SpencerVolume4No1Flipbook2023

What would you say is unique, or at least uncommon about HARIS SARDAR: FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW your artwork? How do you know when a painting is completed, when you can let go? Well, if you look at it, I think its apparent that unique is the I will start the answer to this question by quoting the man first thing that comes to mind. whom I made a promise at his crypt in Figures in 2019 to start For me art is about originality, dedication to the craft and painting again and resurrect surrealism in the new modern the sheer hard work that goes into producing original works. minimalist contemporary art scene. Even though I am inspired by the techniques of Dali, Gough, “Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.” Monet, Greco and Sadequain, I am determined to define my - Salvador Dali own unique style with elements of surrealism, impasto im- Therefore, for me a painting is never finished ever as I do suf- pressionism as well as references to pop art. fer from that perfectionist syndrome. However, I have learned I want to bring a visual style that no one has done before and to walk away once my abilities on a piece have been exhausted. I think my lack of formal training actually helps me take more risks and define my own practice free of major influencers of Boxed Sagrada Familia the previous and current generations. This is simply because I c. 2021 have not studied them and my only exposure is from museum Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, visits. 72\" x 60\" x 1.5\" 101 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Flowerin' White Swan 102 www.spencer-magazine.com c. 2020 Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 48\" x 60\" x 1.5\" the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc.

HARIS SARDAR: FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW Flowerin' Black Swan c. 2020 Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 48\" x 60\" x 1.5\" 103 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Haris and Isabella Sardar with Bhaloo Isabella is an accomplished artist in her own right. She is displaying one of her Mexican-inspired paintings. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 104 www.spencer-magazine.com

HARIS SARDAR: FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW What motivates you to use art to communicate to the world? The motivation is simple and yet complicated. It is my voice and I want to use my talent to tell a visual story of a teenage, Muslim-born boy’s immigration to Canada from Pakistan in the midst of the 9/11 crisis. I want to tell the story of my secular beliefs and the ideology of one- ness of humanity without the divide of man-made political borders, religions, race, sexuality, or cultures. I consider myself a human from this world, this universe, a true global citizen that has been impacted by people from across the world. I also want to represent the majority of people of South Asia who are peace loving, open minded, and re- spectful of women and their elders. I want to change views on either side of the spectrum, by breaking down the pre-conceived ideology of differences between the East and West. Hello people wake up, we are all the same!!! There is also a political agenda in the near future, and I don’t want Flowerin' Desi Dancer – my art career to die before it has really even taken off. I will wait to Leela, Padukone paint my thoughts on the American price of freedom and aristocratic c. 2020 lifestyles of the bigoted religious quacks and such subjects until I am Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, a bit more established. 36\" x 48\" x 1.5\" And then of course the mental health affliction that has touched ev- ery person’s life, especially the creatives. I want to produce works to The first order/cancellation of business to prepare for normalize mental health issues and spread awareness of available the show was to cease all commission work and push treatments and the advances made in this field. all interested collectors to after the show. I am very The motivation goes on to include charitable efforts. I want to donate lucky and blessed that the commission line-up is going as many funds, especially from the sale of the giclee print reproduc- well into 2024. tions, to mental health, heart and cancer societies as well as for chil- dren who cannot afford art supplies. Apart from that I have managed to save a few pieces Lastly, the motivation is to leave behind a legacy. If we never have from my collection that will be going to the show such kids, at least these babies of mine may keep me alive beyond the usu- as the Flowerin’ Black and White Swans etc. I plan on al second generation. painting 2 more pieces which include Flowerin’ Rhian- na and am contemplating a Flowerin’ Marilyn 2.0 on What adjectives would you use to describe your art? a larger scale for the show as the original has already Colorful, Impactful, Surrealist, Unique, Original, Provoking although been collected. the technique can improve. Apart from that, there are a lot of logistics to figure How does living in Toronto, Canada inspire your art? out such as crating, shipping, customs, boarding and The multi-cultural hub that we are lucky enough to call home has lodging. Also, my sister and manager for South Asia is exposed me to people from all walks and corners of life. It is the city preparing merchandise, print media marketing mate- that honed-in on the oneness of humanity aspect of my belief, where rials, booklets and so on. There is a lot of coordination my actuarial life mentors and champions have been Jewish and best required and it is going to take a village to get ready. friends agnostic. It is Toronto where I met my Mexican spouse who was raised Catholic, most x-pat family and friends from Pakistan Luckily, numerous friends from Toronto, actuaries identifying as Muslim, colleagues and friends from every country from various cities around North America and other possible representing a colorful spectrum of culture, sexuality and family members are going to be flying in for the show, political views. thus there is real excitement. Canada and in particular Toronto has provided me with a platform where I can be myself and flourish in both my actuarial and art careers. We are also very thankful for all the family and friends currently living in New York City that have volun- What are you working on right now? teered/told to help out. I am working on Flowerin’ Rhianna from the 2015 Met Gala to be un- veiled at the Art Expo New York 2023. What advice would you give to your younger self? How are you preparing for your show in NYC, at the Art Expo NY (by Keep on going you have always been on the right track! the Redwood Art Group) March of 2023? You will eventually find your calling and the path that was laid out for you is exactly what you need in order to follow your passion but from a place of strength. Oh and also eat less, exercise and don’t touch that first cigarette. 105 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Mohatta, Bordeaux, Milan! This is the dream of Mij Rahman - by Haris Sardar c. 2020 Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 60\" x 36\" x 2\" the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 106 www.spencer-magazine.com

HARIS SARDAR: FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW 107 All Photot Credits for this article: Jonathan Levy Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Journeyof an Artist Series The BODO Story By Harlen Troost This talent has seemingly appeared from no where, and the limits of creativity and mediums appear to have no bounds. BODO is heralded as a canvas painter, sculpture, set Bodo raises the scale both in size and level of detail; from first designer, music video producer, fashion icon, fashion attempt as a canvas painter to a year later teaching himself maker, digital wizard, all while keeping the look of his digital design, photogrammetry, creating some of Canada’s singular, innovative style. most unique augmented reality art works. Completely self-taught, with no formal schooling, Bodo has Just as his physical paintings are spectacular in the day, Bodo has only recently (within the last 4 years) discovered his capabil- incorporated into every painting a \"fluorescent capability\" with a ities in the arts. It took a very personally troubling series of truly immersive experience. The painting glows in spectacular events that ignited an unrelenting pursuit of passion-driven art. amazement once the \"black light\" fluorescent light hits the canvas. Surely a unique bonus for his clients and an exciting new service for events and clubs a like. matthew dean bodo artist name: Abstractbodo artist and director company name: Bodo.eth studio / gallery located at: 118 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Title: Opposite, \"2020, the first lockdown\" Medium: acrylic on canvas. Size: 5.5ft x 4 ft Opposite, Top: Natural Daylight Opposite, Bottom: Under Fluorescent Light the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 108 www.spencer-magazine.com

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ARTS & CULTURE Hope rises like a now have the power to play with mind boggling concepts and phoenix from the programs from the comforts of our own homes, managing ashes of shattered our public relations via twitter and discord or team meetings using a google hangout. dreams... With this new era of innovation came an entirely new jargon and community, revolutionizing our financial system. Why is it that we are so Whilst Bitcoin revolutionized decentralized finance, NFTs resistant to change? armed us with the ability to own unique physical and digital assets, arming creators with all the powers typically owned by By Estelle Ohayon the old guard. Creators are now liberated from the confines of an antiquated system that lacked equality, transparency, and Why does our nature drive us to fear change, innova- most importantly freedom to own one's data and intellectual tion and the abnormal? Why do a tiny percentage property. of us dare lead the world into uncharted territory, Digital assets were reaching all-time highs with the antic- whilst most are happy following the lead of others? ipation that the asset class would continue to grow at un- It takes true leadership and an innovative mind to alter our precedented rates. Market analysts predicted further spikes, world from the norms that we have become so accustomed flooding the market with junk coins, and other second grade to today. We are currently living in an era of decentralized promises of overnight wealth to the unsavvy investor. Bored innovation, where the world doesn't care about the univer- Apes sold for millions and other NFTs with no true value sity you went to, or where you interned during your studies. were selling out before release. As Warren Buffet referred The great minds, creators and innovators behind many of the to digital assets as the “Greater Fool” theory of economics, blockchains latest developments including DeFi, Metaverses proving that public perception of digital assets has shift- and NFTs are no different to the likes of you and I. Thanks to ed from an innovative technology to a marketing, money the gift of the Blockchain, the cost of becoming an innovator grabbing opportunity. both emotionally and financially have shrunk drastically. We As people noticed that NFTs, Tokens and Metaverses were becoming the hot topic of discussion, “FOMO” took over, in- vestors began to throw their money into projects with little reasoning beyond “FOMO”. Suddenly, just as quickly as it rose, the crypto market started to crumble down. Crypto millionaires found themselves scram- bling, investors panicked and projects began to disappear. Was this a ticking time bomb? Did we get overly confident? Were we the “greater fool”? the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 110 www.spencer-magazine.com

STEPHEN WALLIS: OPED Special to Spencer Magazine: OPED by Director Stephen Wallis DEFINING THE GREAT CANADIAN BLOCKBUSTER The Great Canadian Blockbuster. A term that you have likely never heard. Or probably will in your lifetime. A phrase that we as an industry have never aspired to reach as a collective. By Stephen Wallis The film industry has grown in many ways in Canada Jason Reitman and Shawn Levy. Let alone our most import- over the past few years. But has our position as largely ant filmmaker, Norman Jewison, whose films and service to a service industry for American productions damaged developing Canadian talent will be remembered a hundred our ability to create and develop our own films? When one years from now. But how many of these tell Canadian stories? looks at the facts surrounding the development of our own Certainly Cronenberg and Egoyan have been unapologet- talent, we inexplicably find that our best people either are ically Canadian at times but the others are mostly known drawn to Los Angeles or New York to ply their trades. Why is for US films. Which is not meant as a negative comment on that? Is it the money? The fame? The quality of work? Or is it my part. Truthfully, the pathway was never really there for something sadder and more damning? Perhaps we just have them to not go the way that they did. an industry that doesn't actually support our own creativity. It's hard to be a director of a Canadian film. It's an uphill battle Our own people. Perhaps there is no Canadian film industry to finance films here that will get seen. It's an almost impos- and most of us are doomed to be purely technicians damned sible exercise to get a proper theatrical release. Our theatres to work on other people's films because we're afraid of the would rather show the twelfth week of the latest Marvel work it will take to make our own. movie than a Canadian film about life in Toronto. Or a story When you look at the history of cinema in this country you'll of a family in Nunavut. Why is that? Is it that we as film-goers find that very few films have resonated to worldwide audienc- don't support those sort of movies? Preferring the popcorn es or are even vaguely remembered by the Canadian ones. Yes, escapism of Marvel films to the style of films that movie-goers there are filmmakers out there who are terrific. Some have used to dive into wholeheartedly in the 60's and 70's. And if made a lasting impact such as David Cronenberg, Ivan Reit- at the end of the day it is just about making popcorn movies, man and Atom Egoyan. All are vital to our history. There are then why aren't we doing them as well? What prevents us from also others who are doing well presently like Denis Villeneuve, doing so? What stops us from being great? 111 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Canadians are an interesting lot. We can be incredibly pas- not for the money I was paying them but for the quality of sionate on occasion, yet suffer from a pervasive national pas- the writing I presented. We had Oscar nominees and lifetime siveness that accepts anything American achievement winners literally working as superior to anything we could do. So for one tenth of what some Canadian ac- why bother trying? How do we change tors ask me to this day for a one-day role that? Do we even want to? “When you look at - people with little to no credits. It took me a long time to realize what the prob- As a director myself, I had to leave Can- lem was. It was simple when you broke it ada to achieve any sort of success. When the history of down. The reason for the breakdown is I first started out I found out quickly that that we've become such a service coun- the actors union in Canada was far from try, that our artisans are making such interested in small Canadian movies cinema in this higher levels of pay on those projects and even less in helping small Canadi- that it's impossible for them to not try to an directors. They were and still are, for work those bigger shows rather than the the most part, built for bigger American country you'll find lower-level Canadian ones. In the long projects. There was no system in place that very few films run, it pays your rent, but eventually it for young directors to be able to cre- leads actors to supporting work as the ate small, profitable films. To learn. To eighteenth name on the call sheet on grow. Even when they tried to do some- one of the fifty Christmas movies made thing, the costs were too high, the lim- have resonated to here each year. It's not an effective way itations on what could be done were too worldwide to build a career. Though I'd be the big. Which is why it failed over and over. first to admit that it is a fertile learning It wasn't built to succeed. It was built to ground for crew, who’ve really grown to look like they were trying. be some of the best in the world. audiences or are I ended up like many Canadians and I have noticed recently that most of moved to Los Angeles. Independent my closest friends in the business have filmmaking was thriving when I got even vaguely moved into shooting either horror films there in early 2003. A place where the remembered by the or Christmas movies. This shows me actors union gave you various ways to where the industry currently is. It's not do smaller films which were affordable that those people want to make terrible and reasonable. Actors and crew un- romantic comedies. It's just that there's derstood that a small film was someone Canadian ones.” a market for them. So they lean into trying to build a career and not seen as a them as it pays the bills. But, with each dark mission to underpay people. I was film you make that ends up being lower able to shoot films for half the cost that quality due to the content, then the far- I could back home. Meaning that I literally shot two features ther away you get from real artistic expression. I think we can in my first year because of the way their system works. That all agree that this is not the sort of work that is rewarded with helped me move forward far more than anything else. I tried lifetime achievements. And why so many complain privately for a decade to do films in Canada. I always ended up going that this is where they ended up. Where has the movie-goer's back to the States. demand for excellence gone? Where has the artist's insistence on it? I quickly found out that the Americans had a completely dif- ferent attitude to filmmaking than we did. It was about the When you look at the history of Canadians at the Oscars you'll work. It was about the creation of art at that independent lev- find some mind-boggling facts. Here's the breakdown of el. I was fascinated that big-name actors attached to my films Canadian Oscars/nominations. Best Actor: Never won Best Actress: Won two but not since 1931 Best Supporting Actor: Won three but only one since 1948 Best Supporting Actress: Won once (Anna Paquin) Best Director: Won once (James Cameron) Best Costume: Never won Best Cinematography: Never won BTS: Burt Reynolds with Director Stephen Wallis in \"Defining Moments\" the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 112 www.spencer-magazine.com

STEPHEN WALLIS: OPED Once you realize that both Cameron and Paquin left the coun- of being the best filmmakers in the world; I don't doubt that. try early in their childhood, you quickly realize that we are There is so much talent here. But we're wasting those talents embarrassingly underrepresented. Until Ryan Gosling came by not developing our own industry more. along, there hadn't been a Canadian Best Actor Nominee since 1944. A period of over sixty years. There's been as many Dodo How do we change this? For one, you'll need to be patient. birds and T.Rexs seen since the beginning of the industry as Rome wasn't built in a day and our system is so completely there's been Canadian Best Actor winners. Zero. broken that it needs to be put back together slowly and with great care. Our actor's union for one needs to develop better To add insult to injury, it's been nine- strategies for filmmakers to shoot low- ty-one years since we won a Best Ac- er-budget films with their membership. tress award. 91 years! What the hell That's how you build an industry. You happened?! You can probably place have to have people making their first some of this on American nationalism “My story is most film here. Because if they make their over the years. They've always been di- first film here, they're likely to make visive in genuine representation at the their second. And so on. As I've said to Oscars. Minorities have always, sadly, people's story. It's them in the past, I have to pay back the been shoved aside. Canadians as well even harder for people who invest in my movies. That's it seems. But is it just that? Is there an how I get to make more. Help me help anti-Canadian slant or are we just not you. making enough films of quality com- pared to other countries? women directors In my opinion, they also need to change how they allow people into the union. The answer is likely to be a bit of both. How it's done presently doesn't work. But, as an industry, we can do so much and those who Which confuses even the most hearty more to bring quality films to the amongst us. On one of our films we flew screen. As Canadians we need to do so in a Canadian actor who'd done ten films much more to support our artists. Our identify or so in the US but he wasn't ACTRA. We unions and distributors should all do were not allowed to use him. He's a Ca- more. I see cinema chains like Cine- nadian. We had to send him away. Lit- plex doing more for Canadian artists. I differently than erally lived here his whole life and they recently had one of my films there - a myself who have wouldn't allow us to use him because we year ago - and I'm very thankful for that. had two US actors already in the film. But I'm a Canadian director who's had Again, he was Canadian. Those mo- three times the number of movies with ments are brutal and maybe not com- a US theatrical run as they’ve had with been afforded more mon but they are indicative of the issues a Canadian one. How is that even pos- we face as producers and directors. The sible? US theatricals are supposed to be US has a law (Taft-Hartley) that allows the hardest to achieve and yet I seem to privileges over anyone who has found work to be in a get one every movie now and I have to union. You can't block them from mak- literally beg to try to get one in my home ing a living. They of course have to pay country. All my films have been released the decades. Which their dues etc. But, they're allowed in. in the US, but not all in Canada. And, it's Which is the point. And although they not just me with this issue. It's 99% of can fine a producer a very small amount the filmmakers out there. My story is is shameful.” for doing so, they never did on any of my most people's story. It's even harder for US films. The reasoning I've heard over women directors and those who identify the years for our system makes no sense differently than myself who have been afforded more privileg- to me. It makes no sense to the actors who are trying to find es over the decades. Which is shameful. When we did press for work either. Of all the countries where I've shot (Canada, Ire- my last film, I had over thirty interviews in the US and yet not land, US, England) no one complains more about their union one in Canada. And that wasn't from lack of effort. It's that we than Canadian actors. Which might upset people. But some- undervalue our own people. We had a segment on Entertain- times facts are facts. ment Tonight in the US, and couldn't even get local coverage in Toronto! Next, we need to start showing more Canadian films in the- atres. Not for a weekend or a week at one theatre. But real It's not that we don't have enough people either. Or that the theatrical runs. Real chances to be seen. I've been in theatres market can't be there. Which is what all the talking heads will this summer and have been the only person sitting there. On tell you. This is a bogus argument to get you to be quiet. All big budget films. The issue isn't the movies they're showing, you have to do is to look at Quebecoise and French filmmak- which is really about their relationships with the big studios. ers to see how to do it right. They have an incredibly vibrant Which they have to appease understandably. It's that people industry and people there support it. And that's not just be- aren't happy with the films they're showing. The days of going cause they are French language films. It's about all the people and seeing a film ten times is long gone. People want choice. within the industry and outside being focused on its success. The excuse that people won't go to a small film is a bogus one. Distribution, artists, media and filmgoers. All pointed in the Film festivals are flocked to because people want to see that same direction. And it works. You can argue that most of our type of content. People should start demanding it more. Our true artistic talents come from this system. We are capable stories are as important as anyone else's. 113 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Our guiding light needs to be excellence. The industry needs When I first started, Canadian distributors made me take out to stop making preferences that are made due to anything but the Canadian flag in my films. True story. Not the American excellence. Excellence exists in so many people and in every distributors. The Canadian ones. I don't do that anymore. Or colour, gender and lifestyle. Excellence is what matters. CSA's will I again. need to reflect excellence. Period. Our system needs to de- mand it. They're supposed to showcase and reward the best My fight for the soul of our industry has been a long frustrat- of us. I know of so many film makers who have stopped trying ing one. My biggest film to date (The Martini Shot with Mat- to get nominated for awards in Canada. Because the process thew Modine, Derek Jacobi and John Cleese) comes out soon isn't about rewarding the best movie or creatives. It's become but in all honesty, it was filmed in Ireland because of the is- a political exercise. Ask yourself how many CSA winning films sues we faced in doing it in Canada. I'm returning to Ireland can you name? How many directors? Actors? Most people in shortly to shoot another film for the exact same reason. But our own industry can't remember more than one or two. If having said that, I am coming back to Canada with a film I that. Why not? Maybe we're not rewarding the most deserving. wrote with John Cleese next summer. I will take another run Or is it again a problem with being able to see those movies in at trying to work in an industry that doesn't seem to have itself our own country? Likely both. together. I'm doing it because I need to pass forward the good fortune I've been given over the years. I'm doing it because we It's not just the CSA's. It's no different than TIFF where I've had must protect our own artistry. To encourage others to create several people over the years tell me that their entrance to Canadian stories for Canadians. And to know that over time, the festival was based the world will want to on them wrangling see those stories. their most famous participants into Along with my busi- being there. Again, ness partners we so many Canadians are opening a 200 have stopped apply- acre back lot in the ing to TIFF. Can you southern most part imagine if French of Northern Ontario film makers stopped that will be accom- applying to Cannes? panied by lots and Because that's what's lots of large sound happening here. We stages. These will be are crumbling as an built starting in the industry and no one Spring of 2023 and is noticing. will be available by the start of 2024. It How our people will be a studio that provide grants and allows filmmakers to assistance needs to shoot films of any size be given based on ex- On the set of Defining Moments. From left to right: Nikki Filipelli, Roy Colavino, and where you can be cellence. Blocking ex- Burt Reynolds, Stephen Wallis, Susan Ilott, Nathan Street. transplanted to Lon- cellence in order to hit don in the 1880's or check marks isn't how you fix the other issues we face. Devel- New York City or Paris or Small town USA. Over 20 different oping filmmakers at the root level is how you fix that. Giving destinations will be created within our back lots over the next all the same opportunity. Providing mentorship, scholarships few years. We built this for filmmakers but most importantly and developing talent at an earlier age. In schools. I lived in we built it for Canadian filmmakers. So they can stay here and England for several years and watched how much art is in- help develop our industry. To build on the great work of those stilled in the everyday life of a student. That's why they have who came before us. so many wonderful artists. Not just in acting and music but in all forms of art. It's because they care about it. It reflects who We will provide mentorships to those who need them and will they are. Why are we so scared of doing the same? ensure that everyone no matter who they are, who they love or what their background is afforded the exact same oppor- Perhaps the most important of these suggestions is for our tunity. We'll try to provide guidance and be a helping hand for A list actors and directors to ask themselves about the Great those who strive for excellence. To help develop the next gen- Canadian Blockbuster. And figure out how to make one. Then eration of filmmakers. To give hope to those who might one make another and so on. Bring the spotlight on the big stage to day finally create the Great Canadian Blockbuster. Canadian films. Are there any amongst us that wouldn't watch a film with Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogan and Rachel McAdams in a film directed by Denis Vil- leneuve? Of course we would. What a cast. What a fabulous director. The question is why not? The days of our big pro- duction companies crying poor is over. There are tons who can handle movies at that size. It's about doing it. It's about stop making excuses for why we can't do something and look for the reasons we can. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 114 www.spencer-magazine.com

LYNNE STOLTZ: INTERVIEW novelist, screenwriter, filmmaker LYNNE STOLTZ By Steve Pryce Lynne Stoltz didn't set out to be a novelist, a screenwriter, duction, another feature already released, and a follow-up or a filmmaker. But here she is, her first feature, Sons series in the works. 2 the Grave, rating 5/5 on Amazon Prime, and a 9.5/10 viewer rating on IMDB. Her company, Have Faith Produc- Lynne Stoltz: Thank you. For me, it's just the way life has gone. tions, has a spin-off series in pre-production, and a second, Of course, it hasn't happened overnight. 'Loud Silence' was separate feature in the early stages of pre-production. first published in 1996, it's about to be re-released, and we expect to begin shooting the feature adaptation late in 2023. I sat down with her to talk about the film, her novels, and her It did well – it caught a lot of people's attention, including the slate of productions. late Dr. Maya Angelou; she was attached to direct Loud Si- lence, but passed away before that could be. We have a televi- Steve Pryce: Lynne, you have a remarkable track record. Two sion series in the works, too. novels written, both adapted as screenplays and in pre-pro- 115 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE You did the adaptations yourself? Yes. Always have, always will. Likewise, my starting point is no one is going to be directing them but me. Dr. Angelou presented an exceptional argument for del- egation, but it was not to be. These are stories I had to get out of my system, and now I see no way other way for them, the part of me that is them, to be represented adequately, other than by my own efforts. But it's not an absolute dogma that I direct. This wasn't a career choice? Not at all. I had a whole life, fully involved with the businesses of an entrepreneur husband and raising a young child. Actually, it was as parents that we ran into a situ- ation of hidden bias that shook us to the core. The elitism that emerged from a facade of inclusion disgusted us to the extent that something just had to be done. So I wrote 'Loud Silence' to address the elephant in the room. It is fiction, but closely inspired by those events. I really don't think of myself as a director, or as a writer. That's just what I'm doing at this stage in my life. 'Loud Silence' is about to be re-published, it's adapted for the screen, and you're expecting to shoot it in 2023. But Sons 2 the Grave reached the screen first? It did. Inspired by an actual event that made it clear it was time for \"Sons 2 The Grave.\" Are we really qualified to portray these stories? Where we live, doesn't mean we should ignore the other side of the bridge – it exists. We need to do more than buy a ticket to a ballet, an opera or a play and say that I've done my part. This isn't about race or religion; it's about society and where we stand in it. These circumstances exist everywhere. Our characters just happen to be black. Have Faith Productions? It is a name that I chose after the loss of my husband. It was a time when I needed to lean on my faith. \"Sons 2 the Grave,” and the other projects on our slate, are not aimed at the faith market, but with faith being a big part of my life, it certainly appears in what I write. People say they connect to my writing because they see a part of themselves, they keep hidden, not sure they will be forgiven. Every one of your cast delivers a strong performance. Our cast was phenomenal. They portray how young men get into sit- uations they think they can handle themselves and walk away whenever they want. \"Sons 2 The Grave\" gives understanding to both sides. The young men controlling these communities cannot afford to give up their power. After speaking with Faith Leaders, educators, and peo- ple who have spent their whole lives in like communities the understanding became clear; I hope we portrayed that. The actors gave their hearts to all these roles. You shot the film in Georgia. Is everyone cast from Atlanta? No, Trevor Jackson is from LA, so is Darrin Dewitt Henson. Everyone else is from Atlanta. The cast felt just right. We spent a lot of time in Atlanta and had the honour of privately screening the movie for Martin Luther King III and Mrs. King. Are you taking the story of “Sons 2 the Grave” any further? We're going to do a series, “HUDSON.” The episodes will take on an honest, raw view of the society we live in. Our hope is that viewers will connect with Hudson's characters, cheer them on when they are up, and forgive when they are down. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 116 www.spencer-magazine.com

LYNNE STOLTZ: INTERVIEW Above: Cast of \"Sons 2 The Grave\" Just the series? No, there are two features: \"Loud Silence\" and \"The Other Side of the Bed\" both novels of mine. Loud Silence is in re-release and the Other Side of the Bed is to be released fall 2023 in both Canada and the US. Additionally, we're going to make a Faith & Family based Television Movie, “Dropped Off.” 117 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE Spencer Feature Review DIRECTOR VALERIE BUHAGIAR CARMEN By Steve Pryce starring Natascha McElhone, Steven Love, and introducing Michela Farrugia the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 118 www.spencer-magazine.com

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ARTS & CULTURE Director Valerie Buhagiar \"In a small Mediterranean village, Carmen has looked after her brother, the local priest, for her entire life.When the Church abandons Carmen, she is mistaken for the new priest. Carmen begins to see the world, and herself, in a new light.\" 'Carmen' is a film that only a capable actor could write and direct, and only a master actor could lead. It intelligently weaves multiple stories of redemption and self-actualization, with a subtle humour seen all-too-rarely recently. Valerie has posed me quite the dilemma here: how to endorse her work, without ruining the movie by giving away too much. You should probably stop reading right here and go watch the film. But for those who insist on more... The understated delivery of the plot vividly illustrates collaboration between Valerie and Natascha, such that a great deal is left unsaid, and largely open to the interpretation of the viewer. Carmen's hesitations betray her own moments of discovery, even before she understands them. Without a word, Natascha's eyes convey Carmen's realizations, as she begins to grasp for her own freedom and redemption. Natascha's performance is captivating; few actors can deliver as much with a nuance. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 120 www.spencer-magazine.com

VALERIE BUHAGIAR: FILM REVIEW Actor Natascha McElhone 121 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

ARTS & CULTURE the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 122 www.spencer-magazine.com

Carmen's independence has been cast aside long ago, de- VALERIE BUHAGIAR: FILM REVIEW cades after social pressure has enslaved her as the maid to her priest brother. Suddenly discarded, entirely, she The script is fictional, albeit based on the tragic, wasted finds herself completely alone. While she struggles mere- life of Valerie's Aunt. I see its message as an assertion that ly to survive, she starts to see glimpses of the life she has we are fools to let dogma dominate our lives. The mark of missed, and the possibility that she might yet have a life a good filmmaker is that you will find your own, and I am of her own; she takes time to plead with the next priest's sure that is true of 'Carmen'. sibling to find her own life and love, not to repeat her own mistake. Carmen breaks many rules, but it turns out that CREDITS the village she has lived in, but outside of, prefers the real Carmen too. You'll have to watch the movie for further Cast - Natascha McElhone, Steven Love, detail of that. Michaela Farrugia Writer/Director - Valerie Buhagiar Producers - Pierre Ellul, Coral Aiken, Anika Psaila Savona Exec Producers - Daniel Bekerman, Dorothy Coetzee, José Luis Escolar, Mark Gingras Director of Photography - Diego Guijarro Editors - Matt Lyon, Peter Strauss Production Designer - Sandra Smirle Sound Designer - Joe Mancuso Composer - Richard Feren 123 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 124 www.spencer-magazine.com

LifSepesncteyr le with Darren Dobson, LIFESTYLE EDITOR Music: A Family Adventure with Tara Giles; Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme; From Ceres To Matsutakes: Canadian Spirits Tell A Story; Honda HR-V, Czinger 21C; Mizoram; Ask Captain Joey; Resources Page Lost Tribes of Mizoram 125 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Spencer Special Series THE GILES FAMILY Music: a family ADVENTURE By Tara Giles The Giles Family My husband and I started out on this musical journey with our daughter Jadyn about 6 years ago. Two full-time work- ing parents - one doing alternate shift work, but now both switched to day shifts. Two active, and creatively different daughters Jadyn (16) and Devyn (9), the dog, the cat, the late nights, and the com- plaining that there aren't enough hours in the day. It actually sounds about the pace of what today is for most people... We realized early on that Jadyn liked to sing, and she soon inquired about lessons. We decided to give it a try to see if it was some- thing for her. She went to a lesson and decided that she loved it. She was 6 years old at the time. As a couple, we single-handedly developed her social media - YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and almost everything else out there, independently trying to make her known. Was all this worth it? Did she really want all of this? Would it make a difference?! A friend suggested that taking the slow route, building numbers, a fan base, and a name for herself was by far the smarter route. Yes, it took longer, and paid nothing, but in the end we are thankful for the advice. He was absolutely right, and we are so glad we listened. This incredible, brilliant soul is Mike Wilbury who resides in Germany with his family, including the wonderfully talented profes- sional drummer daughter Sina of @sinadrums. The girls have done many successful virtual covers online, creating amazing content which the fans love. We have never met Sina IRL, even though, from the videos you wouldn't know it... but someday we’ll meet her on a bucket list trip! In today’s connected world, it truly is incredible… what you can accomplish with someone thousands of miles away! Now, with all the above said we were still completely lost about promoting Jadyn and admittedly, new to all of this. We really had zero experience in this field, but decided to listen to every good piece of advice along the way and went with it. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 126 www.spencer-magazine.com

SPENCER SPECIAL SERIES: THE GILES FAMILY Tara and Jadyn Colin and Jadyn Over time, Jadyn’s numbers grew and our content on social Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023 media platforms improved. We selected and chose great music that we thought people would respond to and like. The more we posted the more it was shared! Before long, we met a pro- ducer in Nashville and started creating original content there. We watched the spider-web effect of how something posted was shared hundreds, even thousands of times. Collaborating with others is key! Fact: you like it you share it, they like it, they share it, and the base grows exponentially. Within a couple of years, we surpassed the 100,000 sub- scriber mark and kept climbing. During this time, Jadyn was nominated for the Josie Awards at Dollywood and the awards seemed to pile up. In the midst of this she auditioned for, and became, a Mini Pop Kid and toured in sold-out shows all over Ontario. After a year of touring, we decided to leave the group and return Jadyn as a solo artist. The next phase of this exciting journey? In studio, recording “The Voice of Change” in Nashville! The music and people we met along the way were incredible. The album has an anti-bullying theme; its songs 127

SPENCER LIFESTYLE us out to Vancouver, where we had an interview, when he ex- plained that while looking for music online for the movie, that Jadyn looked like his daughter and thought she would be good for his film. The movie came out in 2020 and she was in it. This incredible opportunity allowed us to realize that shifting from music to film was a natural progression. When Covid hit in 2020, I was in a position as a new business owner/operator to step it up and learn to become technolog- ically savvy. Difficult times. It definitely hurt us through the ups and downs. However, I wasn't about to let my dream job, which I had so many hopes for, slip away. Hard work deserves to be rewarded; there is a need for music, especially now, and we all need it. Between two very fast-paced schedules, we ar- ranged that the school could function remotely with almost 120 kids on board. It was a learning curve, but we managed to get through it. That said, on the heels of working with Sean Penn in Flag Day, Jadyn was getting self-tape requests, and online auditions that we had to keep up with to stay in the game. Now, having a great Canadian agent and an American one, we became very active in trying to get anything out there during this crazy Covid time. Then, in 2022, my husband, Colin, started his own business. During Covid the pace seemed to get faster and faster. At the end of the day, work schedules or not, my husband and I still managed to sit down after hours to check Jadyn’s socials and to build numbers. We figured that after all the other work was done, we were spending about 2-4 hours per evening patrolling the sites, making sure each had enough content to keep everyone going, and that it was being monitored prop- erly. This would be such an awesome job if we were being paid, but… we were not! No matter what, we do what we can for our kids right? Devyn with sister Jadyn As you can imagine by now, the last couple of years have been crazy, but what else is there to do but try? If you don't try you will never know. Yes, our lives seem wild. We always get comments of \"I don't know how you guys do it\" my answer to that is 'Well, we will sleep when we’re dead' and we keep moving forward. There have been results, and there have been successes along the way. are of uplifting positivity for kids who have been bullied. For the main anthem song, we canvassed for kids who came from all over Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, and other places to be in it. It was a fantastic music video of kids holding signs with uplifting messages - showing that they were taking a stand and a walk against bullying. The whole thing was truly heart- warming. In 2019, I resigned from my job, and ironically enough opened a music school. I figured we have been music-oriented our whole lives, so why not take a go at this too? I've never been my own boss, nor have I done anything like this, but I was sure I could figure it out. This allowed me to have the flexibility to be with my family Jadyn with Sean Penn and the cast of the film \"Flag Day\" more with better hours, in case we got busier with Jadyn. As soon as I opened the school, Jadyn was unexpectedly seen, a fluke really, by the Academy Award Winning actor/ director Sean Penn - who wanted to cast her in his film Flag Day, when he caught her trending on YouTube. As it turns out, he is highly influenced by music, and the next thing he's telling me is that he listened to her whole channel. He flew the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 128 www.spencer-magazine.com

SPENCER SPECIAL SERIES: THE GILES FAMILY and help to monetize Jadyn's work further. This could lead to greater numbers, concerts and more. One step at a time. We keep on building as we go, on this exciting journey! For our family this has been a wild and fast ride, but we are so happy. We have spent countless hours - with long days and long nights, travelling and struggling financially, but we are all on board with the fact that it took so much to get here, and that we refuse to stop now. We can only hope that all this hard work will pay off. Positivity, faith, and the people we have met whom have helped us are never to be forgotten along the way. I often recite to Jadyn, and she will recite it as well… \"You never forget the people who helped you to get to where you are today.\" NEVER. Those people, friends, supporters, and fans are part of the picture. Without them we wouldn't be here, and you never forget the advice, and guidance along the way. The real win after all this is said and done, is that all of those who helped you have now just become lifelong friends supporting our journey. We can't wait to show you where this adventure takes us in the years to come. If this is a path that you are on with your child, and they want it as badly as we seem to do... then my advice to you is go for it!!! These kids are talented, and they deserve to be heard, and to be seen. As you can imagine by now, the last couple of years have been crazy, but what else is there to do but try? If you don't try you will never know. Yes, our lives seem wild. We always get comments of \"I don't know how you guys do it\" my answer to that is 'Well, we will sleep “Positivity, when we’re dead' and we keep moving forward. There have been faith, and results, and there have been suc- cesses along the way. the people Now further into 2022, we have we have met sold our suburban home and are currently renting. We’re planning to build on a property we bought whom have next spring/summer of 2023. We helped us are trying to think ahead, to make good choices, and we are trying to invest in a future that we think will are never to go somewhere. This past summer had us finally in Nashville again be forgotten where we dropped a seven song EP for Jadyn with new, upbeat, origi- along the nal content. It's loud, it's different and it's great. In a week we dropped seven songs, did a photo shoot, and way.” managed to complete three videos. We had production come in to back the album, and it was mastered by 'Clarksville Creative Sound' under Curt Ryle in Tennessee. It will be released on all platforms on Tara and Colin Giles all social media at the end of 2022. Further adventures moving forward, we have found a wonderful music manager - Kath- Photot Credits for this article supplied by:Tara Giles rine Weiss who will help us achieve higher levels in socials, 129 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE chef ROLAND TOROK-DUCHARME By Joseph Edward Schur From the moment that I met Chef Roland, I knew that I was in the company of an extraordinary man. His passion for the culinary arts is only eclipsed by his ability to communicate the significance of the sustainability of our agricultural resources. So I was curious, of course; who is this guy?! With some research, I discovered that he earned his BSc in 2011. I believe that's when his culinary journey really took off: Commis de cuisine, Lasserre Restaurant, Paris (Two Michelin Stars); Senior Chef-de-Patie, Gordon Ramsay Group, Pétrus Restaurant, Knightsbridge London, One Star Michelin; Pastry Cook, The Square Restaurant, Mayfair London Two Stars Michelin; Sous Chef, Adrift by David Myers, Singapore; and then to Canada... Joseph Edward Schur: Roland, please tell us a bit about yourself, especially where you are today professionally, and how you landed at 1 Hotel Toronto. Roland Torok-Ducharme: I am a French-Canadian, Hungarian chef with classic French training. I have experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants and other top establishments across multiple countries such as France, England, and Singapore. I moved back to Canada about 6 years ago, working in well-known restaurants in Toronto. Currently, I’m the Chef de Cuisine at 1 Kitchen located in the 1 Hotel Toronto where I create seasonal dishes while striving to work towards a zero-waste operation. If someone hasn't yet experienced your food, how would you best describe it? I would best describe my food as “Modern Canadian” based on French technique, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal produce with a high emphasis on sustainability. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 130 www.spencer-magazine.com

CULINARY ARTS What is the most memorable meal that you work best. Then comes the testing of the dish have ever created? and the creative part, the presentation. And it always helps to get your peers to taste the dish In 2019 I started a private dinner series with a to get their feedback as well. chef friend of mine, Desmond Murphy, where we created a one-time multi course tasting Which dish on your current menu at 1 Hotel menu with Canadian wine pairings for a select are you most proud of and why? group of people. It was an amazing experience to have the freedom to be creative while having One of my favorite dishes on my menu cur- a wonderful time with our guests, providing a rently is the Alberta Lamb Rack with sautéed truly immersive and memorable experience kale, celeriac puree and sea buckthorn jus. It is a for everyone. perfect representation of my style of cooking using Canadian ingredients in a classic yet I understand that you are always on the hunt not necessarily usual way to some people, for the freshest, organic produce. How does simply letting a few ingredients speak for this play into crafting your menu? themselves in great harmony. It is also one of the bestselling items on the menu, which Having a close relationship with our suppliers is just a bonus. is key to understanding what produce will be available next and crafting my menus around what is in season and at its peak. How do you test the quality of your ingredients? As most chefs will tell you, it is by using our senses, first looking at the ingredients, smelling them, touching them and the ulti- mate test is always taste, texture and flavor profile. What are your favourite ingredients to work with right now? Late summer and early fall are some of the best seasons for chefs in Canada. I love working with tomatoes, peaches, peppers right now and the list goes on; the best time of the year after the spring season. What's the process from choosing the ingredients to making a star dish? I always start by looking at what is available first and work on my creations around the ingredients. After that I research what com- bination of ingredients and techniques could 131 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE tablecloths, old boxing posters and pictures on the wall. There is something about that place and its people that you just cannot quite find anywhere else in the city. Do you have a best time of year, or season, to cook? Any season can be the best time of year as it is ever changing with what is available. It really depends on personal preference. For instance, I love late summer, but I also greatly enjoy the Christmas holiday season with its traditional offerings and big family gatherings. In your culinary journey, you have worked in different places. Does one country stand out to you, in terms of culture and unique flavours? Do you follow food trends, and if “Some of the For me personally it must be so, which ones do you like and dis- most influential Singapore. It was amazing be- like? chefs in my life ing exposed to so many distinct cultures, traditions, and flavors I tend not to follow food trends as were peeling that were all new to me. I had the most of them are very niche and do carrots and chance to experience and learn not last. However, I do believe that picking herbs from this. working towards being sustainable is especially important. Creating What's the most important thing more plant-based menu items is that you have learned working as a not just a trend but it will be the key chef? to a healthier and sustainable future not just for our customers but also Most important is to not take things for future generations. personally. Working in a fast-paced kitchen it is important to understand Toronto, and Canada in general, that people make mistakes and there is finally being recognized on the is no sugarcoating things. We must world stage as a \"culinary destina- learn to adapt, fix things, and tion.\" What do you think contributes succeed on the fly sometimes. to this progress? The main contributor is not just next to me while During your culinary arts training, the world-class chefs we have in this country but the fact that our having what's the most important thing customers are actively looking for better, new dining experiences. that you have learned? And which chefs have had the most influence With a lot of customers being well multiple on you? travelled it is important that we meet those expectations, and it Lead by example. Some of the most influential chefs in my life were gives Canadian chefs the platform Michelin stars.” peeling carrots and picking herbs to shine on the world stage. next to me while having multiple Michelin stars. No job is too big or too small for a chef and if you can When you're not at 1 Hotel, where keep that mentality throughout is your favourite place to dine in your career people will follow you and work for you. Sean Toronto? Burbidge, who was my chef at Petrus, a one Michelin star One of my favorite restaurants in the city is Sugo. restaurant in London, England at the time, has been one of It is a classic Italian-American eatery with amazing the biggest influences in my career and 10 years later I still food and staff. Small menu, red and white checkered aspire to manage the way he does. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 132 www.spencer-magazine.com

CULINARY ARTS In every profession there are obstacles to overcome. Can grandfathers. They both passed away when I was young you share with us some of the ones that you have had to and I never got the chance to show them how far I have deal with as a chef? come. One that has been a repeating obstacle is age as it is And finally, what is the one comfort food that you can't directly correlated with experience. By that I mean resist making at home? being old enough to hold a certain position. Which in most cases makes sense as a lot of young, ambitious Pho soup is one of my favorite comfort foods that resonates chefs lack the experience or the management skills with me for several reasons. I could have it any season and to step into certain roles. But as I progress in my career it any time. gets harder to accept the reasoning of being ‘too young’ for a certain role. Thank you, Roland! What advice would you offer to other chefs to grow pro- I encourage you to check out 1 Hotel, in the heart of Down- fessionally? town Toronto's Enteetainment District: 550 Wellington Street West, M5V 2V4 - Reservations: 1-833-624-0111 Push yourself to adapt to different environments, kitchens, places, and cultures. If you do it enough times and you succeed in each place, then you can adapt to any environment and any kitchen. Also never chase the money, do what makes you feel alive, happy, and passionate. If you had a chance to cook for anyone, alive or passed, who would that be? In all honesty, as much as it would be interesting to cook for a celeb- rity or a well-known chef, if I had the chance I would cook for my 133 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

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CANADIAN SPIRITS From Ceres to Matsutakes: Canadian Spirits Tell a Story By Blair Phillips & Davin De Kergommeaux The story is a critical spoke in a complex wheel of elements in our finest films and literature. All the special effects in the world cannot cover up a dull narrative. This is no different in the world of spirits, where the story drives the other creative forces to make something new and exciting. Canada's distillers are multi-talented storytellers who craft a complete experience into their flavourful spirits. 135 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Bearface Matsutake Whisky Bear Country, Canadian North When the entire planet went into lockdown, Bear- face blender Andres Faustinelli was strapping on his hiking boots and filling his backpack with small bottles of whisky. His plan was to self-isolate with British Columbia nature, hoping that Yogi the Bear and his Grizzly pals got the memo about social distancing. But this wasn't an ordinary walk in the woods. Faustinelli accompanied two foragers and as they navigated the mountains, collecting an experimental array of ingredients to infuse into whisky. When the fearless trio encountered Matsutake mushrooms and introduced them to their samples, it was like Faustinel- li discovered a lost page from Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier's Elements of Chemistry. The earthy, delicate flavours of the mushroom added a brown flavoured top dressing. Every day after, Faustinelli brought his foraged fresh Matsutakes back to a cabin and added them to a barrel of Bearface whisky, where they released their mild ethereal waters. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 136 www.spencer-magazine.com

Faustinelli works with his whisky like a chef. The Matsutake-infused cask is just an accent in a much more complex blend. He matures other components in ex-wine French oak and various sherry pipes, including Amontillado Sherry, which shares a flavour profile similar to the mat- sutake. Faustinelli prepares his creations in metal shipping containers which maximize exposure to the seasons, a process he describes as har- vesting the weather. This all contributes to a whisky with an umami kick, rich with dark maple, peppery spices and a nutty dry char where every component binds into a singular identity. It's a whisky that transports a walk in the Kootenay mountains into a whisky bottle. 137 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Sons of Vancouver Still, Chili Vodka is more than just heat. The peppers lend a surprisingly bright and fruity profile that pairs naturally with Distillery's Chili Vodka herbal and savoury ingredients. For example, the Sons show- case Chili Vodka by mixing one ounce with four ounces of North Vancouver, British Columbia pineapple juice and garnishing it with a sprig of mint. It's sim- ple and stimulating with the glowing warmth of walking into In the 1981 blockbuster film Raiders of the Lost Ark, Har- the light. And anyone shooting this vodka straight will testify rison Ford and Karen Allen's characters survived God's – this is one near-death experience worth the risk. wrath by closing their eyes when the Nazis opened the Ark of the Covenant. The Nazis didn't and, so, met their mak- er. Ronald Lacey's famous pre-CGI face-melting schtick was most dramatic. To get into character, Lacey drank a blister- ing shot of Sons of Vancouver Chili Vodka, and as the cameras rolled, his face turned into a puddle. Well, that's what it looked like, and the thought of the Sons' vodka smelting faces is not farfetched. James Lester and Jenna Diubaldo use British Columbia spring wheat and malted barley to make an exceptional vodka they cleverly call \"Vodka Vodka Vodka.\" A slightly sweet palate brac- es a clean nose with just a smidgen of pepper. But chili heads rejoice! When J&J steep Vodka Vodka Vodka in bird's eye chili peppers, that smidgen ramps up to a roasting 180,000 Scoville units. Remember, jalapeno comes in between 2,500 and 8,000 Scovilles, so Chili vodka is like kissing the sun. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 138 www.spencer-magazine.com

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Dubh Glas Distillery’s Stevely is a whisky maker, so it's no surprise he turned to 100% BC-grown barley as the base of his Noteworthy gin. After Noteworthy Gin fermenting and double distilling the grain, Stevely adds an array of botanicals for a third distillation. Juniper balances Oliver, British Columbia an herbal nose as intense flavours unload like a Pompeii banquet on a citrus-forward palate with a pop of fresh Why is Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, oranges, lavender, floral accents and calming spice. One chiselled into the label of Noteworthy Gin? Be- taste and you'll understand why it wasn't gin the Romans fore biblical times, the Romans would offer Ceres offered Ceres. grain and then sacrifice a pregnant pig to launch the grow- ing season. Ceres, for her part, would bless the crops and livestock. Dubh Glas Distillery founder Grant Stevely doesn't need old-fashioned Roman rituals to appease a higher pow- er. His Okanagan whisky-making program sacrifices enough through its angel's share. So, when it comes time for Stevely to make gin, he offers 100% British Columbia barley and eight botanicals to his gleaming copper pot instead of eyeing local expecting livestock. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 140 www.spencer-magazine.com

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SPENCER LIFESTYLE Crown Royal Fine Deluxe Canadian Whisky Gimli, Manitoba Luxury and self-indulgence, we crave it. We travel for Crown Royal's story starts when Mr. Sam predicted prohibi- it, wear it, eat or drink it, and spend hard-earned tion's demise and stepped in to fill an impending vast thirst. money to buy it. From a simple indulgence in our fa- He expanded his distillery and waited patiently for times to vourite food to a 2-million-dollar diamond-encrusted Henri change, maturing his whisky instead of selling it for a quick IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac bottle, we yearn for the elegant profit. This was Bronfman's toolbox when, in 1939, King delicacies of living. For Canadian spirits, luxury began in 1939 George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Canada, and Samuel when Sam Bronfman saw an opportunity to rub elbows with Bronfman personally developed a whisky to pay tribute to royalty and created Crown Royal as his regal passport. them. The royal stopover marked the beginning of a legacy for Crown Royal. He packaged the precious amber liquid in a regal crown- shaped bottle and robed it in a purple velvet bag. For the time, the opulent whisky was untouchable, almost sacred. No one else treated Canadian whisky like a showpiece. A case accom- panied the royals on their train across Canada, but that was just the start. Crown Royal entered the U.S. market 25 years later, where consumers crowned it the biggest selling Cana- dian whisky on the continent. As the whisky became more common on liquor store shelves, it lost a certain prestige, but don't let this fool you. The easy sipping whisky is versatile to mix, stir into cocktails or enjoy on ice. It's a Canadian classic well worth rediscovering. the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 142 www.spencer-magazine.com

Alberta Distillers Ltd. CANADIAN SPIRITS Alberta Pure Vodka A few years earlier, vodka rumour mongering ran deeper than Cold War farm espionage. Vodka was improperly sanctioned Calgary, Alberta as a brutal socialist spirit and Canadian liquor boards refused to sell it by the bottle. But doors opened in Ontario when in When Vasily Tarasov joined the Calgary Press Club 1955, the LCBO finally listed vodka, and liquor boards in New on Thanksgiving weekend in 1963, he wasn't look- Brunswick and Nova Scotia followed suit. ing for turkey recipes. Instead, the foreign cor- respondent for a state-owned Russian newspaper showed British Columbia liquors stores did not sell vodka by the bottle interest in Canadian agriculture, quickly making friends with until 1960, and then they stocked domestic vodka only. Un- writers on the farm beat. It was just three years since Calgary's til then, it was sold by the case to discourage consumption. Alberta Distillers (ADL) had begun distilling Alberta Pure Vod- But vodka's première was met with more disdain. Speaking in ka from Canadian grain. Was there a link? No one knows for British Columbia, Corby Distillery president, Leo W. Vezina, sure, but in 1964 Tarasov tried to obtain what the Royal Ca- claimed vodka contributed to juvenile delinquency. Asked why nadian Mounted Police described as \"classified information of Corby made vodka then, Vezina said it was because of demand, importance to Canada.\" News broke and Tarasov was deported telling reporters, \"We think it is a passing fad and frankly, I'll for spying. Calgary journalist John Schmidt joked that Tarasov be pleased when it's passed into oblivion.\" When vodka hit BC had gathered enough information for four books, including shelves, it remained out of sight, despite a stipulation that a one titled, The Alberta Vodka Scandal or I was a Communist in lack of sales would mean its withdrawal. the Calgary Press Club. As Alberta Pure Vodka began to roll off the bottling line, ADL fought vodka's negative reputation by building its own on the backs of quality grain. To ensure consistency, they tested each vodka ingredient rigorously, including the glacier-born water. The resulting vodka pours crystal clear with a creamy grain character highlighted by faint traces of puffed wheat on the nose. The almost neutral palate has a slightly fruity and citrus-like sweetness, with a spicy heat dusting on the finish. Alberta Pure breaks down grain into its purest form, which is why it continues to rack up awards, including a trio of gold medals in 2022. Alberta wouldn't permit provincial liquor stores to sell vodka until 1962. Sixty years later, Alberta Pure has closed Tarasov's books on The Alberta Vodka Scandal. And though we still don't know what he did, we can imagine. Unlike politicians and anyone else who turned their nose up at Canadian-made vodka, Tarasov went home knowing what international awards have confirmed – Alberta Pure is the real McCoyski. 143 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Blair Phillips Blair is a lifestyle and spirits writer specializing in Canada's growing landscape of spirits and distilleries. He is the Canadian contributing editor for Whisky Magazine and writes for the popular Distiller app. He also contributed features for drinkingmadeeasy.com during the TV Series' three season run. He judges sev- eral spirits competitions including the World Whisky Awards and Canadian Whisky Awards. Davin De Kergommeaux Davin is a drinks writer, public speaker and spirits judge, recognized as the world expert on Canadian whisky. He has travelled to four continents to visit spirits producers and dis- tilleries, and make presentations about Canadian spirits. In 2016 the Globe and Mail named him one of the 50 most in- fluential Canadians in food and drink, then in 2018 the New York Times said his significance in the revival of Canadian whisky could not be overstated. The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries is an indispensable guide to the past, present and future of Canada's distilleries. Written by bona fide Canadian spirits expert Davin de Kergommeaux, this book covers more than 200 of the most exciting and cut- ting-edge distilleries, large and small, who are shaping the industry today. Just a decade ago, fewer than a dozen distilleries, concentrated in two provinces, pro- duced almost all the spirits (mainly whisky) made in Canada. Today, there is a movement afoot in Canada's spirits world. There has never been a better selection of rich specialty spirits--from gin to moonshine, from flavoured vodka to liqueurs--to tempt the palate and supplement your long-time favourites. Despite flourishing public enthusiasm for Canada's distillers, other than incomplete and inaccurate web-based information, no one has offered consumers an all-inclusive guide... until now. DREAM DRIVE VACATIONS Join us for a tour in 2023! DreamDrive Vacations offers luxury performance car touring experiences in Nova Scotia, Canada, recently named one of the top places in the world to travel. Harness the potential of your car as you enjoy breathtaking views on winding coastal roads, dine at award winning vineyards, stay in world class accommodations and should you wish, golf some of the finest courses in the land. Each day brings a new, authentic, east coast experience -- from the rugged coastline of the south shore and rolling hills and vineyards of the Annapolis Valley to the majestic highlands of the Cabot Trail. www.dreamdrivevacations.com the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 144 www.spencer-magazine.com

MOTORING Honda HR-V It's the Honda of compact crossovers. By Steve Pryce For this review, Honda was good enough to loan their of precision, even driven with discretion on August's warm, press fleet's HR-V EX-L to yours truly. Neither of them dry roads. Occasionally, I thought the power steering was knew that aforesaid scribbler has actually been obsessed over-boosted - but I would like it to switch OFF at anything with cars for over forty years. above a walking pace, which makes me a very peculiar fellow. The thing that strikes me, very much, about the HR-V is how My neighbours tell me that they like their SUVs squarer, which much it reminds me of the Civic coupe Si I bought new in 1995. apparently makes them look more rugged. I have a lot more From the inside, there's a similar view out the forward-facing confidence in the notion that Honda's compound curves pro- 180 degrees, albeit from a vantage point a little higher than duce a strong, rigid body with minimal weight and better that coupe; similar profiles on the dash, similar pitches to the aerodynamics; I'm pretty sure Honda is going down the right pillars and radii to their curvature. So far, so good. Driving road. Honda made a point of telling me that the new design along normally, even gently, I can feel the same taut response is cleaner, sportier, and more rugged than its predecessor. I to driver inputs that give away the things Honda always does agree. It's already growing on me, just a few days into its ten- - rigidness of the body-shell between the front suspension ure here in Forest Hill, Toronto. towers, the minimal distortion in the geometry of the steering This new, second-generation HR-V is quite different to its and suspension in their operation, the low centre of gravity predecessor. The first one was based on the Fit/Jazz platform, that Soichiro's gang always pursue, are all still there. Even but I have to think this larger one is based on the altogether driven modestly, a Honda just feels right. superior Civic. Unlike my beloved Civic coupe, there's loads of The test car came with everything, the way they always do. I knee room under the steering column for a six-foot-two ed- was most impressed with the all wheel drive, even if I'm not itor (me), and the hip-point of the seat is far enough from the supposed to care until there's enough snow around to chal- ground that I can more or less step into and out of it without lenge traffic. The HR-V's system always feeds some power to a vertical adjustment - a very important feature as the sixth the rear wheels, varying it according to multiple parameters, decade of my life approaches, despite my best efforts to ignore including steering input. I'm pretty sure it lends to that feeling its tragic inevitability. 145 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Honda made a point of letting me know that the standard CVT from Economy to Normal mode when you feel you might need has been \"reengineered for more power delivery and more fun to sprint makes a world of difference, too. There's never any- drive.\" I had to prod them to establish that a lockup torque thing quite as affective as driving the car properly. converter is now used instead of a dry clutch, as it always There's the usual plethora of driver-assist features that seem should be. It's a huge improvement for the whole experi- to work as usefully as anyone else's, and an Apple Car Play/ ence of driving the car. The hesitations and minor vibrations Android Auto just like all the others. You should be focused of launch and pick are gone, and the kick-down response at on driving, anyway. The HR-V has a splendid set of LED speed is far better. It's not like a 95 automatic Si; that could headlamps that function well enough in high and low beam, drop a gear or two and spin up to 7200 rpm, much impressing a massive relief to your ageing correspondent, and far more my younger self. Even at that age, I realized that the impres- important. sive noise was achieving little extra acceleration, that it was in I like the HR-V a lot. It was hard returning it to the dealership. fact a shallow performance, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Now I'm a grown-up, I'll take the genius combination of the CVT's flexibility and economy, with the torque con- verter's compensation for its kick-down weakness. Switching the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 146 www.spencer-magazine.com

147 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE Cwhen stands for the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 148 www.spencer-magazine.com

MOTORING CZINGER 149 Spencer Magazine w Volume 4, Issue 1 w 2023

SPENCER LIFESTYLE 3D PRINTED HYPERCAR CZINGER 21C The first production car, representing the future of human AI design and sustainable systems. By Darren Dobson Czinger Vehicles is a new supercar brand pioneering speed. As a result, Czinger is on track to break multiple pro- a new era in automotive manufacturing space by duction track records, as demonstrated when a McLaren P1 changing the way cars are designed and manufac- record at Americas F1 track, COTA, was beaten more than six tured. The company was born in 2019 and named after the seconds with the Czinger. Founder and CEO Kevin Czinger. Built around a core ethos First deliveries of the 21C may arrive in late 2022, but expect of utilizing revolutionary, proprietary technology to create to see a 21C on the road, most likely in 2023, with a production vehicles equipped with both stellar performance and iconic limited set at 80 cars. Price will be north of $2 million USD. design, Czinger’s 21C is the first production car, representing the future of human AI design and sustainable systems. The current model represents just the first in a series of exclusive Together with his team of Los Angeles designers and engi- performance vehicles coming from the Czinger stable, with the neers at the parent company, Divergent3D, Czinger developed surprise unveiling of the HYPER GT AT THE QUAIL. and patented a production system combining automated de- www.czinger.com sign and optimization software, state of the art additive manufacturing driven processes (3D printing technology), automated assembly and in house performance materials, of which, the 21C is the first vehicle from this process. Using AI, weight was minimized, and perfor- Kevin and Lukas Czinger with the 21C, a 1250 hybrid hypercar that mance enhanced. Inspired by the SR71 Blackbird demonstrates the 3D printing capabilities developed by this father-son duo. and with its aerodynamic shape, the two cabin seats looks like the interior of a fighter jet with the 21C seats, with the passenger behind the driver. The lightweight carbon fibre, aluminum and titanium body weighs just 1,250 kg, allow- ing the vehicle to accelerate to a mind blowing 0-60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. The 21C’s 2.88 litre engine was built in-house, with a capable twin turbo V8 hybrid configuration with a combined output of over 1250 HP and 250 plus mph top the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 150 www.spencer-magazine.com