Whoopi outwits Devil Jazz

By Peter Hemminger

Craig Forgrave’s website claims Devil Jazz, his first novel, “unites for the first time anywhere: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo.” The thing is, that same joke appeared in Sister Act. When you’re using jokes from a decades old Whoopi Goldberg movie, it’s a problem. Another joke in the book involves the introduction… Continue reading Whoopi outwits Devil Jazz

Just a regular day at the Calgary Folk Fest…

By Peter Hemminger

Get there at about 3. They have to call the media tent, because we don’t have press passes. Apparently, we’re supposed to have them before our arrival. They bring them to the gate and we are in. Al is worried we made a bad impression by arriving late, especially since Chris Tait, the photographer, got… Continue reading Just a regular day at the Calgary Folk Fest…

An ode to Dr. Stompin’ Tom Connors

By Dale Miller

If Dr. Stompin’ Tom Connors is the patron saint of Canadiana, then seeing him live is a religious experience. My personal pilgrimage to see the Stomper started with the beer gardens and the Albertan insurgent country sounds of Corb Lund and his troop of troubadours. Corb Lund is Alberta’s own version of Dr. Connors singing… Continue reading An ode to Dr. Stompin’ Tom Connors

Pagan Pride

By Veronika Janik

Broomsticks. Pointy hats. Vengeful spells. These are common stereotypes incorrectly associated with witches. What many people ignore is the spiritual depth and theological complexities of Paganism and witchcraft in all its forms. While the average person might be stunned to learn that he or she has at some point interacted with a witch, the likelihood… Continue reading Pagan Pride

Preaching the merits of Scott Merritt

By Peter Hemminger

“I think business and art are not ever very good bedfellows,” says Guelph, Ontario songwriter Scott Merritt. “After a while, I think most of us find the business toxic, the business part of music making. There’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t have anything to do with music that is sort of disheartening a lot… Continue reading Preaching the merits of Scott Merritt

Web science offers more

By Вen Li

The new scientific journal Cellscience launched with much less fanfare than it deserved on Tue., July 27. Describing itself as the “comprehensive International Medical A-Z directory covering all aspects of HIV and AIDS, Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes & Disorders of the Nervous System”, the first issue is sur- prisingly accessible and contemporary in its writing.… Continue reading Web science offers more