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Interviews with awesome people about what makes Calgary awesome.


Dan Mangan

John Jackson & Connie DeSousa

Danny Vacon of The Dudes

The Kid Belo's David Brunning

George Stroumbouloupoulos

Jeremy Ho

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald

Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Kyle Shewfelt

Bad Portraits' Mandy Stobo

The Market Collective

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Calgary Is Awesome, and we are dedicated to everything that makes it that way.

If you want to read ugly, bad news about this beautiful city of ours, you’re going to have to look to traditional media and other blogs; C.I.A. promotes everything that makes our city awesome, from old to new and everything in between. We’re like the human interest piece on the news… only different.






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MANAGING EDITOR
Irene Seto
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ARTS
Amy Jo Espetveidt
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AWESOME EVENTS
Wendy Peters
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FOOD
Vincci Tsui
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HISTORY
Blaine Wiseman
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FILM
Sarah Pynoo
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NERD LIFE
Nicholas Taylor
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CULTURE
Andrea Grant
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OUTDOORS
Marc Affeld

THE SCENE
Jennifer Thompson Goldberg
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LOCAL LIT
Angelo Tembreza
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BREAKING BREAD
Amanda Berjian
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OUTDOORS
Skiles Hornig
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AWESOME TOPIC
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Runner up for Best Group Weblog








2012, 2011, & 2010 FFWD Weekly Runner up for Best Local Blog



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Author Archive

Jordan Klassen – Kindness

December 14, 2011
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When the talents of local musician Jordan Klassen collide with the vision and creativity of vidoegrapher Brock Mitchell, nothing but pure magic is sure to result. To mark the release of Jordan’s new EP ‘Kindness’, the two have joined forces and made a truly beautiful and inspiring video.

JORDAN KLASSEN presents KINDNESS EP from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

Watch for ‘Kindness’ to be released February 12, 2012. In the meantime, enjoy!
Wonderful people doing wonderful things!

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Film,Just plain AWESOME!,Music,People |
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  • Comments: 0

Alternative Gift Wrapping Ideas from Green Calgary

November 19, 2011
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With the holidays just around the corner, Green Calgary has shared some great ideas for environmentally friendly gift wrapping. Part one of a four part series, they will be highlighting alternative and green gift giving with a focus on gifts that are simple, cost effective and unique. Check back in the coming weeks for tons of meaningful ideas and recipes including homemade, natural deoderant and lip balm, cleaning products, and bath salts.

You can view the entire post HERE…

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Environment,Just plain AWESOME!,Shopping |
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  • Comments: 0

75 Awesome Things to Eat in Calgary!

October 21, 2011
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In celebration of their 75th birthday, Where Magazine released a list of ’75 Tastes of Calgary’ – a celebration of some of the most iconic and unique dishes our city has to offer! With help from local foodies John Gilchrist, Karen Anderson, Linda Garson, Anh Chu, Catherine Caldwell and Andree Lau, the list is a wonderful compilation of some of the most delicious treats around, and definitely a good reminder to get out and enjoy something extra yummy in the coming months! Check out Where’s article for details, website links, descriptions and more information, but below is the condensed list – 75 things you must try in Calgary!

1. “The Whole Truck” at Alley Burger Food Truck
2. Grilled Cheese at Janice Beaton
3. The Crave-O-Licious Cupcake at Crave
4. Vegetarian Pad Thai at Delicious Thai
5. Ricotta Gnocchi at Capo
6. The Masala Mogo at Safari Grill
7. Scones by Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
8. A Latte at DeVille Luxury Coffee & Pastries
9. Bone Marrow and Foie Gras Spring Roll at Rouge
10. Falafel Pita at Chick Pea
11. The Speck E Ruccula Pizza at Pulcinella
12. Duck Confit Poutine at Laurier Lounge
13. Pig Head Mortadella and Brassica Mustard at Charcut
14. The Veggie Mezza for Two at Aida’s
15. Mac ‘n’ Cheese at Taste
16. Lemon Cream Cake at Brûlée Patisserie
17. Eggplant Chips at Vin Room
18. Grilled Pineapple at Bolero
19. Shroom Pizza at Without Papers
20. Oatmeal from Diner Deluxe
21. Cheese Fondue at The Living Room
22. Deconstructed Crème Brûlée at Chef’s Table
23. Linguine Carbonara at Bonterra
24. Rack of Lamb at The Belvedere
25. Milkshake and Burger at Peters’ Drive-In
26. Prosciutto Sandwich at Caffe Mauro
27. Waffles from A Ladybug Bakery and Café
28. Tombo Tuna Salad Niçoise at Notable
29. Eggs Benedict with Elk Bacon at River Café
30. Chicken & Pancetta Pizza at Cilantro
16 – Lemon Cream Cake at Brûlée Patisserie,
31. Raspberry Yogurt Muffin at Heartland Café
32. Garlic Fries at The Palomino
33. Rose Lychee Macaron at Yann Haute Patisserie
34. The Original Veggie Burger at Dairy Lane
35. Chu Chi Kai Chicken at King & I
36. Bucket of Bacon at District
37. McNally’s Extra at Big Rock Brewery
38. The Crab Cakes at Selkirk Grille
39. Naan at Clay Oven
40. Spinach and Potato Pizza at Double Zero
41. Kashk-e-Bademjan Dip at Shiraz
42. Garlic Caesar at Antonio’s Garlic Clove
43. Maultaschen at Wurst
44. Short Ribs at Open Range
45. Maple Bacon Doughnut from Jelly Modern
46. Chili Ramen Soup at Shikiji
47. Soul in a Bowl at OverEasy
48. Wasabi Steak at Blowfish
49. Saté Vietnamese Subs from Thi Thi
50. Ginger Beef at Silver Inn
51. Beer Float at Craft Beer Market
52. Crispy Tofu at Anju
53. Bacon Cheeseburger at Buchanan’s
54. Oven-baked Spring Rolls at Escoba
55. Seasoned Pork Tacos at Los Chilitos
56. Popcorn at The Uptown Stage and Screen
57. Beef Carpaccio at Vintage Chophouse
58. Dosas at Southern Spice
59. Prairie Oysters from Buzzards
60. Chicken Apple Sausage at Spolumbo’s
61. Beef Brisket Sandwich at Holy Smoke
62. Ginger Cream Cookie at The Lazy Loaf & Kettle
63. Thai Beef Jerky at Thai Sa-On
64. Traditional Vietnamese Crepes at Kol 3
65. Toasted Seed Roll from Good Earth
66. Coconut Curried Calamari at Mango Shiva
67. Beet Sandwich at Wilder Nest Dream Café
68. Atlantica Scallop at Broken Plate
69. Strawberry Guava Mousse Cake at Yamato Desserts
70. Bouillabaisse at Vero
71. Deep-Fried Dill Pickles at Big T’s BBQ & Smokehouse
72. Garlic Pork at Han’s
73. Pani Pura at Rasoi Kitchen
74. Fishbowl at Melrose Café and Bar
75. Onion Rings at Tommy Burger

* Thanks to Anna of To Market, To Market blog for the tip on this!

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Food & Drink,Just plain AWESOME!,Local Business |
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  • Comments: 0

Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art – Call to Artists!

August 29, 2011
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CALL TO ARTISTS: Green Art Fundraising for Green Calgary

Green Calgary announces a call to artists for their inaugural Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art celebration – Calgary’s first-ever Environmental Art Fundraising Gala and Marketplace. Green Calgary is a dynamic, nonprofit urban environmental organization with a mission to empower Calgarians to create healthy homes and communities through environmental education, products and services. Art and design can also have unique abilities to engage, inspire, and move people toward a healthy environment and a peaceful, sustainable world. Our idea is a twin celebration of local sustainability—a celebration of the connections between art and the environment by showcasing environmentally-themed work by local artists and showcasing the achievements of Green Calgary.

The Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art events take place November 3 to 5, 2011, The two-stage celebration will be focused not only on raising funds for Green Calgary through the auctioning of work by local artists, designers, and artisans at the Gala, but will also offer an opportunity for artists to showcase and sell other artwork at the subsequent Marketplace. There will be 500 tickets available for the Gala, and we are anticipating approximately 2,000 shoppers over the two days of the Marketplace.

The Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art Gala will take place on Thursday, November 3 at Hotel Arts, featuring silent and live auctions of a wide variety of artworks by a diverse group of local artists, live entertainment, celebrity guests, a strolling menu featuring local and organic ingredients, and a large audience with a strong interest in art and the environment. Artists and patrons will have an opportunity to meet and talk to each other.

The Art Marketplace will take place over the two following days (5:00 to 9:00PM on Friday, November 4 and 11:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, November 5) at Hillhurst United Church.

Visit www.greenartyyc.org for more information, the official call to artist and the prospectus

Deadline for Submission: September 25, 2011

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Charity,Design,Environment,Events,Just plain AWESOME!,The Arts,The Outdoors |
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  • Comments: 0

YYC Food Trucks to Revolutionize Calgary Street Food!!

August 4, 2011
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Have you head the buzz about YYC Food Trucks!? There is a TON of cool food about to hit Calgary streets – from gelato, to perogy’s, to gourmet burgers- this food revolution has been a long time in the making and is finally on track to serve up some delicious and inspiring new eats to Calgarians everywhere!

“Calgary has quickly become a mecca for innovative food culture that is continuously growing through a desire to offer locally made, high level, sustainable food. This pilot project is an attempt to add vibrancy to our streets and bring people together in beautiful parts of our city. YYCFoodtrucks seeks to assist clients in creating, and executing, long-term sustainable businesses that can be significant and valuable contributors to both their owners and the local communities that they service.”

Be sure to head down to Stephen Avenue on Thursday August 11th from 11:00am – 3:00pm for the ‘YYC Taste the Trucks’ event and official launch of the Food Truck Pilot Project!  Enjoy some AMAZING and yummy samplings for each of the Food Trucks and show your support for this awesome project!

Some of the great people involoved in this project include:
Fiasco Gelato – Handcrafted Authentic Gelato’s and Sorbetos
Perogy Boyz – Eastern European-inspired street food
Alley Burger – Gourmet Burgers for CHAR|CUT
Fries & Dolls – gluten-free gourmet French fries & smokies
Pimentos Mobile Pizzeria -Chef Mario’s amazing creations streetside
Jojo’s BBQ -the BEST TRUE BLUE southern-style BBQ
Los Compadres Mexican -Gourmet tacos and  authentic Mexican cuisine

Follow each of these awesome trucks on Twitter to keep in the loop about whats happening, where they will be and how to can get your hands on some delicious grub!

For more information about YYC Food Trucks  or to RSVP to the August 11th ‘Taste the Trucks’ event, check out YYC Food Trucks Facebook page HERE!

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Advocacy,Events,Family Fun,Food & Drink,Just plain AWESOME!,Local Business,Shopping,Transportation |
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  • Comments: 0

Photo of the Week – Peter Redford

August 1, 2011
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Photo: Peter Redford
Representing: img55
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peteredass/

Submit to our flickr pool for your chance to be featured on POTW!

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Photo of the Week |
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HYTES Annual Family Summer Fun Event!

July 31, 2011
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My sweet friend Dawn O’Connor, is helping to organize HYTES (Helping Youth Through Educational Scolorships) 6th Annual Family Summer Fun Event- A fun-filled afternoon for the whole family and help send children to school overseas! By attending this event you will be supporting astoundingly enthusiastic and dedicated secondary students abroad who otherwise would not be able to attend school. This is an issue that is important to so many people- both locally and globally, and unfortunately one that often does not get the attention and help it deserves. But now is your chance for the whole family to get involved!

Event Activities and Entertainment:
* Snacks
* Live music
* Huge silent auction with fabulous prizes
* Face painting
* Crafts for the kids
* Games for the whole family
* Powered by the People blender bike

Please feel free to bring your own cups and plates to reduce waste.

A listing of silent auction items coming soon! Please contact Dawn O’Connor at dawno@hytes.org if you have an Auction donation.

Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (MT)
South Calgary Community Centre (SCCA)
3130 16th St S.W
Calgary, Alberta T2T 4G7

To register to attend this FREE event or for more information, please visit the following link:

http://hytes2011fundraiser.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecount

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Advocacy,Charity,Events,Family Fun,Food & Drink,FREE!! |
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  • Comments: 0

Tubby Doc

July 31, 2011
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Calgary’s Tubby Dog is a much loved and special place. Known for its elaborate, wildly delicious hot dogs and charmingly kitschy atmosphere, the restaurant has become a central location for so much of what makes Calgary unique. From hosting DIY punk and indie rock shows to being the go-to spot for a post-bar meal, the restaurant has something exciting happening at all hours.

Local filmmaker Sara Hughes has spent the last 2 years filming all the insanity, drama and fun, and now we’re left with Tubby Doc.

The film serves as a fitting tribute for fans of this Calgary institution as well as an introduction for those who have never been. A loose narrative is formed around hilarious, often heartfelt vignettes that demonstrate the pandemonium that can occur at this anything-goes restaurant and venue. It also ably demonstrates the family-minded staff who provide the heart and soul of the film.

Tubby Doc will screen on September 2 at the Uptown Stage and Screen. The evening kicks off with performances from Grown-Ups, the Gooeys and Wasted Wealth at the Marquee Room, with a screening to follow at 11pm. Be sure to check it out!

For more info, so the facebook invite HERE!

Check out the trailer HERE

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Events,Film,Food & Drink,Just plain AWESOME!,Local Business,Music |
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  • Comments: 0

Blog Your Dog – Apollo!

July 31, 2011
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Got an awesome dog? EMAIL in their name, breed, favorite treats, other information you want to include and pictures to have your pal featured on CalgaryisAwesome!

Today’s dog featured on BLOG YOUR DOG is Jessica’s BFF- Apollo! Here is what she has to say about him:

blogyourdog5 NAME: Apollo Peanut
BREED: Chihuahua X
FAVORITE SNACK: Curly Swirlies (Dried Curly cow tendons. Gross!), and Caesar treats.
OTHER INFO: Apollo loves chasing his 2 kitty sisters. He follows his mommy EVERYWHERE she goes, loves to cuddle and is convinced he is a Rottweiler.

Read more

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Blog Your Dog |
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  • Comments: 0

RiverWalk Grand Opening ‘Rock the Walk’

July 27, 2011
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Come down this Saturday and check out the new RiverWalk plaza in East Village. They have put so much work into making the river fun, accessible, and TOTALLY beautiful! Market Collective is excited to join with them for this sweet outdoor event!

Saturday, July 30 · 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Along the River outside of the Simmons Building- 610 5th Ave SE

Bring your bike, bring your family, bring your party pants and be prepared to enjoy a beautiful day in the East Village!

For more information, check out the Facebook invite, or visit the East Village Website.

  • Written by: Jessica Duchin |
  • Category: Design,Events,Family Fun,Just plain AWESOME!,Neighborhoods,Parks & Recreation,Shopping,The Arts,The Outdoors |
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  • Comments: 0
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