Food for Thought: José Andrés offers warmth through unique meal experiences

“I don’t believe in walls, I believe in longer tables.” -José Andrés José Andrés was destined to be a chef from a very young age; he enrolled in culinary school at the age of 15. Even when Andrés—who was born in Mieres, Spain on July 13, 1969—needed to fulfill his mandatory service for the Spanish […]

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Pieces of Performance: Palestine and more…

To be one with the world means to embrace each other in all that we are. War, conflicts, and patriarchal leadership into oblivion cannot continue and will not lead to a prosperous future. We need action, we need words to light the fire, and we need strength in numbers to stand for what is right. […]

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Food for Thought: The beauty of slow food

“Slow food is a way of life, a philosophy of living that values quality over quantity, taste over convenience, and pleasure over speed.” -Carlo Petrini We all know fast food. Like stale cheeseburgers and pizza delivery in 30 minutes or less, we’ve all experienced quick, cheap ways to get our favourite food into our bellies. […]

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Pieces of Performance: Growing up with gender

This time around, I want to share some intimate writing of my own. As I’m working toward publishing a book of poems, I see this as a chance to work on the vulnerability it takes to share a deep part of myself with others. I’ve always loved having meaningful connections to others, my work, my […]

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Food for Thought: Grindstone Cafe hidden gem worthy of support

Across the road from Value Village, on the corner of Herald and Store, there sits a pale blue stucco building beautifully painted with forest murals. In it resides a hidden gem: Grindstone Cafe. I frequent this neighbourhood to collect art supplies and drink bubble tea, so I’ve recently discovered the quiet but vibrant atmosphere in […]

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Pieces of Performance: Backstage Shade Festival quotables

Be sure to pay attention and learn your history. That blood, sweat, and tears ended slavery. As we watch abroad, we see the desecration of soil. While millionaires live in spoil. Now we fight once again to protect our rights. Through rallies and education we hang on until light. To be part of the revolution […]

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Pieces of Performance: TransFest turns bitter

TransFest was set to take place in August. But what was meant to become a yearly celebration of trans lives quickly became unsafe, with some individuals’ behaviour choosing profit over people.  As a person who had plans to help TransFest take flight with CCSS Pride in tow, I have insight that should be shared as […]

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Food for Thought: The inspiration of Anthony Bourdain

As someone who has had the privilege to travel around the world, experiencing culture, people, and food, I often ponder the significance of the latter two. All three are connected, however, food and people are what I believe lead us to more colourful cultures across the globe. One person who has influenced my opinions the […]

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Pieces of Performance: A slice of Cheesecake offered up with burlesque revue

For 20 hot years of sweat and happy tears, The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue troupe has been blessing stages and audiences from Victoria to Europe. Longtime Cheesecake performer Champagne Sparkles has deep pride in their small beginnings, which built to who they are today.  “It started off as friends taking a workshop… [to performing] in a […]

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