Native irony smacks of “yellow journalism”
I agree with the content of Drew Hayden Taylor’s story about putting more aboriginal people on juries (NOW, January 22-28). But his writing, with its melodramatic turns of phrase intended to manipulate emotions, smacks of yellow journalism. In this case the facts more than speak for themselves; the flowery writing only distracts. I didn’t dislike the piece, but dial it back a bit, buddy. Kris Law Toronto
Toronto executive director MATHIEU CHANTELOIS
Thus, new Pride Toronto executive director Mathieu Chantelois introduced himself at a semi-swanky event at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on Wednesday, January 21. He succeeds Kevin Beaulieu, who abruptly left the organization following last year’s WorldPride. One of original cast members of U8TV: The Lofters – and more recently John Tory’s election-day French-language spokesperson – Chantelois promised that future Pride fests would be “Bold! Big! Sexy! Fabulous! Inclusive! Accessible! Cultural! Fun!” Since he was the past chair of the 519 Church Street Community Centre, credited with establishing its wildly successful Green Space parties, none of that was especially in doubt. But when Chantelois ran out of adjectives, former Pride board member Susan Gapka shouted one more from her spot in the audience: “Political!”
Women in skilled trades an inspiration
I am an elementary school principal and have shared your Class Action articles featuring women in the trades (NOW, January 22-28) with our intermediate students. Thank you for these relevant and insightful stories, which educate and inspire people to follow their dreams. Phil Gahunia Pickering
Benefits of protein powders pumped up
Adria Vasil presents a clear and detailed comparison of the environmental impacts of five products in Shake It Up: The Protein Powder Guide (NOW, January 22-28). However, the best choice would be not to consume any of them. Protein powders, like most supplements, are at best of marginal benefit and may actually cause harm. Few people in developed countries are in protein deficiency. It is a good idea to consume 20 grams of protein within an hour after muscle building exercises. But this can be done with a snack and does not justify chugging protein shakes throughout the day. Plus, the body can only metabolize a small amount of protein. Any excess will be burned or stored as fat, which defeats the whole purpose of the powder. Moses Shuldiner Toronto NOW welcomes reader mail. Address letters to: NOW, Letters to the Editor, 189 Church, Toronto, ON M5B 1Y7. Send e-mail to letters@nowtoronto.com and faxes to 416-364-1166. All correspondence must include your name, address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length.
CANNISCRIBE MARIJUANA PRESCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE
“Without the political aspect, there’s no Pride.”
Q&A
FREE EVENING LECTURES
Every Thursday 7-8:30 pm Room 212 - entrance beside Book City
—Phillip Lopate, The New York Times
“... arguably the greatest narrative filmmaker of the past several decades.” —J. Hoberman, The Village Voice
NEW SPRING SINGLE EVENING COOKING CLASSES These classes specialize in specific dietary needs prepared by some of the best-qualified instructors in Toronto. 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. $70. + HST. MARCH 2 MARCH 9 MARCH 23 MARCH 30 APRIL 13
KICK CANDIDA TO THE CURB with Jesse Lane Schelew EVERYDAY INDIAN COOKING with Richa Gupta GLUTEN + DAIRY FREE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY with Kate McMurray PIZZA, PESTO, PASTA: HEALTHY ITALIAN with Andria Barrett THE ANTI INFLAMMATORY DIET with Kate McMurray
WIN A GLUTEN FREE COOKING CLASS!
A (416) 930-7725 TEXT MESSAGE
JONATHAN GOLDSBIE
“One of today’s most important film artists.”
FEB 5 THE HEALTHY HEART Dr. Klein will discusses natural agents to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar naturally as well as misconceptions regarding causes of high blood pressure, cholesterol and high blood sugar. Learn about concerns regarding common medications that are generally not addressed and more! For over a decade, Dr. Elie Klein’s primary area of focus has been in “natural cardiology, metabolic syndrome and conditions of inflammation. His passion to help and educate people on the true cases of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, led him to create his successful Dr. Klein’s Healthy Heart Program to lower their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar naturally! Dr. Klein is the author of “Read this if you have a Heart” and is a board-licensed Naturopathic doctor. FEB 12 EFFECTIVE NATUROPATHIC APPROACHES TO IMPROVING FERTILITY AND HELPING COUPLES CONCEIVE Many couples struggle with fertility in this day and age. With waiting longer to conceive, increased toxin exposure, and poor lifestyle choices - conception may not be as easy as once thought. Couples learn how to optimize fertility through fertility awareness methods, nutrition, lifestyle management, minimizing toxin exposure, acupuncture, and natural hormonal balancing. Dr. Rachelle Viinberg is a Naturopathic Doctor and 2012 Olympic silver medalist in rowing. Currently she holds a busy practice at Omega Health and Fitness in the Toronto Beaches. Dr. Viinberg has special interests in hormone balancing (from fertility to menopause), weight management and sports medicine. FEB 19 ‘CHEMICAL DETECTIVES’ ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA (PART 1) Did you know that of the 80,000 chemicals we’re exposed to on a daily basis through cosmetics, personal care products and furniture, only a few hundred have actually been tested for safety? ‘Chemical Detectives’ is a two-part workshop that will educate you on the health impacts of chemicals we’re exposed to everyday. From parabens to phthalates, many of these chemicals are linked to increased risk of cancer, fertility/reproductive issues, and endocrine problems. The workshop will provide you with information on what these chemicals are, how they can affect your health, and what you can do to avoid toxic chemicals. Mariah Griffin-Angus is the toxic program coordinator at Environmental Defence Canada FEB 26 ‘CHEMICAL DETECTIVES’ ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA (PART 2)
Go online for more details and more classes.
Motor Vehicle Accidents, Worker’s Comp, Injuries and Arthritis Qualify for medical marijuana
When NOW caught up to him later, he offered on that point that “every action, everything that we do, will have to be political. For me, without the political aspect... Pride [is] just another festival.” What does Chantelois plan to do if his friend Tory follows through on his election threat to cut funding for Pride if it allows Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) to march in the parade? “I’m ready to address the issue with Mr. Tory,” he says. “And I know that he will listen like he’s always listened in the past.” So it’s about convincing him to keep the funding going despite whatever Pride does? “Yeah, and it’s about keeping in mind that freedom of speech will always be one of the core values of what we do.” Full Q&A at nowtoronto.com.
Details @ nowtoronto.com/contest
UPCOMING SCREENINGS: A TIME TO LIVE AND A TIME TO DIE January 31 3:30pm
THE BOYS FROM FENGKUEI February 3 6:30pm
get your tickets tiff.net/hou 416 599 tiff TIFF prefers Visa.
Natural Food Market
348 Danforth Ave. 416-466-2129 Canadian Worker Owned Store Certified Organic Retailer
This internationally touring retrospective is organized by Richard I. Suchenski (Director, Center for Moving Image Arts at Bard College) in collaboration with Amber Wu (Taipei Cultural Center, NY), Teresa Huang (Taiwan Film Institute), and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan). TM Toronto International Film Festival Inc.
thebigcarrot.ca
Mon-Fri 9-9pm • Sat 9-8pm • Sun 11-6pm NOW JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4 2015
7