The NASHlow

WHEREAS the cultural landscape of east Edmonton may appear a vapid wasteland of non-sidewalk, strip malls and shitty chain restos to an outside eye,

WHEREAS sketchy Internet connection that was often nonexistent plunged us journalists against our will back to the dark days of "traditional" media where a hard copy, hotel-provided G&M was the only source of outside news besides the interweb on Blackberries and iPhones,

WHEREAS a combination of 10-hour plenary and lack of Interweb made me want to stab out my eyeballs with a pen, and joke motions are only funny for ten minutes, 

BIRT, despite these facts, the inside of the Radisson was overwhelmingly abuzz with activity last week, hosting NASH 72: Natural Selection - a Canadian University Press conference that brought people on papers from coast to coast to hear speakers, participate in workshops and party like a good ol' fashioned gin-soaked journalist stereotype.

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Much was discussed: "new" media, bilingualism in CUP, the lack of Internet (seriously, wtf. It's the national journalism conference!), authenticity, Jan Wong, Twitter, "innovation" (though just how innovative can a panelist of upper-middle class white guys actually be?), the failed attempts of everyone to have a good time on Whyte Ave, Adrienne Arsenault, line dancing and FUCKING PLENARY JOKE MOTIONS. 

Much was learned:  the evolution of the craft, our roles in new media, the individual as a media entity (branded - like Perez), how to create good interviews, the importance of connecting with people like you (and the people you like)*, that "you don't stop fighting in this business," the difference between 'linkers' and 'thinkers' on the big ol' blogosphere, the importance of packaging the product, the value-added experience you can't get on the net, defamation, libel and responsible journalism, being better at your job than at your life, and, finally, that Alberta Pure will lead nowhere sanctimonious but a stairwell. 

It was a blast. 

I had the pleasure to meeting many, many colleagues on Canadian student press—by way of exchanging cards, kudos, ideas, pitches, spliffs, beers, and an overwhelming distaste for Edmonton—and look so, so forward to keeping up with what they're up to in the future.

I left the conference today feeling quite excited and inspired. I have been writing mental lists of things to do to keep connections alive and better the paper, in between obsessively reading CUPpies and my newfound student journalism friends online. I am so impressed with the breadth of skill and labour put into our beloved weeklies, biweekly, monthlies - and have a renewed dedication to creating and challenging my expectations of this craft. 

When NASH 73 rolls into MONTREAL, I will be there and it is going to fucking rule. 

Expect a forthcoming hyperlink mania, Loco.

*shout out to The Manitoban, The Muse, The McGill Daily, The Aquinian, The Uniter... and fuck, I love The Concordian, too. 

awe of scenery and scale

[edited version: initially, I am too romantic]

I am four-classes-and-three-jobs-deep already & it's not even the first week of 2010. Classes, colleagues, *new* jobs, old job, and daydreams are keeping things busy and slightly distracted.  

Since the first, I have undergone a metamorphosis back to server from seller. (It is stellar.) The smell of baked bread and espresso; soppy carpets and children's boots; regulars who will remember my name; constant motion and working hands - it feels so right. & Get this: my boss? His name is Tony! Another town, another Tony. oh, yes.

Since the first, I have also put my name in a hat of extra-curricular challenge.

As of next week, on top of crazy Link duties, I start blogging for Artistic Things as a Montreal correspondent. Really nervous, really excited, and I expect that it will be a very rad kick in the ass to start keeping up with all the artfaggery this city has to offer. yes? fuck yes. Follow me? 

Finally, anyone  LOOKING TO MOVE TO MONTREAL, or KNOW SOMEONE who wants to and NEEDS A PLACE?  Let me know. There is a sweet colloq setup that could use a third. 

But that's it for now. O&O and interviews in the morning,

LOCO

To total change and chaos,

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"You've done it before," he said with a shrug when I explained the triple-threat of change. His nonchalance soothed me—I could do it again, right?

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Usher in the new year:  writing emails, flying "home," sleeping off wpg, waking, dressing the fuck up (killer kit of fringe, lace, sequins, fur - FELTED MOUSTACHE), feasting at a chiiiiill-but-slightly-judgmental Holschega-Maisonneuve souper à maison (overdressed), escaping to a scene once midnight struck (dressed to imprexxx apparently), doingdancingdrinkingtakingitin 'til ten a.m., before finally watching as my boots carry me home through a quiet parc while the snow fell, to a bed that was shared with one who had taught me more about comfort and companionship in the last two years than I deserve(d), to... to what? To total change and chaos. To 2010. 

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you know I believe in this shit by now, don't you? So lets have it:

PISCES: Although there will be no shortage of changes and challenges in 2010, with luck planet Jupiter in your sign for much of the year there will also be notable successes and fitting rewards. Something that happens toward the end of February will point you in the right direction but you will have to wait until June to see any material results. However, the influence of your altruistic ruler Neptune will increase your breadth of vision and remind you that there are different kinds of successes. Friendships will flourish, especially in January and July, but a summer love affair will fade as autumn approaches and make you realize that some things are just not meant to be.

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le sigh*

* is a double entendre and may seem backwards at this moment of nouveau seule, but it is absolutely crucial to the plot that I have hung a portrait of a married couple in my bedroom.

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"In life, change is the only constant." 

Avi told me this while we sat at a busy Osborne breakfast place before LM made a joke about my half-shaved dome. Apparently, before his mother - my great-grandmother - passed away, she told him that she was ready because she'd seen everything - from a horse and buggy to a man walking on the moon. I don't think I will ever forget this, or the way my Avi's lined face and glassy eyes looked as they contemplated the idea. That is the mantra of the year. For sure. It's already happening, it's already happened, it's going to happen.

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to 2010 and the changes it may bring, 

yours solo and hopeful, L.