It’s a treat to be asked to speak a bit about what I do & it’s an honour to have a venue like Fanshawe’s Letters & Arts Society ask me.
Fanshawe Prof. Ingrid Hutchinson asked me & does an ace job reminding me. The topic is (ahem) Cultural Journalism: Another way to (Re)View Stuff. If you happened to hear a “cultural journalism” discussion at a really nice arts centre in Cambridge (ballet floor somewhere in the building, like that, Toyota-supported?) about 10 years ago, you will notice some similarities . . . the Cambridge people never paid my mileage so I’ve been recycling the speech (sort of) ever since.
Cultural Journalism: Another way to (Re)View Stuff is a cute way to sum up my approach. Should be fun.
Here’s what Ingrid suggested. It helps me focus. Come on out & let’s see what we can (Re)View together. Over to Ingrid:
The talk takes place at 2:00 p.m. in Room D1060, our large lecture theatre, and I would like to suggest that you talk about your parents, both your dad and your mum, since both have been past guests of our series. As well, we will have some students in attendance who are interested in Fanshawe’s MIA program, and your involvement in the local music scene and the Jack Richardson award will also be of interest to them. Finally, we may have a few students from broadcasting (journalism) who would be interested in your work as entertainment reporter for the Free Press. Please feel comfortable about this opportunity since we welcome hearing about you, your work, and your parents. We also hope to have a few copies of their books for sale at the reading. As you are likely aware, your dad’s Donnelly Trilogy is also of interest as we approach the anniversary of the tragedy near Lucan on Feb. 4th.
James:
It’s really good to see you getting out there, being an activist in the community. Sorry I didn’t get an opportunity to greet you at our last common outing. Regrets, salutations, and dearest sympathies from mine to yours. Hey! Those college folks sure are going to learn a thing or two from you. From sports to entertainment, art, history, business…you are a solid mentor to put an interesting perspective on things. Talking about what’s up, well; what’s up your sleeve is sure to be “bang on.” When I was at Fanshawe, I missed out on these extra curriculum, to enrich my stay there.
Now that you’ve had someone depend on you throughout the whole school process and done good at nurturing along the way, I’m positive of the helpful tips and encouragement you will have for London students. If you’re ever wanting a cute little story about the letter “W” I would love to submit a story about Willy, the wiley weasel, written by Frank Uttley to my mom, Nancy Cooke, years ago. You’re sure to get a chuckle as you turn the pages watching Willy travel his waverly ways (rodent style.)
I think sentimentally, a great place for homework would be under a statue or an artistic space dedicated to James Reaney Sr. called, Under The Book Tree. I remember frequently going with my Granny to the Book Tree to save his reading material from an oncoming storm. Maybe this space could be a special study place for networking oncoming studies for the tests of importance. You know, the classesthat you really have to attend?
M.
Thanks indeed cousin & best to you & yours. Among the fun things Thursday at Fanshawe was being interviewed by a reporter for the Fanshawe station. It’s always fun to be interviewed & hear what the answers sound like when you have to voice them . . . as opposed to think them up in your head & leave them there.