Category Archives: Get to Know Your Community

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to an ongoing segment here at The Daily Gumboot. It’s called “Get to Know Your Community” and, basically, it goes like this: each and every Sunday we will profile someone from a community somewhere. Each person is asked the same five questions (see below as well as in the “Ideas from Everywhere” page). At the end of the profile, the Gumbooteer (member of this blog’s Editorial Board) who found the person will list their three favourite things about the highlighted community member. Savvy?

Pete Mackenzie – NOT an Idiot

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Who are you?

[Editor's note: Pete Mackenzie is an Employment Counsellor & Facilitator at Job Options BC with the YMCA-YWCA of the Okanagan. Born and raised in Vancouver, he misses the rain and real estate prices. His messianic zeal is built around youth employment issues and he believes with some creative entrepreneurship, BC can be the next Mumbai, India. Pete is also this blog's newest Correspondent!]

Most people think of me as the guy with chiseled abs. Actually, that’s the guy standing next to me… he’s a bit of a jerk.

What do you do for fun?

Um, work. I’m really lame. I saw Superbad a few years ago, it was pretty good.

What is your favourite community? Why?

I ‘m taking a road trip to Utah in the spring. I hope the dynamic personality down there rubs off on me.

Pete can't belive the Canucks lost again!

What is your superpower?

The ability to talk even when no one is listening.

Pete building community!

How do you use it to build community?

One day I hope have something meaningful to say.

My Three Favourite Things About Pete Are…

1. Brevity. This was one of the fastest and more entertaining GTKYCs ever. Well played, Pete. Well played.

2. The Man Knows Funny. One need only check out Pete’s first contribution to The Daily Gumboot, “How Not to Look Like an Idiot” to get a sense of his humourous, um, sense. I  appreciate our newest Correspondent’s penchant for “laughing it off” – in the business of blogging, one needs to be able to laugh reflexively, as there are a lot of annonymously mean-spirited trolls out there.

3. Entrepreneurial Spirit. I love that Pete works for fun and I also love – and am honoured by – the fact that he sought out this piblication and pitched us on his writing style and substance. To say that he’s a good fit would be one of the biggest understatements of 2012!

- As told by John Horn

John Connor – Our Last Best Hope in the face of the Apocalypse

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Who are you?

I’m John Connor. Voice and leader of the resistance. If you’re reading this, you are part of my cabal of human freedom fighters. My mom was Sarah Connor. She was a great woman. I used to think she was a complete psycho and a “total loser”. Now I understand. She understood the computers were going to take over the world. She taught me how to be tough, how to fight and how to lead people in a military operation. Without her, I would not exist. Without me, the resistance to the machines would have been crushed years ago.

What do you do for fun?

Kill terminators. When I was young, I used to like to play video games and cruise around on my little scooter bike with my buddy Tim. Today, Tim’s dead – killed in the nuclear holocaust that was Judgement Day. In fact, they’re almost all dead. In fact, don’t take this the wrong way, but in the future, when we’re constantly evading hunter-killer terminators and planning offensives against the Skynet, fun just doesn’t seem to exist.

What is your favourite community? Why?

The human communities around the world. The survivors who refuse to go silently into the night. Who chose to find a way to survive and to resist the terrible future of the machines. I love this community and will die fighting to defend it. Why? If you don’t know, then you’re probably a machine and you’ll likely never be able to really understand.

What is your superpower?

An innate ability to kill terminators. I’ve been fighting terminators since I was a kid. Hell, I was at war with them before I was even born. I know what they’re thinking, what they’re planning and I know how to terminate them using everything from MIG fighters to laser rifles to machine guns. In a world overrun by the bastards, my superpower is the best thing our species has got. That may sound a bit arrogant. If you think so, you can go to hell. What are you doing to save the human race?

How do you use it to build community?

It’s simple. The more terminators I kill correspondents directly with the more human communities that will survive. If I can kill them all and destroy Skynet, mankind may once again become the top dog on the planet Earth.

My Three Favourite Things About John Are…

1. He’s scrappy and has a lot of pluck. You see it throughout his life. Be it when he’s a young teen racing through the waterways of LA while being chased by a giant mac truck, dodging military drones when in his late 20s on the eve of Judgement Day or even jumping into the middle of the Pacific Ocean during a horrible storm to swim to submarine in his 40s.

2. His relationship with a machine made me cry when I was a kid. Yup, I don’t get too emotional most of the time. But John’s special relationship with his terminator guardian in T2 is pretty special. That sort of depth of character demonstrates that while he may seem like a arrogant badass based on his comments above, he’s also the same guy that as a kid, taught a machine how to be more human.

3. His pure doggedness. It’s gotta be tough fighting terminators your entire life, especially in the face of such horrible odds. It’s gotta be even tougher knowing you have a destiny and that destiny will likely keep you alone and in danger through your entire life. But John doesn’t give up. His single minded commitment to fighting for our future has made the game of WWJCD (What would John Connor Do?) a popular one in our household.

Sara Bynoe – Literarious!

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Who are you?

My response to this question depends on who is asking. Since you met me when I was doing comedy I’ll answer from my performer persona.

I’m Sara Bynoe. I’m an actor, writer, producer, host and general ‘who’s that girl’ about town. I run a monthly show called Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciolusly Rotten Writing where I get funny people up onstage to read from the worst books they can find. I’ve also been the force behind a community comedy show called Teen Angst Night, where anyone can get up on stage, the catch is that you have to share embarrassing writing you wrote when you were a teenager. I’m also the Den Mama for the Vancouver Chapter of Dance Dance Party Party – currently on hiatus while I have a contract for the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival Jan 17-Feb 4 in various venues around Vancouver.

What do you do for fun?

For fun I dance, sing, and hang out with friends. I often combine all three by going to karaoke. I also perform, write, produce and act silly on stage for fun.

Other things I think are fun: yoga, pilates, traveling, and dancing. I said that already, didn’t I?  I really like dancing.

What is your favourite community? Why?

This is a tough question. I feel a part of so many communities it’s hard to pick just one. Lately I’ve been loving how I can hardly walk down a street in Vancouver with out bumping into anyone I know. So I guess I’ll have to say Vancouver’s performing community. I know so many wonderful people working hard on and for events and their art; be it comedy, theatre, film, dance, writing, music or art. I’m constantly inspired by the endless dedication to creation that is in the city.

What is your superpower?

My superpower is the ability to see projects through to fruition. I don’t feel particularly talented in any art form but my gift lies in dedication and the ability to produce.

For example: In 2000, when I was 19 years old I had the idea for a website that would be the online database of the world’s worst teenage poetry – 11 years, one website, one book, several international gigs and maybe a hundred Canadian shows later I’m still doing it.

How do you use it to build community?

A lot of my superpower is already dedicated to building community, be it through organizing Dance Dance Party Party, growing my connection with the performing and comedy scene or through my audience at Say Wha?! Nights.

I’ve recently added a community element to my shows where I encourage the audience to talk to each other. It’s amazing how people will follow directions if you have a microphone in your hand. The way I see it, why shouldn’t you say hi to people at other tables, you’re at the same small event which means you’re all awesome, therefore you should know each other.

My Three Favourite Things About Sara Are…

1. She makes reading fun! Not to mention friggin’ hilarious.I absolutely love the powerful simplicity behind Say Wha?! - crappy writing, when read with style, sass, and interspersed-witticisms, begets many laughs from lucky guests. With perfect stage presence, playful unpretentiousness and Jill Barber-ish style (unless, Sara, you aren’t a fan…I’m just saying that you have a wonderful, throw-back fashion sense that jives well with your act) Sara makes us all appreciate good literature while we cringe, squirm and howl at the bad stuff. My lovely wife and special lady, Michelle, doesn’t care too much for comedians; and she absolutely loved Sara’s performance at the Havana Theatre in early January. Because Sara makes reading fun!

2. Organized drive that delivers awesome. I have the highest respect for people who deliver on what they say they’re going to do. And people who set and achieve goals (especially stretch-goals). And people who get results. So, what’s the difference between real entrepreneurs and everybody else? Entrepreneurs do things. Their life is a living laboratory of thinking, testing ideas, revising them, and then testing them again. Seeing Sara perform – and then conversing with her in person and through the Internets afterward – revealed her sparkling possession of such character. And it’s a beautiful thing!

3. Audience participation. Inclusiveness is once of the most important pillars of happy and healthy communities. And whether it’s organizing Dance Dance Parties Parties (right?) or encouraging a talkative audience, Sara gets more – maybe the best – out of myriad Vancouver communities. Hey, Sara, I look forward to bumping into you on the street sooner than later!

- As told by John Horn

Kiley Redhead – Pure Intuition

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Who are you?

At first I wondered whether I should answer this question about me personally or about my work. Then I realized that it is the same answer, because who I am is my work. After years of feeling lost and misaligned with my work, I decided to embark on an adventure of self-discovery from which I wanted to connect with my own inspired work. Through this journey, I discovered my own purpose and vision, and my mission is now to help others realize the same. The creation that helps me fulfill this is my business, which is called The New School for Inspired Work. A place where I share my process with those who desire to create work that feels meaningful to them. I believe when we work from this place of inspiration, we serve the world best.

What do you do for fun?

My work is the most fun thing I do. Whether I am creating new courses or facilitating them or being with the incredible people that participate in them – I feel the most alive, the most joyful, and the most myself. I cannot imagine anything being more fun than that. I do have other loves outside of work. I enjoy playing games, all games – card games, board games, computer games. I also spend a lot of time cooking, using new recipes – I never cook the same meal twice. As well, I like to participate in a variety of activities such as swimming, biking, yoga, tennis, and boogieboarding. I especially love taking courses, learning, and being at school. In fact, I love it so much I decided to create a school so that I could be there all the time. Oh, I am talking about work again, aren’t I?

What is your favourite community? Why?

Outside of the people I work with every day, my favourite community is the Olympic community. What I mean by this is anyone and everyone around the globe who has any connection with the Games, whether hosting them, participating in them, or watching them. Why is because every two years for a short period of time, during the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, I feel as though we come together as one planet and I feel connected to the spirit of all. When I felt this most powerfully was when we hosted the Games here in Vancouver and personally saw the Olympic torch afire. To me, the flame represented the heart alight in each and every person.

What is your superpower?

I would define my superpower as “intuitive listener”. By listening with every part of my being, I am able to feel what others are saying, and what they are not saying, on many different levels.

How do you use it to build community?

We all want to feel heard, mostly from ourselves. When I am listening, others hear themselves to their own clarity, and this is where inspired work comes from. Those who want to connect with their work join me on this journey. Along with the programs, I create community by hosting movie nights, book clubs, and game nights at the school. More information can be found at http://www.thenewschool.ca/.

My Three Favourite Things About Kiley Are…

1. Entrepreneurial Super-Spirit. Kiley’s honest and transparent entrepreneurism is reflected by her very awesome comment about work being her life and life being her work. And her belief that working is how and when she has the most fun tells the story of a person who has truly found the intersection of her talent and passion.

2. Game-playing Fun. I think that Kiley might be the first person to admit/celebrate playing board games. I like this. A lot. I’m not saying that she’s a nerd, but I’m not not saying it, either. Regardless, nerds are awesome!

3. Getting the Best out of People! Starting with her awesome intuitive listening, Kiley applies her superpower in a way that is sure to support communities as well as reveal the best things about them (and the people that live inside).

Betty Annand – 84 Years of Awesome

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Who are you?

My name is Betty Annand and I’ve been around long enough to wear purple and drink gin!  I should be very sagacious by now, but I find that I learn more from my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren than they learn from me. I was born in 1927 in Vancouver and lived on Capitol Hill in the east end of that city until 1937 at which time we moved to the little town of Bevan on Vancouver Island. The #8 mine had just opened and the families that moved to Bevan had come through some very hard times and were still hard up, so everyone was in the same boat. This resulted in a bond amongst all the children that was, and in most cases still is, tantamount to belonging to one family. Although we only lived in that little town for two years before moving to Courtenay, I still enjoy being referred to as a “Bevanite.”

What do I do for fun?

I have a great time dabbling. Although I’ve never become an expert at anything, I’ve always had the desire to try new things. I’ve dabbled in oils, clay and even painted fish plugs. I’ve tried my hand at acting, playwriting, directing and producing. I’ve written three books of memories from local pioneer families and am now attempting to write my first novel. I’m also learning to play the ukulele, love to go for walks and play cards. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many countries, but the most fun I have is just being with my kids!  The only hobby I don’t want to take up is “Boredom” and hopefully, I never will.

What is my favorite community? Why?

I would have to say that I love every community in the Comox Valley equally. When you have lived here as long as I have, you have good memories of every neighborhood and the people that lived, and may still be living, there.

What is my superpower?

Gosh, I wish I knew!  It may be my smile, or my interest in people. I think all people are unique and have an inner, if not outer, beauty so I like to smile at who ever I meet just to let them know I see it!  If I really did have a superpower, I’d want the power to make everyone tell the truth, especially politicians. There would probably be times when even I’d be caught bending the truth – but it would be worth it.

How do I use it to build community?

If my interest in people really is my superpower, I guess I could say that I’ve used it to record the stories of the courageous pioneer families who began building communities in this wonderful part of Canada.

My Three Favourite Things About Betty Are…

1. Storytelling Prowess. Whether during conversations, as part of a presentation, in essays, short stories, or novels, Betty’s unpretentious interest in people – and her ability to tell their stories – has made her the stuff of legend. With a natural ability – and well-honed talent – Betty pushes nouns against verbs with passion, wisdom and, as evidenced above, a wonderful sense of humour.

2. Lust for Life. Yeah, that’s a photo of an 84 year old woman riding an ATV. Awesome.

3. Family. My mom, Janet, and Betty’s daughter, Nancy, taught elementary school together. And, somehow, such a connection makes Betty and I family. And such a thing makes me lucky. And such a thing doesn’t even include the dozens of blood-relatives with whom she shares her energy, ideas, love, and, most importantly, stories.

The Britannia Homework Club

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Who are you?

We are a non-profit society that draws its students from Vancouver’s 3 poorest neighbourhoods – Strathcona, Grandview-Woodlands and the Downtown East Side.  Our mission is to support the academic, social/emotional and financial needs of youth at Britannia Secondary, struggling to graduate and achieve post-secondary success by providing free tutoring, fresh fruit and snacks, and bursaries for post-secondary education.  Each year, approximately 370 students attend Homework Club, and we have provided between $3,000 and $9,000 worth of bursaries each year.  This year, we had a shortfall in funding and appealed to a variety of sources in hopes of securing enough money to sustain us this year, and expand in the future.  We entered the Aviva Community Fund for a chance to win $150,000 and last week, found ourselves in the semi-finals.  Our plans for the money can be found on the Aviva website www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf11198 and you can learn more about our organization at www.wix.com/ksleary/homework-club

How is your organization fun?

Nutella, Nutella, Nutella!  It’s what the kids line up for, and probably one of the few ways to make homework fun!

What is your organization’s superpower?

Blasting through obstacles like homework, finances and social/emotional problems to help kids in need.

How do you use it to build community?

While we work primarily with high school aged youth, the program has broader benefits for families and communities as younger siblings and parents see the powerful benefits of school attendance and success. By strengthening families HWC also promotes effective community capacity building because strong families are the building blocks of strong communities.

Mackenzie Noot – The All-World Neighbour

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Who are you?

How can I attempt to answer this question at 1:30 in the morning?! I am Mackenzie of Clan Noot of Driffield Rd. Eldest child of two fantastic individuals, Tim and Theresa, both of whom instilled solid values and nurtured a love of life and adventure in their offspring. I’m a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, and an auntie of two little munchkins. I’m an advocate for healthy living, I’m a westcoast girl, a gumboot wearing deckhand on the Titanium, and a surgical nurse. I am a collector of the world’s greatest friends. Although I have no “special” talent, I can easily be convinced that I’m the next lead singer in Aerosmith or a backup dancer for Britney. Some may say that I have courage to a fault. Those people are merely disillusioned ;) Overall, I’m a small town gal of Merville, a somewhat charasmatic nerd with really cool friends and family.

What do you do for fun?

Well I’d have to list eating (especially seafood), sleeping and laughing as my top three fave hobbies. Although I also like anything to do with the ocean – aside from sports fishing – too boring. My major passion is getting out and about in the world experiencing new people and places. This year I spend 3.5 months “having fun” travelling. And, my secret fave thing to do is deep chest compressions on a patient. This may sound morbid, but there’s nothing more satisfying than doing everything you possibly can to bring someone back to life – including breaking ribs. Work is fun for me.

What is your favourite community? Why?

My fave community would be hands down that of Rennie Road. Nowhere else have I encountered neighbours and friends who lend out anything from baking essentials to automobiles to skill sets to hugs. If you need a hand tackling pigs to building garages to putting on a wedding, we’re on it. Y2K no big deal on Rennie Rd … we practiced baking over woodstoves for months before New Years and would have monthly neighbourhood potlucks to celebrate. Growing up there, you always had extra parents and a herd of playmates – those off all whom remain good friends and second families. The support, kindness, friendship, and love of those that live in this small community is something to be cherished and is, I fear, quite uncommon.

What is your superpower?

I honestly wish I could say flying. However, I’ll settle on a super human ability to connect with those around me? Yep, I suppose that’d be it.

How do I use it to build community?

Well, the super human power of connecting with others is key in bringing my community together. If thats just a social meeting of friends, or workmates or neighbours … people tend to meet, greet and be merry. Which in the end makes me happy. Although a superhuman flying ability would be cooler.

My Three Favourite Things About Mackenzie Are…

1. She comes from good stock. Mackenzie’s family is all about kindness, hardwork, being local, and, you guessed it, family. I love the Noots’ big hearts, their athleticism, their sense of adventure, their entrepreneurial spirit, and the fact that the Noot Clan’s senses of humour truly run the gamut of sensation; from slapstick to wordplay to funny-hat-prop-comedy. Oh, and she – and the rest of her family – all proudly sport gumboots, too.

2. Hilarity and Adventure become her. One need only befriend Mackenzie on Facebook to get a sense of her, um, sense of adventure. She’s traveled to many continents. She’s inspired and been inspired by many people and places. And she made it on many news programs on April 29, 2011 because her and some friends wore fancy hats to the Royal Wedding and know a thing or two about self-promotion. Positive, laugh-inspiring energy like Mackenzie’s hits your community like a train and, in my opinion, it’s in your best interest to hop on board and enjoy the ride!

3. Connectivity. A few months ago my sister got married and Mackenzie was one of the guests – well, she was much more than that. Truly, Mackenzie was one of the connectors at the event. She helped out, played games, pulled people on to the dance floor, cleaned-up, engaged introverted strangers, and definitely left a positive impact on the weekend. This was a window, I think, into how Mackenzie just plain connects with people.

Patrick Oleman – Street Soccer Champion

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Who are you?

Patrick Oleman, captain of the 2010 Homeless World Cup Team Canada and captain of Woodwards FC – a street soccer team based in the Downtown Eastside out of the famous Woodwards Building. Oh, and I’m also a long distance runner.

What do you do for fun?

Run, play soccer and visit people from the street in and around the Downtown Eastside.

What your favorite community?

The Downtown Eastside – because it is my hood. There are so many interesting people down here that need help, but for whatever reason, just can’t get the help they need. I like to try to help them and when it happens, it’s the best feeling in the world. It makes me feel like a better person.

What’s your superpower?

Bringing out the best in people.

How use it to build community?

The more people I encourage and engage the bigger the community becomes and the better and more inclusive it is. I saw this first hand when I worked with team-mates to build Woodwards FC.

My Three Favourite Things About Patrick Oleman Are…

1. Enthusiasm for sport. This is a guy who loves sports. He loves soccer (with a passion) and that mad love affair is enough to get you plugged in and ready to do yet another set of drills. Don’t feel like it, “2 laps” (as Patrick would say). This enthusiasm never ceases to inspire me. Around two years ago, Patrick was out of shape and facing homelessness. Two years later he has competed in a world tournament in Brazil, practices 4-5 times a week and runs about every other day he isn’t playing soccer. In the coming weeks he’s planning on running a half marathon – something he’s been training for for months. His pure love of sports enough to make you a believer of its power to heal and transform.

2. His role building and expanding Street Soccer in Metro Vancouver. Patrick’s ongoing engagement in Street Soccer is inspiring. He’s been a committed member of the Portland FC and the Vancouver Street Soccer league for well over two years (a lifetime when you consider the rapid turnover of the team’s players). He’s also taken on a mentorship role with players both on the pitch and off it. That’s led to the creation of a new street soccer team (Woodwards FC) and the inclusion of a over half a dozen new players, many of whom have also become longtime members of the soccer club. Without Patrick, Woodwards FC and Portland FC would not have been able to make the same amazing progress over the past year in engaging people at risk of homelessness with a potentially world-changing sport.

3. His backwards jump kick soccer shot.  It’s a thing to behold, even if it doesn’t hit the mark every time its done. Heck, even the Whitecaps think it’s cool.

Martin Renauld – The Activist Scholar

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Who are you?

My name is Martin Renauld. Even though I´m only 31 years old, I have been considered old for more than a decade… since I am both extremely wise and have grey hair. I´m Québécois, currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I am pursuing a PHD in social science, studying the Argentinean ecologist movement.  I also teach history at the UADE (Universidad Argentina de la Empresa).

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy playing basketball, drink wine and arguing with people. The last one is my favorite, some would say discuss, but I enjoy discussions when they become passionate and sometimes a little uncomfortable.  I think a little provocation is often useful to challenge others´ opinions and hopefully mine as well.

What is your Favorite Community and why?

My favorite community is Montevideo, Uruguay. Even though the city counts 1 million inhabitants, “barrio” (neighborhood) life is central. Montevideans have managed to make their city quite friendly by knowing their neighbors and fomenting local activities. Every barrio has its own farmer market (blocking a street once a week to sell agricultural goods), sport teams, a candombe group (music and dancing with drums) representing the barrio during carnival, a cultural center and a strong sense of belonging.

What is your superpower?

I would say my analytical and critical sense. It can get on people´s nerves once in a while, but I´m very good at finding what´s wrong (in general and for very specific issues). I am trying to work on the finding solution superpower, not as easy…

How do you use your superpower to build community?

Constructive comments would be my main contribution to humanity, sometimes to specific communities.

My Three Favourite Things About Martin Are…

1. Wool Socks. Whether it’s the middle of winter, middle of summer, during a basketball game, or when he’s not wearing anything else, Martin Renauld wears wool socks. Some have argued that this is a throw-back to his family’s historical roots as a notorious coureurs de bois collective, while others argue that he just really, really likes the way the fabric feels against his skin. Personally, I don’t care – when you look that good in something – anything – it doesn’t matter why you wear it.

2. Adventurous Tri-lingualism. Martin’s grasp – perhaps tenuous grasp – of three and a half languages (native French, Spanish, English, Portuguese) reflects his passion for exploring vibrant cultures around the world. I’ve known Martin since our days together as undergraduate students at Bishop’s University, where I edited many of his essays – I can safely say that, in addition to throwing the word “the” everywhere in his text, Martin’s ideas were/are as brilliant in English as they are in any other language…except, maybe, Portuguese.

3. Love of Debate. Wal-Mart? Hockey? Healthy living? Neo-colonialism? Kurt’s contradictory socio-economic views? Proper pronunciation my name in English? How Steve Nash would be better if he wore wool socks? You name it, Martin will debate it. Correspondent/My Special Lady, Michelle Burtnyk, spent nearly a month with Martin in his Buenos Aires home. Every morning Michelle, Martin and I engaged in (at least) four hour breakfast debates that totally solved all the world’s problems. We probably should’ve written things down. After all, Martin could do it in three languages!

As told by John Horn…

William Shakespeare – Un-Anonymous Literary Figure

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Courtesy of tonynetone, Flickr

Who are you?

William Shakespeare. The greatest writer in the History of the English Language. I’m a poet, a playwright, an historian, an activist, and a mysterious figure whose biography, according to guys like Bill Bryson, “has long been a thicket of wild supposition arranged around scant facts.” And this whole Anonymous movie experiment isn’t helping to underscore the fact that, yes, I was a real person and, yes, I was – and still am – an amazing literary figure. I mean, check this out:

Will my ancestors be seeing any royalties from this film? Probably not. So please trust me when I say that this interview is all about defending my legacy as a real person and not at all a clever publicity stunt.

What do you do for fun?

Write, write and write some more. I also enjoy mead and tongue-in-cheek criticism of power-thirsty monarchies. When performed, my work allows for entertaining spaces of autonomy for peoples of all ages, shapes, sizes, and socio-economic backgrounds. Oh, and I also like fancy hats and parades!

What is your favourite community? Why?

High school English classes. Watching you kids engage with my texts is a standing joke for we writers here in the afterlife. You haven’t gotten anything wrong, per se, but you haven’t not gotten anything wrong, either.

What is your superpower?

Iambic pentameter.

How do you use it to build community?

For over 400 years this rhythmic writing style has inspired students, scholars, poets, thinkers, innovators, and creatives the world over. My comedic, tragic, historical, and romantic tropes have stood the test of time and, many have argued, are responsible for a range of narratives that include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Every love poem
  • Friends
  • The Harry Potter series
  • Star Wars
  • Everything written by Stephen Greenblatt

My Three Favourite Things about William Shakespeare Are…

1. He makes reading and writing fun! Whether it’s Bard on the Beach or this cool project or me reciting the Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet to Kurt’s sister during a hilarious evening in the summer of 2003, it’s hard to not have fun with so many fantastic examples of poetry, prose and plays.

2. He’s an Historian! True story. I even wrote a paper in grad school about it; so it must be true. With an incredible bias that favoured the narrative of England’s ruling family, the Tudors, Billy Shakes chronicled English history with subjective pomp and pageantry that gentlemen like Niall Ferguson emulate even to this day.

3. Mystery, controversy and passionate debate surround him! Did the Early of Oxford, Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson actually anonymously pen all of Shakespeares 37 plays and 100+ sonnets? Was there a conspiracy to cover this up? Was William Shakespeare actually a soldier from the future sent back in time to protect Queen Elizabeth I from a terminator? There are many great theories out there that answer these questions. And they are all passionately debated, thus sustaining – and even growing – the relevance of this literary figure centuries after his (alleged) passing. Clearly, in the words we write and others read forever we become truly immortal!

Masthead photo courtesy of Hashmil