Archive for the ‘News & Other Half Truths’ Category

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Mar 13

Time Change

Is it just in my head, or does that time change like, completely eff everyone up?

What a rotten kind of day yesterday. Felt like i didn’t wake up til like 3pm, and then couldn’t fall asleep last night! I know it’s just an hour, but wowza.

In other news, thanks for clicking on my link yesterday. I know I kind of tricked you, but it was totally for your own good. Also for your own good – and for the good of every single human being on earth or on earth in the future, go HERE. And think about signing this form, which will go to your MP.
Thank you.

The sun is coming out, it must be a sign.

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 1 Comment »

Feb 15

Aaaaand I’m back!

Hey RQ Readers!

How are you? How were your holidays? New Years? January? First part of February?!

I’ve been great :D Thanks for asking.

I’m not even being sarcastic, I’ve got a great number of emails, IMs, FB messages and tweets of people saying HI in RQs absence and what can i say, it felt kind of nice to be missed. But I’m over it. Back to blogging business!

So… FULL DISCLOSURE…. there have been some BIG changes over the past couple months! All good!

Here’s a quick update:

- I left my job at RIM – not sure if many of you knew that I worked there, but I did :D

- I started my NEW job at The City of Kitchener on the Economic Development Team – I am 100% focused on making Downtown Kitchener one of the most awesome places in North America through programming, marketing and enabling grassroots and start up events! HOW AWESOME IS MY LIFE?!? As you all know, I’ve had a serious heart on for DT KTOWN for a long time – and at 4 weeks in, it’s pretty much my dream job. So great.

- I joined the Board of Directors at the Centre in the Square! This is a total honour, since the board is pretty stacked ;) and i’m happy to be bringing a new perspective to the table. Only been to 1 official meeting, but it’s been great.

- I became a big fan of this new internet phenom! Cats with their faces through TOAST?!?!?! COME ON!

So… as you a lot of you know – I have been humming and hawing (sp?!) over what to do with RQ and I think I’ve come to a conclusion.

RQ is still going to be blog of awesome happenings in Waterloo Region, it’ll still be a platform for me to raise awareness on local issues, events, community groups – it’ll still be a platform for events, if there’s something that strikes my fancy to organize outside of my now amazing day job, and it’ll be a place for me to tell you about what I am up to, what I’m doing on the weekend, and at my discretion… what I’m eating for breakfast and what i think of the weather. If you don’t like it… that sucks… but it’s what’s happening :D

I’m pretty excited about turning up the personality and turning down the newsiness… i’m pretty sure i really never did that part justice anyways.

So, tell me what you want to know about me, or if you want me to check out your store or restaurant and i’ll try to pop by and give it a try. I’ve recently been hanging out at Death Valley’s Little Bro in Waterloo and it is pretty A-MAZING. So i’ll hopefully be posting some pics from that over the next few days.

Exciting times ahead my friends, hope to be sharing a lot of great stuff I’ll be programming at work, and helping you to adventure out to new places and events – Thanks for all your lovely loveliness and support. You guys rock my world.

Drop me a note anytime, hilary@rqmagazine.com,

xoxoxox

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 10 Comments »

Dec 19

Holiday Break

Happy last working Monday of 2011 for many of you – and me! I am beyond excited to have a week off chilling out around the house with P and Martha. BEYOND!

I’m also excited to work away at the little to-do list i’ve made for myself… write thank you card to people who have done supremely awesome things for me this year, clean out my closet which seems to be imploding with stuff and catch-up on a couple months worth of sleep. Yep, sleep is on my to-do list.

With that… I wanted to give you, my beloved RQ reader, a  little heads up that I’m also going to be taking a bit of a hiatus from writing this blog. I have been posting for approx. 3 years here, and before that another year or two from here… and I think it’ll be nice to have a little time to think about where this blog is headed, how it might be part of a bigger plan for me, and what it really has to offer those living in Waterloo Region.

I’ve got lots of ideas – just need to be able to have some time to think about them.

All is well, this is my 974th post on www.rqmagazine.com and my intention is to keep it going – just need to figure out what that looks like for me, and now seems like a great time to do that.

My intention is to have my RQ hiatus go through January… and possibly Feb… and then have my shit together for March. In the meantime, I’ll still be tweeting away at @AngryCelery (which you can still bookmark and check out, even if you don’t have a twitter acct) and I’ll be posting my personal stuff about family, friends, Martha and other things i find funny and interesting here.

If you have ideas, stuff you think i should know, or upcoming events – please continue to either submit them through the RQ contact page, or email me directly (hilary at rqmagazine dot com), i love getting your mail! (most of the time :P)!!

haha.

Alright, happy holidays, a wicked New Year and a relaxing break to everyone :D

xoxo

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 2 Comments »

Dec 16

#BOTTLES4BEANS Wrap-Up

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Well Peeps! It’s been a crazy 2 weeks!

But I am happy to report that today I dropped off our complete Bottles for Beans donations and they totaled over $1110!

You guys are so incredibly amazing and I am so proud to know you all :D

Here’s some pics of the awesome day at Seven Shores!

Here’s how we sort things out on the day of the donation-drop off… we started at 10 and this was the assortment by 10:30!

Much more packed by about 12:30 – then things just got insane. there’s no pictures because it was so busy and awesome and we were busy sorting and loading vehicles and then the U-haul showed up!

The amazing, selfless and talented @obersun loading a 10ft Uhaul FULL of empties! Like… to the brim. Special thanks to @Centre_square for their massive donation. Much Much Much appreciated.

So many thanks to those that helped to hype and help at the event, you all know who you are… but… extra thanks to Debbie, P, Greg, Karl, Amy, Sean & the Seven Shores Team and WalterFedy, Downtown Kitchener BIA, Trevor of Herrle’s and Jeff from Wine Expert for their very generous contributions!

What an amazing year :D

Thanks for being awesome.

Let’s do $2000 next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

H.

PS. The Food Bank can turn every dollar into about $8… so that’s like an $8000 donation. man, we rule.

 

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Dec 05

Bottles for Beans Drop off day WAS GREAT!

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Saturday was so great!

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who came out to the beautiful new Seven Shores location (Thank you so much Sean and Team! You’re awesome!)  and donated your time, empties, cash or other awesomeness!

Including these by Nom Nom Treats!! Thanks PJ!

We raised $834.09 on Saturday! and that’s not all! I’ve had $160 in cash donations come in over the past couple days! Soooo… we’re at $994.09 SO FAR!

There’s still corporate donations to come in from a few great local orgs this week, and a couple more random drop-offs and pick-ups to make!

We’re going to beat the goal! YAY!!!!!!!!!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to everyone, AGAIN!

We will be providing over $1000 to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region!

I heart you.

xoxo

H.

PS> if you’d like to drop empties off for me, send me a note and i’ll give ya details! Due to timing and my being on virtual collapse these days, i am not arranging any additional pick-ups (outside of those already planned) this week though… sorry!

 

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 1 Comment »

Nov 15

Awful.

This article caught my eye on The Record.
So sad. and strange.

H.

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Nov 11

The Memory Project

As I’ve mentioned on RQ  - I’m a big fan of The Memory Project.

I found out about it, because one of my cousins works there, and I am happy to share it and hope that you’ll check it out.

The Memory Project is a nationwide bilingual project, creating a record of Canada’s participation in the Second World War and Korean War as seen through the eyes of thousands of veterans. The Memory Project will provide every living Second World War and Korean War veteran with the opportunity to share their memories through oral interviews and digitized artefacts and memorabilia. These stories and artefacts will be available on this site for teachers, students and the general public.

I recommend taking your moment of silence at 11. And maybe check some of these amazing stories out today. They are really incredible.
And watch this video from 1000memories:

H.

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Oct 04

Boathouse – All good in the hood

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Nice work Boathouse Supporters!

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/603777–city-council-backs-plan-for-boathouse

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Sep 30

Happy News for Arts and Culture in #kwawesome

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FROM THE RECORD, By Terry Pender:

Local arts get financial shot in the arm

WATERLOO REGION — A festival held once every two years — the Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area — received the most funds in the first round of investments from the new organization that aims to bring financial stability to the arts and culture sector.

The festival known as CAFKA, currently running until Oct. 2, received $10,000 from the Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization to help pay for contract staff to do fundraising.

In all, 59 organizations applied and 12 selected for investments ranging from $500 to $10,000. To qualify, the organizations had to be established and submit proposals for growing revenues or audiences.

Heather Sinclair, the enabling organization’s chief executive, said CAFKA received the most because it was the only one to match the investment.

“That’s really what it came down to — their own commitment out of their own pocket to really make it work,” Sinclair said.

The other investments include:

The New Quarterly — $6,400.

Kwartzlab — $6,000.

Arts Education Initiative — $5,000.

Kitchener Blues Festival — $5,000.

Maxwell’s Music House — $5,000.

Uptown Waterloo Comedy Festival — $3,300.

Waterloo Jazz Festival — $3,300.

Grand River Film Festival — $3,000.

Lost & Found Theatre — $2,000.

Canadian Clay and Glass — $500.

McDonald Art — $500.

Sinclair said the groups receiving funds have agreed to report within 60 days on the action taken as a result of the investments.

The Creative Enabling Organization was formed last year by the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region, which represents 3,400 businesses. The council believes a thriving arts and culture sector is essential for attracting the talent needed for the region’s modern economy.

The enabling organization is developing a way to make effective and efficient investments in the creative sector.

“We will have an ongoing dialogue with these guys because we really want to track the investment and make sure it is working properly,” Sinclair said.

“This is the first kick at the can,” Sinclair added. “This is going to help us learn as we develop the whole investment program, which is a key pillar for the Creative Enterprise Organization — securing the funds to invest strategically back into the community to create that sustainable creative economy.”

Another key part of the creative enterprise organization is raising funds from the private sector to be invested in arts and culture in the region.

Municipal governments in this region have increased per capita arts funding by about $1 million annually and expect similar contributions to begin flowing from the corporate sector.

Another round of investments will occur during the first half of 2012 and will involve at least $50,000, if not more.

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VERY COOL.

Happy to see this – and before you start bitching, did you apply?

H.

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30

Boathouse – Monday at City Council

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UPDATE: Word on the street / facebook is that there’s a recommendation going to council that they back off and keep the Boathosue open,  Terry Pender’s got a story in the Record tomorrow on it…  check it out.

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Heard that the meeting earlier this week (tuesday) was packed full of Boathouse supporters and there was lots of dialogue – if you’d like to support the Boathouse, or just want to be  a spectator – the issue of the Boathouse being closed is on the agenda for Monday’s City of Kitchener Council Meeting.

7pm, Council Chambers – You can download an agenda HERE.

The Facebook group is still going strong – there’s more details there.

I’ve had SO SO SO many interesting conversations with people on this issue over the week – will be interesting to see how it plays out.

I’m guessing that if you come here, you want mind being subjected to my personal opinion – this is a BLOG after all –  but i’m gonna hold off on it until after I attend the council meeting – stay tuned for Tuesday. hahaha.

As always, if you’ve got a thought on this – please post it in the comments – then you can make and share your point! Cool? Cool.

H.

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Sep 29

Waterloo Region Talent Attraction Labs

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Dear RQ Readers who moved here…. and were not born and raised like Yours Truly -

Could you please help a sister out and see if you might be interested in attending on of the Waterloo Region Talent Attraction Labs being put on by Machteld Faas Xander for a study they are doing?

What makes people move to Waterloo Region? More importantly, what makes them stay?

Waterloo Region Talent Labs: Tell us about what you like, or don’t like, about living in Waterloo Region. This invitation is for people who have moved to Waterloo Region and are working in technology, finance and insurance, advanced manufacturing, academia, healthcare, and the creative industries. Partners and spouses are encouraged to join.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP!

 

There have been multiple sessions, but I’m a little behind the ball on getting this post up, whooopsy… But there is a session happening on Saturday.  They would LOVE to have your input.

Please get in touch with Emily!

Thanks Friends, You’re the best.

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 1 Comment »

Sep 28

CBC coming to KW

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Great news :D

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2011/09/26/wdr-cbc-southern-ontario.html

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 1 Comment »

Sep 26

Boathouse Update – End of day Monday

Updated: here is the link to the Record article by Terry Pender that came out tonight:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/600616–boathouse-closing-causes-sparks (fixed link)

Hi all, so here’s another update that I’ve received from the City this eve…

1. There is no rent increase proposed…. and there’s a month-to-month rental agreement in place, which Kevin Doyle, who runs the Boathouse has not chosen to change over the years (this article does point out that there may be some doubt in this though…).

2. The Boathouse was able to stay open until December 31- at which point it would need to close for the dredging and restoration of the lake – but Kevin decided against that date, and chose the end of October.

3. The City believes, and I think anyone that has been there would agree, that although the Boathouse has an awesome vibe, it does needs some renovation…. and they’re not quite sure how to approach that after the lake project is complete. This still seems a little bit fuzzy for me – would love to get more detail on this point. They’re not saying that it wouldn’t be an option for it to be the boathouse again…  it’s up in the air i guess?

4. The City has offered to work with Kevin to find another location in Kitchener – some downtown spaces are available – but the word is he’s not interested. I haven’t spoken to Kevin to see his thoughts on this – but by all means, if you’re reading this – please post a comment. That would be awesome.

5. It’s not about the noise, it’s not about parking tickets…

So I don’t know – I get the feeling that the frenzy on Facebook isn’t going to be happy with any of this, but there’s the info I’ve received… you can also check out the public notice that the City released tonight.

Thoughts?

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 5 Comments »

26

Boathouse – An Update

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Allo – it’s 1:28pm. (Go here for my post from earlier today)

Just wanted to give you a quick update:

City of Kitchener staff is working on putting together some details for Council.

Council is most likely holding off on answering media requests until after they’ve been briefed… that might be later on today. I’m expecting to hear something back after 6pm today. Fingers crossed. sidenote – hahaha. media request from RQ. yeah for local blogs!

I personally think this is a good sign -

Toes crossed too.

H.

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26

The Boathouse –

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So, I’m trying to get all the facts on this Boathouse situation…

Looks like a public information session (about the lake dredging & improvements) is happening :

Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Downtown Community Centre at 35B Weber St. W

This has NOTHING to do with these current Boathouse talks – and is engineering staff…. purely dredging and restoration plans. Also very important… but not the hot button of the day. I’m not sure there’s much point in using it as a place to make a stand.

There’s a lot of confusion on this FB support page – and I’ve called Councillor Etherington’s office to get some facts. Spoke with staff there, and he’s giving me a shout back. I’ll put some details up as soon as I have them.

In the meantime – let’s not all get our panties in a knot. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and Councillor Etherington has NO problem with the Boathouse, or the sounds that it gives off. He’s quoted, and his staff backs up “I am not aware of any abundance of complaints,”

SO. What am i saying here….

The Boathouse is an amazing and essential venue in Kitchener. Possibly THE MOST essential venue in Kitchener, as it puts us on the map for many talented and hard to attract musical acts, and it’s a place that local musicians call home, and make our Region more vibrant for playing there (don’t believe me? go here)- many use it as a first or last stop on tours that take them across this country of ours… plus… it has amazing fries… and heritage. And we can’t lose it.

But i am also saying – let’s just see what the situation is – before we freak out.

Post your stories about how much you love the place, the first time you played there, the first time you wished you were a musician while watching someone up on stage, the first time you sat on the patio and watched the swans… let’s be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best?

More updates soon.

H.

PS. I love this pic.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 8 Comments »

Jun 27

Steel Rail Sessions : RECAP!

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One of my fav parts of Steel Rails is watching the reviews and recaps of the night afterwards. Here’s a roundup of what I’ve found so far – but I believe there’s more vids and photos to come through the week!

VIDEO BY QUANTUM PIE! – i think this sums up the evening PERFECTLY:

Institute for Quantum Computing’s blogpost is HERE.

MAKEBRIGHT takes you through how they created their installation HERE.

RAMY NASSAR’s photos are HERE - he has more, but needed to catch a plane out of the country!

CHRISTINE REID posts a few of her event photos, and the link through to the photobooth HERE.

THE RECORD posts a recap of the event – on Page 5 of the local section today! – they missed the Shop Show, but got everything else in here :)

CAFKA posted about their installation on Akimbo HERE.

LUST ATTACK photos HERE.

I was a little freaked out when I saw this BEFORE the event – Marc Cameron you sneaky devil.

More to come – stay tuned!
And if you’re blogging, posting photos or videos about the event, just shoot me the link and I’ll post it here too!

xoxo
H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 4 Comments »

Jun 16

#LRTawesome Passes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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GREAT picture in The Record today!

And great news all around.

Ended up 10-1 in favour of LRT!

I’d have a read through the twitter search for #LRTvote

and a couple of these great Twits:

@farwell570news

@tritag

@thedaleykate

@janemitchell

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted in the RQ poll, sent a letter to council letting them know what think, for showing up to a public consultation or one of the input meetings.

MANYMANY Thanks to those that talked to their family, friends, neighbours and strangers about how important LRT is to them, and why we need it.

I honestly believe that we made a difference in the voting by being so passionate and clear about our position.

It’s nice to know that RQ is in such good company with all of you guys.

xoxo

H.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 3 Comments »

Jun 14

Last Chance (hopefully) to tell Council your thoughts on LRT:

Heyo!

SO! Big news! We got a new dog! yay! So much fun – but just a warning – my blogging may suffer slightly.

I will not inundate you with annoying dog updates here, because i’m classy like that, but if you ARE interested, you can head over to my Tumblr – which is pretty much the Hilary Show.  Her name is Martha  - just for any future reference when you’re like – who the eff is this Martha chick she keeps hanging out with?

ANYWAYS:

The LRT vote is tomorrow- starting at 6pm at 151 Frederick St.

If you’d like to voice your opinion to the Regional Councillors on this issue, please feel free to do so through this super easy RQ Form Letter : http://www.rqmagazine.com/lrt-in-waterloo-region/

You fill in your name, the body of your message and your valid email – hit send.

Your message will go straight to all regional councillors.

Over 40 messages have been sent so far. you guys rule.

H.

 

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May 27

LRT & Optimism

Oh boy – some disturbing news out of City Of Kitchener council meeting yesterday. But alas, I am staying optimistic.

you read that right!

Do you need a moment to collect yourself? I know it’s shocking.

But when I look at research like this : Ipsos Reid, commissioned by Machteld, Faas & Xander, I have a bit of hope.

And when check the number of people (32!) who have written extrememly passionate, well argued, and respectful letters to council through this RQ form – I have even more hope.

Becuase SERIOUSLY. Who can see this much visionary leadership from the RESIDENTS of a place, and not believe that the elected officials will not follow suit?

RIGHT? Right.

Right.

H.

PS> I’ll be speaking at the June 1 Public Input Meeting on #LRT  - and i hope that you get out to the Tues or Wed eves to check it out. this is democracy people. eat it up.

And cross your fingers that it all works out.

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May 04

Today!

So… i don’t want to like, make you feel bad or anything – but my life is fucking awesome.
In NYC for the 99% conference and have checked in to the Ace Hotel.
This place is genius.

It’s at West 29th and Broadway and the window is open, sound of the honking and the walkers down below.
Hotel also boasts a sweet coffee bar, open lobby with a DJ spinning tonight from 8pm-2am and a restaurant and bar where all hipsters die and go to heaven.

Here’s a pic of the lobby stairwell.

How jealous are you?
H.

PS. Most rooms come complete with acoustic guitars and turntables. hahahaha.

PPS. Think Waterloo Region could support this kind of awesome? I’d be a huge advocate if someone had the balls to try it.

Posted in News & Other Half Truths, Random | 3 Comments »

May 02

VOTE & PARTY! TONIGHT!

(Image of Elizabeth May and Sir Paul McCartney courtesy of VintageVoters.ca)

OK! Today is the BIG DAY!

Go Vote!

(check for your polling station HERE. Take a valid ID and a piece of mail with a matching address on it – if you don’t have your voter card)

and then COME FOR A DRINK!

Bauer Kitchen, any time after 5:30 – we’ll be watching Election coverage and eating some delicious.

See you later!

H.

ALSO: WATCH THIS BECAUSE IT’S AWESOME.

PPS: I dropped the ball on election Q&A. Sorry!

Posted in News & Other Half Truths | 4 Comments »

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