blog

Moved by movie swag

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:10:34 +0100

This is a fun little story I did this week about all the merchandise that entertainment editors get thrown by film production companies. Is it effective? Apparently the bloody funnel that was sent out to media for the remake of Let the Right One In hooked a few cynics. Read the story here.

When I'm not at work...

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:19:17 +0100

So, as most journalists probably do, I find it frustrating that word counts are this big, when you really want THIS big. During my daily travels and conversations I come across a ton of stories and information that just aren't suitable for the paper, or there isn't enough room to explore them. And so I've decided to start a new blog, called Not For Work, where I'll keep all the fun stuff.

I'll keep my professional business here, as usual.

The Royal catch-up

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:35:40 +0100

Whoops! It's been awhile since I updated my professional website--it's tough to talk about your own accomplishments, but that's what we all need to do these days. And it's good to check in anyway; apparently I haven't just been watching True Blood and Work of Art.

So what's up?
-I attended the PEI Screenwriters' Bootcamp in Charlottetown. An intense but rewarding experience where I met a lot of talented people. My script is still in the early stages of development (lots of research going on), but I now know where it's going. And I'm working on two short film scripts as well.

-It's Echo Songwriting Prize time. Last week I participated in four different juries. It's tough, draining work, but ultimately rewarding to be surrounded by so much great art/music. Look for the shortist soon.

-I unabashedly love the Queen. Who knew my not-so-secret crush would get me work? I wrote a bunch of stories (meeting the queen; why Haligonians should care), which got me entry into the Lieutenant Governor's kitchen to check out the royal menu. I had premium seats for her visit as a guest panelist on CBC Radio's Mainstreet's special royal visit broadcast, which was broadcast through the Maritimes.

Polaris Prize picks?

Sun, 30 May 2010 17:50:52 +0100

June 8 is the day that Polaris Prize jurors have to submit our first top five list. The most fun stress you can have, debating who had the best Canadian album of the last year. It's pretty amusing to see what other jurors are willing to go to the mat for on the jurors' message board. Other years have been much easier, but for some reason, I'm really torn but I do know this one's on there for sure:

Spring Fashion Guide

Sun, 30 May 2010 17:45:19 +0100

It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it; The Coast's Spring Fashion Guide is now online. This is always a big job, selecting clothing, coordinating photography, editorial, etc. But we all suffer for fashion, don't we?

This gorgeous necklace is from talented Chloe comme Parris, and I'm patiently waiting for mine to arrive, soon to be available at Clothes Horse.

Silver bells...

Sun, 30 May 2010 18:02:59 +0100

My story took a silver AJA, which means a smaller plaque. But we invented a fun drinking game (if you drink every time someone's speech involves the journalism crisis) and met John Roberts. This is the posed sad photo of Coast publisher Christine Oreskovich and myself--don't worry, there is a happy one too, and one of us with Mr. Roberts, thanks to Aaron McKenzie Fraser.

Three-time nominee!

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:02:17 +0100

I've been nominated for an Atlantic Journalism Award again this year. I wasn't sure how the jurors would respond to my story on Halifax's amateur comedians, but someone likes it. The awards are May 8, and John Roberts will be there!

Steve Higgins review in Canadian Art/new Akimblog/Best of Music

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:50:56 +0100

I've been really busy for the last couple of weeks. But it's all good stuff.

It's not up online yet, but I have a review of Steve Higgins' show in this month's issue of Canadian Art. Also a new Akimblog round-up of Halifax art. At The Coast, I've been busy interviewing all the musicians who won in our Best of Music readers' survey--or, as I call it, my annual check-in with Joel Plaskett.

I also spoke to a King's College class and at a university newspaper conference about arts journalism. I realized there are very few advocates for the profession out there, and I'd like to do something about it. I have a few ideas--we'll see if it works out!

I hit Planet Claire

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:20:43 +0100

This week I spoke to Fred Schneider, the voice that launched million-selling pop songs, about The B-52s and his new project, The Superions.

Re-envisioning the library

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:45:10 +0100

Long gone are the days of dusty card catalogues and shushing librarians: I edited a special package of stories dedicated the modern library. A couple of stories got picked up by AltWeeklies.com, which "brings readers the best, most insightful, thought-provoking news and features published in the 131 papers that belong to the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies," and apparently the issue is making the rounds through North American library systems. Yeah for libraries.