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- Combined pitch email - October 16
Combined pitch email - October 16
Check out these pitches from News, Opinion, and Arts & Culture!
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying the October weather. I’m certainly glad for the opportunity to show off my sweater collection.
A reminder that Deputy Editor positions are open for applications! You can find the job postings here. Applications are open until today at midnight!
On top of our weekly pitch meeting tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., we have some interesting workshops coming up!
Today at 2:30 pm we will be having a workshop with Kiernan Leavitt, an Edmonton-based reporter for the Toronto Star in the Gateway office.
On Friday at 9:30 am we will be having a workshop with Oumar Salifou, who has previously worked for the CBC. From 2018-2019 he served as editor-in-chief of the Gateway.
Best of luck with midterms! I know I need it,
Dylana
News Pitches
You can reach Dylana at [email protected] or over Slack!
A University of Alberta researcher has developed better ways to convert carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, and glycerol, a leftover of biodiesel production, into value-added materials with wide-ranging uses including liquid hydrogen storage.
The presence of species and how abundant they are and how big they are growing can tell us a lot about the surrounding environment, Diane Haughland, a lichenologist in the faculty of science said.
Lynora Saxinger says the Canadian protocol for treating Lyme disease is scientifically supported, and although some individuals may suffer from ongoing symptoms following antibiotics, the alternative treatments offered abroad may not address their symptoms and could even have adverse reactions.
The new vaccines are more than just another booster, said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, U of A professor. They're 'a real upgrade from what we had previously.'
SPORTS
October 20 —MEN'S BASKETBALL vs University of Regina, Edmonton, AB — 6:00 PM — Saville Centre
October 20 — MEN'S HOCKEY vs University of Calgary, Edmonton AB — 7:00 pm — Clare Drake Arena
Opinion Pitches
You can reach Anna at [email protected] or over Slack!
AI use in coursework: With the start of the new school year, students have seen a drastic increase in warnings about AI use for coursework included in the syllabi. This is following the popularisation of ChatGPT in the spring of this year. The U of A has created a taskforce to address the use of AI in course work, but the guidelines are still vague. Though it is strongly encouraged not to use AI for coursework at all, as long as it is properly cited it doesn’t fall under the academic integrity policy. Write about how the policy around AI use is vague, and how there are rising concerns among students regarding guidance around AI use. Should AI use be entirely banned from course work, or is there a way to integrate tools such as ChatGPT into our education?
Post-pandemic campus culture: Campus culture before March 2020 was drastically different than it was during the rest of 2020, 2021 and 2022. This year, most COVID policies have been phased out, but not everything has gone back to normal. Hybrid learning, for example, is way more prominent now than it was 4 years ago. Profs are more lenient about absences due to illness, and campus pharmacies and healthcare centres still offer testing and vaccinations. Has student life on campus really returned to pre-2020 ways? Will things ever really go back to normal entirely? Or are the changes we’ve seen because of COVID for the best? Write a piece on campus culture now vs. 2019/2020 and share your take!
Edmonton’s new zoning bylaws: The City of Edmonton has proposed a new zoning bylaw that has been in the works since 2018 in an effort to make the city more dense. With an estimated population of 2 million people by 2038, the city is planning on building larger buildings to house more people, such as apartments and condos, rather than continuing to sprawl outward. Naturally, the reactions from the public have been mixed. Is this bylaw the best decision for Edmonton? Is this going to make housing more affordable? Or is this ultimately going to hurt more communities than it helps? Write a piece on your thoughts on the proposed bylaw.
Anticipating colder weather: Edmontonians are getting ready for the colder weather, from pulling out our cozy sweaters to changing to the winter tires on our cars. The City of Edmonton has been making plans to anticipate the colder weather too — Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has proposed a $5 million budget to improve snow removal across the city, especially to make transit more accessible. Additionally, there should be enough beds across the city to accommodate Edmonton’s houseless population by November 1. What else should the government be doing to prepare for this winter? Are there enough supports to make this difficult season a bit easier for citizens, or should the government be doing more? What should individual citizens be doing?
A&C Pitches
You can reach Lily at [email protected] or over Slack!
Play Review: Everybody
October 13 to 21, evening performances at 7:30 p.m., Timms Centre for the Arts
Everybody, by Branden Jacob-Jenkins, is a contemporary adaption of the medieval play Everyman that asks questions about life. The play is the University of Alberta Studio Theatre’s season opener, and is directed by alumna Liz Hobbs. Excitingly, the cast will be chosen by lottery each night, providing the opportunity for multiple different viewings!
Album Review: Canadian soul-funk collective, “The Commotions,” releasing third studio album Volume 3
“The Commotions” features 12 Canadian soul, funk, and jazz performers, who emphasize the power of using real instruments. Rarely do they use computerized technology when crafting their music.
The collective’s music is timeless and remarkable, and their new album “Volume 3” explores new sounds and creative limits. Review this album and your thoughts on their unique music!
Concert Review: River City Big Band presents Swing into Fall (and other jazz!)
October 22, 7:30 p.m., The Yardbird Suite, student ticket: $10
This is River City Big Band’s first concert for their Yardbird Suite series! This performance will feature guest conductor Joel Gray. River City Big Band is one of the premier jazz organizations in Edmonton, Alberta.
Performance Review or Interview: Jadea Kelly
October 21 at The Aviary
Jadea's fourth studio album, Roses, was released in March 2022 and has been warmly embraced by fans, with over two million streams across all platforms. The record made its way on to the cover of Spotify’s Renegade Folk playlist, and the heartwarming single, Any Old Boat, has seen over one million streams to-date.
After a month-long residency at Toronto's Cameron House in July, Jadea is thrilled to be coming back home to Canada this fall for a run of tour dates across the western provinces next month! Interview Jadea about her new album, or check out the show!
Gateway to Gastronomy, fall edition: Do you have a fun and easy to follow recipe that you love to make in the fall? Share it in this reoccuring segment.
A&C Columns
Hobby Hole: Do you have a favourite hobby that you like to do? Guide us through it! Here’s a fun example.
Playlist: Share your fall music picks in a curated playlist!
Comic Stans: Love comics or graphic novels? This column is for you! Highlight your favourite comics and how they might include representation for women and LGBTQIA2S+ people!
Retro on Retro: Is some classic piece of media on your mind? Reflect on it with the distance of time in this column. Discuss the qualities, staying power, and impact of your favourite old movie, video game, album, book, play, or whatever else!
Illustration Pitches
You can reach Lily at [email protected] or over Slack!
We are looking for illustrators to create new graphics for the following A&C columns: Gateway to Gastronomy, Eating Edmonton, Hobby Hole, Top 5, and Retro on Retro. Reach out to Lily if you’re interested in taking one on!