news
Urban Planner: December 8, 2008
WORDS: In his newest book, Climate Wars, Canadian-born journalist Gwynne Dyer predicts a bleak future in the coming years should the current climate-change crisis remain unchecked. Popjournalism reviewer Ian Goodwillie calls the book a good choice if you want the crap scared out of you. The University of Toronto Bookstore Reading Series has invited Dyer to lecture about the subject of Climate Wars, so get ready to grab the edge of your seat in despair. MacMillan Theatre (80 Queens Park), 7:30 p.m., $25 ($10 for students).
LECTURE: We learned this year that Canadian culture doesn’t get much respect from the current government. That shouldn’t be the case given the estimated economic contribution of more than $84 billion a year from the cultural sector. Michael Bloom, vice-president of the Conference Board of Canada, explores how better support for the arts is integral to the economic success of the nation. Ontario College of Art and Design Auditorium (100 McCaul Street), 7:30 p.m., FREE.
LECTURE: PhD student Steven Logan of the York-Ryerson Communication and Culture Program presents his working thesis paper “The Automobile as Medium,” hosted by Visible City. Members of the public are invited to join Visible City participants for drinks and discussion. Tinto Coffee House (89 Roncesvalles Avenue), 6–8 p.m., FREE.
AWARDS: Sami al-Haj (an Al Jazeera reporter released from imprisonment at Guantanamo Bay this past May), Shakeman Mugari (a reporter from Zimbabwe), and Jim Poling (Hamilton-Spectator managing editor) have something in common: they are all being presented with awards tonight at the International Press Freedom Awards gala. The Canadian Journalists for Free Expression give out the annual awards to journalists who they feel have most defended journalistic freedom. Tonight’s gala presentation is the main fundraiser for the CJFE’s Journalists in Distress Fund, which grants money to beleaguered journalists in those parts of the world that do not enjoy the right to speak freely. Fairmont Royal York Hotel (100 Front Street West), 6 p.m., $350.
Photo by Eugen S. from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.