Hi everyone!

Here is the pitch email for this week! A reminder about our weekly pitch meeting takes place tomorrow at 4:00 p.m..

Best,

Lily

News Pitches

You can reach Dylana at [email protected] or over Slack!

Paralympian Danielle Peers enters Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Danielle Peers (they/them) was recently inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame. After a career in wheelchair basketball, they choose to dedicate their life to “those who face challenges to integrate in the sports community because of their disability, race, gender, and/or sexual orientation.” Write a profile.

Study explores risks for suicide in farmers

A new University of Alberta study exploring the risk factors that make farmers vulnerable to suicide could help them build better resilience.

U of A researchers working to recover lost audio cultural history

Michael O’Driscoll, a U of A professor in the department of english and film studies is working to restore lost video and audio recordings through a seven year funded partnership.

New guidelines: If you’ve never had a heart attack, don’t take daily aspirin until you talk to your doctor

Daily aspirin has been commonly recommended to reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes for people over 50. New guidelines have come out that say this is not the best solution for everyone.

Researcher discovers a safe, simple way to make disinfectant work better

A chemical engineer at the U of A has developed a disinfectant that is more effective than purely alcohol-based products, just by adding salt

SPORTS PHOTO STORIES

November 3 —

MEN'S HOCKEY vs University of Saskatchewan, Edmonton, AB, 7:00 PM, Clare Drake Arena

MEN'S BASKETBALL vs University of Saskatchewan, Edmonton, AB, 8:00 PM

Opinion Pitches

You can reach Anna at [email protected] or over Slack!

Food Prices Through the Roof: This year, the cost of food has increased exponentially and Albertans are spending more on groceries; as well, food bank usage has grown in the last year. Additionally, people are unable to consume their food in time, meaning grocery trips are expensive and causing food waste to increase, meaning people are losing money on food. What does this mean for Albertans and even Edmontonians? How can young people expect to afford the cost of living and high grocery bills? Air your grievances about food prices, the cost of living, increased food bank usage, and what needs to be done about it.

Is the community league model in Edmonton still relevant to our modern social fabric: The community league model in Edmonton has been in use since the early 1900s to provide another avenue for citizens to organize their voice and opinions to council. While community leagues overall have contributed over $500 million to social infrastructure, some community leagues struggle to find volunteers or raise enough funds to function. The modern role of community leagues is up for debate, and in an increasingly digital world where many are finding community online rather than in person, is the money spent still justified?

Banff Centre for the Arts Board Dismissal: The Alberta Government dismissed the entire board of directors for Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity and replaced them with a temporary administrator. What does this mean for the arts in Alberta? What does this say about the value the government places on the arts? What does this mean for Banff?

Marble Pedestal: UofA Family Corner: The University of Alberta just introduced the Family Corner, a place for UofA student parents to bring their kids and study. What do you think about this new and accessible space for students who are also parents? Write about why this new addition to campus is important.

A&C Pitches

You can reach Lily at [email protected] or over Slack!

Photostory:  All is Bright 2023: November 18, 4:00-8:00 p.m., free entry

Interview or Film Review: Edmonton writer and director Kyle Armstrong

Armstrong’s film “Hands that Bind” will open in Toronto on November 3, and play in Edmonton on November 24 at Metro Cinema. The film is exclusively available to review before then. Or, speak to Armstrong about its making!

“Paul Sparks, Nicholas Campbell, Susan Kent, Lance Liboiron, Will Oldham
and two-time Oscar nominee Bruce Dern star in Armstrong’s film, a prairie-Gothic drama about a farm hand whose life begins to spin out of control when his boss’s son returns to claim the family farm. A Canadian production, the film was shot in Southern Alberta where Armstrong grew up.It won the 2022 Edmonton Film Prize, awarded by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) in collaboration with Edmonton Arts Council.”

Album Review or Interview: Award Winning Venezuelan-Canadian Contemporary Pop/R&B Artist JACE

JACE Carrillo is a Venezuelan-Canadian artist who has just released his sophomore album titled "Phenomena.” Just last year, JACE won the JUNO-equivalent Pepsi Music Award in Venezuela for his work off his debut album.

Speak to Jace or review the album!

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!

Performance Review: Sparta and Moneen at Union Hall 

November 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Sparta - the El Paso band featuring Jim Ward - have been touring the country in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed, debut album Wiretap Scars.

They'll be heading to Edmonton supporting Moneen. Featuring fan-favorites “Air,” and “Cut Your Ribbon,” Wiretap Scars was released in August 2002. At the time Sparta was Ward, Matt Miller, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar. The 4 formed Sparta following the break of their former band, the post-hardcore At the Drive-In.

Cover the peformance!

Matthew Perry Tribute: The Ottawa-raised actor passed away in his Los Angeles home on October 28. Best known for his role as Chandler in the sitcom Friends, Perry also starred in films including The Whole Ten Yards and 17 Again. Write a tribute to Perry’s life and career - do you have any favourite Chandler Bing moments?

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!

Gateway to Gastronomy, winter edition: Do you have a fun and easy to follow recipe that you love to make during winter? Share it in this reoccurring segment.

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