Songwriting with Greg Crowe

Come to Aqua Books on Saturday, August 7 for an afternoon session of sharing, idea collecting and collaboration based around concepts of song-writing and composition.

The class begins at 1:00 p. m. and continues to 3:00 p. m.

Cost is only $10

Greg Crowe looks forward to seeing you! 

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

Speaking Crow with Michelle Elrick

Aqua Books is pleased to be the home of the poetry series Speaking Crow. 

On Tuesday, August 3, Michelle Elrick, a poet and fiction writer from British Columbia and Manitoba, will be the featured artist.  The Crow starts at 7:00 p. m. with a set by the Michelle, followed by two open-mic sets. 

Growing up on a mountain overlooking the Fraser Valley contributed to a sense of perspective that has continued to develop in Michelle's writing.  Now she lives in an attic overlooking the rooftops of Winnipeg. 

Michelle's first book, To Speak, was published in 2010.  Her work has appeared in The Fiddlehead, Canadian Literature, Event and other magazines.  Michelle has performed at festivals and events in Vancouver, Winnipeg, London, Kingston and Belfast.  She is currently working on her novel, Dust House, surfacing occasionally to play the banjo and walk her dog.

Come take up the mic and wax poetic about life, the universe and everything!

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

Protect Pets From the Sun

Too much exposure to sunlight can be harmful to animals. 

Animals' hair coats protect their skin from harmful ultra-violet light.  Many animals also have heavily pigmented skin with an abundance of the cells that help to protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays. 

For sun damage to occur in dogs, a combination of factors must happen.  If the skin is poorly pigmented or lacks pigmentation, it is at high risk.  A sparse hair coat or areas of the body that are hairless are more susceptible.  These sensitive areas must be regularly and frequently exposed to the sun to cause skin diseases.  

Certain breeds of dogs (such as Dalmatians and white bull terriers) are highly susceptible. All dogs' noses and ears are also very sensitive.  Dogs that have been recently groomed have a thinner and less protective hair coat and are more susceptible. 

Repeated sunburns can eventually lead to malignant skin cancers. 

You can take safety precautions: 

*  Apply a sunscreen to those parts of your pet's skin that are at risk.  This may be a problem since the pet will immediately lick it off, especially the nose. 

*  Keep your dog out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day when the sun is strongest - 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. 

*  Provide shade.

*  Do not clip your pet's hair coat too close to the skin, especially for the summer. 

*  Remember that the hair coat acts as insulation, keeping cold out during the winter and cooling the pet in the summer. The hair also protects the skin from the sun.

If you suspect that your pet has a skin problem, consult your veterinarian.

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

Aqua Books: Pakan, Pilarski, Stefanik

Come on down to 274 Garry Street (between Graham & Portage) and join Aqua Books in welcoming a pair of Edmonton poets for a Huge Blue Reading on Friday, July 30, at 7:00 p. m.

Nicole Pakan and Patrick M. Pilarski are the Co-Editors for the international literary journal of contemporary English-language haiku DailyHaiku.  They also work on its sister publication DailyHaiga - Nicole as art editor and Patrick as poetry editor. 

Nicole's writing has also appeared in: Filling Station, Carousel, CV2, Other Voices and the Blue Skies Home and Away Anthology. 

She was also the winner of the 2009 Edmonton CBC Poetry Faceoff, placing third in the national competition. 

Patrick's first full-length collection, Huge Blue, was released in 2009.  He is the author of the chapbook Five Weeks.  His poetry has appeared in international journals and anthologies.  He also performed on CBC Radio One as part of the CBC Poetry Face-off. 

Patrick is on the organizing committee for the Edmonton Poetry Festival, and is Alberta/NWT representative for the League of Canadian Poets. 

Jason Stefanik is a Winnipeg writer whose poetry has appeared in The Nashwaak Review, Grain, Misunderstandings Magazine and other literary magazines. 

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

On the Same Page

Voting for On the Same Page has begun! 

The book that receives the most votes by Thursday, September 30, at 11:30 p. m. will be read by millions!!

Choose from:

An Ordinary Decent Criminall by Michael Van Rooy 

Beautiful Girl Thumb by Melissa Steele

Dead of Midnight by Catherine Hunter 

Juliana and the Medicine Fish by Jake MacDonald

  

To vote click 

http://www.wpgfdn.org/programsproject-otsp.php#vote

Select the book you like for Manitoba’s biggest book club. 

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

Prevent Dog Bites

The Canada Safety Council estimates there are 460,000 dog bite incidents in any year.  Any bite that breaks the skin requires medical examination and possibly rabies shots.

The City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro Utility Services and Canada Post are committed to providing a safe work environment.  This is especially true for substitute employees, since they are unfamiliar with dogs on the route.

Dog bites are one of the leading causes of injuries for Canada Post delivery employees.  In 2009, 14 letter carriers were bitten in Manitoba.  This year, there have already been four serious incidents.

Canada Post will suspend mail delivery until the situation has been addressed.  “We ask customers to ensure dogs are kept away from the area where mail is delivered,” said Sheila Poot, Canada Post Delivery Manager.  

All dog owners need to do their part.  Manitoba Hydro Utility Services requires that if a dog is present inside the house during a service call, it must be restrained until the utility employee leaves. 

“In 2009 the City of Winnipeg, Animal Services Agency dealt with 242 incidents involving a dog biting a person,” said Leland Gordon, Chief Operating Officer, City of Winnipeg Animal Services.  “We encourage dog owners to visit one of the 13 city dog parks for socialization opportunities.”

Providing your dog with appropriate exercise and socialization helps curb aggressive tendencies.

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

Lisa Pasold’s Rats of Las Vegas

A Player at the Rats of Las Vegas Multimedia Event and Poker Game is a multimedia treatment of Lisa Pasold’s Rats of Las Vegas.

The event will take place on  Wednesday, July 21 at Yellow Dog Tavern, 386 Donald Street.  The fun begins at 7:00 p. m. and continues to 10:00 p. m.

It features music by Bremmer Duthie and a poker game with Susie Maloney, Mike McIntyre, David Lawrence and Gregg Shilliday.

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

Farewell Book and Brier Patch Book Store

On June 30, John Kress, owner of Regina’s Book and Brier Patch Book Store, announced that, after 33 years of business, they will be closing at the end of July. 

To honour their place in the literary landscape, and their support for prairie writers and publishers, a celebration has been planned by members of the writing and publishing community. 

All authors, publishers and other well-wishers are welcome to join them on Friday, July 23rd from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Book and Brier Patch Bookstore, 4065 Albert Street, Regina SK.   

If you can bring a snack, please let them know.

You can also share photos of your book launches and events held at Book and Brier for an album to be presented to John that evening.  

Please mail photos and any notes you’d like included by July 16 to Alison Lohans, 76 Dolphin Bay, Regina, SK S4S 4Z8.  Please add the note “Book and Brier” on the lower left-hand corner of the envelope.

Accommodations: 

The West Harvest Inn at 4025 Albert Street,right next door to the Book and Brier, is offering a special rate of $105, single or double occupancy, for the night of July 23.  To book, call 1-800-853-1181 or 306-586-6755 and ask for Connie.

Please RSVP to 

Judith Silverthorne at 306-949-5499 (Regina), jsilverthorne@sasktel.net 

or 

Anita Daher at 204-489-2940 (Winnipeg), anita.daher@shaw.ca 

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

Amanda Di Noto's Just So

My cousin, Amanda Di Noto, has created a lovely short animated cartoon, Just So.  It's been selected for Reel 13.  If it wins, it will be shown this Saturday night on PBS after the feature movie. 

To view and vote, just click here. 

She needs votes between now and Wednesday, July 14, at 5:00 p.m.

The site is http://www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/category/vote/

Please take a look and vote. Thanks!!

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

Nanaimo Bars (by Margaret Ullrich)

Along with enjoying the many clinics and rail hops, out-of-town guests at Steam on the Prairies got their first taste of a Canadian delicacy, Nanaimo Bars. 

They were good sports about it.  Maybe all the potato salad and pulled pork lulled them into a sense of security.  But, after a few bites, they realized they weren't just eating a chocolate cookie.  There were some definite mumblings - "Coconut?  Whipped cream?" - while they ate dessert.  They even asked a few locals "What's in this?" 

So, to answer their questions, and to add a little something to everyone else's files, here's the recipe.

       Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1 egg, beaten

1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Melt first 3 ingredients in the top of a double boiler.  Add egg and stir to cook and thicken.  Remove from heat.  Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts.  Press firmly into an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.

----

Second layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons cream

2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (Bird's is available on most stores)

2 cups icing sugar

Cream ingredients together.  Beat until light.  Spread over bottom layer.

----

Third layer:

4 (1 oz.) squares semi-sweet chocolate

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat or in microwave.  Cool.  When cooled but still liquid pour over second layer.  Chill in refrigerator.  Cut into bars.

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

Aqua Books: Garage Sale

On Saturday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m., Aqua Books' back parking lot will turn into a classic Winnipeg garage sale.

You'll find thousands of books - including several hundred fresh rejects - at 3/$1. 

The sale will run from 11:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. at 274 Garry Street.

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

Prevent Dog Bites

There is going to be a media photo-op with interviews on preventing dog bites and promoting responsible pet ownership on Wednesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

                       

It will be held at 66 Thorndale Avenue, south of Fermor, off St. Mary’s Road.

Speakers include: 

Leland Gordon - City of Winnipeg Animal Services

Aileen White - Winnipeg Humane Society

Jesse Carpenter - Meter Reader

Derrick Heide - Letter Carrier

For more information contact:

Kathi Neal: 880-8413 or kathryn.neal@canadapost.ca

Aileen White: 982-3559 or aileenw@winnipeghumanesociety.ca

In 2009, nearly 250 incidents of dogs biting people were reported in Winnipeg.  Join the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro Utility Services, Canada Post and the Winnipeg Humane Society to understand the impact of dog bites and how to prevent them.  Learn what can lead a dog to bite someone, the serious consequences pet owners could face and what to do to curb aggressive tendencies in your pet.

Workers who have recently experienced dog bites will be available to provide a first-hand account.  In addition, a canine participant - a Rottweiler named Keisha - will also be on-site, in front of the home.

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

Aqua Books: Soapbox Open Mic

Every third Tuesday of the month, Aqua Books presents an open mic series Soapbox, hosted by Bookstore Owner Kelly Hughes. 

Soapbox starts at 7:00 p.m. and consists of two open mic sets and a short break in between.

On Thursday, July 8 the Aqua Books Emerging Writer-in-Residence, hannah_g, will be featured.  She is a visual artist and writer who was born in Billericay, England.  Her practice centres around stories and intervention in order to engender enchantment in everyday life.  hannah is currently the programmer of the artist-run centre, aceartinc.

This is Winnipeg's only cross-genre open mic series.  Bring your fiction, memoirs, fragments, poetry, songs and anything you've written for your 4 minutes of fame.

Also, check out Ariel Gordon's blog

sidewalkconstellations.blogspot.com

Ariel said, "Stories are important for a community to understand, own and be enchanted with the place in which it lives and works.  It is my intention with the Sidewalk Constellations project to create narratives which go some way to celebrate, record, archive and make accessible the contemporary mythologies."

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

Keep Pets Cool

With the temperature soaring to over 30˚ C, it is vital that pet owners be aware of how extreme heat can affect pets.

Leaving a dog locked inside a hot vehicle can be fatal.  Even when parked in the shade, with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to over 50˚ C in minutes.  Heat this extreme can cause irreparable brain damage and eventual death to a dog as they are not able to cool themselves quickly enough through panting.

During a heat wave, always leave your dog at home in a cool place with lots of water.  If you must leave your dog outdoors, make sure he or she has a shelter with a large bowl of ice and water inside.  The dish can be knocked over, so never leave your dog for extended periods of time.

In addition, follow these tips to keep your pet safe this summer:

* Keep outdoor activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day, going for walks only in the early mornings or evenings. 

* Remember that asphalt can get very hot and burn your pet’s paws. 

* Pay special attention to older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats as they will be most affected by the heat. 

* Don’t take your pet with you to the beach in the middle of a hot day.

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

D'Arcy A. R. C.'s Breakfast/Fundraiser

All dogs - and their owners - are welcome to the D'Arcy A. R. C.'s Dogs Breakfast/Fundraiser.

It's being held on July 10 from 8:00 a. m. to 12:00 noon at 323 Bruce Avenue, Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg.

Breakfast is $5.

There'll also be a Silent Auction and reps will be on hand.

D'Arcy's A. R. C. is an animal rescue centre located at 7308 Century Street.

For more information:

phone 888-2266

www.darcysarc.ca

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