qatalust

Update!

2009-10-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Hey Friends.... looks like a few of you still hit up this blogo... so thought i'd give you and update. i'm plugging away at this RQ Magazine concept... things are coming together. Hope that you'll keep reading and commenting and following and all the good stuff. I'm also on the prowl for artists and photogs and writers, so if you know anyone that wants to get involved in this little non-profit goodness... spreading news and art to kw... lemme know. hilary {at} RQmagazine (dot) com H.

HELLO!

2009-07-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone -

Started blogging on all things KW.... check it out HERE!

hope you'll check it out and visit often.

feel free to message me with any thoughts at
hilary_abel[at]hotmail[dot]com.

happy reading.
H.

updata

2009-02-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hello to all that still check this blog -

As you may have noticed, qatalyst is no longer publishing the magazine or working with any design clients. It's sad... i know... many contributing factors, none of them particularly blogworthy.

Also sad to report that after a couple months of thinking thinking thinking thinking i have decided not to renew the qatalsytmedia and qatalust websites. This also means that i no longer have access to qatalystmedia.com email addresses.

So, if you'd like to email me in regards to qatalyst or any other stuff, you can send it to hilary_abel@hotmail.com. Is that an invitation for copious amounts of evil spam, or what?

I am still thinking whether this blog will be used for some other purpose... but for the meantime, i think it will lie dormant...

signing off for now, hope everyone is well,
H.

Nov 11.

2008-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

On a similar, but more serious note. It's Remembrance Day today.

I'm sitting in my cubicle and looked at the clock... 10:59... I listen to what's going on around me... plenty of chatting, typing, gossip... I'm no saint. Believe Me... but I do think that Rememberance Day should serve as two things:

1. A minute to stop and think about people that gave their lives for any thought of freedom.... Both my Grandfathers were in World War 2... from Very Very Very different perspectives. One spent his time in the Canadian Army, stationed on a war ship as a medic, and the other spent the war hiding, running and surviving the Nazis in Poland. His story can be found in the Archives of this important building.

2. A couple minutes to think about the fact that we continue to force young people into the warmachine with thoughts that it is necessary and filled with honour.

Anyways, hope you took a minute.

W stands for ... wow.

2008-11-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

So... saw Oliver Stone's W last nite at the Princess Twin.
Not too busy, but i guess it was a Monday, and the film has been out for a while.

First off, I will say that you basically just walk out of the movie saying "wow"

then a long pause as you reflect on the fact that this idiot of a man ran one of the, arguably THE most powerful country in the world for 2 terms.

and then all you can say is "wow" again.

Interesting that the movie does not de-humanize Geo (as delusional Laura calls him), or make him look like the revengeful monster that I've previously thought him.... it makes him out to be a spoiled little brat that grew up wealthy and protected. He doesn't know about consequences - or the fact that he may not be "qualified" for a position. He only knows that his ego will not allow him to be told No to anything.

And for his sake, I hope that's how people remember him in history - because being the President who started more than 1 thoughtless war, crippled the economy and did nothing to correct the crash course our planet is on - is a nasty obit.

There's a lot more to say about this film - like the way George Senior and Barbara are portrayed... the part that alcoholism and religion play... and the fact that Texas is just played messed....

But you should see the movie yourself.

It's playing at 6:40pm tues, wed and thurs of this week at the Princess Twin - king street Waterloo.

H.

W

2008-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hopefully going to see it tonite.
VERY psyched.

H.

President Elect Obama

2008-11-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

the only way to watch a successful democratic process...

wine.
laptop.
boyfriend who agrees with your political views.
amazing. best nite ever.

A more detailed, less emotive post tomorrow morning. stay tuned.

Nov 5 - busy busy busy

2008-11-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Image: Will Gorlitz, Grassfire (detail), 1994, oil on canvas. 97 x 53 cm. Private collection. Image courtesy of the artist.

So if The World According to Monsanto isn't floating your boat for the evening of Wednesday November 5th, you could hit up KW|AG for an Artist Talk with Will Gorlitz of Guelph.

7-9 p.m, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (located in the Centre In The Square)
Admission is Free.

Film Festival at The Gig Theatre

2008-11-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Did everyone have a lovely weekend?

Mine was.... kind of extreme... but fun.

Recovering from being sick + Drinking + NOT Sleeping + Sillinesss
= needing another week to recover.

Anyways, not to get all preachy on ya first thing on a Monday, but wanted to let everyone know that "The Forerunner Inspire Festival" is this week at The Gig Theatre in Downtown Kitchener. They are showing 3 films that you may be interested in checking out:

The World According to Monsanto, Wed Nov 5th @ 7:15pm
If you don't know who Monsanto is, you should see this film, if you do know who they are... you should still see it.

Toxic Trespass, Thursday Nov 6th @ 7:15pm A film about the connection between our environment and health issues. Apparently has a focus on Windsor, Sarnia area - but is relevant across the world.

Taking Root, Friday Nov 7th @ 7:15pm How planting trees can change a nation - this is a film about the Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai.

Each film asks for a $5/per person donation to attend.

Alternatively, you could try to get to another showing of the flick we saw Saturday nite at the princess original: Sukiyaki Western Django Directed by Takashi Miike, and an appearance by Quentin Tarantino.
Here's the description:

Maverick Japanese director Takashi Miike re-teams with longtime writing partner Masa Nakamura (Andromedia, The Bird People of China) for this Western inspired by Sergio Corbucci's violent 1966 classic Django. It's been hundreds of years since the Battle of Dannoura, yet the Genji and Heiki clans are still feuding. In this poor mountain town, there is rumored to be a great hidden treasure. Genji gang leader Yoshitsune is sure that his white-clad warriors will find the treasure first, but Kiyomori and his red-clothed Heike gang aren't about to walk away empty-handed. When a mysterious lone gunman with an incredibly fast trigger finger rolls into town, everyone wonders which gang he will join. As betrayal, deception, and cold-blooded murder become commonplace, the silence of this once-quiet mountain town will be broken by the piercing echo of gunfire and the air will become dense with the smell of death.

JAPANESE WESTERN. INSANE.

Guess who i'm being for halloween??

2008-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

It would appear that dressing up as Mrs. Palin will also require some house redecorating: Maybe my other half would consider going as her other half?

It would just require a goatee, a bad haircut, a semi automatic weapon and a flourescent Ski-doo jacket.

See ya'll later on... instead of candy, we'll be handing out flash frozen pieces of meat we acquired while aerial hunting.

(all photos courtesy of google images)

Kill me.

2008-10-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for like 3 days now with this killer headcold/sinus/horribleness.

I feel like i need to have a lobotomy to relieve the pressure in my head.

At the Red Brick Cafe in Guelph

2008-10-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

An Exhibition of Photographs by Dean Palmer

October 27.08 - November 23.08

Closing party Nov 22 7 - 8:30

Two friends...

2008-10-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

play in the band Black Hat Brigade...
(all photos by Pete Nema)

they are lovely boys, and received a pretty sweet review by Mr. Pete Nema, for their recent show with Oh No Forest Fires CD Release.
(Thanks to Kevbot as well for the musical introduction)

You can read it here.

Now, i know that this show was over a week ago, and I am soooo behind the ball. But coming out of reclusion is a tricky and lengthy endeavour.

Anyways Magazine fans... there seems to be a speckle of hope on the horizon... and although there seems to be an announcement of a magazine closure every two days... soon there may be an actual Qatalyst Magazine Website up and running.

Many fingers remain crossed.

H.

Warhol is taking over downtown... this is just the beginning

2008-10-20T06:22:00.001-07:00

Just to hammer home my previous posts point:

2008-10-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

check THIS out.

Qatalyst for President

2008-09-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that both Obama and McCain have Stores on their websites?
They do.

pretty interesting stuff to,
like this diane von furstenberg bag on Obama's site. Alternatively,
if you wanted to support young children having access to handguns, and the destruction of multiculturalism, you could sport this stuff from McCain's site: Wow. When will Canadian Politics be this commercialized, i mean glamourous, i mean exciting.

Nataliedee.com genius

2008-09-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Oh Alana -
thank you for sending me a nataliedee comic the other day. Amazing.

Think Big... you gas guzzling...

2008-09-23T11:25:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Glenn for tipping me off onto this amazing site:
betterplace.com
There are rumours that they will be rolling out another program (currently they are based in Israel and Denmark) in Canada... specifically, in a smaller area surrounding Toronto.

Pray it is KW.

H.

Save bitch.

2008-09-17T05:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks To Ms.SCD who passed along this link to a bitch magazine item.

Sadly, bitch magazine is encountering money issues as an independent, reader funded magazine. So horrible.

If you have money, give them some.
Why you?
Because as my friend SV justified buying me lunch the other day, "My pile is bigger than yours". Words of wisdom she received from a wealthy relative.

Good Luck Bitch,
H.

In other News....

2008-09-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
Put down the devices people.

Panic Attack

2008-09-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

So.... not sure who else has been reading the news lately. But jesus. this whole financial situation is looking bad.

I mean, not for me... i have no money, so the stock market crashing just means i'd have to liquidate my 5 things and live in some unnamed bus with 7 other people.... it could even be a nice break from this everyday shit... but for people like our parents - sheeesh... the rest of their lives rest on investments and savings and assets. It's fucking disturbing.

I'm not for protecting the uncritical thinkers of our population, but when MSN has an article like THIS on their mainpage... who knows what kind of panic common people are going to fly into? This article ran in The Wall Street Journal.

I guess I'm just of the thinking, that any potential crisis that would affect the majority of North America/the World is a time for some responsible journalism - not a chance to increase click-through rates and charge more for ads.

But that might be the reason I'm currently posting on a blog instead of printing a magazine.

Let's just all pray that this shit turns around until 2012.

Jerky what you can Jerky.

2008-09-12T10:30:00.001-07:00

At lunch with Stalkee today, he was talking about a little snack he brought back from Japan last week. Essentially, it’s Squid Jerky.

Which led me to comment “Well, you jerky what you can jerky, right?”
Seemed like a legitimate comment to me. I mean, in North America, we turn meat that we have a lot of, into a jerky snack commodity.
Beef, Pork…. Is there chicken jerky?
Why wouldn't it be the same in other parts of the world?

Anyways, the point is… ever tried a seafood jerky?

Post a comment.

Fired Up.

2008-09-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, I was checking out this new News Aggregator that's been put out by Business Week Magazine... wow, how corporate. And I stumbled across THIS article, about my favourite of North American publications, GOOD magazine.
For those of you who think socially (in the make it better, not get popular sense) this mag is pretty much the non-denominational bible. It supports tons of Non-Profits, promotes advertising from mostly responsible companies, allows subscribers to select which charity they would like their subscription to support and is constantly seeking out news that is interesting, inspiring and unique. Holy, that's not a bad review, huh?

Anyways, this article slags the owner and founder of GOOD for being a rich kid, who's having a hard time keeping his vision alive... and has hired some industry expert to help improve revenue sustainability... I think that's a nice way of saying that he doesn't want to sink any more money into the company, although he will if he has to.

The article is interesting... and completely biased, but it's been on my mind all day. I guess my questions are:
If you are rich, do you have to be obsessed with money, and making more of it? Why does society brand you as a heartless, moralless, exploitative fuck if you have money? The guy's spending his trustfund on bringing underpublicizied news to the socially aware population of North America. Sheeeesh.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?
Or maybe this is only interesting to me, i don't know.

H.

To do list

2008-09-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ever just decide that you need to come up with 1 good idea?

I mean, that's not a lot.

I'm not saying it has to be an idea that will be patented and make 500 million dollars, and you'll be cruising around with the trumps on some yacht checking out the Cannes film festival and not TIFF.... but just 1 simple original idea.

Anyways, that's on my to do list today.
- send email to Megan
- deposit cheque at the bank
- finish lameass powerpoint presentation
- come up with 1 good idea

How hard can it be?

I challenge you to come up with 1 good, original idea in the next 24 hours. You don't have to tell me what it is, but see if you can deliver under pressure. I dare you.

In other news, I'm going to be posting an article that I'm a bit stirred up about. Gimme a sec.

H.

Jay Spectre

2008-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

So Saturday nite q headed down to Toronto to see highwaisted, the vacuity boys at the El Mo, and Jay Spectre at the Horseshoe. Such a good nite.

Unfortunately missed the Jay Spectre set, but picked up their new disc and haven't listened to anything else since.
To get a copy of Jay Spectre disc, email me... and I will put you in touch. It's $10, great lyrics, huge instrumental,and the artwork kicks. Love that the lyrics are printed on the back of a fold out mini-poster.

Highwaisted reports the 'Shoe was packed... and Mr.Oliver seemed happy with the night, so all is good.

and yes, my glasses are perscription.

Pics credit of Ms. Highwaisted herself.

phone call last nite...

2008-09-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

(caller) : Hello, may i speak to Mrs. Hilary A-Bell?

(me): Hello.

(caller) : Hello, i'm calling behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada.

LONG PAUSE.

(me) : Mmhmmm......

(caller) : uhmmm.....

(me) : yes?

(caller) : I'm just calling to ask you to consider voting for Mr. So-and-so, the Conservative Party Candidate in your area.

(me) : Ah, no i will not be considering my area's Conservative candidate.

(caller) : ah, ok. i understand. have a good nite.

(me) : ok.

- Watch out people, they're on the prowl.

H.

Back to school....?

2008-09-04T06:00:00.001-07:00

So, as some of you may know.... I entered into a temporary corporate cashgrab back a couple weeks ago. I'm not proud of it, but hey, you gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

The one of the many obvious downsides to the committment, is that it requires me to be at a certain place every weekday by 9am. And this...requires me to commute through the city with the masses. I'll also preface this story with 2 facts:
1. I drive a volkswagen beetle... it has a broken door sensor and pretty much beeps constantly - confused that the door may be ajar.
B. It is a 2003 Beetle, but it has a TAPE DECK. NO CD player... so i have a weird rigged up system of an adapter cable to a 1994 Discman. Seriously, it's ridiculous. The dashboard is like 4 ft deep... you'd think they could have put the CD player in!

What I'm trying to illustrate here, is that I am not in ideal conditions during my travel. Some even find that beeping "irritating".

Since I started, I didn't really notice any serious traffic issues. Now, it has been said that I drive "as if in a parade" as in, leisurely, i rarely speed and I almost always take the scenic route. This does not mean i go 20 in a 60 zone. It means I go 60, not 80.It's basically an 11 minute drive that can be dragged out into 20 minutes if i'm feeling anti-establishment and want to stumble in a couple minutes late, but all in all, it's been a painless drive.

Until today.

What the fuck people? It's like the angry switch was turned on this morning with those of you coming back to school and work this week. I mean, I know you still wish you were on holidays, but you're not. So stop taking it out on all us peaceful drivers on the road in the morning. Seriously. It ain't cool.

Today, 2 things happened to make me realize that it is no longer summer:
The first, i went to the gas station to put some fuel in the car, and it was EXTREMELY busy. Understandable. It's not the most logically designed layout, it accomodate 8 pumps (3 which were out of service) and a poorly staffed Tim Horton's drivethrough. So yeah, stupid to go there, but I was definitely OUT OF GAS. So I'm there, waiting in line to get one of the 5 functional pumps, and totally get blocked in... it's ok though. Me and the guy at the pump in front of me have a visual understanding that he will pull to the side... I'll take his pump, he'll leave, some other car will move up to wait for my pump.
ok. crisis averted.

No. As the guy pulls out from the pump, the SUV with gramma, daughter and baby grandaughter (who has tons of room to BACK OUT OF her pump, and out to the driveway) pulls through the pump and wants me to back up.... appparently into the 3 cars deep behind me. Anyways, i motion for her to move forward and get this... SHE GIVES ME THE FINGER. I actually laugh. visibly. and she leaves her middle finger up, while she makes a sorry attempt to put the Suburban into reverse. UN-Believable. She finally gets it reversed, and puts it into Drive and she has 2 baby on board signs hanging in the back window. Seriously people. Why can you have a licence... and continue to raise children in this world if you are that volatile. The middle finger? At 8am? Because i wouldn't BACK UP????
The next two incidents involved the expressway... and people obviously too busy texting on their mobile devices to watch that traffic is SLOWING.DOWN. You know that bad feeling when you see someone speeding towards you when you are deadstopped. Yeah.

Anyways, i got here safe and sound and am now being productive under the glowing florescent lights.

Well, enough about that, You all have a lovely day, and if you live in the KW area - please write your local MP re: LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT OPTIONS. For my safety, and yours ;)

to the faithful...

2008-08-25T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone...
Just wanted to post a little note of thanks.
Qatalyst is going through a bit of transition right now... at this point, there's no new issue scheduled to print...but it IS looking good for the website launch end of Sept/beginning of October. This'll hopefully be your one stop shop for all things interesting on the internet. Well, okay, not the internet, but the greater KW, Guelph, Cambridge area, and those of you abroad who wonder what's up around here.
So thank you, faithfuls, who check this blog even though it is never updated.
I will do better. I promise.
On a brighter note, send through your website thoughts.... anything you want to see or read on a regular basis.... love to hear your ideas... And, if you've got content - send that my way too, i'm stockpiling for the launch.
H.
hilary@qatalystmedia.com

FITM in the News

2008-07-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Qatalyst's friend and freelancer Chris DePaul made the news in Exclaim.
Check out this piece written by Jason Schneider about Waterloo's own "Found In the Margins". Congrats Chris ;)

JULY/AUGUST ISSUE IS OUT

2008-07-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Just a note,
This photo was taken by local writer, photog, student - Eric Stein.
Oh, and it's a building.

H.

INTERNOT

2008-07-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

So, internet is effed at the office.
stay tuned.
H.

thank goodness it's....

2008-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

So it's been a pretty crazy week of production and file transfering... but the files are off to the printer and we'll be delivering at the end of next week.

I just wanted to send out a little note on what's in the next issue:

- An Interview with Mr.Carl Zehr, Mayor of Kitchener.
- MUSIC IN ICELAND, A feature by our resident iceland expert, Eric Stein. Yes, he went to Iceland in June.
- An Interview with KLP, local do-gooder and kitchener sweetheart.
- Urban Excursion, Chris DePaul explores this education program about homelessness.
Plus, some very cool photography, event listings, and news items.

H.

joyous :)

2008-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... look at us!
we're blogging regularly again.

New issue goes to press tonite...
Out July 24 in Kdub.
July 25 in Guelph.
July 28 Cambridge.

Can you hardly wait?
H.

Qatalyst in the News

2008-07-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Qatalyst got a pretty sweet mention in HERE.

Check it out if you're bored on Hump Day.

H.

Fashionably Founded Pt II

2008-07-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all at last week’s three F’s: Friday’s Fashionably Founded. The event at Caesar Martini's drew 200 people who were treated to a dynamic fashion show featuring clothing by Loop and swimwear by Vicancies. The event raised over $2000 for the Steele Family Foundation, who supports local charities in the KW and Toronto area. "Personally, I thought it went really well," said the foundation's associate director and co-host, Jennifer Steele. "Everyone who came out had a great time and I recieved several postitive comments about the show." For more information about giving to the charities supported by the Steele Family Foundation, check out their website at www.thesteelefamilyfoundation.com!

Fashionably Founded!

2008-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hey! No plans tonite? Martinis+fashion+supporting charity=good times. Hit up Caesar Martini’s for Fashionably Founded, a fashion show fundraiser boasting the best of local talent. Headed by the Steele Family Foundation (www.thesteelefamilyfoundation.com), who supports local charities in the KW and Toronto area, the event will showcase summer and fall fashions by Loop Clothing and swimwear by Vicancies. Co-hosts Jennifer Steele from the Steele Family Foundation and Al from Loop Clothing had combined expertise in their collaboration. “He had the clothes, I had the cause. We both knew several talented entrepreneurs in the industry, it was just a good fit,” says Steele. Event-goers can expect a healthy dose of what Steele likes to refer to as “sass and class.” Her three-pronged whammy approach is to raise funds for those who are less privileged and in need, entertain guests with a professional and captivating fashion show, and bring together local talent in the KW area. Need I say more?

return.

2008-07-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back from a short hiatus from the magazine/office/city, and it seems since my departure, livia has gone slightly cuckoo. The cd player has been removed from the office, so she's been left with YouTube as her only source of company and entertainment. I don't think she's used to having me here, because I'm fairly sure she would not have put this on knowing someone else was in the office... at least it wasn't the weird al version. it's good to be back. maybe i'll even blog regularly. C.

blogging from an uncomfortable place

2008-06-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

siiiiigh......

2008-06-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Holy Weekend.

So crazy.

Happy Birthdays to Kim and Joy - awesome celebrating with you these past couple days. sheesh... yes, i said DAYS as in.... it went on for several days - very tired, and hungover, and exhausted.... lol

And a very special birthday to qatalyst's bestie.....

We miss you. Wishing you happy travels lovely lady ....

What fun and craziness did everyone else get up to this weekend? tell us tell us tell us.

H.

dont blog drunkc.

2008-06-20T22:26:00.001-07:00

cassie and mick say :pretteh pretteh reetah little girl... are you rich enough? are you somethin enough? oh yeah.... beast of burden... oh yeah... are you rough enough... are ... you .... wtf?

This weekend...

2008-06-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

The 41st annual multicultural festival will take place in Victoria Park this weekend. Known for kicking off the summer with its celebration of ethnic diversity in the region, it’s an apt reflection of one of the most diverse populations in Canada. The family event is best known for its bevy of ethnic foods and stands that display wares from all corners of the world. From Latin America to the Middle East and beyond, attendees can travel the world without leaving the city.

Best decision I've made all day...

2008-06-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

tri-Pride 2008

2008-06-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

This year’s tri-Pride returned from its hiatus last year to boast a week’s worth of activities leading up to the main event that kicked off June in Victoria Park. The raising of the rainbow flag in the tri-cities, miss tri-Pride pageant and a film documenting the difficulties of gay immigrants were just a few of the highlights leading up to this year’s event. Last year tri-pride was cancelled due to a lack of volunteers at both the board and membership level. Almost four thousand people attended this year’s tri-Pride in support of its focus on family diversity. “We are one of the few Pride events that focuses on the family,” said Michael Lisetto-Smith, co-chair of the tri-Pride Community Association. “This is one reason why our festivities occur in the park and not in a parade.” Representing those in Kitchener-Waterloo and area who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (commonly referred to as LGBTQ), the tri-Pride Community Association hopes the event will elicit more support from the LGBT community. “We need to raise awareness from local businesses, politicians and just the general community as a whole,” he said. Lisetto-Smith characterizes the region as a friendly climate for the LGBTQ community, noting that the live and let live mentality many have allow the LGBT community to feel comfortable. But moving towards a greater acceptance and awareness is always a challenge. Among the association’s goals are ensuring that tri-Pride remains a sustainable event, expanding into the rural communities (inclusion of the Townships) and more events to unite the LGBTQ community all throughout the year instead of just a single day. “Two of our focuses for the new year will include the education of the plight of senior LGBT persons and more awareness of rural LGBT persons. We are hoping to include a number of education events throughout the year and perhaps as part of tri-Pride Day next year,” said Lisetto-Smith. written by livia fama photography copyright lorra douglass

for those of you who haven't seen it...

2008-06-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

shame on you. pick one up and read all SIXTY pages. we appreciate feedback. oh, and a big THANK YOU to all of our readers. C.

Hello all

2008-06-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I've just begun working with Qatalyst over the summer. I'm a post-grad journalism student based in Toronto. How did I get here? As Hunter S. Thompson once wrote: "Journalism is not a profession or a trade. It is a cheap catch-all for fuckoffs and misfits." In other words, here I am! Thanks for making me feel welcome! L

A warm welcome

2008-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

To livia fama.
the newest addition to qatalyst.

Please make her feel welcome :)

H.

Qatalyst's Birthday Weekend Pt.1

2008-06-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Our Thank You party for clients and contributors was last nite and was fucking awesome.

Pictures will be up as soon as we get them back from all the amazing photogs that were there shooting away.

Let's just say.... these things mix well:
Lots of Alcohol
+ Tons of Strangers
+ Some people you recognize
+ Amazing Art
+ Fire Dancers
+ 1 Spectacular Drag Queen
= one pretty insane nite.

Thanks again to everyone that made it out - and we'll see EVERYONE else tonite!!!!
6:30 - Midnite, The Children's Museum, Stop in Anytime - but bring your dancing shoes, as they say.
H. (

thursday: it's so now.

2008-06-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

So although this weekend will be consisting of BIG EVENTS for qatalyst magazine,we decided to start it a little early. WHO SAYS the weekend has to start on a friday? I say thursday is the new friday. SO. for all you party animals out there... join hilary, livia (new super cute qatalyst employee spectaculare) and i for a night of debauchary at THE GRAD HOUSE for some amazing live music (childebeast, vacuity and sexdwarf) followed by a random and unexpected trip to PHILS for ELECTRO THURSDAYS! i understand if you don't come. i mean... WHO likes ice cold bevies, music, dancing and fun ANYWAYS? hope to see you :) C.

QATALYST TURNS 1!

2008-06-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

WOW.
We're 1 this month!

Come celebrate with us at Fudge:The Gathering.
Saturday at the Children's Museum in Downtown Kitchener!

H.

Sarah Slean @ The GIG Theatre

2008-05-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

So last week, Sarah Slean performed at The Gig Theatre in Kitchener.

For those of you that don't know the place... it's an old movie theatre in the Setman Building (Duke and Ontario) that is a super cool, chic little place to host a show. It's got about a 500 person capacity and sometimes that's bad (if your band draws about 25 people), but in this case, a packed house, it was Amazing. Super good energy and acoustics.

Royal Wood - a Canadian Singer/Songwriter opened up for her, he was pretty hilarious, even did a cover of the oompa loompa song from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. You can check him out HERE.

Sarah Slean, what can I say? She's fucking gorgeous, her voice is fucking unbelievable and she has a personality most girls would kill for. (jealous, much?)

Scott McQuarrie took some pretty fantastic shots, and was kind enough to send a couple over. I love how she does that head down, possessed by the piano thing. Here they are: copyright of re:action photography, copyright of re:action photography, copyright of re:action photography

If you have a chance to check this woman out. DO. IT.

Her voice and piano playing is beyond beautiful, and her professionalism and charisma is sooo unique.

Here's where I was going to put up the foto of her and I, but I'll spare you ;)
H.

only 4 calories

2008-05-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

'tis crunch time yet again. however, this month its doublecrunch time as we are putting out 60PAGES! last night (at around midnight) a good friend of mine suggested that I try a 5 hour energy drink. available at UPI. i checked out the website and it promises 5 hours of energy (who'd have guessed) and no crash* later! crash is described as energy below baseline. i didnt go get one for a few reasons. A- i don't want a self induced heart attack. B- I thought, it's 12am, i dont want to be awake for 5 more hours..even though i was here until 4am without it... and C- there isnt even a UPI in the proximity. BUT it did get me thinking that it would be cool to do a feature in the mag about energy drinks and stuff. and have someone drink like, 5 of these and see if they can actually stay up and feel like not-shit....or have them do it and die and then we can bust all these companies and sue them and make mmmmmillliiioooonnnsssssss. Ok. so our new friend Livia is proofing the magazine right now, (and its funy because she's snickering at my desk and i know EXACTLY what article she's reading...SCD!) and then I have about 50 more hours of work to do on it. and then we send files at 4! yay! wait. that doesnt add up. IN OTHER NEWS: day 5 of protest out side our office. WITH ADDED BONUS of jack hammering construction (hello cruel world). alright. time to finish this coffee and scone (thanks kevin!) hang in there. C.

Lawn Furniture for Literalists

2008-05-26T15:22:00.001-07:00

So, we've been tossing around ideas for the "reclaimed" patio behind our office.
Basically - we've got this pretty big green space that just has all this useless flora all over it. We need a usable space to hang out, that isn't gonna cost very much money.

G was kind enough to pass this idea on to me.

Any volunteers to come over and help us level the ground so that we can get to work on this: H.

Lock Out

2008-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

So.... THIS is going on pretty much outside of our office.

It's a little weird... lots of honking and cheering, but it's for a good cause.

Maybe qatalyst should offer a pro-bono course on Picket Sign Design... I really feel like they could be using some better fonts.

H.

The Today Show

2008-05-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

So we had some lovely guests today.
I feel like we're on a talk show sometimes... and people come on the show for a quick Q & A.

QM: Hey, nice to see you, thanks for coming on the show!
GUEST: Yeah, thanks for having me on!
QM: So what's new, what projects are you working on right now?
GUEST: Oh, you know, this and that.... side project for Y, doing some design for X.

It's amazing! You are jealous :)

Today on the show, we had Chris DePaul of Foundinthemargins.com and Kevin Suess, frequent Qatalyst Contributor and Artist. Here is a picture that Kevin made of himself. It is very accurate.
I took a couple pictures, but I am an idiot and deleted them before downloading.

Who wants to come on the Show tomorrow?

H.

holy whiteboard!

2008-05-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

there is not enough coffee to make that seem do-able today. bring me a coffee and i'll love you forever. C.

What are you up to today?

2008-05-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

This blog is...

2008-05-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Fucking Boring lately.

What's going on? Nothing.
Maybe that's the problem.
All work, no play.

OH, AND WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF DROPPING A 56 PAGE MAGAZINE AND NEW WEBSITE.
Be Patient people.

(We'll try to do better :)
H.

Words Worth Hearing

2008-05-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

So Last Night G and I went to hear Dr. James Orbinski talk about his new book "Imperfect Offering". Hosted by Words Worht Books.
Orbinski is the president of Doctors without Borders and has some pretty insane stories to tell. But he was pretty inspiring and it is nice to hear a Canadian talk about how fucked up our country is - as opposed to just pointing to our Southern neighbour and calling the kettle black.... if you will.

Some extra interesting comments Dr. Orbinski made:

When a question was asked whether he experiences/ed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he said that he believes Western society has "a tendency to medicalize anything uncomfortable". Interesting.

and.

While G had his book signed, I asked Dr. O if he had any advice on publishing a magazine that attempts to encourage and motivate young people of our community to speak out and stand up for things that are messed in our world... his answer?
Don't be condescending.... and always be raising the bar of what is expected from your reader and peers.

(I'll start working on that first part today)

H.

GOD.

2008-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

post something new, why don't you?

yo mama.

2008-05-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Since I am such a helpful person, I thought it would be appropriate to post some lovingly humorous jokes in honour of this sunday. (mothers day people!) yo mama so ugly when she applied for the ugly contest they told her 'NO Professionals' yo mama so old jurassic park brought back memories yo mama is so fat she's once, twice, three times a lady. oh my god i think i hate myself a little. these are so bad. so bad they're AWESOME. anyways... if you've yet to get a gift for your madre, in my experience anything to do with freddie mercury, the eurythmics or brunch seems to work. ALSO: the CASBAH in hamilton tonight for Rogers Spring Music Festival! COME! we'll be there from 830 on. oh, and TGIF!!!!!!!! C.

Food not Bombs

2008-05-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Not sure if anyone has been following this...
but I'll be at the council meeting tonite.

Basically, there's a group that's been feeding the homeless population of KW in front of city hall for many years.

All of a sudden, they received a cease and desist order from the city.

It's been suggested that they move their operation to a back alley of downtown.

Original Story HERE.

And new Article in today's Record HERE.

weekend consistency

2008-05-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

sunday afternoon...and it's not raining! hooray. since the magazine went out last week, this weekend was more stress free than most, as we have a few days of downtime before we start working on our SUPER EXCITING one year anniversary issue! friday night consisted of me taking a beer tour through quebec, and getting way too competitive in pictionary. (our team won). but i guess thats what happens when you mix me, 9% beer, pantone markers and good friends. saturday night elena and i decided to take a stroll uptown to the Ugly Sweater Party at the Jane Bond. you know.... it was really hard to tell who was wearing an ugly sweater, and who was just...wearing an ugly sweater. Kate Cox put it best i think when she said that people there are just really good at looking bad... in a good way. James insell was taking photos, so i will get some from him and post them. then as we were leaving we ran into my other friend james and he didnt even notice i was wearing an "ugly sweater". that must say something about the way i normally dress. My sweater looks somewhat similar to this: Well, no it didnt, but it pretty much did. Go Monday! C.

May Issue is Out NOW

2008-05-01T17:41:00.001-07:00

Happy almost weekend -
The May Issue is out Now.

Available at a million locations across KW, and Guelph on Friday.

Happy Reading!
As always send me a line with thoughts...
H.

Ebike Update 2

2008-04-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

So... The store we bought our bikes from told us we would get these stickers.
We go in to pick them up.
IT IS A FUCKING PHOTO OF THE STICKER, PRINTED ON PHOTO PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my head I am thinking:
Wow, I own a mac, a printer, and Illustrator. I probably could have whipped something better than this up.

So Then.... I get a call from the manufacturer in Dundas, and he is awesome :) Sending our stickers out with Adrian from Cycle MD, the place that Kim bought her bike and the bike shop that will be doing our service.
He's emailing me when he has them.
Awesome.
Customer Service.
Excellent.
Genius.

Very Happy. Waiting for email.
In the meantime... I may have made my own sticker.... just for interim purposes.
lol.

100th Post

2008-04-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

F*&K You Rubik's Cube.

H.

Picture Perfect?

2008-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

So.... We're in Sobey's yesterday. Picking up some ingredients for our lovely dinner party last nite. I don't normally like to frequent the place, because everything is way overpriced and too shiny and bright - it creeps me out.

But, we were walking, because the bike is out of commish right now.

So, we're picking up some pita in the bakery section and we spot this gem:
The name of the cake is "picture perfect"

The little sign on the cake says: HMR TYM

WTF????????

H.

Ebike Update

2008-04-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay - so it's looking like the guy who assembled our bikes just "forgot" to put the manufacturer's sticker on it that says it's an ebike.

going to get the sticker today....

hmmmmmmm......

keep you posted.

H.

E-Bikes & The Po-Po

2008-04-26T15:00:00.001-07:00

So.... today Rob was pulled over on his ebike... and then we were trying to be supportive so we pulled up.

I was about to rip the face off the cop, but the boys kept their shit together.
Apparently our bikes need some official sticker... saying it's an ebike. not just a HUGE STICKER ON THE FRONT that says EBIKE.

Fucking law enforcement. Sorry Debbie, and Andrew H.... and all the other cops we know and love. But you guys are fucking ridiculous sometimes. Just leave us treehuggers alone. jesus. Rob thinks we were racially profiled. White, 20-somethings, with big sunglasses and hoodies. We're obviously up-to-no-good.

Anyways, we'll be looking into this first thing tomorrow am... I'll keep you updated. In the meantime - DO NOT GO BUY an EBIKE!

H.

Pottery Sale

2008-04-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

(reduction fired pitcher by Lori Cole) H.E.L.L.O.

Pottery sale at Waterloo Rec Centre this friday, saturday and sunday.
Flyer is Here

I'm on the lookout for short round ceramic mugs for tea and coffee... You know, I figure I will cut down on the coffee if the cups are smaller?

Favourite Day of the Month

2008-04-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

So it's Thursday, the files have been sent, we've revised the proof, it's going to press. I had an editorial meeting with the two ladies above - they weren't quite so intoxicated, as it was 10am. We're getting things in order for next month... and now I get to spend this lovely day by myself in the office.... totally quiet, other than the sweet tunes I have going on... Door open, Sun outside comin in. So good.

I'm returning emails and getting through all the stuff I've been putting off for the past 2 weeks... So if you're expecting me to get back to you... I'm on it.
Here's some fun images that I dug up on Cassie's Facebook. I was feeling nostalgic.

The first one is a little party we had the day before the first-ever qatalyst was released. Little BBQ, Little Beverages...

And the second, a photo of the BlackBoard at Gay Isber's Sugar Factory the night of our Launch Party. People left us great messages... I wish we could have moved that blackboard to our office. (sigh) But Ms.Killoran caught it on digi cam... or maybe even, what's that stuff called? Film.
H.

HAPPINESS... another issue complete!

2008-04-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

SO many things to be happy about! it's wednesday, weeks pretty much over. the weather is great, and the may issue is DONE! james insell, a good little friend of mine had SO many amazing photos from his journey to Africa that I wish we could have ran them all. but that would make us a picture book. and as much as i would like that, i'm told people like to read sometimes. here are a few of his photos that needed to be seen: in other news... CARL! is this weekend. interesting concept for a music festival at 130 King (Trepid House).. they've called it Carl so you can think of him as a friend. well, not him.. but..it... i dont think im making sense. but you should go and check it out anyways. i'll be getting my brakes fixed. also-its almost been ONE YEAR for the magazine!! june is going to be so fun and I can't wait for everyone to be at a super fun party with lots of drinks and food and music and friends! YES! arent you exicted? pipinkorea.blogspot.com will have to join via webcam or something kinky like that. time for me to go home. please keep me in your prayers that one of the enormous monstergeese in Vic. Park don't get me on the way. Don't think i'm a coward but seriously, how do you defend yourself against an angry canadian goose? if one came at me i would want to kick it, but hilary thinks that's not appropriate. C.

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a good one!
check THIS out!

Caffeine Buzz

2008-04-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow you can take your travel mug to Starbucks...
and get FREE BREWED COFFEE. Yes Earth Day! H.

EVENT?

2008-04-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

hey there...
we're finishing our event listings for May on Monday nite.
if you have an event you'd like us to run... or you know someone who might need some attention. email us at: listings@qatalystmedia.com.

Thanks!

H.

Downtown Ktown

2008-04-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's probably the most beautiful day in history...
So I decided to take a little stroll downtown Kitchener.

The best thing about living near the core is that you never have to drive, and therefore you never have to get frustrated and then you can really enjoy the day. PLUS, you get a tan while you run errands.
Here's some things I did today:
1. Went to the bank... BORING. I know. It gets better.

2. Went to David's Gourmet and got

this amazing caffeine free tea. yummm. I'm trying to cut down on my caffeine before bed... i'm thinking it may improve my insane dreams i've been having. mmmm.... refreshing ... and kind of good for you.
Then... 3. To the working centre for a sidedish for dinner. Bean salad.

and then... 4. Here's the kicker. To Nougat bakery for buns for veggie burgers and some delicious dessert.

I know, life is perfect.
H.

We love our clients

2008-04-17T11:57:00.001-07:00

So... one of our clients was recently arrested for trafficking and selling crack cocaine.

Brutal.

Worst part, I never settled up her bill before she was... ah.... apprehended.

H.

The Best Thing

2008-04-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

About being your own boss... is that you can do whatever you want. So, to enjoy the past two days amazingly beautiful sun.... I've moved by office to the front sunroom. Amazing. H.

blogblock?

2008-04-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air. I think I dont know how to blog anymore. Everytime I sign in and start writing something I decide its not important at all and delete it. All I could come up with today that seemed relevant is, Spring is in the air. C.

Les Bicyclettes

2008-04-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well,
in honour of my new theory: Practice what you keep ranting on about to everyone all the fucking time, Qatalyst has invested in a lovely new mode of transportation.

It's called an Ebike... it runs on electricity. Not Gas. And is essentially a Vespa/Scooter type thing.

To answer a couple common questions:
You: Do you need a license, license plate, insurance?
Me: No.

You: Do you need to wear a helmet?
Me: Yes, a Bike helmet.

You: Well, it must use a lot of electricity right?
Me: No. It uses about 3 cents per charge.

You: Well.... how far does it go on one charge?
Me: 90 km.

You: Yeah, but, it takes forever to go anywhere right?
Me: No. It goes up to 45 km.

Me again: you want one, i know it. Wait for the June issue for an article on how they work, where to get them, why they are the way of the future. I think the best thing about driving one, is at the end of the day when you get home and it's dark, and you've been out running errands all day... you feel like you did when you were a kid and you came in from playing outside all day. You know, all tired and windburnt and full of fresh air. And then you go to sleep and have THE BEST sleep ever.

Rob got one too... his is red.

If you see us. Wave. We will have giant smile on our face and be laughing at you putting $1.14 gas in your car :)

H.

Always, on the weekend...

2008-04-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

So the past couple days have been an adventure.
On Friday, we went to a wedding... P was embarassed that I wore these shades. oh well.

Then on Saturday nite, a couple of us headed into the city for a little fun with Brigette and Bobby and Sway.
Little party at Ukula on College... pretty sweet little place... clothing, bar, books, music... pretty much anything your little heart desires. oh! and some delicious G&Ts.

Then there was a short stop at Dee's to try and convince Highwaisted to come back to Tiger Bar with us, but no deals. Their nite was winding down... but we were... still on the move. Sucks that it didn't work out... April 30th... we will regroup.
The next day I would have taken photos, but... we were in rough shape. Had breakfast at Chinese food restaurant on Dundas that caters to the hangover crowd. Interesting concept.
Thanks for your amazing hospitality and the fun nite B. THIS is for you: H.

A little creativity to end the weekend

2008-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure this poem was inspired by your truly.
not sure though, you can be the judge.

beechwoods princess
sliding to loft uptown
dusting with the art rag
beautiful girl
love the dress
swish and sway
hell yes
jump in the beetle
and drive away
come back
another
way

Artist will remain anonymous.... for now.
from a new collection titled "Peckerhead Fondue"

will currie wednesday

2008-04-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last night hilary and i decided to go get some beer/food/happiness at the jane bond and then head over to starlight to see Will Currie and the Country French. I went to highschool with percussionist extraordinaire Steve Wood, and was glad to finally get out and see them. Hilary had seen them once before at the Uni, and she said the sound was so much better last night. And she was right, and it was really fun. They have quite the following around here...and its obvious why when you see them play- they really interact well with their audience and Will is pretty hilarious. here are a few pics. mmmmhummus my new phone. its gold and hideously awesome. think C-3P0. $1 hat HELLO We didnt get a chance to stay and chat with the band after because it was cold and our method of transportation really limited our time last night. But, we did pick up a cd for the office. I beleive they have a new EP coming out April....29th at HMV/Sunrise/ETC. So. that was a good wednesday night. Yesterday over all was pretty great actually. new cell phone and laptop...stumbled on a new thrift store (everything ONE dollar) saw kate cox. overall a great day/evening if i do say so myself. THEN today we were uptown for breakfast / editorial meeting at cafe 1842 which i normally like but had the hugest bitch trying to charge me 84 cents for creamcheese when i thought i had already paid for it with another waitress and it was just so retarded. i've never been made to feel so stupid over a dairy product before...after that we were like, lets get a coffee and go back to the office, and as we did we found this one lonely duck nessled into a planter. so i bought him a coffee.

Apathy Abounds

2008-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

No emails from outraged citizens that we printed a tear-out "Troops Out" Poster on Page 1.

This leads me to 2 conclusions:
1. No one gives a shit about anything.
2. Everyone agrees with us.
Any thoughts? Anyone? Anything? Are you out there?

H.

Nobody Fucks with Dajesus?

2008-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

So last week pretty much kicked my ass. There was so much going on with meetings and events and stuff like that... plus planning for this massive party, issue and other cool shit happening in June for the 1year anniversary (that sounds weird). So the weekend overall was pretty tame.
Anyways, due to being an ego maniac - I will share a little bit of my weekend. If you only check this blog to be updated strictly on qatalyst related news
stop
reading
NOW. ___________________________________________________________ Friday nite: well... after debating whether Canada is really peacekeepers and if we belong in Afghanistan or Darfur or any other Not-Canadian Location for over 3 hours with family and friends, I headed to a little movie watching get together. It was in Pioneer Park, in this totally quiet little crescent... and it felt like those times in highschool when your friends parents were out of town and you got to go over to their house and sit on their comfy couches, eat their food and watch movies on their enormous big screen. What movie you ask? Let's just say it involves, Bowling, Money, Tara Reid before her horrible boob job and the smashing of a brand new red Corvette.... and a rug that really tied the room together.
Saturday: Lunch at Atmosphere in Guelph, the Qatalyst Foodies gave them a sweet review... it MUST be good. I was totally impressed... potato leek soup and amazing coffee. G had a pizza with a tapenade base with tomatoes and onions. I felt bad for him because I had to run a bunch of magazine errands while we were in town, but that's what you get for hanging out with your stalker I guess.
Saturday Nite, Derek Hines and the lovely little jazz trio led by Jason White were performing at Artbar... and there were $5 martinis. This is happening every Saturday Nite in April... so i recommend you stop in at one. It was an awesome way to spend a spring nite. See you there?
Sunday... ooh, Sunday. So I woke up to run a bunch of errands and take the doggy to the park with Bryan I and Jackson. I totally should have taken a camera cuz about 4 million funny things happened. Next time.
Sunday nite... was totally domestic... but comatose. So cooked a pretty delicious Stir-fry if I do say so myself and watched a movie with the Sibs. Nacho Libre... funny but so boring. And The Lookout. Ever heard of it? It has the kid from Third Rock from the Sun in it... super good story... I'd recommend it.
Ahhhhhh, there's 1min and 33secs your never going to get back. Better check Facebook to see if you missed anything.
Have a good week,
H.

Girls/Staff Nite Out.

2008-04-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well.... Magda, Cassie and I decided to head out for a nite of celebrating on the town...
I thought it would be a good idea to drive. But we ended up calling E for a ride around 11. I should have known.
First off to Hannah's for some Tapas and Bevy's... there was a hilarious group of young french sitting next to us - a vast improvement to the family talking about prostate cancer at Coffee this aft.
Our lovely drinks:
Our food... well... the lonely fry that I caught before I devoured it. I totally forgot to photograph any dish before it was attacked. I couldn't help it ok? I hadn't eaten dinner!
Delicious Mystery Pint
Magda!
Then on to The Jane Bond for the opening of Kate Georgina Cox's Art Showing. Amazing. Cassie's fav piece is R2D2 with a Brain. Genius. Kate was actually at our launch party... we love her. Here she is, meaningful embrace:
Here we are:
Here is Owen... he lives in Trepid house and is a self-proclaimed photo geek with a physics degree = cool.
Here is Sarah and Kate - Queer Buzz Specialists. Do NOT take off Sarahs Hat and touch her hair... or so we hear.
And here is a tribute to you know who... enjoy, Tomorrow is delivery. goodnite.

In response to "In response to Qatalyst vs. Catalyst"

2008-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, and in case any body gives a shit - John Manley's Presentation of "Afghanistan: Is there an answer?" Was lacking... to say the least. G... care to comment? Cassie?

In response to Qatalyst vs. Catalyst

2008-04-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Anonymous said... if they were trying to be like you they should have named their magazine HUGE EGOS

Cassie... she's growing up (single tear)

2008-04-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

So some of you may know that I am a big fan of lectures... I think it fills this psychological void in the place that my university education should have gone... but anyways, one of the great things about KW is that regular people get a lot of opportunity to hear great minds think out loud.
Today CIGI presents "Afghanistan: Is there an answer" Should be interesting... but I do wish that it was next week - because we could be handing out the April Issue of Qatalyst which would be a good fit. That's a hint. Can you hardly wait for Thursday? Anyways, the point is, Cassie (who just won a donut on Roll up the Rim - which has turned her terrible day into a fantastic one) is all over this lecture.
Heres a picture from a long time ago, when Cassie had blonde hair and I had long hair :( See people, Qatalyst goes to things... we just don't go to Phil's anymore... well, sometimes we do.

Qatalyst vs. Catalyst?

2008-03-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

So... The "waterloo region" Record and University of Waterloo have come out with a new magazine on UW Innovation and Business Entrepreneurship ...
it's called Catalyst!
Wow!
How "innovative" !

Busy Bees

2008-03-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

It's been a crazy couple days.... Starlight on Wed was insane. Congrats Boys! There was a pretty ridiculous afterparty at Qatalyst after the show... It may not have helped that The Dunes announced it in the middle of their set. Oh well. lol. Then on Thursday we had an editorial meeting for May - it's shaping up alright... but i was totally k-o'd.... had pretty much the most useless day ever. Swore i would never drink again... vowed to not stay up past 4 on a weekenight. same old. same old. Then I proceeded to head out to CRASH PARALLEL at Wilf's ... not my kind of tunes, but they are a new Sony BMG band, so Bobby and Eric came down to see the show. ... and of course... i had a beer and broke the first of my many meaningless promises. What did I tell you Cass? Honesty is for suckers. Also met one of the coolest chicks ever... Brigitte. Love her. She's pretty much a highwaisted clone... so the more that I can get of her the better. Saying that... Skeesh and Jogee may be down tonite... YES FRIDAY! Have a good weekend :) H.

scrambled, bacon, brown unbuttered and a coffee

2008-03-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

c: "holy longest week ever and it's only tuesday" h: "its wednesday day, cassie" c: "lets go for breakfast now" we just got the proof back (830 am, you come too soon). it looks good. so we just have to resend about half the pages (hey, nobody's perfect) and then we will get it back in our inky paws next week. to celebrate our triumphant completion, we are headed to fredericks for breakfast. i dont actually want to go there, but hilary does, and she wont read this until after we get back, so it will be funny then. highwaisted hates us because we never post pictures so, here is a nice visual for you: that's a bacon and egg bikini. tonight we are going to see this i'll make hilary link to it later, because i can't do it on a mac. does anyone know why? anyways, for those of you too lazy to CTRL C CTRL V, i will tell you what it is. SLOWKING VACUITY AND THE DUNES at starlight in waterloo doors are at 9, and it's the waterloo release of vacuity's new album. you should probably come and have a drink with us. ok, i've got to go eat this bikini off of hilary. ew fuck. i am such a pervert. C.

Joining the CSIS Watch List

2008-03-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the April issue is almost done. Which means that once it's out I'll be going underground to avoid being assassinated by CSIS. Yes, it is THAT controversial. Well, Maybe I am over-reacting....? I guess you'll just have to wait a couple weeks, and then tell me if I'm crazy or not, or you can make me a care-package of canned goods and have it delivered to my secret underground lair. jesus. just as i typed that Cassie put on Beatles. I'm screwed.

Therefore, Harry Potter is Jesus.

2008-03-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Mike says: (11:55:19 AM) you didn't have one toonie or anything cassie says: (11:55:27 AM) no! Mike says: (11:55:34 AM) jesus cass, you're a grown up you can carry some real money as well Mike says: (11:55:46 AM) like how i take the lords name in vain on easter Mike says: (11:55:50 AM) that's the fuckin' tops cassie says: (11:57:17 AM) hahahha yeah that was beautiful. what happened to jesus today? god i should know this. i went to catholic school. is today the day that he came back to life? well.. rose again. i cant believe this conversation... cassie says: (12:00:34 PM) you are obviously researching this Mike says: (12:00:37 PM) yah i think david copperfield and david blain came back in a time machine and rose jesus from the dead and levitated him in the air with their combined magical powers and he ascended to heaven with Europes - The final countdown playing in the back ground Mike says: (12:01:46 PM) like when they wrote the bible they could have made it more believable and left out the part where he floated up to heaven, cause seriously, what is he a fucking wizard Mike says: (12:02:01 PM) does that make harry potter sort of like the bible too cause he was a wizard cassie says: (12:02:14 PM) im putting this on our blog by the way. Mike says: (12:02:45 PM) since when do you have a blog Happy Easter! Caribou was awesome... only caught 4 songs, but it was so much fun. PIPINKOREA.BLOGSPOT.COM the latest post is hilarious. all for now- C.

Studio X III

2008-03-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday nite, I headed out to Pat Lackenbauer's Studio X Art show at artbar in Centre in the Square. Other than the fact that I -may- have had too much to drink... I think I can speak for everyone that was there and say that it was a great nite. There are pictures (but not on my camera) so I will hunt down one or two today. I think Pat's art is fun and quirky ... and the journals that he publishes are CRAZY. (buy a subscription!) And I think Pat may have sold a few pieces on Thursday - because I was there last nite and a couple of my favs are missing off the walls. haha. You can check out more about Pat here. Highwaisted: here is the view from your door. Thursday nite G also showed up - and after trying to avoid me for the first 25 minutes realized that it was hopeless, so we hung out for a the rest of the nite.. He also ended up being my security team when things got a little sketchy with an unhappy past contributor. jesus. Other cool people that were there on Thursday: Todd Donaldon Guitar Mark Esner on Camera Tom on MC Duties... and pastery alert Bryan, Ali, Deb, Devon, Steph and Beth on the lookout and Gianna - there's no link for her, but she used to work at the gym i went to, so that was nice to catch up with her. lol. She has a 7 month old kid now - let that be an indicator of when i hit the gym last. Super great nite, hope there is a Studio X IIII in the works ;) On another note: Cassie was in Port Elgin all weekend - frequenting the local watering hole, listening to dance music, dreaming of owning a shanty near the beach - but i'm sure she'll blog all about that later today ;) Maybe she'll even tell you about Caribou who she saw before she left?

The Boar

2008-03-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

This new UW literary magazine "THE|BOAR" launched yesterday. I went to the launch party which was held in the Render Gallery at UW. So i kinda knew this place existed... but had never been there. It is very cool. Big open gallery - very industrial. The exhibit on right now is called Deadener... i think....lol. It's about Youth Culture and Heavy/Death Metal. CRAZY. Lots of blood and Pitbulls. Anyways, The Boar - Congrats to everyone involved. Especially Ashley C... you did an amazing job, can't wait to see your next issue. and Veronika - our intern who was involved with content and design. Especially like the cover artwork and that thing that they put between The Boar... you know The|Boar... what's that thing called Cassie? Anyways, if you see a copy on campus, pick it up.

Stalkee Correspondence

2008-03-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

So, "G" just sent me this photo.... with this message: "um, is this a good idea?"

nitro-

2008-03-19T10:55:00.001-07:00

a shot of vodka.

HUMP-DAY HUMP

2008-03-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

wednesday. what a busy week this has been and it's only HALF over. i bet all your corporate genies are happy friday is a holiday. i'm trying to work extra, extra hard so I can have at least the afternoon off. some cosmic power ALWAYS decides that the magazine must go to press the monday after a long weekend. well, i guess its not so much a cosmic power as much as a printing company. whatever. thats besides the point. (jesus, all this cosmic genie talk, i have just realized, is completely influenced by the fact that i'm listening to Within You Without You off Sgt. Peppers. crazy how much of an ifluence music has...) alright what else. well, yesterday we did a photoshoot. I just got the contact sheets back from the photographer. ammmmmazing. so excited to see it all together. also- tonight, going to see caribou at starlight. should be very, very fun. ..the hour of it i can enjoy anyways. if my digi cam would turn on i would take pictures and share them with you. you'll just have to take my word for it. then, its home to port elgin for easter tomorrow night or friday. i can't wait for summer, when i can do more than go to the bar there. at least in the summer i can go to the beach AND THEN the bar. geez THAT is what i should be taking pictures of. the bar in port elgin. THE bar. there is one. its always HILARIOUS and people dont give a shit there. 40 year old men breaking it down on the dancefloor. another interesting fact about port elgin is that there are quite a few drinks you can order there that you would never find anywhere else. here are some of the recipes, incase you decide you want to take a mental trip there this weekend. BRUCE COUNTY MARTINI (no i am not making this up) 1.5 oz jack daniels 1.5 oz jager or something else disgusting that i cant remember coca cola, regular or diet for the ladies ice serve in a martini glass NITRO (people seriously drink this and it's gross and i think it costs 8 dollars) 1/2 can redbull 1/2smirnoff ice 1/2 a coors light? and a shot of something i beleive. ok, so im going to do some fact checking on that and correct my mistakes in those recipes, so you can REALLY enjoy them. i've obviously never drank either, and whenever i am given a sip of one at the bar and say "EW WTF IS IN THAT" i can never really hold onto that information the next day.... feel free to share any good drink ideas with me, because gin and tonic and spiced rum and diet coke are getting a little bland these days. C.

Tuesday.

2008-03-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well, It's tuesday... and cassie and magda are at a top secret photo shoot. I wish i was there... but i'm working on finishing up some advertising stuff today. Tonite I'm going to this though: Celebrity Diplomacy in the News Should be pretty awesome... I mean i understand that it's totally lame that people like Bono and Angelina Jolie represent the UN just because they're famous. But really people... if they have the means (money and time) and they have the worlds attention - why not use it for good... instead of fucking evil. We'll see. On a similar note - i've begun stalking a friend of a friend who will remain nameless at this time, but we'll refer to him as "G" and he's going to be there tonite too.... sweet. have a good day, check this post out if you're at work and avoiding doing anything...

Eventful, Uneventful

2008-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well Happy Monday, Blog Readers.... (and our analytics are working now, so we know you're out there) We're just heading into Production for the April issue which ... is shaping up pretty nicely. If you have questions about Social entrepreneurship, The War on Terror or fashion for Spring - we've got you covered. It'll be out on April 3rd. This weekend - Well, Friday we were down at the Boathouse in Victoria Park. If you haven't been there, you pretty much suck. It's a great spot - kind of like hanging out in the cool kid from school's basement when their parents were out of town. Robyn Dell'unto from Hamilton opened up for Vacuity. Check her out. And Vacuity is having their official KDub CD/USB Release on March 26th at the Starlight... just a heads up. If you see their posters around town, stop and have a look... it features a photo of some local dude in the middle east back in the 70s? Pretty awesome. Here it is: Qatalyst hosted a little after hours party on Friday nite after the Boathouse. Which left the office pretty much a disaster... but it was worth it ;) Saturday we visited some friends rented townhouse.... Now I only mention that it's rented because they've constructed a recording studio in their basement that is pretty insane. It has a triple-paned window so you can have some communication with whoever's working the computer - but the whole room, which is about 7 x 7 has a drum kit, some other equipment and is completely covered with dusty rose coloured carpet. Apparently, the room took about a weekend to construct, but if necessary can come down in about 4 hours. lol. landlord precautions. Sunday was uneventful. But included Chinese food. yummm. Have a good week - we'll try to blog throughout production... we have two desks now, so things shouldn't get too bad around here ;) Saying that - this is the first issue that will come out from the new office. Hopefully it's everything you're hoping for. H.