Store News and Events

Reminder - Adria Vasil Event Tonight!!!

Octopus Books — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:49:35 -0500

Hi Everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that tonight is the book launch for:

Ecoholic Home

By Adria Vasil

Arbour Environmental Shoppe

800 Bank St

7 PM

(The store is Wheelchair Accessible, however the washrooms are not)

We look forward to seeing you there!

A fascinating talk by Joan Baxter about her time and impressions in Africa

Octopus Books — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:47:16 -0400

Joan Baxter, award-winning author, journalist and anthropologist, and author of Dust from Our Eye: An Unblinkered look at Africa will be speaking on April 8.

The event takes place in the auditorium of the Main Library (120 Metcalfe) at 7 pm.

Joan Baxter is a Canadian anthropologist, journalist and award-winning author who lived and worked for 21 years in Africa. For many years and from many countries, she reported for the BBC World Service, Associated Press, and also Reuters. She has contributed to many radio programs of the CBC and to WGBH’s The World in Boston. Her writing — articles, features and columns — have also appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Sunday Telegraph, Washington Post, the EU Courier, BBC Focus on Africa Magazine, and the Chronicle Herald in her native Nova Scotia.

Dust from Our Eye: An Unblinkered look at Africa is part memoir, part adventure tale, part political thriller - a compelling read that dissolves stereotypes and exposes paradoxes about Africa. Joan Baxter draws on more than two decades of living in and reporting from Africa to reveal that there is more to the continent than poverty and suffering, and far more to Western involvement than benevolent charity. Alternately funny, chilling, moving and disturbing, Dust from our Eyes is a fast-paced, passionate narrative told with journalistic accuracy and anthropological acumen.

As usual, the event is free. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and the acoustics are great. Please join us!

A neat opportunity

Octopus Books — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:11:41 -0400

We received this email and thought some of you might be intrigued by this opportunity!

Hey Octopus!

I'm a Glebe resident and am working with a local organic farm to transition it into a wwoofing retreat.. The farmer, Gerrie Baker is turning 60 this year, hence tending to the 8000 square foot greenhouse and gardens is far too much for her to handle on her own. This week, she especially needs help and we need a Farm Mob. We were wondering if it would be possible if you could send a mass message to your mailing list asking if any city dwellers would like to experience life on a local organic farm for any amount of days in the coming few weeks. Food and beds will be provided. Day trips are welcome and carpools/ pick ups can be arranged. The farm is located at 874 Grady Road in Westport, ON (approx between Ottawa and Kingston)
They can contact us at wwoof.westport@gmail.com or at 613 237 0897
It would be such a great help.
Thank you

Janina Hojczyk

An end of the year sale!

Octopus Books — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:53:02 -0500

Not everything in the store is for sale - but everything on the table in the front room (30 %), plus date books and calendars is (40%)

 - what good is all this good stuff if you aren't reading it?

We have short hours this week, but would love to see you between 12 - 5 Monday - Friday.


If we don't see you, from our family to yours - Happy and Healthy 2010 to you!


xo, your Octo-team

Batik Social in the Spring Sunshine

Octopus Books — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:22:22 -0400

Please join us, you will be astonished at the gorgeous, meticulously hand-crafted batiks created by the Skycloud women's batik co-operative on the island of Java!

Virgil Grandfield is on hand to explain the process of hand-making these batiks. See in person how these Javanese women are using beautiful fabric artworks to help end human suffering in their region.
Chat with Virgil about their work to expose human trafficking practices in Red Cross operations, as featured in the recent Radio Canada and CBC documentaries "Les Ouvriers Oubliees: The Forgotten Workers."

Come visit, have a snack, see these gorgeous fabric art pieces, and chat with Virgil!

Location:
Octopus Books
116 Third Avenue, Ottawa

octopusbooks.ca

Date and Time:
Thursday, April 1, 10 AM to noon.

Related links:
Links to "The Forgotten Workers.", on The National
Part 1 http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/The_National/ID=1448093102
Part 2 http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/The_National/ID=1448093118

Radio Canada/Enquete Report:

http://www.radio-canada.ca/emissions/enquete/2009-2010/

Whistleblower calls for probe of Red Cross slave-labour allegations

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Whistleblower+calls+probe+Cross+slave+labour+allegations/2740832/story.html#ixzz0jo4jRiLO
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/cana

da/Whistleblower+calls+probe+Cross+slave

+labour+allegations/2740832/story.html

Birthday party in less than 24 hours!

Octopus Books — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:09:50 -0400

Dear Octopus friends,

Our 40th birthday party is starting in less than 24 hours, and we hope you’re all coming to celebrate with us. Here are the party details once more:

Where: Carleton Tavern (223 Amstrong St.)
When: Friday October 30, 6.30 pm

Highlights of the evening:
7 pm Jean-Claude Parrot, CUPW: “Where have we been, where are we going?”
8 pm Jennifer Whiteford, a local author and former Octopus employee will read some of her newest fiction
8.30 pm an awesome Octopus cake, you don’t want to miss it!
9 pm live music: 9 pm Archival Footage 10 pm The Brothers Creeggan 11 pm The Bidiniband

+ + + +

And on another note, a quick reminder of the other two 40th anniversary events we have in the next two weeks:

What: Launch of Ecoholic Home by Adria Vasil
When: Monday November 9, at 7 pm
Where: Arbour Environmental Shoppe, 800 Bank. St.
Free admission

“We spend so much time at home—why not make it a sustainable haven instead of a polluting, off-gassing cesspool?”

Ecoholic Home offers reminders and tips on how to keep your castle (however humble or small) clean, energy-efficient and healthy. The book addresses the green side of the economic crisis, and includes a resource guide for finding designers and contractors, and for renovating and shopping green.

Ecoholic Home is the highly anticipated follow-up to the massively successful and bestselling Ecoholic.

+ + + + +

Busy week ahead, event for every evening!

Octopus Books — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:47:16 -0400

Buy Nothing Day is Friday November 27, 2009

Octopus Books — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:04:21 -0500

We close every year on Buy Nothing Day - our attempt to give ourselves, and others a time to reflect on the impact of rampant consumerism in our lives.

We don't all have the ability to shut it down for the day, but if you do, why not give it a try?

There is lots of good info. at the adbusters website (adbusters.org), and of course, we have a store full of books that can also lead you to the conclusion that capitalism and consumption present our planet with a lot of problems!

From all of us at Octopus Books, we wish you a happy Buy Nothing Day, filled with friends, family, reflection and renewal!!

xo, your Octo-team

from the adbusters website:

Calling all fiction fans......

Octopus Books — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:36:00 -0400

Just a reminder that tonight's the night (Wednesday, May 13) for a great reading at Octopus.

Canadian Labour International Film Festival - today !! Sunday November 29

Octopus Books — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:29:12 -0500

Dear Friends, sorry to have missed some of you this evening at our launch of Zoe and Elise's books. The readings were great and there was a wonderful discussion after. One of the people who joined us had spent the afternoon at the Canadian Film Festival - his tales of fabulous films and low attendance moved me to write you at this late hour.

The line up sounds wonderful, and it is free - what more could you ask for on a Sunday afternoon?

check out all the details at www.dcf.ca/cliff//thefilms.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Civil rights - Bday Party - Green living

Octopus Books — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:40:09 -0400

Civil rights - Bday Party - Green living

Octopus Books — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:54:54 -0400

CIVIL RIGHTS on Wednesday! And other exciting events of the autumn

Octopus Books — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:54:41 -0400

Elliot is 7 and Everything is ON SALE!!!

Octopus Books — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:06:43 -0400

Tuesday April 6th is Elliot's birthday!! That's tomorrow!!

To celebrate everything in the store is on sale. Swing by the store between 10am - 6pm and save %30 off anything on the shelves!!

The fun doesn't stop there, though. On Saturday, April 10th we'll be hosting the 7th annual ELLIOT EXTRAVAGANZA!!! There will be cake, story hour, balloons, and every kid gets to go home with a FREE BOOK.

Also, April 10th to April 17th all Kid's books will be 30% off because we just can't stop celebrating the birthday of Lisa's first born!

See you tomorrow!

EVENT - Exposing Apartheid: Understanding Israel's Politics of Occupation and Canadian Complicity

Octopus Books — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:39:06 -0400

In this public forum, British journalist, Jody McIntyre, will describe his recent experience living in and reporting on Palestine. Jody will provide some context to the notorious spate of home evictions in Sheikh Jarrah (East Jerusalem), night raids by Israeli soldiers in Palestinian villages and other daily tactics employed by the Israeli Defence Forces in their occupation of Palestine. Jody's writing can be found at "Life on Wheels", jodymcintyre.wordpress.com.

Yves Engler, researcher and author of Canada and Israel: Building Apartheid, will link the current context of what is happening on the ground in Israel and Palestine with the history of Canadian involvement in the region. Yves will discuss the thesis of his new book, which dispels the notion of Canada's even handed policy in the Middle East.

Friday May 7, 2010

Location: Auditorium (Room 203)
Pavillon Guigues Hall
223 Main Street
Saint Paul University

Community Dinner and Snacks: 6 to 7 pm

Discussion: 7 to 9 pm

Everything you 've always wanted to know about Marijuana - tomorrow, and some great upcoming events!!

Octopus Books — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:20:32 -0400

Hello Friends, as the fabulous summer weather continues, we will continue to make use of our tiny but great space outside the store. Tomorrow ( Thursday August 26), we will be hosting ...
EVERYTHING you've always wanted to know about MARIJUANA
Information, questions and answers. For those of you who are intrigued by the possibility of living a life less dominated by big pharma companies and all their wares, this has the potential to change your life. For others who are concerned about the limited access people have to medical marijuana, this will be an important opportunity to learn more.

We are excited to be hosting Russell Barth and Christine Lowe. They are local authors of Mommy's Funny Medicine the world's first childrens' book about Medical marijuana! They have recently been in the news because their video hit the one million mark on youtube last week. Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV40H_g-NJo, and check them out at the store, Thursday at 3:00

Everyone is welcome. We'll have some seating available for folks who have difficulty standing.

Jenn's special (but not *that* special) homemade brownies will be served!

***************************************************************************************

Wednesday September 1, 2010 7:00 p.m.

Great events over the next few weeks

Octopus Books — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:47:09 -0500

Those of us living in Ottawa are very lucky to have access to these upcoming events - they are all important and sure to be informative and inspirational. Don't miss them if you can help it!

January 22 and 23
Global Apartheid: a conference/convergence - tons happening, check out http://opirgcarletonpis2010.wordpress.com/

Monday January 25, 2010

Screening begins 19h00
Venue: 301 Azrieli Theatre (AT)

Carleton University

Great Octo-events in March and April!

Octopus Books — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:19:23 -0500

Hi all

The first two months of 2010 have been relatively quiet (= no Octo events at all) but we'll be compensating it with five events in March and early April.

Details of the events are still making, but here's a summary:

Wednesday, March 10: Harvest Pilgrims - Mexican and Caribbean Migrant Farm Workers in Canada by award-winning photographer and social activist Vincenzo Pietropaolo.

Thursday, March 18: John S. Saul opens our REVOLUTION series by talking about his newest book Revolutionary Traveller.

Saturday, March 20: David Austin, editor of You Don't Play With Revolution - The Montreal Lectures of C.L.R. James, closes our REVOLUTION series by shedding light on the life of C.L.R. James.

Tuesday, March 23: Ian Angus launches the Global Fight for Climate Justice.

Thursday, April 8: Joan Baxter talks about her book Dust from Our Eye: An Unblinkered look at Africa.

Stay tuned, more details to follow.

Enjoy the sunny days,

Octo-team

Happiness is Healthiness

Octopus Books — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:20:38 -0400

The more we learn about healthy choices we can make, the more there seems to be to keep track of. Supporting our own well being shouldn't be a hassle, it should be a joy!
In this 2 hour workshop, holistic nutritionist and reiki practitioner jae steele facilitates personal reflection on how to access the joy and whole health that your body desires. She offers practical skills and basic tools for being happy where you are and celebrating the luscious life you live.

You'll want to bring
* your curiousity
* a notebook (or any sort of paper)
* something to write with

COST is $45 (includes a copy of Jae's new book Ripe from around here)

****limited space, advance booking is required!!!*****

Monday May 31 7 - 9 p.m.

Happiness is Healthiness AND protest Netanyahu's visit- TONIGHT!!

Octopus Books — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:13:48 -0400

After the horrible events this morning in International waters, this protest is more timely , relevant and important than ever.

Help Us Kick Off Bike to Work Week Early with the Launch of Cyclist Bikelist!!

Octopus Books — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:52:57 -0400

Bring the kids and spend an afternoon with author Laura Robinson and discover the joy of cycling.
We're launching Laura's new book Cyclist Bikelist and you're invited!

Drawing on her love of cycling and her experiences as a lifelong cyclist, a former member of the Canadian National Cycling Team, and the coach of the Anishinaabe Racers, Cyclist Bikelist is a great resource for both kids and adults interested in cycling and making it a part of their lives.

Laura Robinson combines fascinating history (the first bike was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground) with useful and fun information, including tips for the way to dress for safe and efficient biking; what to eat for maximum body efficiency; and how to select and maintain a bike.

Join us for an exciting afternoon that will be sure to get you and your kids ready and able to head out exploring on two wheels. In addition to the launch there will be tons of bike themed activities for kids of all ages.

When:

Sunday June 6th
2 pm - 5 pm

Where:

Glebe Parent's Daycare (in the yard 'around back')
10 Fifth Ave.

*Note: The venue does not have washrooms on site. There are public washrooms located next door at the Landsdowne Farmer's Market. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

This is an outdoor event and will run rain or shine.

I'm Sailing Away

Octopus Books — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:16:35 -0500

You know that great song by Styx? Well that's the theme song of many of our books (we hope). As we speak, Yafa is downstairs sorting and organizing books to create a table of Sale books that we hope will sail away.
As many of you know, we think our books are a vital part of shaping the world as we would like it to be. But it doesn't help much if they are on our shelves. They need to be in your hands, being read by your eyeballs. Besides all the amazing books we have, there are loads more heading our way. That's right, Spring doesn't just bring baby lambs, tulips and buds on the trees, it brings out a fresh new crop of books. To make room, we need to set our older books free, to tackle the world on their own (well with your help).
So, please, pop by and buy one book for 30 % off, and two or more for 50 % off each. We look forward to seeing you!

xo, your Octo-team.

Last event of the anniversary year: Of Hockey And Hijab on Monday

Octopus Books — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:57:34 -0500

Dear all

The 40th anniversary year is soon wrapped up, but luckily there's one more chance to attend an Octopus Event in 2009:

The launch of Of Hockey and Hijab by Sheema Khan

is on Monday December 7 at 6 pm at the Auditorium, Main Library (120 Metcalfe).

As usual, free admission.

In addition to Sheema Khan we will have Kerry Pither, the author of Dark Days; Farhat Rehman, women's rights activist; and Keith Neuman, VP Environics Research Group, discussing a variety of topics from Khan's book, such as integration, cultural understanding, women's rights and finding the balance between civil liberties and security.

Evening will be moderated by Yavar Hameed, human rights lawyer.

Hope to see you there,

Octo-team

March 10 - First Octo-event of 2010!!

Octopus Books — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:45:45 -0500

We are thrilled to open 2010 event season with award-winning photographer and social activist Vincenzo Pietropaolo - please join us for the launch of his newest book Harvest Pilgrims: Mexican and Caribbean Migrant Farm Workers in Canada.

The launch will take place on Wednesday, March 10, in the auditorium of the Main Library (120 Metcalfe) at 7 pm.

As usual, there is no admission fee. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Pietropaolo has been photographing migrant agriculture workers and recording their stories since 1984. He has travelled to forty locations throughout Ontario and visited the workers’ homes in Mexico, Jamaica, and Montserrat.

Pietropaolo has borne witness to these “harvest pilgrims”: the tens of thousands of migrant workers who arrive in the spring and leave in the fall. They are the backbone of the agricultural industry in Canada and, yet, continue to be denied many of the basic workplace rights that protect other workers in Canada.

Vincenzo Pietropaolo is an award-winning photographer whose work has been widely published in Canada and abroad. An Italian-Canadian, he and his family immigrated to Canada in 1959.

Hope to see you there,

Octo-team

Store News and Events

*Reminder* - Adria Vasil Event Tonight!!!

A fascinating talk by Joan Baxter about her time and impressions in Africa

A neat opportunity

An end of the year sale!

Batik Social in the Spring Sunshine

Birthday party in less than 24 hours!

Busy week ahead, event for every evening!

Buy Nothing Day is Friday November 27, 2009

Calling all fiction fans......

Canadian Labour International Film Festival - today !! Sunday November 29

Civil rights - Bday Party - Green living

Civil rights - Bday Party - Green living

CIVIL RIGHTS on Wednesday! And other exciting events of the autumn

Elliot is 7 and Everything is ON SALE!!!

EVENT - Exposing Apartheid: Understanding Israel's Politics of Occupation and Canadian Complicity

Everything you 've always wanted to know about Marijuana - tomorrow, and some great upcoming events!!

Great events over the next few weeks

Great Octo-events in March and April!

Happiness is Healthiness

Happiness is Healthiness AND protest Netanyahu's visit- TONIGHT!!

Help Us Kick Off Bike to Work Week Early with the Launch of Cyclist Bikelist!!

I'm Sailing Away

Last event of the anniversary year: Of Hockey And Hijab on Monday

March 10 - First Octo-event of 2010!!

Reminder - Adria Vasil Event Tonight!!!