We noticed an interesting job posting on the CBC jobs twitter feed this week. The local CBC Radio One team is looking for a new host for the flagship afternoon program All in a Day. The show has been without a permanent host since Adrian Harewood left for the new CBC Ottawa afternoon and late-night television news programs. Think you might have what it takes? According to the job posting, you will need an “engaging and intelligent on-air presence, showing a wide emotional range” and “curiosity and a genuine interest... | Continue reading article

To some people, this admission will come as no surprise: I love paper. Not your everyday white 90lb 8.5 x11, but paper – printed, patterned, textured paper. I learned this love of all things pulp from a dear friend, who is also one of the best card makers I’ve ever met. She was the one who stumbled across urbanfête, Ottawa’s newest paper store. Owned by two friends who finally found their paths cross in the same metropolis, urbanfête has it all – beautiful paper, invitation services and – hopefully! –... | Continue reading article

Some of you might be thinking, hey, how can you call this the second part of the SUMMER music preview when, past 48 hours notwithstanding, it’s been cool and rainy nearly every day for the past six weeks? To which I answer: because we already called the first part a summer music preview.  You do not want to be wrathfully smote by the blogging gods for switching something like that. Also, the weather this Sunday was positively Venus-like, and before my front porch burst into flames I was having a... | Continue reading article

We’re looking for some help this summer. With so many awesome festivals, concerts, events and galleries we are hoping that some of you would like to spend your summer blogging for us. Once the weather gets warm, BBQs heat up and patios open, we know that every Ottawan dreams of sitting in front of their computer. We will have some cool assignments for writers, photographers, editors and the like. We don’t pay, but sometimes we’ll buy beer. We’re also looking for some technical help. Just because we blog doesn’t mean... | Continue reading article

As we reported last week, city council voted 15-9 in favor of the Lansdowne redevelopment. Clive Doucet wants to bring the process to court, others just want to move forward. Councillor Diane Deans, who voted against the plan last Monday, said she thinks “unfortunately, there’s a divided community left in the wake of this decision.” But she added that now that council has made a decision, people need to move on. All signs pointed to it (this, for example) and now it’s confirmed: Mayor Larry O’Brien is seeking re-election. In... | Continue reading article

Post by Mark De Abreu As Dave Brubeck took the stage at Confederation Park on Saturday, the packed Ottawa Jazz Fest crowd couldn’t help but welcome him with a warm standing ovation—the first of many that evening. The legendary 89-year-old jazz pianist was as sharp and playful as ever as he lead his quartet—featuring Bobby Militello on saxophone and flute, Michael Moore on upright bass and Randy Jones on drums—and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducted by Russell Gloyd. While the audience was treated to an eclectic selection of songs... | Continue reading article

While the Queen is off seeing the sights of our lovely country this weekend, (unfortunately, we’re pretty sure that our alternative itinerary for her wasn’t taken up by the royal schedulers) there’s a lot for us plebians to get up to as well. The JazzFest continues in all of its groovy glory, but if that’s not up your alley, have no fear. The Blacksheep Inn has good lineups on Friday and Saturday (with the Sessions tour continuing on Saturday night – a perfect summer’s evening activity). Richard Laviolette and the... | Continue reading article

Get out there any enjoy yourselves!

Full disclosure: I’m not, and probably never will be, a strict vegetarian. While I really do respect those who make an ethical decision not to consume animals or animal byproducts, I’m just not that strong. What can I say, the price of my soul is about equal to a pound of locally-butchered bacon. However, as an enthusiast of all things culinary, I can’t say I’m not excited for this weekend’s Ottawa Veg Fest. Hosted by the National Capital Vegetarian Association (whose logo I love – it’s like a little carrot... | Continue reading article