April 28, 2010

Development & Peace: Geoff Hughes' Play

Geoff Hughes’ play Unequal Harvest, an intense play on food sovereignty and the world food crisis, will be presented on Friday, April 30, at 8:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Victory Parish Hall, 249 Arnold Street (Osborne St. S., two blocks north of Morley).


Unequal Harvest has been described as “Gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure, an urgent and compassionate call to understand the real lives and people behind the appalling statistic of a billion people going hungry” by Raj Patel, author of Stuffed and Starved.


There'll also be a Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Poster Contest awards will be presented at 8:15 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

All are welcome!


For more information contact Development & Peace at 231-2848.


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 27, 2010

Aqua Books Presents Other Poems

Aqua Books, located at 274 Garry Street (between Graham and Portage), is presenting the launch of Other Poems on Friday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. The Music/Arts - Listening Party will go on to 9:00 p.m.


And what will you hear?


For starters there'll be Other Poems from Jay MillAr. This book is an assemblage of poems of various lengths, subjects and origins, which were composed over the past 10 years. Reading this book is likened to finding a box of photographs in a thrift store. They offer an intimate view of MillAr’s “direct manner of spoken mind”.

Jay MillAr is a poet, writer, editor, publisher, bookseller and environmental researcher. He is also the author of The Ghosts of Jay MillAr and Mycological Studies, which was shortlisted for the ReLit Poetry Prize. He publishes chapbooks under the imprint BookThug.


Jay will be joined by Chandra Mayor, a Winnipeg writer, editor and shop girl. She is the author of 3 books, including the short story collection All the Pretty Girls, which earned the Lambda Award for Lesbian Fiction.


The evening will wrap up with works by Jonathan Ball, the author of Ex Machina and the forthcoming Clockfire. His film Spoony B appeared on The Comedy Network. He was an editor of dandelion and the former short films programmer of the Gimli Film Festival.

 
Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 26, 2010

I Smell A Rat - Winnipeg & Garbage, 2010 (by Margaret Ullrich)

There's talk of a garbage strike in Winnipeg.


In our city officials' infinite wisdom, the total responsibility for residential garbage pickup in the entire city of Winnipeg was given to BFI.

On Thursday night the 115 members of Teamsters Local No. 979 voted 94 percent in favor of going on strike. They've been working without a contract since last November. Talks with BFI had broken off earlier this month.


When total control was given to BFI, did anyone think to see how things were going with their workers before the garbage collection system - particularly in northwest Winnipeg in February - was changed?


I just love the way the media is making a fuss about what we'll be smelling. We've had an early spring, and it looks like it'll be a long hot summer. Garbage and heat equals stink, no doubt about it.


Hey, fellow citizens, I'm originally from New York. I've been through garbage strikes. Big time.

I'm not worried about the smell.

I'm worried about a 4 letter word.

RATS.


Yes, rats love garbage. It's their favorite thing. And they ain't shy about coming into any neighborhood, including the south side of Winnipeg, and helping themselves to whatever's available.

We're surrounded by acres of fields. Fields of wheat. Fields of corn. Fields of varmints that are going to come to Winnipeg for easy meals.


Rotting piles of garbage do wonders for a city's image. They'll be something everyone who's been talked into coming to Winnipeg for that 2010 Homecoming is going to remember. And tell others about.


The job of garbage collection used to be shared by private contractors and city employees, who never went on strike. In 2005, Winnipeg gave the whole job to BFI.

Three weeks after we got stuck with BFI's rolling garbage carts, the chairman of the public works committee was saying the plan was a mistake.

Yah think?


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 24, 2010

A Cosmic Convergence - Winnipeg & Garbage, 2010 (by Margaret Ullrich)

Okay... it wasn't exactly a cosmic convergence.

But, it was close.


Last Sunday the street cleaning signs went up. Wonderful! Most of us had done our thatch raking. Along with the thatch, a heck of a lot of sand, dirt and junk had been raked off our lawns. The garbage was thrown, along with the thatch, into bags. But sand and dirt sifted through the dry grass and added to the general dustiness on the street. It's been awfully dry this April.

So, we were looking forward to having the streets cleaned.

But, wouldn't you know, when it rains, it pours.


On Monday, April 19, along with the hoser and sweeper trucks, the recycling trucks and the super duper garbage trucks were due. And, starting on April 19, we were going to have garbage collection on both sides of our back lanes. That meant 2 trips through each of our lanes.


One big carbon footprint, all in the name of cleanliness.


On Monday, around 10:00 a.m., a hoser and its partner sweeper truck parked on our corner. The fellows stepped out, stretched their legs, looked over a few papers, then left.

At 11:00 a.m., they returned, along with 2 other sets of trucks. They really zipped through our bays and streets. Our tax dollars in action. Hurrah!!


We were used to the new schedule: 12:30 garbage pickup, drag the honking big cart back into the garage, 1:30 recycling pickup, bring in the blue box. We didn't want to leave the carts out, exposed to the dangers listed in the brochure. We expected the garbage truck at 12:30 p.m. as in other weeks. But, not this week.


At 1:00 the recycling truck barreled through the neighborhood. Where was the garbage truck? We waited. We wondered. We worried. Finally, at 3:30, one side of our back lane was garbage-free. Then, at 4:00, our side was, too.


We have a new routine. Wonder how long this one will last?


Have a great weekend. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 22, 2010

The Manitoba Book Awards

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild (MWG) and the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers (AMBP) are presenting the Manitoba Book Awards Gala on April 25, at Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (CCFM). This year's ceremony will be hosted by Neil Besner, MWG Vice President.

Pre-awards reception is at 7:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony is from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.


The 2010 Manitoba Book Award Short Lists have been announced.

Congratulations to all the nominees!


RSVP not required, but you can let them know at Facebook that you'll be there.


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 20, 2010

Winnipeg Film Group Classes

The Winnipeg Film Group, located at 304-100 Arthur, is presenting a Super 8 Film Demonstration.


Discuss the history, politics, screening opportunities and overall scene of alternative film, super 8 style, with John Porter, Toronto's 'King of Super 8'. John will also give a run down on super 8 equipment and a live film performance.

A great workshop for established and aspiring filmmakers alike.

Saturday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
free admission


Want to take an actual course? How about The Winnipeg Film Group's Basic Filmmaking Workshop?

These workshops will provide an intensive introduction to all aspects of independent filmmaking.

All steps and processes are covered, from conception to the final cut. Participants will be exposed to the process of shooting and editing a short film and short video.


* Screenwriting | Tues., May 4
* DIY Producing | Thurs., May 6
* Directing | Tues., May 11
* Camera - part 1 | Thurs., May 13
* Lighting & Grip | Tues., May 18
* Camera - part 2 | Thurs., May 20
* Sound Recording | Tues., May 25
* DV Shoot | Sat., May 29 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
* Film Shoot | Sun., May 30 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
* Post-Production - Where To Go From Here | Tues., Jun 1
* Editing the Footage | Sat., Jun 5 & 12 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

All Tuesday and Thursday classes are from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Dates: May 4 – June 12, 2010
Fee: $399 (includes a one year Basic membership to the WFG)

For more information, call 925-3456

 
Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 17, 2010

Biweekly Doesn't Mean Biweekly - Winnipeg & Garbage, 2010 (by Margaret Ullrich)

Got another note from my new penpals at the Water and Waste Department.


There are going to be three changes:
Starting April 19, backlane garbage will be picked up from both sides of the lane.

We can buy a second cart, a larger cart or two larger carts. Plan ahead - there are no refunds if your 20-year-old triplets move out, taking their garbage with them.

There's going to be Biweekly Spring and Fall Yard Waste Collection on May 4 and 18 and also on October 4 and 19.


According to my dictionary, biweekly means:
1. occurring every 2 weeks
2. occurring twice a week

Okay... that's a little confusing. According to the City of Winnipeg, Spring is just in May, so we're stuck babysitting the thatch that was raked the first week in April. And Fall just covers two weeks in October.

If we have a nice October this year, well, don't even think of letting your tomatoes ripen on the vine. If your tomato plants aren't pulled and giftwrapped by October 19, you'd better find a recipe for cooking them, plants and all.


And not just any old bag will do for Winnipeg yard waste. No siree. We used to fill our large dog food bags with rakings and cuttings. Now there are garbage container rules:
- any reusable container without a lid
- cardboard boxes
- paper yard waste bags which, the brochure said, "You can buy them at many stores." Right. I want names.
- any certified compostable bag with an official logo


For something that was so well planned out, that's an awful lot of changes in such a short period.


My favorite sentence was: "Yard waste that is set out in plastic garbage bags is considered garbage and will not be collected." Even if the plastic garbage bag is in a garbage cart? I mean, duh, it's garbage.


I'm sure we're going to get another letter about summer lawn clippings.

Maybe they'd like to be Facebook Friends, too?


Have a day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 15, 2010

The WHS's Pet Photo Contest

Is your pet a star?  Should he or she be featured in The Winnipeg Humane Society’s (WHS) Annual Calendar? 

If so, send them your pet's pics! 

 
Rules:
Printed photos must be 4” X 6” or larger, unmounted colour prints.

All photos must be horizontal (landscape).

If shooting photo with a digital camera, set camera for highest resolution.

Digital photos should be sent as both a printed copy and the original on a disc. 
 
Write your name, address, telephone number and your pet’s name on the back of each photo.  Let them know if your pet was adopted from The WHS.


Contest closes April 30, 2010

 
Send to:
Pet Photo Contest
The Winnipeg Humane Society
45 Hurst Way
Winnipeg, MB  R3T 0R3
 

All photos become the property of The Winnipeg Humane Society and will not be returned.  Unused photos will be kept on file and may be used in other promotions.
 

Have a great weekend. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 10, 2010

D in an A cup - Winnipeg & Garbage, 2010 (by Margaret Ullrich)

Okay... two days to pickup.

We had hail on Good Friday. We woke up to snow on Holy Saturday. Easter was more spring-like. It was good to get together with family and friends.


Well, the good times couldn't last forever.


The problem with good times is that they come in styrofoam and plastic. They come iced and gravy laden. They come in bulk and gift wrapped.


Some is recyclable. Most is not.


Some folks like to work off holiday calories by doing their thatch raking. You can burn quite a few calories that way, especially if you have a home on a corner lot. Rake, bag and put the thatch out with the trash.

It used to be up to each citizen's conscience when to do that chore. We've been told there'll be a special pickup for 'Yard Wastes'. We don't know when that special pickup will be.


The handy dandy garbage carts are looking top heavy. They were sized to hold a week's worth of trash. We've just had a major holiday. Whether or not you're a Christian, it was enough to close the stores and malls and the kids wanted the fancy chocolates.


A holiday and bags of thatch rakings.

The garbage won't get picked up until Monday.

They won't take it all.


Have a great weekend. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 8, 2010

Aqua Books: Stone Soup Storytellers

In the mood for some excellent storytelling? Come to Aqua Books, located at 274 Garry Street (Between Portage & Graham) on Friday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.


People in all times and places have told stories. Stone Soup storytelling happens in the round, with the participants passing the talking stick around. If you want to tell a story, keep the stick. If you just want to listen, pass it along. Stone Soup has some very experienced tellers, but amateurs and listeners are always welcome.


The long-running Winnipeg storytellers' group has been around since the early 80s. Since 2005, they've been meeting September through May at Aqua Books, on the second Friday of the month.

All sessions start at 7:30 pm and are open to all, including children.


Aqua Books is open Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Want more info? You can email kelly@aquabooks.ca


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 6, 2010

The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's Spring Show

It looks like the weather has finally made up it's mind. Spring in Manitoba. Enjoy!!


The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club is hosting their Annual Spring Show at the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate, 180 Riverton Avenue on April 10 and 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to come see the model railroad displays and various contest results.
Cost? A silver collection. Snacks and drinks will be available.
Contact Morgan Turney at 668-0168 or dartman74@hotmail.com


The Spring Show is also a good time to see what the WMRC is like. If you find yourself having a rollicking good time and want to join the club, well, come on down.

At 7:30 p.m. from September to April, on the second Friday, the WMRC holds meetings at the Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor. They're always happy to welcome new members.

Afraid you'll be overwhelmed by techy jargon? Not to worry. There are members of all ages and skill levels. They have ongoing table clinics where you can learn how to make your models look just like the real thing. There's also a lending library (books & videos).

Travel and photos more your speed? Each meeting features a slide presentation or two, the subject matter ranging from professional model railroad displays to scenes from a rail-fan's ride.


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 4, 2010

Easter Wishes

The Promise of Easter 


May joy fill your day

Hope light your path

And the many

blessings of Easter

warm your heart....


Have a Happy Easter. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 2, 2010

Easy Hot Cross Buns

One a penny, two a penny... hot cross buns;
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons.



Yeah, right. Try getting 2 buns for a penny. Okay, these will cost more than a penny, but they're cheaper than store bought, and you can serve them fresh and warm from the oven.


HOT CROSS BUNS

grease large cookie pan
preheat oven to 400º
bake 25 min.

combine
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons yeast
1/2 Cup warm water
-----
stir in
2 Cups warm water
4 tablespoons margarine
2/3 Cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
-----
beat in
4 eggs
1 Cup raisins
1/2 Cup currants
1/2 Cup diced citron
8 - 9 Cups flour
Knead on a floured board 15 minutes
place in a greased bowl, cover
let rise 1 1/2 hours

Punch down
divide into 24 balls
shape into buns
place on prepared pan
cut a cross on top
-----
combine
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoont water
brush buns
let rise 35 minutes
bake 25 minutes
cool
-----
combine for sugar cross
1 Cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract
water to make a firm frosting
ice buns


Have a Happy Easter. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

April 1, 2010

Sal DiNoto Presents

Here's a forward from my uncle, Sal DiNoto, who lives in New York City. Uncle Sal - who'll always be Uncle Angelo to me - is the nicest uncle a family could ever have.

Thanks, Aunt Helen, for bringing Uncle Sal into the family.


Just rearrange the letters to get the surprise answers.

Enjoy!!

  
  PRESBYTERIAN: 
  BEST IN PRAYER 
 
    
  ASTRONOMER: 
  MOON STARER 
 
    
  DESPERATION: 
  A ROPE ENDS IT 
 
    
  THE EYES:  
  THEY SEE 
 
    
  GEORGE BUSH:
  HE BUGS GORE 
 
    
  THE MORSE CODE: 
  HERE COME DOTS 


  DORMITORY: 
  DIRTY ROOM 

 
  SLOT MACHINES:
  CASH LOST IN ME 
 
   
  ANIMOSITY:
  IS NO AMITY 
  
 
  ELECTION RESULTS: 
  LIES - LET'S RECOUNT  
  
  
  SNOOZE ALARMS:  
  ALAS! NO MORE Z'S  
  
  
  A DECIMAL POINT: 
  I'M A DOT IN PLACE  
  
  
  THE EARTHQUAKES: 
  THAT QUEER SHAKE   
  
  
  ELEVEN PLUS TWO: 
  TWELVE PLUS ONE 
  
  
  AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE: 
 
  
  MOTHER-IN-LAW: 
  WOMAN HITLER 
 


Have a great day. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!