Latest news with #FOLD
CBC
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Festival of Literary Diversity
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) was the first of its kind in Canadian literature: a book festival celebrating diverse authors both at home and beyond. The festival takes place in Brampton, Ont., and aims to make space for writers to discuss their craft and the challenges involved in creating stories that "ask difficult questions, expose hard truths and push literary boundaries." Since its launch, the FOLD has evolved to include a reading challenge, a kids festival, an author visit series and monthly online webinars. Now, coming up on its 10th anniversary, founder and author Jael Richardson joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to reflect on how far book publishing has come in Canada — and how far it still has to go. We've included some highlights below, edited for length and clarity. For the full discussion, listen and follow Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud on your favourite podcast player. WATCH | Today's episode on YouTube (this segment begins at 17:52): Elamin: You founded this thing 10 years ago, and now look at us here. How does it feel to have arrived at the 10-year mark? Jael: It feels surreal. It definitely doesn't feel like 10 years, I think, because we started thinking it was only going to be in person in Brampton, and we had two years virtual. Now we're hovering over both spaces. Each iteration feels like its own version of the festival. And so I have to remember the culmination of all that. Elamin: Walk me through a little bit of why you felt like you needed to start this festival to begin with…. What need were you trying to fill, in that moment? Jael: I think there were obvious things going on at the time I started this. There was a movement with We Need Diverse Books in the States that was addressing a lack of diversity in publishing. And I don't talk about this a lot, but it's also a little bit of selfishness, you know? I'm a writer. I had a book come out. I wasn't at literary festivals, even though the book was about my dad who was a CFL quarterback. And I sort of thought, if you have this famous story in Canada and you can't get on a stage, maybe there's no room if you're an ordinary person. And so I wanted to start something that I could build, somewhere where I could go and talk about my books. And then I recognized just how important it was to other authors from marginalized communities to have a space where they could go, and be amongst one another, and be experts in craft. That was a big thing, too: not being forced to talk about identity. Being able to talk about it, but also being able to do a workshop on writing fiction or writing a memoir, which many authors said that they hadn't been asked to do before. Elamin: I think there's a feeling of like, "I want to come and talk about the ways that I've approached writing this book. That sometimes includes talking about identity, but not always. Sometimes it does include, why did I make the specific choices I made as a writer?" And what FOLD really allows you to do is sit in that space. Do you feel like Canadian literature has become more diverse in the last 10 years or so since you started FOLD? Jael: I do. I think there are festivals across the country that have diverse lineups and are really thinking about it — have always been thinking about it, too, in different ways, perhaps. And there are publishers who are actively taking an interest in not only seeking out marginalized voices, but creating spaces that are safer, more effective than they have before. I won't say it's all rose-colored glasses and everything's great. But I do think there's a baseline of conversation we can have now that I felt we were fighting to have 10 years ago. Jael: We had a really great event last night where we talked about conflict and community, and how we move through hard times. There was a really great after party. I want to shout out a woman named Eve who lives out west on her own, on a farm, and just talked about the need for connection; that was really important to me. I'll also say we have a really great event on Saturday called "Eat the Books" with Ozoz Sokoh, who's a chef working with Afrobeat Kitchen, to talk about books, talk about Nigerian culture, talk about food. I love when we get to mix books and some other art form — in this case, food. Elamin: Jael, I appreciate you. I appreciate everything that you've built. Thank you so much for everything that you put your energy into, and congratulations on 10 years. Thanks for being on the show, friend. Jael: Thank you so much.
CBC
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Panel hosted by Mattea Roach among the events featured at 2025 Festival of Literary Diversity
A panel hosted by Mattea Roach is among the events featured at 2025 Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD). Running from April 27 to May 4, the FOLD spotlights work by diverse authors from communities that are typically underrepresented in Canadian publishing. The Brampton, Ont.-based festival features both live online and in-person events with authors from Canada and around the world taking part. The panel hosted by Roach, with writers Tanya Talaga, Amal Elsana Alh'jooj and Morgan Campbell, breaks down how to have difficult conversations in a constructive way. It will take place on May 3 at 11 a.m. at The Rose and will be featured in a future episode of Bookends. Talaga is a writer and journalist of Anishinaabe and Polish descent. She is a member of Fort William First Nation. Her book Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City won the RBC Taylor Prize, the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing and the First Nation Communities Read: Young Adult/Adult Award. All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward was the basis for the 2018 CBC Massey Lectures. Her most recent work is the book and four-part documentary called The Knowing, which is nominated for the 2025 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. Alh'jooj is a professor at McGill University and a founder of several NGOs including Arab-Jewish Centre for Equality and Economic Empowerment and Cooperation. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and won the New Israel Fund's Human Rights Award in 2013. She is the founder and executive director of the organization PLEDJ (Promoting Leadership, Empowerment, Development and Justice). A Bedouin Palestinian activist born in Israel, she wrote the memoir Hope is a Woman's Name. Campbell is an Ontario-based journalist and a senior contributor at CBC Sports. He was a sports writer at the Toronto Star for over 18 years. His work highlights where sports intersect with off-the-field issues like race, culture, politics and business. His memoir My Fighting Family is his first book. Other events include writing workshops and a panel featuring Canada Reads all-stars Kamal Al-Solaylee, David Chariandy and katherena vermette. Al-Solaylee's memoir Intolerable was a contender on Canada Reads 2015, when it was defended by Kristin Kreuk. Chariandy's novel Brother was shortlisted for Canada Reads in 2019 and was defended by actor and model Lisa Ray. vermette's novel The Break was defended by Candy Palmater in 2017. This year, FOLD is celebrating its 10th anniversary. "This is a big milestone," said Jael Richardson, a Canadian author and executive director of FOLD, in a press statement. "We've been through a lot over these last 10 years and we've learned a lot too." Richardson is a writer, editor, activist and the former books columnist for Q on CBC Radio. Her books include the picture book Because You Are and the nonfiction book The Stone Thrower, which was adapted into a picture book of the same name. Richardson's debut novel, Gutter Child, was published in 2021 and was a finalist for the 2021 Amazon Canada First Novel Award. "The theme, a Decade of Change, invites us to look at what we've accomplished with the FOLD and where we want to go next. It will also allow us to examine what's happening — and not happening — in publishing right now," she said.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
London's best nightclubs named - with ‘DIY-run warehouse' taking top spot
London's best nightclubs have been named and a 'DIY-run warehouse' has taken top spot. The city's 40 best nightclubs for 2025 to dance, drink and pass the night away were named by TimeOut earlier this week. While London's nightlife has been in a state of crisis, the city is still home to plenty of amazing spots to enjoy yourself after the clock strikes 12. There's something for everyone in the capital - from live bands to heavy techno nights. But only one venue could come out in top spot and this unsuspecting 'DIY-run warehouse' in Bermondsey might not be think first place you'd think of. However, it managed to snub famous clubs like Ministry of Sound and Fabric which are world-renowned for their intense clubbing experience. READ MORE: Counting Crows announce epic tour is coming to the UK - with a Wembley show READ MORE: Dua Lipa fans can still buy tickets from little-known website for Wembley Stadium shows View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baptist (@ While many of the DJs playing at Venue MOT, also known as Unit 18, are lesser known than at other nightclubs, the venue has a reputation for championing young artists in and around the South East London area. The venue is famous for having an intimate feel and is often used by local promoters and performers just starting out -but it is still able to attract some big names. Despite its size, it has an incredible sound system and hosts nights across the spectrum of electronic dance music. Venue MOT is located on an industrial estate in South Bermondsey. Its slightly more remote location means that it is out of the way of the hustle and bustle of London - although it can be slightly harder to get to than some of the other big nightclubs. Coming in just behind Venue MOT on the list was Canning Town's FOLD - a hub for techno, house and other dance music. In third place was The Carpet Shop, in Peckham, which is put on by the same people behind super-popular nightclub Corsica Studios. Venue MOT Unit 18 - Bermondsey FOLD - Canning Town The Carpet Shop - Peckham The Cause - Royal Docks Fabric - Farringdon The Divine - Dalston Moth Club - Hackney Central Corsica Studios - Elephant and Castle Unit 58 - Tottenham Omerara - Southwark Got a story? Please get in touch at Stay updated on the top South London stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for the latest daily news and more.
Telegraph
07-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Fold Reformer Bed review: I tested a home Reformer Pilates Machine to save money on classes
Our rating: 8/10 We like: Sturdily made, it glides smoothly and the nicely padded bed makes it comfortable to use Looks good and is easy to keep clean Three months free access to the exclusive App with guided at-home workouts We don't like: It's very heavy and needs two people to fold it up after using Not suitable if you're short of space The weights included in the starter bundle kit are too light if you prefer an intense workout What is the Fold Reformer bed? The popularity of Reformer Pilates has exploded in recent years, with celebrities including David Beckham, Madonna and Jennifer Aniston all crediting the exercise for their impressively taut limbs. Studios are popping up on gentrified high streets throughout Britain, but with each class costing between £20-30 on average, unsurprisingly people are wondering whether it's worth investing in their own Reformer bed at home. And for those who have the cash (prices for the machines start at around £1k), shelling out for your own shiny FOLD bed is the ultimate fitness flex. With its cool branding, high spec fixtures and fittings, generous cushioning on the carriage and smooth gliding, it's quite the status symbol in the Pilates world. Pull on your Oner Active gear and clutch the Stanley Quencher water bottle and you are already five steps ahead for the swankiest Insta posts. It's only available on the FOLD website (further adding to the exclusive feel) and buying the machine automatically grants you access to classes and the wider FOLD community (for the first three months at least). But can anyone justify the eye-watering expense? How we test home Reformer Pilates machines I tested the product, loaned to me for three months, exactly as a potential buyer would at home. I carefully considered the assembling process, how comfortable it was to use during a work out and whether it was simple to tidily store away when not in use. I also took into account the quality of the product itself – would it last over time and prove genuinely durable? Finally, I thought about whether it was worth its hefty price tag, weighing it up against the cost I'd have had to spend attending classes in the average high street studio. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews. Ease of assembly: 5/10 The Reformer had been left in a huge heap of cardboard boxes strapped to a wooden pallet on the driveway outside my London flat. I was out when it was delivered, so my first challenge was getting it up the three steps from street level to front door and inside to the hallway safely. Panicking that the expensive kit might be stolen, I needed three beefy neighbours to help me heave it inside, where it remained until I could beg two strong gym-going men to actually carry it up the stairs to my first floor flat. It weighs 72kg, more with the wooden pallet it's delivered on, and comes in protected boxes. I'd advise anyone to ensure they are in when it arrives and have help prepared (two or three people is best, I'm an average-sized, reasonably strong woman but had no chance by myself of budging it). Once out of the packaging, I was able to set up the carriage myself, although two people would find it easier as the metal springs are also not light. While I was surprised it was so cumbersome to move, once I'd opened it up I could see the quality of the wooden carriage case was very excellent, hence the weight. On the website, Fold also now offers their own delivery service, which might improve some of the issues I had. Adjustability: 9/10 The Reformer bed is suitable for anyone up to 6ft 4in, and weighing up to a maximum of 130kg (or around 20st). The head and shoulder rests are static, but the foot bar can be adjusted to four levels and the straps are easily made to suit all arm lengths. Included in the price of the bed itself is a 'starter bundle' (worth £100) containing a jump box, black Pilates mat, Pilates circle, Pilates ball and one pair of 1kg dumbbells. You'd need to use your own hand weights if you prefer heavier ones and are more 'advanced'. The five metal springs (the crucial weights that add resistance to tone you up) are very sturdy too, with strong plastic coating so you can clearly see the colour relating to the weight of the springs, with red being the heaviest resistance, green medium and yellow as the lightest weight. This means it's easy to adjust exercises to different abilities by simply unhooking the springs, and it's easy to track your own progress as you are able to build up to working with more resistance. Usability: 8/10 On purchase of the machine, you'll automatically get complimentary access to the App for a three-month period, which is simple to use. It includes on-demand workouts of various levels, live classes that target certain muscle groups and access to a 'community'. The latter part I didn't personally choose to use but some might enjoy. However, after the initial three months you have to renew your subscription (costing £9.99 month). You can also find Reformer Pilates workouts for free on YouTube, or just try memorising classes and playing with the mechanisms. Until you're familiar with the exercises, you need to have access to the screen, so be careful of twisting your neck initially when following them. Getting the hang of switching springs and developing good technique to avoid injury is relatively simple, and the carriage glides very smoothly so you feel steady on it. Most people investing in an at-home foldable Reformer bed – especially one as high-spec as the Fold – are likely to have had previous experience of using them in a studio before shelling out, so that's less of an issue perhaps. Quality and durability: 10/10 The craftsmanship is beautiful, with the matching accessories and close attention to detail and finish. I've no doubt it's probably the best home Reformer bed on the market in how it looks and glides. It's just as good in terms of quality as the Reformer beds I have been using for years in professional Pilates studios. It looks better than many studio ones, being made of protected wood (no splinter risk here) rather than standard metal. The metal springs are very sturdy too, as are strong plastic coated coloured rings signifying the resistance levels. Should you need to replace a single spring for any reason, it will cost you £39.99, or £150 to replace the whole set of five. All elements of the machine are easy to clean and I am confident the product will last for many years without any part deteriorating or needing to be replaced. Each bed comes with a one-year warranty. Unfortunately, my cats have scratched the padded parts of the bed, probably in protest at this hefty new machinery appearing in their space (clearly entirely my own fault – not the makers' – but something to bear in mind if you have pets). Storage and maintenance: 6/10 Maintenance is easy, just wipe down with a soft cloth after using. Storing it folded up realistically only takes a few minutes – once you're used to handling the weight of it – but you still need to have a room big enough for it to be stored folded and pushed into a corner of the room. Smaller living rooms such as mine (around 4.5m x 5m) aren't ideal if you need to move other furniture out of the way before opening it out. For me, this was shifting a sofa and desk slightly. When it's open, it takes up 2350mm (or 92.5in) in length, with a width 600mm (23.6in) and height 260 - 290mm (10.2 - 11.4in). Folded, the dimensions are length 1270mm (50in) x width 680mm (26.8in) x height 400mm (15.7in). The ball, weights and hoop can all be easily moved around, and stored inside the jump box when not in use, but this does take up some space in addition to the carriage itself. Also if it's a heavily used room (I have three teenagers in the house), it's less practical. So if you're the kind of person who can easily find an excuse not to exercise, that too needs to be considered. Technical specifications Another popular home Reformer Pilates machine is the Align-Pilates F3, which is slightly cheaper and lighter, but made from metal and plastic rather than wood. Here is how they stack up. Telegraph verdict: 8/10 The Fold Reformer bed is a beautiful product and a genuine pleasure to use (assuming you like Pilates that is). The main benefit is being able to work out at home at whatever time suits you, rather than travel to a class. As classes cost on average £25 per session, you are soon making your money back. This is just as long as you have the discipline to use it and already have mastered some good technique, to ensure you're minimising any injury risk and maximising efficiency of movement. These are two things which are key for any home exercise machine in general. The App's easy to follow and the workouts are great, but the fact it costs an extra tenner a month after the initial three month subscription perhaps seems a little mean considering the substantial initial outlay. As much as I think it's an excellent Reformer, equal to any studio bed in quality and superior in looks, I'd only really recommend it to Pilates aficionados who have plenty of space at home. It will best suit those with a dedicated space to keep it laid out ready to use, to save on the hassle of folding and unfolding each time. If you're lucky enough to have (even a smallish) dedicated 'exercise area' at home this would be a lovely addition. Otherwise, it takes up a lot of space in your average sized living room or bedroom and pets, children, housemates or spouses might protest. FAQs Is the Original FOLD Reformer Bed foldable? Yes it is certainly foldable (once you've unhooked the springs). The Reformer then hinges in half quite smoothly, with it being on wheels. But in no way could it be described as easily transportable, or the perfect Pilates Reformer for small spaces. Is the FOLD Reformer easy to store? Yes, it comes on wheels so can be pushed to one side of the room once folded easily enough. What exercises can you do on the FOLD Reformer Bed? You can do every exercise you usually would on a Reformer Pilates bed that you'd find in a professional studio, so it offers a full body workout. Is the FOLD Reformer suitable for beginners? Yes it is, although if you have never used a Reformer ever before, I would recommend at least one session with an instructor to get you going. For those used to exercise generally, but never a Reformer, they should be fine. However, it's highly likely that anyone investing in this equipment to use at home would be familiar with how they work and how to use them,
