months. According to Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, PhD, MPH of Harvard Medical School, these risks remain elevated for a period of up to two years. Another study conducted by John Hopkins showed that healthy
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individuals without any history of heart problems showed signs of heart failure in the months following a spouses death. In great part, this is due to certain increased hormone levels which as a result impair the heart’s ability to pump properly. Japanese cardiologists have found that due to high emotional stress, the heart muscle weakens alongside problems that occur in the ventricular chamber of the heart, which results in heart failure. Stress hormones, such as GH and norepinephrine but more commonly cortisol, at high levels cause the heart to malfunction. The break from emotional bonds, or romantic relationships, have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels and lower functions of the immune system. Shockingly, even similar tests conducted on rabbits showed that although all were fed with high cholesterol-producing diets, those that were given affection by the scientists (holding, petting etc.) developed less heart disease than those rabbits that were isolated and left alone. There has even been research suggesting that elephants released to the wild after years of being under the care of a trainer or caregiver get sick and sometimes even die due to the loss of the relationship. It’s quite intriguing to be able to say that we can literally die from a broken heart, and although high levels of stress can cause a variety of symptoms, it seems that breaking emotional bonds has the most severe impact. It doesn’t come as a surprise given that human beings are in great part dependent on the social elements of the psyche, and to some it may even strike as romantic. Nevertheless, yes, it seems that we can die from a broken heart. It’s an intriguing thought: if a broken heart can kill us, then what of the opposite?
By: Anastasia Rokina
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Have Plans for May Two-Four? By Kelly Potter
Whether you call it the kick-off to summer or May two-four, the Victoria Day holiday brings a long-weekend of cele-
brations to Canadians. There are many activities across Ontario for the whole family to enjoy! Going camping, renting cottages, and watching fireworks are just a few of the exciting events that take place in the Greater Toronto Area. Here are some ideas to help plan your weekend. Camping
Bay, you can stroll 14 km along beautiful, sandy beaches and watch breathtaking sunsets over the water. There are also many attractions near by, such as theme parks, restaurants and great nightlife! Theme Parks & Fireworks! The May two-four holiday marks the opening weekend for many theme parks and attractions!
Camping for the long weekend is a great start to the summer season by being outdoors with friends and family curled up by the fire, making smores and listening to good music. Algonquin Park, Glen Rouge and North Sauble Sands are very popular campgrounds for the long weekend.
Ontario Place: The long weekend brings opening day on Saturday, May 21. While due to construction there are no fireworks this year, Ontario Place is packed with many other rides and attractions to enjoy! The park is cultural, leisurely and an entertainment parkland extending throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront.
Algonquin Provincial Park: Located just 300km north of Toronto, Algonquin Park is situated in south-central Ontario with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. There are developed campgrounds that are for tents and RV’s and there are comfort stations and bathrooms nearby. There is the backcountry camping option that has a vast landscape of hills, rocky ridges, streams and lakes. Algonquin also has three backpacking trails and over 2000km of canoe routes.
Canada’s Wonderland: Opening on May 8th, 2011 but only on the weekends, the park becomes officially open for summer as of the May long weekend! Canada’s Wonderland is filled with many games, restaurants, thrill rides and other attractions. Arrive early to get an entire day of fun, the park is open at 10am! Fireworks take place at night depending on the weather that weekend.
Glen Rouge Campground: Don’t want to spend money on gas for the long-weekend? Then visit your local campsite for an outdoor experience that will have you feeling like you are up north! Glen Rouge is Toronto’s only campground site, which is located along the banks of Rouge River. The Campground has hiking trails and beautiful sandy beaches to relax on. The site is very easy to get to and has access to all of Toronto’s greatest attractions. North Sauble Sands Campground: May two-four marks the opening weekend for this campground, and it has been known for its popularity and one of the best sites to party. There are over 143 camp sites to choose from and a twenty-four hour snack and supply store on site. You can party all night on your campground, as there is no curfew for music. There are also many local attractions that include stock car racing, amusement parks, fishing, boating, mini-golf, canoe rentals and hiking. Cottage Getaways If you are looking for a remote getaway for the long weekend with the family, there are many four-season cottage rentals to choose from. Loralea Country Inn Resort and Edgewater Cottages are a couple of popular choices. Loralea Country Inn Resort: Located in the beautiful Haliburton, Ontario, these cottages are perfect for a romantic getaway. Situated on Halls Lake, each cottage is equipped with an outdoor and indoor fireplace, appliances, outdoor furniture, BBQ’s and picnic tables. Edgewater Cottages: Four-season cottages with four different Edgewater locations to choose from. Located on the main beach of Georgian
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The Beaches: To celebrate Victoria Day on Monday, May 23, you can enjoy a free fireworks display at Ashbridge’s Bay! Fireworks blast off at 9:30pm, but come early to get a good seat and to stroll along the boardwalk. Enjoy all the shops, eats and drinks of the beaches. Bring beach blankets and beach chairs! Niagara Falls: Head to Niagara on Victoria Day, for some beautiful fireworks over the falls! The best viewing spot is in Queen Victoria Park. All fireworks are weather permitting and they begin at 10pm! History Behind The Victoria Day Long Weekend (sidebar) Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday that always lands on the Monday before May 24th. The holiday is in honour of both Queen Victoria’s birthday and the current reigning Canadian Sovereign’s official birthday. Victoria, who was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India, was born in 1819. She was only 18 years old when she took over the throne in 1837 after her uncle George IV died. She ruled until her death in 1901, then her son, Edward the VII became the King of England. Victoria Day became a national holiday in 1901. During the 1900s, it used to be called Empire Day, then they changed it to Commonwealth Day. Now Canadians call it Victoria Day, or May long weekend. Many people in Ontario refer to the long weekend as May two-four. This represents either the amount of drinks you consume or simply because the holiday takes place before the 24th. A two-four is slang for a Canadian case of beer that holds 24 bottles, which is a very popular purchase for the long weekend. Thankfully, we have that extra day to recover from all the festivities!
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The Big Smoke
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A Commentary on Indie Filmmaking in Toronto by One Angry Guerilla Written by Kyle Kasino Once a year, the biggest city in Canada becomes a flutter with celebrities and cinema in September during the Toronto International Film Festival. Having attended each of the last nine years, I can say there is truly nothing like it. The parties, the premieres, the buzz you get speaking to other cinephiles standing in line; as a filmmaker in Canada, it is THE ultimate goal, the piece du resistance, the holy grail. It is a symbol of pride and recognition for all the hard work that goes into telling a truly beautiful story. There have been many Canadian directors who have experienced success thanks to gracing the screens at TIFF and pleasing jam packed audiences; Atom Egoyan, Bruce Macdonald , David Cronenberg, Paul Haggis, and Guy Maddin to name a few, however over the years I have found it very odd that there have been few local breakouts. More specifically, very few home grown ‘prospects’ who bring a certain youthfulness and vigor to the silver screen. Most of the directors mentioned above did not achieve any real success until their 30’s and 40’s, and in fact despite that success, have mostly been limited to staying a small fish in a big pond across the border. Maybe they like it that way, and if they do I certainly cannot blame them considering a lot of the poor quality movies that are being churned out in California these days. Regardless, I honestly can’t recall many times in the last nine years when a young Canadian filmmaker got into TIFF, blew audiences away, and became a hot commodity in Hollywood shortly thereafter. The best example of a recent breakout Canadian director would have to be Jason Reitman. After premiering ‘Thank You for Smoking’ at TIFF in 2005 Jason went on to direct back to back hits with Juno (2007) and Up in the Air (2009). That being said, and in all fairness to Mr. Reitman whose films I very much enjoy, he was poised for success without needing to lean on TIFF, as his father is the legendary director and producer Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Animal House, Kindergarten Cop). I am at a loss as to why that is the case. TIFF clearly has an influence on Hollywood perception. ‘Black Swan’ premiered last year to a standing ovation at Roy Thompson Hall, and there was no question to those in attendance that Natalie Portman would be receiving the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. The buzz the festival generates permeates the bloggesphere and word generally finds a way to get out to those in the industry who are paying attention. I can’t say one way or the other
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if this is a problem with the festival selections (a doubtful hypothesis as they have always been kind and supportive of native talents), whether these directors simply do not exist, or whether they simply are unable to maintain a certain level of quality going forward. I only get to see so many films a year, and if I’m lucky only 2-3 of those are Canadian so I am forced to pose to the question: are there twenty something Canadian filmmakers out there not getting the recognition they deserve? To answer that question I fully intend to throw my name into the hat and find out with a film I wrote and will direct this summer for submission to TIFF in 2012, my first feature titled ‘The Big Smoke’. ‘The Big Smoke’ is a fictional story of 27 year old Chase Finnegan, a former high school drug dealer who comes out of retirement for a day and hits the streets of Toronto after sporadically quitting his day job, putting his long term relationship in jeopardy as a result. It is a collaboration of local artists, a series of vignettes interconnected with larger themes, and something that has evolved as a concept over the last seven years as I attended Film classes at York University and spent many hours watching films of all kinds building my cannon. I credit the late and sorely missed writer and professor Robin Wood for exposing me to a lot of cinema I otherwise might not have delved into, films that now bleed through into my own work. Specifically, the early films of Greg Araki (The Living End, 1992), vintage Hitchcock (Rope, 1948), or masterful Lumet (Network, 1976). ‘The Big Smoke’ is noir cinema meets neorealism, and anything but your typical drug film, defying its genre much like the films listed above. There are no guns, no violence, no hysterical trip out scenes. This film’s weapon of choice is an arsenal of diction, verbally assaulting those who attempt to challenge the notion that there is no such thing as a fully functioning marijuana user, specifically when compared against the backdrop of the current social, political, and economical climates of North America. It will be shot on a shoestring budget around the city of Toronto, harkening anecdotal dialogue-based films such as Kevin Smith’s ‘Clerks’ (1995) or Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Coffee and Cigarettes’ (2003), meshing early Woody Allen romanticism with the youthful passion of such foreign films like Hans Weingartner’s ‘The Edukators’ (2004). In many respects, it is an ode to the late great Bill Hicks, who felt the world deserved at least one positive drug story.
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I would be remiss not to mention Woody Allen in that New York City is very much a secondary character in a lot of his films. In very few cases can you say that Toronto has played a similar role, and that is something I have felt needed to change for a long time. Hence the perfect name for a film that combines marijuana usage with a true passion for this city. Toronto plays a role it hasn’t gotten the opportunity in the past to play, despite the numerous big budget movies being shot here. ‘The Big Smoke’ is shown through the eyes of someone who not only truly loves the city, but who has grown up around it and yet still paints it with the larger than life brush it deserves. Final casting sessions are in May and shooting will begin in early July. I am incredibly excited to bring this story to the screen and the thought of premiering it at TIFF would be a dream come true. As a member of the newly opened Bell Lightbox, the industry is growing here in a way I never thought possible nine years ago. Indie films are screened there that previously may never have seen the light of day in Toronto, in addition many cult classics that have been brought back from the dead. Their Tim Burton exhibit was first class and I cannot wait for the Fellini collection to be unvieled in June. I mention this because of all the great things TIFF is doing to give indie filmmakers like myself the chance to find a way to get viewed by the largest audience possible. Between festival submission, using the mecca that is the Lightbox as an avenue to promote work in a place that a ton of fans of cinema will see
it, and of course thanks to Futureale giving me a chance to do this series of pieces on the filming process and beyond, I have all the tools to succeed that past young Canadian filmmakers may have not had access to. As my journey unfolds, I am of the mindset now that there are no excuses, as long as me and my team tell an original and inspiring story the rest should take care of itself. Whether that is the true reality is yet to be determined, but in many ways that is the point of this column. We will document the entire process from pre-production all the way to potentially getting into TIFF, and hopefully you will see the film and make the judgement call for yourself as to what the film truly is, in relation to how it is perceived within the Canadian media and beyond. Look for a teaser trailer to hit just in time for TIFF ‘11 so we can promote ‘The Big Smoke’ one year early as my team and I stand in line to see the films that have caught our eyes this year. For updates on the filming process, you can visit ‘The Big Smoke’ facebook page or follow me on twitter @kylekasino. In my next piece, you will get to meet my team and the faces that will bring ‘The Big Smoke’ to life. I sincerely hope you will look forward to watching this project unfold as much as I am excited to present it to you. KK
The first in a series of columns from writer/director Kyle Kasino FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
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Hidden Gems and Guilty Pleasures By Brian McLellan
Rock n’ Roll Highschool (1979) Starring: P.J Soles, Vincent Van Patton, Clint Howard Screenplay: Richard Whitley, Russ Dvonch and Joseph McBride Director: Allen Arkush, Joe Dante (uncredited), Jerry Zucker (uncredited) Dylan Jones, a writer for GQ Magazine, once wrote, “When I first saw photographs of the Ramones, I just thought they were the most depraved, loutish bunch of nerds I’d ever seen. And the great thing about them was, they looked as though the idea of “cool” was the farthest thing from their minds.... For their sins, they looked real.” That realness is what gives Roger Corman’s wacky 1979 film Rock N’ Roll Highschool its cognitive dissonance. The Ramones are completely out of place in a nutty 70s teen sex comedy and the universe of Rock N’ Roll Highschool has no idea what to make of them. Consider a scene in which the tyrannical principal Ms. Togar (Mary Woronov) demonstrates to two teachers how dangerous the Ramones are. She places a mouse in a cage and begins to blast rock music. On the side of a cage is a meter showing how rockin’ the music is: as it passes the Doors, the Rolling Stones and finally, at the top, the Ramones, the mouse explodes. The scene neatly encapsulates both the film’s relationship with reality, and its weird view of the Ramones, in which it groups the band with the Stones on a list of “rock n’ roll” in one of the most egregious cases of apples and oranges in film history. While Rock N’ Roll Highschool is ostensibly the Ramones’ film, the same way that Hard Day’s Night is the Beatles’ film and Detroit Rock City is KISS’s, it often feels like the band has just walked in on another, crazier, movie. How can I get across the magic of this movie to you? It’s hard to explain in writing. For example, the story barely qualifies as a plot.
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Riff Randell (P.J Soles, best known from Carrie and Halloween) is the self-proclaimed biggest Ramones fan ever and is determined to see their concert. Handsome jock Tom (Vincent Van Patton), who has the social skills of a boxcar, wants to date Riff, but she only has eyes for Joey Ramone. Meanwhile Riff ’s friend Kate (an exceptionally lovely Dey Young) wants to date Tom. To realize their wishes, they go to see Eaglehauer (an eccentric Clint Howard), who tries to hook them up together. Eaglebauer operates a secret office out of a stall of a school washroom and sells favours to highschool students. Meanwhile, the barbaric and controlling principal Ms. Togar (Mary Woronov) is determined to put an end to this Ramones nonsense, once and for all. The plot serves as a loose structure to cram in as many jokes as possible. All the familiar elements of a 70s sex comedy are in place, such as the 30-something actors playing teenagers fighting against the cartoonishly evil principal. It’s the film’s immensely bizarre sense of humour that distinguishes it from the pack. The movie’s packed to the brim with eccentric characters, ranging from Clint Howard’s benign Satanic helper, to the music teacher who dresses like a hipster to go to the concert and is eyeballed as a square by the bouncer. The previous joke about the exploding mouse becomes a strange running gag where the Ramones’ music causes specifically mice to explode, leading to a scene where a giant mouse is given headphones so he can get into the concert. Among this chaos, the Ramones are punk demi-gods, swooping in on the back of a jeep with “I Just Want Something To Do”, while a line of fans devolve into a brawl. The band later serenades a naked Riff with “I Want You Around”, and finally surrounds themselves with highschoolers when the latter take over the titular school and turn it into a siege against Togar (look for an awesome cameo here by Dick Miller, who adapts to the film’s tone perfectly).
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Part of the blame for the film’s nuttiness can be given to Joe Dante, who was an uncredited director of the film, and who specializes in this sort of gag-a-minute comedy. It’s interesting that Rock N’ Roll Highschool doesn’t end with a triumphant concert, a la Hard Day’s Night and most other “band” movies. The concert occurs about halfway through, and the third act instead concerns the kids staging an abrupt, spectacular middle finger towards the square community. For a film that does stay closer to the established formula for these kinds of movies, look no further than the second part of our double feature, 1997’s Spice World, which deals with a pop group on the other end of the music spectrum. Spice World (1997) Starring: The Spice Girls, Richard E. Grant Screenplay: Kim Fuller Director: Bob Spiers Here’s an example of a gem that’s not so much hidden as overlooked. The name of the movie seems to be what scares people off, because on paper this film should be a genuine cult classic. Allmusic.com critic Stewart Mason once wrote “at some point in the 2010s, the Spice Girls will undergo the same sort of cultural renaissance that happened to ABBA and the Carpenters in the 1990s”. The Spice Girls were the best and most popular of the manufactured pop groups of the era, towering over their contemporaries in terms of merchandise, star power, and well-constructed pop songs. Part of that merchandising extended to the inevitable film vehicle, but no one expected Spice World to be as batty, or as genuinely funny, as it is.
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Unlike Rock N’ Roll Highschool, the Spice Girls movie hews pretty close to the Hard Day’s Night formula, following the pop group as they meet with fans, the media, instructors, and finally a desperate attempt to get the band together for the final concert. There’s a story about Hard Day’s Night that goes like this: at first, they weren’t sure whether or not the Beatles could act, so they wrote a script that generated a movie around them, giving all the heavy lifting and dialogue to actual actors. Then the Beatles showed up and turned out to be not bad thespians at all, so a new script was written, giving the fab four the majority of the lines. Spice World is essentially that first script. It’s obvious from the word go that the Spice Girls can’t act, and instead the plot focuses on an intense performance from the great Richard Grant, with cameos from Richard O’Brien, Alan Cumming, Elvis Costello, Bob Hoskins, Elton John, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Mark McKinney, Meat Loaf, Roger Moore, George Wendt, Dominic West, and more. Read that list over again. It’s hard to go wrong with a stellar cast like that, and for the most part, it doesn’t. The movie flits from set piece to set piece with winking, quirky gags. Usually these articles have me defending some these kinds of guilty pleasure films, but there’s not really much for me to say here. The Spice Girls are kitschy, the best of the best of British comedians at the time are present and accounted for, and the jokes are unapolegetically silly. Plus, there’s a Millie Small song on the soundtrack and Mark McKinney is in it, for Christ’s sake. Next time, I’ll be looking at a pair of films that take a little bit more defending. This gem, meanwhile, is genuinely underappreciated. Give it a look.
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Buying Your First Home – A Step– by-Step Guide to Buying Real Estate in the GTA By Maxwell Wynter ©
2011 (all rights reserved)
The Captain of Your Real Estate Team
Let me explain how this works.
This is the second in a series of articles taking readers through a step by step process for buying a home. The first article can be found in last month’s publication here http://issuu.com/organicpress/docs/fullmagazine/34.
When a Seller lists their home for sale with a real estate agent he or she is really asking all of the 30,000+ real estate agents in the GTA to help them to sell their house. This means that all of these agents are going to do everything that they can to help the seller to sell this house. The listing agreement actually includes in it the amount of the commission that the Seller will pay to the real estate agent who brings the buyer that buys the house. So, essentially, the real estate agent that shows a house to you is doing everything that they can to help the seller to sell his or her house. Any information that you provide to the agent can, in theory, be used by the seller, or the seller’s agent, to help them to sell the house to you; unless you have the real estate agent under contract to YOU.
This month we begin to build the team of professionals who will be working with you. The first, and perhaps your most important selection, is your real estate sales representative (your agent). This is the individual who will be working with you throughout the entire process of purchasing your home. You are the manager and your agent is the Captain of your real estate team. The list of services provided by your real estate agent is quite long, so we will summarize. Your agent will ask you to put them under contract to you - I’ll explain this later. Once under contract they are obliged by law to act as your representative and to do everything possible that is in your best interest regarding the purchase of your home. To do this your agent will:• Help you to select a mortgage specialist and work with you both to find out the maximum price home that you can afford. • Ask you the right questions to determine where you want to live and what features you need to have. Note that an experienced agent will help you to create a realistic wish list, knowing the sales history of homes in various areas and the likely price of the features you want. • Make arrangements for and take you to see homes that meet your requirements. • Point out any obvious deficiencies that the house might have. • Do appropriate research determine the market value of any homes that you are interest in. • Prepare an offer (an agreement of purchase and sale) for presentation to the seller, on your behalf. • Negotiate with the Seller to get the best possible deal for you. • Help you do have a professional home inspection done. • Help you to find a good lawyer. • Arrange for you to visit the house with any renovation professionals that you may want to see the home you are about to purchase (including parents and relatives). • Be available to sort out any problems that might come up on closing. The list above is just a summary; there are a lot more services provided by your real estate agent. The interesting thing about all of this is that you (the buyer) do not pay your agent; your agent is paid by the Seller.
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This contract is called a Buyer’s Representation Agreement (BRA). The law requires all real estate agents to explain the types of relationships that can exist between buyers, sellers and real estate brokerages and their agents. The law also states that this should be done at the earliest opportunity. This is to ensure that you understand the responsibilities of your agent and how they will be representing you. Most agents do this by sharing a brochure called Working with a Realtor with their prospects. They should ask you to sign it, acknowledging that it has been explained to you. You will then have to decide if you want to be their Client or their Customer. I won’t bore you with the differences in these relationships as the law defines them. I will advise though that the agent will only be fully representing your interests if you have entered into a Buyer Representation Agreement with the agent and their Brokerage as their Client. This agreement puts your agent under contract to you and ensures that they provide you with utmost care, integrity, confidentiality and loyalty. You now have an expert working for you whose only responsibility in your real estate dealings is to look out for your interests only. Remember too that in most instances your agent is paid by the Seller. Signing a BRA with a good real estate agent as soon as you have selected him (or her) is a wise thing to do. So, how do you select a good real estate agent? With over 50,000 real estate agents registered in Ontario and more than 30,000 members of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) there are a lot to choose from. Here are some interesting facts regarding the agents listed on TREB in 2010. • • • • •
8,948 sales representatives sold 0 homes 11,220 sales representatives sold 1-5 homes 6,330 sales representatives sold 6-12 homes 2,155 sales representatives sold 13-18 homes 1,987 sales representatives sold 19+ homes
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So, of the 30,000+ members of TREB more than 20,000 sold less than one home in every two months last year and only 4,000 sold one or more homes per month. Looking at these numbers which end of the scale would you like your agent to be working in? Here are three questions that you might ask any agent that you are considering. • Is real estate your full time or part time job? You are about to do the biggest deal that you have ever done in your life, borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy your first home. If the agent cannot commit to the profession full time then how can you commit such an important transaction to them? Look at it this way; if you were feeling ill would you go to a part time doctor? If you were trading stocks would you use a part time stockbroker? Then why would you use a part time real estate agent to manage your biggest transaction? • How many transactions (ends) did you do in the last 12 months? Ideally you would like this number to average as least one per month, unless the agent is new to the business. New agents who have committed to the real estate business full time should be given special consideration. As one of their first clients you will be getting their full time commitment and their manager should be overseeing their work. This will offset their inexperience somewhat. Otherwise you should want an agent who is busy.
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• Will you sign a 30 day Buyer Representation Agreement? 30 days is a long enough period for a good agent to show you properties that meet your requirements and you may even buy your home in that period. It also gives you and your agent enough time to decide if you like working with each other. At the end of 30 days it is easy to extend the agreement for another 30 or even 60 to 90 days. Remember that you are looking for someone who will help you in an important and complex business transaction. This is not the time to hire an agent because he is your cousin or because she is your girlfriend’s sister. Your decision should be based on the agent’s ability to perform. Ask people you know who have bought or sold a house recently, for referrals. If you don’t know anyone then look for a SOLD sign on a house in your neighbourhood and knock on the door. Ask the resident if they were happy with the services provided by their representative. Or you can send me a note to the e-mail address at the end of this article, I’ll be happy to help you. Next month we will be looking at financing your home and the importance of your credit score.
Maxwell Wynter, B. Sc., MBA is a Real Estate professional working in the GTA. He and his team have helped many first time home buyers realize their dream of owning a home. For more information Max can be reached anytime at info@themaxatremaxteam.com.
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Nutrition: Healthy Food For Your Pets
Going on Vacation? Your Dog Can Too!
The African Grey Parrot and their Shocking Intelligence
Nutritious Dog Food Recipes Inside!
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The African Grey Parrot By: Lindsay Romeo
ed to teach him about objects that did not interest him as much; African Grey parrots are in- she had to give him rewards. This telligent and talkative. They make allowed for Dr. Pepperberg to teach Alex a lot more, she taught for one of the smartest birds him much more that just merely who could challenge the smarts repeating the names of objects. It of a five year old. Not only that, was much more than Alex just atbut they are sacred, rooted in a taching words to objects, such as legendary tale of how the African Grey parrot got its looks. The showing him a key and attaching African Grey parrot is the perfect the word ‘key’ to it, Dr. Pepperberg actually taught him how to parrot with its inner beauty and think about these objects. Such its shocking intelligence, which as; ‘what colour is the key Alex?’ is sure to get you second guessing the phrase ‘bird brain’.
Alex has to now think about colour and apply it to that of the key. Dr. Pepperberg was actually able to teach Alex categories. The categories being, colour, shape and matter.
And to further Dr. Pepperberg’s proof about how birds are smarter than we think, she shows us how much Alex can think for himself. She finds a variety of objects, like blocks, wool balls, and the like, and she places them on a tray and mixes them up so that the categories are not physically placed on the tray but they are now a slew of objects on a tray with no particular order. And remarkably enough Alex does not fail to disappoint us, as Dr. Pepperberg is able to ask questions such as; ‘how many blocks?’ and Alex is able to distinguish the blocks from the rest out the objects on the tray, count them, and tell the number.
Dr. Pepperberg has to limit the amount of words used when teaching Alex about the objects, in order to avoid confusion such as; ‘What material is this object made out of?’ is then simplified to ‘What matter?’ And Alex re-
So not only can he find what the blocks are, he is even able to count each one of them avoiding the other objects that are different from the blocks, this proves that Alex is indeed thinking.
A Companionship: Alex the Parrot and Dr. Irene Pepperberg The Question: Are parrots just repeating robots or do they actually have the ability to think? The Answer: The phrase ‘bird brain’ will have to be re-evaluated. Dr. Irene Pepperberg was studying an African Grey parrot named Alex for many years. She has discovered that these birds with the brain size of a walnut have the human capacity to actually think and not merely just repeat. Although this does seem absurd, she does prove this notion that the saying ‘bird brain’ is not at all what we thought it was. At first, Dr. Pepperberg could teach Alex about the objects that interested him, but then after a while once she wantFUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
markably is able to determine the material of the object based on when he puts the object in his mouth, he can determine a nail file as being the matter of ‘wood’, ball of wool as being the matter of ‘wool’ and the like. Even shapes Alex has become the expert of his kind, when shown a block and asked; ‘Alex what shape?’ he can quickly respond ‘four cornered’, it is simply remarkable.
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To further the point of how smart a bird can be, Alex has discovered the notion of zero. The notion of zero is something that took humans years and years to figure out, yet Alex has already gotten it figured out. This all came from Alex’s humour in telling Dr. Pepperberg when he was bored of doing an activity. Alex when answering a question would say every wrong answer instead of the one right answer, which shows how tired he is of the activity and that he obviously knows the answer seeing as he has named off all of the wrong ones and in turn this singles out the right one.
meets the eye. So of course after this eye opening experience with Alex, one must wonder; ‘is Alex just a one of a kind genius or is this true for all the African grey parrots?’ So Dr. Pepperberg is now trying But one day he said an the same studies with another answer that did not exist on parrot named Griffin, and she is the tray, in this case is was ‘five’, getting very similar results to that the objects on the tray showed of Alex. This proves that birds are nothing of this number, so he was nor giving the right or wrong smart, although some more than others. answer but simply giving an answer which did not exist. This of course troubled Dr. PepperWhen you compare a bird berg so it lead her to ask ‘What is five?’, and Alex responded ‘none’, brain to a human brain, not only which was a phenomenal answer are there the obvious differences going beyond the thinking abili- in size, but also in texture seeties even Dr. Pepperberg thought ing as the human brain looks possible of Alex. Alex has figured very complex and disorganized with tube like figures, where as out the notion of zero, without being taught that zero exists, and the bird brain is smooth withthis showed how smart indeed a out complexity, but there is a bird can be. Not only did he learn small portion of only certain bird brains, such as blue jays, crows the notion of zero by himself, and parrots which resemble that he even manipulated Dr. Pepperberg into letting her know his of the human brain, which also proves that these birds more thinking capacities to do so. So next time you think of ‘bird brain’, than others are capable of huthink of Alex and know that there man thinking capacities. is a lot more to a bird than what FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
A Magical Legend: True Beauty Why is the African Grey parrot’s tail red? Well legend has it that it was all because of a contest God had created to determine which parrot was the most beautiful. As soon as the birds discovered the competition they all took time to pamper themselves and make sure that their colours were full and they looked beautiful for the contest. All the birds grew suspicious when they discovered that the African Grey parrot, which was just white and bland looking at the time, was not trying at all. This parrot was naturally beautiful and the other birds took that as a threat in fear that they may lose the contest. So they decided to pour ashes onto the African Grey parrot, causing its white feathers to turn grey, but this did not seem to bother the African Grey parrot. They also used an evil charm on the African Grey parrot that caused his tail to turn red. The other birds were surely satisfied that the African Grey parrot would no longer enter the competition because of this. But the African Grey parrot did, and he won. The parrot won because true beauty comes from the inside and the Grey African parrot had inner beauty. In many western and western central African cultures, historically the red feathers of the African Grey parrots were considered sacred to the royalty. And every time someone was crowned King or Queen, a feather from the Grey African parrot must be worn in order to remind them that true beauty comes from within.
Pe t Nutrition: He althy By Olena Protsiv You have recently found a stray animal, adopted one or someone had a litter of puppies or kittens, and they gave you one. Now what? After selecting the toys, litter, and many other accessories needed for a pet, there is still the need to find the proper food. Many owners of recently acquired pets do not know that much about the selection of healthy food. Taking specific steps to make sure your canine or feline is fed properly is significant in having a long, healthy life and preventing multiple visits to the vet. Chris Gomez is an owner of two dogs, Leila and Suze, and one cat, Benett. “I feed one of my dogs Pedigree dog food. It was something that was advertised and it was bright yellow, so it caught my attention, it was attractive. I usually buy it wherever pedigree is sold,” Gomez says, regarding the type of brand. Walking blindly into a No Frills, Wal-Mart or any other general store where pet food is sold, and asking the staff on premises for help on selecting cat or dog food will not get you far. Store staff members are not qualified, and they are just giving you their opinion or trying to make a sale. Others will not be able to help you because their knowledge on the subject is limited or they do not work in that particular department. FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
The best option would be to talk to your vet and get their opinion on the type of food needed for your pet. Going to pet stores such as Global Pet Foods, Pet Smart, and many more where they sell specialty and healthy pet food is also helpful. It is suggested that owners research different pet foods that are appropriate for your pet’s age and size. One of Gomez’s dogs had a lot of complications such as bladder stones, a tooth infection and molars had to be removed. Due to these complications, Gomez has to create a special meal every time, instead of giving
his dog regular dog food. “Bennet, who’s an older cat, eats Whiska’s indoor cat food. When I feed my dogs, she’ll beg for a piece.” Gomez says regarding the food for his cat. Maren Campbell, another pet owner, adopted her two cats from the Toronto Cat Rescue in early September. “The cats were found in Vaughan in a forest. The teenage girl couldn’t take all the kittens so she had to call the Toronto Cat Rescue. They gave them to a foster mom who took care of them until they were adopted. They were born in July and are only 7 months old,” Campbell says regarding how she acquired her two kittens.
Food For Your Pe ts When it comes to pets, size and age does matter. One cannot give a kitten something that an Pets are just like children; we care for them adult cat would eat, because they would not be able and treasure them. Therefore, the food and nutrition to digest it properly. “The foster mom gave us advice on food, but we have had cats for years so we knew what food to feed them. We went with the advice that the foster mom gave us, but after a while we switched the food to a cheaper brand. The Wal-Mart brand called Special Kitty for soft food and President’s Choice brand for kittens for hard food,” Campbell says about the food brands. According to the Iams website, they were first to: “Consider feeding cats and dogs as carnivores. Develop dry, animal-protein based diets suited to the needs of dogs and cats. Tailor formulas by life stage, even developing a puppy food that actually helps make puppies smarter and more trainable. Develop formulas to meet common needs of pets and their owners, like cat food for multi- cat households, and formulas that help address hairballs.” Iams along with brands such as Pedigree, Purina, and Nature’s Select are only a few of the brands out there that cater to cats and dogs, with variations in food to meet the requirements for any cat or dog. There is also an alternative to dry food for cats or dogs, and raw food that was meant to be consumed by animals as if they were living in the wild. Since animals have been carnivores from the start, a good diet of raw food is more suited for their diet due to their teeth structure and body formation. Healthy Paws and Paws and Claws are two companies that cater to providing a balanced diet that has raw meat as well as other nutrients for cats and dogs. According to the Healthy Paws website, “Ideally dogs should be fed a diet comprised of at least 70% meat and cats over 90% meat. This is the basis for the Healthy Paws diets. Feeding them a diet that is more grain than protein can lead to malnutrition and poor diet.” FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
we provide should be the best that they can have, so that they can live a long life with as little complications as possible.
Tips: - Always talk to your veterinarian first -The words “complete and balanced” should be on the food label -Make sure age and size of pet matches the food -When looking at the ingredient list, first ingredient should be an animal protein such as fish, chicken, liver, etc. if it is not the first ingredient, stay away from that food and move on since it is unhealthy - Research the manufacturer and make sure it is reputable -Avoid store brands (Wal-Mart, No Frills, Food Basics, etc), generic brands, and anything that is cheap. In the long run, the cheaper food will just end up causing your pet digestive and health problems and will cost you more in veterinarian bills -Make sure there is contact info for manufacturer so that if you have any questions you can call them
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Going on Vacation?
By Kelly Potter
Thinking of going on vacation, but not sure what to do with your dog? Why not send them on vacation too! There are many places in Toronto that take care of your dog while your having a relaxing getaway. Pet sitters, kennels and boarding services can give your dog their own little vacation while you’re gone. Many of the pet-care professionals include off-leash fun, exercise, pampering and training. Here are some of the best places to consider bringing your pet. Urban Tail: This professional dog-walking and pet-sitting service makes your dog their first priority. They offer dog sitting while you’re away either at their location or in the comfort of your own home. Your dog will be treated like they are on vacation as well because they will receive five walks per day and their favourite treats! All of the staff at Urban Tail is pet first aid certified to ensure your dog’s safety as well. For more information, check out: www.urbantail.ca. The Fast and The Furry: This service offers walks for dogs of all ages and sizes, as well as boarding. The Fast and the Furry is licensed and pet first aid certified. They are also environmentally friendly, using biodegradable bags, water and all-natural treats. You have the option of a group walk or private walk, depending on what suits your pet. The dogs usually get walked to the beach or through a park. They serve clients between High Park, and Spadina, in Toronto. For more information, vist: www.thefastandthefurry.com. Paws 2 Go Inc.: Paws 2 Go makes sure that your pet gets the best treatment while you are away. They will participate in outdoor activities, exploring the many nature trails across the city. This service highly focuses on exercise and how important it is for your pet. They also customize each of their vacation packages to cater to your pets needs and wants, (and to make it affordable for you!). They are licensed, bonded, insured and serve clients in Toronto and the GTA. Check out: www.paws2go.ca.
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Your Dog Can Too!
Parker Pet Care: A family business since 1945, Parker Pet Care is recognized as one of Toronto’s most prestigious pet care facilities for your cats and dogs. They offer a lot of one-on-one, hands on care and stimulation throughout the day. If you’re a little nervous leaving your pet for a long stay, Parker Pet Care welcomes new clients with a tour of the facility and free trial stays for your dog. They are located in the Greater Toronto Area, and not only do they offer boarding services, but they offer grooming as well! Visit www.parkerpetcare.ca for more info! Harry & Rupert’s Hotel for Dogs: A small boutique hotel that offers eight different suites designed for comfort, with safety and security in mind. Each suite has comfortable and stylish bedding, nightlights, carpet, water bowls and monitoring 24/7. Your pet can play in their securely fenced-in paddocks, enjoy homemade treats, try the agility equipment, or lounge on plush cushions, sprawl on comfy sofas, relax on chairs, and sleep in one of the cozy well-furnished suites. They also offer sending email updates to owners with photos while you are on vacation to put your mind at ease. They are located in Tottenham, Ontario, Visit www. harryandruperts.com. Dogs at Camp Cooksville: If you are looking for something a little more adventurous and free-spirited for your dog, why not take them to camp! At each of the camps you’ll find a beautiful country barn used for indoor play and sleeping quarters, and a double gated fully fenced, play field. Each barn is dog friendly, climate controlled, and all drinking water is purified. The barns will be shared with other dogs for sleeping with plenty of blankets and pillows, unless an owner requests a crate accommodation. At this facility, the dogs are never caged, and they always have access to large, open spaces, as well as game time, free playtime and nap time! For more information and locations, please visit: www.dogsatcamp.com. FUTURÉALE ARTS | CULTURE | LIVING
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Pet Food: Healthy & By Olena Protsiv For many, their pets are as dear to their family as any other child, or family member. Keeping your pets happy and healthy is important to pet owners. Not all dog food sold in stores is as nutritious as they should be. Preparing your own pet food is a quick and cost efficient way to control the quality and health benefits of what your beloved pet is consuming. Here are two recipes that you can prepare for your dogs. Remember to always consult your vet before starting a new diet for your pet.
Nutritious Pet Recipes!
Broccoli and Barely Dog Chow: • • • • • • • •
8 cups of oats 2 cups of brown rice 6 cups of barley 2 cups of carrots, grated 3-4 bunches of broccoli, chopped 6 zucchinis, grated 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
Directions: Cook oats in large pot following the directions on the package. In another pot, cook brown rice and barley. Let cool. Cut vegetables. Combine all ingredients in large pot. Shape into balls about 1/4 lb. Each portion size. Wrap and freeze. Unthaw, and reheat to serve.
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Homemade Meals Apple Chicken: •
• • • • • • • • •
10 lbs of chicken 1 lb of organ meat 1 lb of chicken hearts ½ cup of brown basmati rice 4.5 lbs of frozen carrots 1 lb of spinach 5 apples, quartered 2 cups of water 8 garlic cloves 2 tbsp dried oregano leaves
Directions: Thaw meat and cut into equal sized pieces. Cut apples into quarters. Combine all ingredients in a large roasting pan and cook at 350 degrees for 2 hours. Portion into smaller tupperware dishes and freeze or put in one large tupperware and refrigerate.
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