You may have seen Jeremy Klaszus around the city at community events, travelling with a portable printing press. Together with Sam Hester, he produces and shares zines; fun and educational comics that tell stories about local places and events, encouraging Calgarians to stay curious.
He is the founder and editor of The Sprawl, an independent news outlet that serves as an alternative to mainstream media and focuses on long, in-depth reporting. Many stories explore Calgary’s history and civic life, covering topics such as the city’s Olympic bid, public transit and mayoral elections. It’s all available online or as audio on Sprawlcast.
1. “The Deerhead Cafe on Edmonton Trail is an experience, a true place of the people! Good, honest breakfast. Wood panelling. Faded business cards tacked up by the door. You must go. Just remember to bring cash — they don’t take cards. If you want a sneak peek, don’t Google it. Instead, look up the 1995 music video for ‘Gump Worsley’s Lament’ by [the band] Huevos Rancheros.”
2. “Calgary has some fine bookstores, but Sigla Books, on the west end of downtown by Loophole Coffee, is something of a hidden gem, with its focus on the odd and obscure. I’ve made some amazing finds here. And David, the shopkeeper, is a most enjoyable conversationalist.”
3. “UPPERCASE magazine, renowned internationally and published out of Calgary, continually blows me away with its originality and playful design. It’s a magazine ‘for the creative and curious’ and has been a huge inspiration for The Sprawl over the years. It’s a publication that knows exactly what it is.”
4. “Nose Hill Park is often where I go when I need to find my bearings again. I love the sweeping vistas of the city you get up there. Standing in one spot, you can see downtown, the Olympic ski jumps and, in the distance, the mountains. Nothing clears the head like a long walk on Nose Hill.”
5. “If I want to splurge on the weekend, I’ll go to Daily Globe News on 17th Avenue for a Sunday New York Times. News shops like this used to be common, but not anymore. That makes Daily Globe News a rarity, one I’m happy to support. And from there, it’s a short walk across the street to Caffe Beano. Coffee and a newspaper; that’s pretty much a perfect Sunday, in my books.”
