allthingscanadian

The Christopher Plummer Award Train Keeps Moving Forward

2012-01-30T11:55:00.002-05:00

Last night at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Plummer, 82, picked up his latest statue (Best Supporting Actor) of the season for his role in Beginners, playing a man who, only after his wife of many years passes away, comes out in his autumn years and finally experiences the life he'd been missing.

Earlier this month he won the Golden Globe for his role and is seen as the frontrunner to win the Academy Award. This would be Plummer's first win, having received a nomination, his first ever (!) two years ago for supporting actor in the role of Leo Tolstoy in The Last Station.

During his speech, Plummer credited his wife of 40+ years with saving his life after he gave up alcohol.

“I was a terrible drunk, and she said if you’re serious about getting it together you have to cut down on the drinking. She was really quite vicious about it.”
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The Oscars air February 26th.

Priceline Bids Adieu To Its Most Memorable Pitchman

2012-01-19T13:34:00.002-05:00

The company is changing its business model from a name-your-price set up to a fixed price approach, and is killing off Shatner's character, The Negotiator. Shatner has been the face of Priceline for 14 years, five as The Negotiator. A new commercial will debut on Monday in which the character finds himself with vacationers on a bus teetering on a bridge's railing. In it he tells people to "Save yourselves - some money." The spot may also be part of the Super Bowl commercial extravaganza. He does remain under contract so perhaps viewers will see him again in some capacity.

Shatner was sanguine about the end of an era. "It was a great run. But if management says this is the end, this is the end." The actor is focused on the debut next month of his one-man Broadway show, Shatner's World: We Just Live In It.

Doing Yoga With Ryan Reynolds - Sort Of

2012-01-13T10:27:00.002-05:00

A little fun for your Friday. But sadly gang, he remains fully clothed the entire time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7vgVaYPO3o

A Big Month For Kiefer Sutherland

2012-01-09T12:10:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Sutherland announced to the joy of millions of fans that a movie version of 24 will begin shooting this spring, possibly as early as April.

But before he hits the big screen, he'll be returning to Fox this winter. The actor's new show, Touch, will get a sneak preview on Fox on January 25th before joining the regular schedule in March.

Watch a trailer for the program here: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kiefer-Sutherland-Talks-Touch-1041354.aspx?rss=newsletter&partnerid=newsletter&profileid=whatshot

A New Day For Border Crossing?

2012-01-04T00:33:00.002-05:00

Last week, a traveler from Montreal, Martin Reisch, got to the U.S. border and realized he'd forgotten his passport at home, two hours away. The border officer allowed Reisch to use a scanned copy of his passport that was on his iPad and come through from Quebec. He was attempting to deliver Christmas presents to a friend's kids, and that information, coupled with the passport and his driver's license were enough for the officer to make an exception. Reisch also successfully used the scanned passport later in the day to get through Canadian customs. Currently, U.S. Customes and Border Protection doesn't allow for scans and photocopies, but the digital revolution can't be that far off.

Forget About Aliens in 2012, The Invasion Has Already Begun

2011-12-28T11:39:00.000-05:00

A Little Music Education On The CBC

2011-12-21T21:23:00.002-05:00

Last year guitarist Randy Bachman of the bands The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, did a segment on his CBC radio show Randy's Vinyl Tap, about the Beatles' 1964 hit A Hard Day's Night. During the live performance of what Bachman dubbed "Guitarology 101" at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the musician discussed and dissected the opening to the song, arguably the most famous clang in music history.

Have a listen in this audio clip:

http://www.openculture.com/2011/12/guitarist_randy_bachman_demystifies_the_opening_chord_of_a_hard_days_night.html

Check out the radio show every Saturday evening: http://www.randysvinyltap.com/

More Love For Ryan Gosling

2011-12-16T15:05:00.002-05:00

Not only was he everywhere in 2011 with four movies, he picked up two Golden Globe nominations yesterday for Ides of March and Crazy, Stupid Love. Locally, a Park Slope Co-Op fan (and presumed member)gave him props on Tumblr.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/ryan-gosling-fan-adds-tumblr-blogs-worshiping-sjavascript:void(0)tar-shoutout-park-slope-food-coop-article-1.992652

Canada Continues To Keep Its Head Above Water

2011-12-11T21:56:00.002-05:00

While countries in Europe have been imploding this fall, and America's economic woes have been a constant for more than three years, the US's neighbour to the north and biggest trading partner, has managed to get through these tough times with far less turmoil.

NPR weighs in: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/11/143532073/canada-escapes-recessions-grip

Paul Gross Comes To Broadway

2011-12-04T16:43:00.003-05:00

The actor-writer-director-producer-singer, 52, best known on this side of the border for the 90s Mountie show Due South, and more recently, the ensemble comedy Sling snd Arrows, has arrived from the Great White North to the Great White Way for Noel Coward's "Private Lives". Acting opposite fellow Canadian Kim Cattrall. Gross was last on stage in 2000 at the Stratford Festival playing Hamlet.

The revival, directed by Brit Richard Eyre, first had a run in Toronto where Gross came down with bronchitis and blew out his voice. But the dashing actor is back in fine form, and you can catch him through February.

If you're lucky, you might run into him in his off hours while he's bunking with his daughter, who's a student at NYU. After the show's run, he's off to Afghanistan to direct a movie, Hyena Road.

Some Extremely Passionate Fans Believe That Ryan Gosling Should Have Been Named People Magazine's Sexist Man Of The Year

2011-11-20T01:47:00.002-05:00

Next year will be your time, pretty boy!

Enjoy the visuals, ladies and gents:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/reasons-why-bradley-cooper-is-definitely-not-the-s

File Under News That Will Be Shocking To No One

2011-11-16T14:49:00.002-05:00

The woman who brought a paternity suit against Justin Bieber has dropped the claim. Maria Yeater, 20, who claimed that she had had carnal relations with the underage singer in a bathroom after a concert, decided last week against pursuing the case. Bieber had planned to take a DNA test when he returned from a European tour in two weeks.

Fun For Your Monday - A Hockey Wedding On Ice

2011-11-14T13:04:00.002-05:00

In September, Brittany Wong and Drew Burant tied the knot at Vancouver's Killarney Ice Rink. Both are big time hockey fans (his allegiance is with the Oilers and she's a figure skater turned hockey player who roots for the Canucks).

Check out the video here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Watch-an-incredible-hockey-wedding-including-ma?urn=nhl-wp17169

Avril Lavigne Attacked Over The Weekend

2011-11-07T13:55:00.002-05:00

The singer, along with her boyfriend, Brody Jenner, were accosted by a group of people outside of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood early Sunday morning. Lavigne took to Twitter about the incident:

"I don't fight. I don't believe in it... I got attacked by five people last night out of nowhere. Not cool. So not okay to be abusive to others." She posted that she had suffered a black eye, bloody nose, hair ripped out, scratches, bruises and cuts.

No arrests have yet been made.

Possibly The Only Guy In The World Who Loves Airports

2011-10-27T12:23:00.002-04:00

Jaeger Mah has been living in the Vancouver International Airport since August 17th, by choice. He was the winner of a contest sponsored by the airport to mark its 80th birthday. Mah, an entrepreneur, submitted a video application and got the winning vote out of the 160 entries submitted. Fortunately, he hasn't had to sleep in the airport, however, enjoying the nearby airport hotel. And instead of standing in endless queues or getting groped at security, Mah has been spending his time documenting the people he meets and his very unique experiences, such as touring the airport's wildlife control operations. He shoots, edits and post the videos online.

He has eight days to go. Check it out here: http://liveatyvr.tumblr.com/

http://news.yahoo.com/man-near-end-80-day-stay-vancouver-airport-154632385.html

Canada's Favourite Fake Space Explorer Has A New Memoir

2011-10-23T22:57:00.004-04:00

Beloved entertainer, actor and author William Shatner, taking a break from the thespian world after the cancellation of last season's sitcom Sh%!t My Dad Says, has penned his latest autobiography. "Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large" hit the shelves earlier this month.

Catch an interview with The Shat from ABC's Nightline:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/william-shatner-acting-star-trek-laughing/story?id=14642296

Sean McCann Of Great Big Sea Hits New York For His New Album

2011-10-17T00:34:00.003-04:00

Earlier this month, the Newfoundland folk singer/songwriter was in the city with his trio, Sean McCann and The Committed. They performed at City Winery, the halfway point on their tour, to promote the new album, Son of a Sailor. It's McCann's second solo record, a follow up to last year's release, Lullabies for Bloodshot Eyes. The members of The Committed are Kelly Russell (fiddle), who also played a mean concertina, and Craig Young (acoustic and slide guitar, mandolin).

The band opened with Long Road and then the title track, which McCann said "I wrote for my dad." Later, he remarked that he had a song "I wrote for my wife because she asked me to write a song about her," which got a good laugh from the enthusiastic crowd.

Of the venue he charmingly commented that "I've been to New York a lot, but I haven't always met people as nice as the ones at City Winery." He then sent a song out to the bar staff.

As is the custom, the winery made a batch of wine with the band's name on it, and they proceeded to drink a bottle while on stage. Bandmate Young chimed in saying, "I have my own whine: it's too cold up here." It may have been all of the drinks being consumed, but that too was met with laughter.

The US tour wrapped up last week but in November you can catch Sean McCann and The Committed in Toronto and Banff.

If you won't be traveling north of the border, have a listen to some of tracks, watch videos, and more on McCann's website.

http://greatbigsean.com/site/

An Early Look At Kiefer Sutherland's New Show

2011-10-07T00:54:00.002-04:00

As previously announced, the Emmy winner will be returning to Fox in the spring with a new drama in which he'll play the father of a mute child who communicates via numbers. The series will be overseen by Tim Kring, late of Heroes. The network has ordered 13 episodes and the premiere is expected mid-season.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/10/06/kiefer-sutherland-touch-trailer/

Hey Ladies, Put Down The Rules And Pick Up This Book

2011-10-01T11:22:00.002-04:00

Author Samita Mukhopadhyay argues in her new book, "Outdated: Why Dating is Ruining Your Love Life", that feminists have better sex than their female counterparts who look to titles such as "He's Just Not That Into You" for romance guidance.

Recently, The Globe and Mail interviewed Miss Mukhopadhyay about her taking on women's approach to their dating and sex lives:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/love/dating/why-feminists-have-better-sex/article2185391/singlepage/#articlecontent

Ion Television Saves Flashpoint From The Cancelation Pile

2011-09-25T11:23:00.003-04:00

The network, home to current and former programs in syndication like Psych and Without a Trace, has picked up the Canadian drama. The show had been airing in the US on CBS for the last few summers, through this season. It's about officers in the Strategic Response Unit, a tactical team skilled in profiling and negotiating. Flashpoint stars a number of Canadian actors, including Enrico Colantoni and Hugh Dillon.

It's the most watched drama series in Canada, airing on CTV, and averaging 1.5 million viewers. With five seasons and 80 episodes, it's one of the longest-running original scripted series currently airing on Canadian television.

The new season premieres on Ion October 18th.

Gordon Ramsey Brings His Blend Of Culinary And Crazy To A Montreal Institution

2011-09-16T11:27:00.004-04:00

The English chef and showman has revived the beloved 75-year-old rotisserie chicken joint Laurier BBQ. The French-Canadian family-style landmark had been struggling but now, injected with a dose of celebrity, it will live on as Laurier Gordon Ramsey. The temperamental television personality is providing his consulting services, familiar to anyone who has seen his show Kitchen Nightmares, and has hired local chef, Guillermo Russo, to oversee the operation.

It's open for business, foodies: http://lauriergordonramsay.com/

Actress Sarah Polley Surprises With Two Big Announcements

2011-09-07T23:45:00.003-04:00

The Academy Award-nominated star, who's been entertaining audiences for years in the movies Go, The Sweet Hereafter and Dawn of the Dead, announced that she had married two weeks ago and is pregnant. Polly, 32, is a little more than three months along. Her current film project, Take This Waltz, which she directed and wrote, debuts this week at the Toronto Film Festival.

Another Foot Turns Up In Canadian Waters

2011-09-03T11:50:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, a boy found a foot and leg bone near a marina in an inlet called False Creek. It's the 11th severed foot in the waters of British Columbia in four years. Authorities told the CBC that murder is not suspected since there was no evidence of trauma. DNA has been used in the past to successfully identify some of the remains.

Ryan Gosling, Hot Samaritan

2011-08-23T00:39:00.002-04:00

The Academy-Award nominated actor was recently videotaped breaking up a fight between two men in The East Village. After separating the would-be pugilists, Gosling escorts the men away. Enjoy the video and the even more entertaining commentary of the women shooting the heartthrob in action.

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2011/08/22/2011-08-22_ryan_gosling_breaks_up_new_york_street_fight.html

NDP Leader Jack Layton Dead At 61

2011-08-22T18:55:00.003-04:00

Layton had led Canada's Official Opposition until last month when he stepped down to seek treatment for the cancer that ultimately claimed him this morning.

In late 2009, Layton was diagnosed with prostate cancer but continued working while undergoing treatment. In June he confirmed that he was suffering from a new form of cancer but didn't disclose which.

Prime Mister Harper, who spoke from The House of Commons, said the two had often talked about getting together to play music. "I will always regret the jam session that never was. This is a reminder that we must always make time for family and friends while we still can."

Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel recited one of Layton's favourite quotes (one that he used in every email), which came from Tommy Douglas, the founder of the CCF, the precursor to the NDP. "Courage my friends, tis never too late to build a better world."

Layton, survived by his wife, Olivia Chow, (a fellow NDP MP from Toronto) and two children, will be honoured with a state funeral on Saturday in Toronto.

For more on his legacy: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/f-jack-layton-death-legacy.html

Layton's last letter to Canadians:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html

Laid Off Ottawa Workers Win The Lottery

2011-08-14T14:41:00.002-04:00

On Friday, the 18 winners, 10 of whom had gotten pink slips 48 hours earlier from their employer, software company Smart Technologies, went to pick up their cheques totaling $7M. Each person received approximately $400K, which is roughly equivalent to 15 years worth of their gross pay. The group had been playing the lottery each week for five years.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20110812/ottawa-lottery-winner-willard-110812/

New Campaign From American Apparel Getting Heat

2011-08-13T11:45:00.002-04:00

The company, created by the infamous Dov Charney, has a new conversation tee with the line "Teenagers Do It Better" on it, retailing for $24. Such a t-shirt would seem doubly problematic given Charney's multiple sexual harassment allegations and claims that he's a pedophile.

A gallery of some other offensive ad campaigns, perhaps explaining why the company is broke with a debt upwards of $120M.

http://thegloss.com/fashion/gallery-the-ten-worst-american-apparel-ads/

If You're Against The Proposed Tar Sands Pipeline, Watch This Video

2011-08-07T12:19:00.003-04:00

The Keystone XL Pipeline project would send oil from Canada to refineries in Texas if plans go forward. The strip mining would have a devastating impact on the Boreal forest, which is home to wildlife, including millions of songbirds, and would also threaten the drinking water.

https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4680&4680.donation=form1&autologin=true

Because It's Monday, Who Couldn't Use A Couple Of Feel Good Stories

2011-07-25T13:58:00.002-04:00

Last week, two West Perth teenagers found a wallet with $1200 in cash and turned it in. The gesture earned the two Good Samaritans considerable relief from the owner and praise from the provincial police.

Contractor Jeff Horan had lost his wallet on July 19th in Mitchell, ON. Later that day the teenagers, age 18 and 16, saw the wallet and its contents all across the nearby road and sidewalk. The teens returned to the area with an officer where they found another $100 bill.

Horan plans to meet up with the kids and give them a reward.

"I'm quite thankful for having honest people out there. I'm honestly still in shock, I just can't believe that it all was returned."

And in Quebec last Tuesday, a five-year-old boy rescued his sister from an accidental drowning. The three-year-old had fallen into a pool in Granby, south of Montreal. The boy kept her head above water until their mother came to the girl's aid.

Production On NBC's The Firm Set To Begin Next Month In Toronto

2011-07-13T00:46:00.002-04:00

The series, based on John Grisham's 1991 novel of the same name (which spawned a 1992 movie starring Tom Cruise), will star Americans Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis, but also Canadian actor Callum Keith Rennie, most recently seen in AMC's The Killing. Lucas and Rennie will play brothers, the latter having been portrayed by David Strathairn on the silver screen. Coincidentally, Rennie will also be seen in the new SyFy channel show Alphas, starring Strathairn, debuting this month.

For a laugh, check out Six Degrees of CKR on imdb. The man is connected to many, many people in showbiz.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0719678/board/thread/49862276

Cookin' Canuck Style

2011-07-10T10:26:00.002-04:00

A first for ATC: a recipe. Naturally, we're going to kick things off with one for poutine. The chef isn't Canadian (you may find his substitute for cheese curds to be unacceptable) but he gets a shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI3sGmzse-Q&feature=relmfu

Bien manger!

A Little More Canada Day Love For You

2011-07-03T01:25:00.000-04:00

courtesy of Bill Shatner:

http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/show-politics/william-shatner-sings-o-canada.html

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T00:59:00.002-04:00

It's our 144th birthday today!

If you're here in NY, you can get the party started early and keep on going late into the night:

Head to Canada Cabin (aka Windfall Bar - 23 West 39th St; windfallnyc.com). They'll be serving lunch starting at 11:30am and you can start boozing it up at 3:00pm. You can enjoy Canadian food and beers.

Continue the Canuck party at Joe’s Pub, which celebrates the Great Canadian Songbook (425 Lafayette St; 6:30, 9pm; $25). As Joe's puts it, From Cohen to Cockburn, Joni to Gino, Lightfoot to Lighthouse, Rufus to Raffi, Burton to Bryan, Nelly to Neil, you never know whose songs you might hear. Think you know The Great Canadian Songbook? You Ain't [Heard] Nothin' Yet.

Tickets are still available: http://www.joespub.com/component/option,com_shows/task,view/Itemid,40/id,3993

A Little Canada Day Celebrating In Advance

2011-06-28T10:40:00.001-04:00

Cheeky online greeting card company Someecards is getting in on the action:

http://www.someecards.com/canada-day-cards/my-previous-assumption-that-you-were-a-little-bit-off-has-been-totally-cleared-up-now-that-i-realize-youre-just-canadian

Vancouver's Famous Kissing Couple Identified

2011-06-17T14:46:00.002-04:00

After Canada lost in Game 7 on Wednesday and riots broke out, one images circulated that captured the public's imagination: that of a couple seemingly in the throes of passion on the ground, with rioters and police a few hundred feet away.

About 24 hours after the photo made the rounds, The Toronto Star and CBC gave names to the young man and woman: Aussie bartender Scott Jones and Canadian university student Alex Thomas. It was actually Jones's sister who first recognized one of the people in the shot and contacted an Australian news network. Then Jones's father posted an update on his Facebook profile earlier today.

Jones and Thomas were actually on the ground because after attending Game 7 together, Thomas was hit by a police shield as the riot police charged forward, and fell to the ground.Jones was comforting her and kissing his girlfriend when the photographer took the photo.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/06/17/vancouver-kissing-couple.html

A Sad Night For Canadians

2011-06-16T01:48:00.003-04:00

Hockey fans had their hopes dashed once again as the Canucks failed to capitalize on their first two wins, falling short in the seventh and deciding game in Vancouver earlier tonight. The Bruins scored early in the first period and never lost steam, winning 4-0.

A little salve for your wounds:

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/06/15/stanley-cup-michael-buble/

The Daily Show Goes To Canada

2011-06-15T15:21:00.002-04:00

Correspondent Wyatt Cenac travels north to cover the perhaps surprising news that the greatest amount of oil that America imports comes from Canada(and it's a whole lot more than they import from Saudi Arabia).

http://www.hulu.com/watch/248608/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-canadian-oilverlords#s-p2-sr-i1

Canucks Take Game 2 Of The Stanley Cup Finals In OT

2011-06-04T23:25:00.003-04:00

It was a good thing that the Canucks's Alex Burrows was not suspended for biting the gloved finger of Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron in Game 1 so that he could stick around to score the winning goal in tonight's game at the Rogers Arena. The Canucks won 3-2 and are now up 2-0. The winner came on a wraparound goal 11 minutes into the extra period, allowing Burrows to beat both goalie Tim Thomas and captain Zdeno Chara.

The evening also saw the return of Manny Malhotra, who had missed 2.5 months of the season due to a left eye injury. The damage was originally thought to be season ending and possibly also a career killer.

The Canucks and Bruins will play Game 3 in Boston on Monday.

An Inspiring Story Of Fierce Determination

2011-06-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Nearly three years ago, Jennifer Darmon and her future husband, Mike Belawetz, both from Windsor, Ontario, were on their way to Grand Bend when they got in a car accident that left Darmon paralyzed below the waist. This is her amazing story of how in April she walked down the aisle, aided by her father and brother, and went on to share a first dance with her husband.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43222087/ns/today-good_news/t/paralyzed-bride-defies-odds-walk-down-aisle/

No Way, No How, Avril Lavigne Doesn't Like Devil Ray Fans

2011-05-30T14:10:00.002-04:00

On Saturday night at Tropicana Field, the singer, there to perform as part of the summer concert series at the stadium, unleashed a series of curses after fans booed her. Was it because Floridians just don't like Canadians? More likely, it was because the Lavigne had some technical difficulties with a dead microphone during her first song. The Rays apologized directly to fans for her sailor language, issuing the following statement:

"The Rays demand profanity-free performances from all of our concert performers and we are extremely disappointed by the language used in last night's show. It is not consistent with the family-friendly atmosphere that Tropicana Field is known for."

Well, a girl's got to live up to her faux-punk image.

The Ever Hilarious (But Not Drunk) Norm MacDonald On Conan O'Brien

2011-05-19T01:19:00.001-04:00

http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/norm-macdonald-turns-conan-interview-into-spontaneous-4minutelong-dirty-joke-about-andy-richter--2999

The Legendary Bruce Cockburn Has A New Tour And Album

2011-05-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

The folk singer with the four decade career was in New York earlier this month for a two night stand at City Winery in support of his 31st studio album, Small Source of Comfort. It was the first American city on the North American tour he kicked off in Kelowna in March, which will wrap up in June.

Cockburn's tour mate, collaborator and opening act, Jenny Scheinman, took to the stage with a cold. "This is the sound of one nostril singing," she cracked, not that anyone likely would have otherwise picked up on it. She and her violin sounded great and had a lot energy for someone under the weather. Scheinman is a native of California, who's based in Brooklyn these days. She does a weekly gig in the borough at Barbes on Tuesday nights.

The 65-year-old Cockburn started his rollicking two hour set with Last Night of the World to much applause from the near capacity house. Clad all in black, he added a bit of colour to his ensemble with a green guitar and a stud in his right ear.

Cockburn didn't say much during the performance, sticking mostly to playing. But at one point he did remark, "You can write a song about anything," and an audience member good naturedly heckled back, "And you have!" The songwriter then added, "There are a few topics still to discover."

Part of the inspiration for Small Comfort came from Cockburn's travels to the Canadian Forces base in Kandahar in 2009. He wrote the song Each One Lost after he attended a ceremony honouring two fallen Canadian Forces soldiers who were killed that day. Another song, Comets of Kandahar, is a track that Cockburn describes as "Django meets John Lee Hooker," the latter being one of his music role models.

As Cockburn finishes up his tour in June, you'll be seeing him on your posts as part of the third installment of the Canadian Recording Artists stamp series. Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Robbie Robertson and Ginette Reno are also being honoured. The stamps will be issued on June 30th.

For the tour schedule and more information, go to: http://brucecockburn.com/

BC Woman Survives Seven Weeks In The Desert

2011-05-10T12:55:00.002-04:00

On Friday, Rita Chretien, 56, of Penticton, was rescued in Nevada by two ATV riders after having been missing since March 19th. Chretien and her husband, Albert, had been on their way to a trade show in Las Vegas when they strayed at night off Idaho 51-Nevada 225 onto a little used and unpaved U.S. Forest Service road. The vehicle got stuck in the mud and three days later, on March 22nd, Albert Chretien went to get help, and is still missing.

Rita Chretien is recovering at an Twin Falls, Idaho hospital. Doctors credit her being able to endure her possibly-record-breaking seven weeks of near starvation due to her expending minimal energy, being able to melt snow for drinking water and having a few snacks to ration a the start. They also believe her calmness, upbeat attitude and spiritual faith allowed her to hold on. Mrs. Chretien had had a premonition shortly before her rescue that the end of the ordeal was near and that she would either be rescued or fall asleep for the last time.

The Chretien's son Raymond was able to spend Mother's Day with his mother and said her survival was "the biggest miracle you could ever ask for," and added, "Never give up, never lose your faith."

Kid in the Hall Brian Thompson Chats With The Globe And Mail

2011-05-08T21:51:00.000-04:00

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/kid-in-the-hall-calls-for-more-kidding-around/article2013695/

Stephen Harper Is Reelected As Voters Put The Conservative Party In The Majority

2011-05-03T21:35:00.002-04:00

The party won 167 seats with almost 40% of the votes. NDP Leader Jack Layton will now become Official Opposition Leader (102 seats), replacing Michael Ignatieff, who was defeated in Toronto. His Liberal Party, often touted as Canada's "natural governing party", placed a distant third behind the NDP. The Conservatives picked up 23 seats (mainly in Ontario) while the Liberals lost 43. The NDP, however, made out very well, nearly tripling its seats with a gain of 67. For those who don't follow Canadian politics, a party needs to capture 155 seats to ensure a majority in the House of Commons.

Toronto Police Tell Women To Stop Dressing Slutty So They Won't Be Attacked

2011-04-23T16:19:00.002-04:00

On January 24th at Osgoode Hall Law School, members from York security and male officers from Toronto police 31 Division conducted a campus safety information session, and one of the officers told women they could avoid sexual assault by not dressing like a "slut." Students and staff demanded an apology from the Toronto Police Service.

In protest, a group of women organized Slutwalk Toronto on April 3rd in front of the Toronto Police Service's front door at 40 College Street. Approximately 3,000-4000 people joined in.

Some signs from the event: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-30-best-signs-at-slutwalk-toronto

There are satellite slut walks scheduled for spring and summer in the US, Canada and other countries. For dates and to learn more, go to http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/satellite

Surgeons in BC Told To Chill On The Puck Talk

2011-04-16T11:11:00.002-04:00

After a patient, who was given a local anesthetic during eye surgery and was awake, complained that the doctor and nurses were conversing about the game during the procedure, doctors have been advised to cool it, according to the registrar of the province's College of Physicians and Surgeons. The patient had been concerned that the "idle chatter" , which went on throughout, would lead to an error.

The "gentle reminder" that medical professionals should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and exercise discretion, was included in a quarterly report on the licensing body's website last December to the 11,000 doctors in the province. “I think most doctors will read this and say, ‘Oh yeah.’ It’s a useful, important reminder with a proactive message,” the registrar said.

Another Sign Of Canadian Superiority: We're Skinnier Than Americans

2011-04-07T12:29:00.002-04:00

A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that obesity rates in the US are significantly higher than in Canada. In this country, 34% are obese but in Canada the rate is only 24%. The disparity may stem from the differing cultural makeup of the two countries. The US has higher black and Latino populations, both of which have high obesity levels. When comparing just the respective white populations, America still comes in higher with 33% while Canada is at 26%.

A 2006 Harvard Medical Study found that Americans are 42% more likely than Canadians to have diabetes, 32% more likely to have high blood pressure and 12% more likely to have arthritis.

Degrassi Rolling Out Historic 11th Season

2011-04-01T14:12:00.002-04:00

The teen show, whose origins date back to the 1980s when it was Degrassi Junior High, is currently in production on 45 new half-hour episodes and will air over the summer on TeenNick in the US. They'll run in the same telenovela format the network employed last summer, airing the episodes Monday-Thursday. Last year, that gave the channel its best quarter in total viewers, up 27 percent.

Will NY1's Pat Kiernan Be Joining Kelly Ripa on Live With Regis And Kelly?

2011-03-31T10:59:00.001-04:00

The morning anchor, 42, also known as the guy who reads the daily paper headlines to viewers, made a public bid in this week's New York Magazine to replace Reege after he leaves the show this summer.

Here's the entertaining and charming profile (just like Pat Kiernan):

http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/encounter/pat-kiernan-2011-4/

Canadian Baby Becomes Web Sensation

2011-03-24T18:50:00.002-04:00

Baby Emerson of London, Ontario is a viral hit thanks to his mom's nose blowing

http://news.yahoo.com/video/entertainment-15749636/nose-blow-scare-baby-emerson-on-gma-24629035

Happy Birthday To The Shat!

2011-03-22T11:51:00.003-04:00

Today is William Shatner's 80th Birthday. Raise and glass and snack on some Tribbles.

The actor recently made headlines when he recorded a wake up message for the crew of the "Discovery" space shuttle as it made its final mission to the International Space Station. As Captain Kirk, he began his call at 3:23 AM, and announced, "Space, the final frontier. These have been the voyages of the space shuttle Discovery. Her 30-year mission: To seek out new science. To build new outposts. To bring nations together on the final frontier. To boldly go, and do, what no spacecraft has done before".

Stay tuned to see if Shatner will be in the next Star Trek movie.

Father-To-Be Bryan Adams Is Having A Very Good Month

2011-03-21T13:42:00.002-04:00

The singer will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. And he may be organizing a concert for Japan. In an interview with Showbiz Spy he said “I’m wondering when someone is going to put something together for Japan. It would be great of the rock community got together for Japan because Japan has given so much to all the rockers over the years. Everybody has spent some time there.”

Adams has participated in a number of concert benefits, dating back to the 1980s when he performed at Live Aid in 1985.

Bryan Adams To Be A Father

2011-03-15T11:36:00.002-04:00

The singer, 51, announced on Entertainment Tonight Canada that he and his personal assistant, Alicia Grimaldi, are expecting a baby in May. Grimaldi, a 2001 graduate of Cambridge University, is a charity activist who helped Adams start his foundation and is a trustee of the Bryan Adams Foundation, a UK charity.

A spokesman for Adams declined to comment on the nature of their relationship. Grimaldi is believed to be living with Adams at his home in London.

Clothing Chain Aritzia Comes To New York

2011-03-14T00:22:00.002-04:00

The same country that has brought you Club Monaco and Lululemon has set up shop this winter in Soho. The company, which was started in Vancouver in 1984, has eight locations in the States, but the New York storefront will serve as the official US flagship. For now, it's a Shop Before the Shop, with the full store opening in May.

524 Broadway at Spring Street, 3rd Floor (212/334-3255)

www.aritzia.com

On This Rainy, Dreary Sunday With Chaos In The Middle East, WIsconsin And States In Between, We Need A Little Mood Lifter

2011-03-06T18:44:00.001-05:00

And who can raise the roof and the spirits more than Shatner. A little inspiration for the new month and week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CwZgb_iAI

Two Musical Legacies Get Together And Have A Baby

2011-02-28T02:24:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month, singer Rufus Wainwright announced that he and his fiance welcomed a baby girl into their family. The baby's mother is Lorca Cohen, daughter of Leonard Cohen. The new arrival was born in Los Angeles February 2nd and the parents named her Viva Catherine Wainwright Cohen.

On his website Wainwright announced her birth with a phrase from his favourite French folk song, A La Claire Fontaine: 'Il y a longtemps que je t'aime, jamais je ne t'oublierai.'" (I've loved you so long, and I'll never forget you).

The singer will take a break from new parenting duties when he comes to Town Hall for May 12th and 13th for a celebration of music written by his late mother, Kate McGarrigle.

A Black Eye For Manitoba

2011-02-26T12:18:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month, Justice Robert Dewar allowed a convicted rapist to walk away with a curfew and a mandatory letter of apology to his victim. The reason? As the judge saw it, the woman had been wearing a tube top, high heels and makeup, and had been drinking. And the judge reached his decision after the accused had been convicted of rape.

The judge called the rapist, Kenneth Rhodes, a "clumsy Don Juan" who conducted himself in an "inconsiderate" manner after getting "[unintentional] signals...that sex was in the air." Dewar also ruled that Rhodes is not at risk to re-offend.

The judge is surely aware of the Criminal Code of Canada, which essentially states that the inability to consent (due to being intoxicated, for instance) constitutes a lack of consent.

Let's hope the decision makes it to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Canada May Soon Be Paying For the US Budget Deficit At The Border

2011-02-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

As part of Barack Obama's proposed 2012 budget, there's a levy - a "passenger inspection fee" of $5.50 deep within the fine print aimed at Canadians traveling by sea and air. Visitors arriving in private vehicles will be exempt, meaning cross-border shoppers won't be burdened.

The proposed fee was created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of a certains of measures designed to relieve US taxpayers. The fee could generate as much as $100M, according to DHS.

In response, Prime Minister Harper, who met with Obama in Washington a little over a week ago to celebrate a "perimeter security agreement aimed at easing border congestion, said the inspection fee is not a "useful" way to generate revenue. But he acknowledged the financial crises in the US, which is over one trillions dollars annually.

In the days that followed their Washington meeting, the Canada Border Service Agency announced its intention to shutter three obscure border crossings and cut hours at four others starting in April. That decision, along with the proposed security fee, suggests the momentum for change is “moving in the wrong direction,” said Earl Fry, professor of Canadian Studies at Brigham Young University.

Kiefer Sutherland's Possible Return To Television In Fox Pilot

2011-02-18T13:48:00.002-05:00

Tim Kring (Heroes) is working on a spec script for a new drama called Touch that Sutherland is interested in for the lead role. The show is about a father who learns that his mute, autistic son can predict events before they happen.

Sutherland is currently in previews of the Broadway revival of That Championship Season. His web series The Confession, debuts on Hulu in March.

At The Grammy Awards, Canada Does Not Go Home Empty Handed

2011-02-14T02:31:00.003-05:00

Arcade Fire picked up the top honour of the evening, winning Record of the Year for The Suburbs. It was also the first Grammy appearance for the band.

Neil Young took home a Grammy for Best Rock Song for Angry World.

In his acceptance speech a very moved Young said, "This is my first Grammy for music and it's appreciated greatly. I'm not nervous, but I'm close."

Michael Buble scored the prize for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Crazy Love. It was the third Grammy for the singer.

Alas there were some Canadians who were nominated but didn't win: Rush, for their concert film Beyond the Lighted Stage, Michael J. Fox, for spoken word album, and Alberta powwow dance group Northern Cree, for best native American album.

On Saturday night, 102-year-old gospel singer George Beverly Shea won a Lifetime Achievement Award. Shea has released more than 70 albums and has been nominated 10 times in his career, last winning in 1966 for Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording. Shea received a standing ovation and treated the audience to a few bars from Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. According to legend, Shea has performed live for more people (220 million) than Elvis, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra combined.

Cobie Smulders The Front Runner To Play Maria Hill In The Avengers

2011-02-06T00:09:00.002-05:00

According to Entertainment Weekly, The How I Met Your Mother star is expected to join Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr. as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Hill. The Avengers, to be directed by Joss Whedon, is scheduled to be released in May 2012.

Watch Jackson on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon discussing pre-production on the movie.

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/03/avengers-nick-fury-sidekick-wasp/

Root For Canada At This Year's Academy Awards

2011-01-26T01:24:00.002-05:00

Quebec director Denis Villeneuve has been nominated for an Oscar for the family drama Incendies in the Best Foreign-Language Film category. He adapted Incendies from Wajdi Mouawad's play, which Villeneuve saw in Montreal in 2004. The movie faces competition from Greece, Denmark, Algeria and Mexico.

Canada was last nominated for a foreign-language film Oscar in 2007 for Deepa Mehta's Water. In 2004 Denys Arcand won in the category with The Barbarian Invasions.

The film was partially financed by TeleFilm Canada through its Canada Feature Film Fund.

The Oscars air February 27th on ABC.

24 Is Over (For Now), But Kiefer Sutherland Is Having A Good Year

2011-01-18T12:11:00.002-05:00

The actor, getting a much-needed break after the rigors of shooting his television show for eight years, is turning to the Web and stage.

He's currently in rehearsals for the opening of a revival of That Championship Season on Broadway with Brian Cox, Chris Noth and his former romantic rival Jason Patric. The play, written by Jason Miller, Patric's father, opened in 1972 and went on to win the Tony and the Pulitzer Prize. Previews begin in February.

http://www.broadway.com/shows/championship-season/buzz/154476/broadway-revival-of-that-championship-season-books-jacobs-theatre-for-march-2011-opening/

In March you can catch The Confession, a 10-episode scripted-action web series debuting on Hulu. Sutherland shot it over nine days last month in New York. The show follows a hitman (Sutherland) having a theological discussion with a priest (John Hurt) about his vocation and his victims. The Confession is based on Sutherland's own idea.

A movie version of 24 is still in the works.

Canada Has The Friendliest Skies

2011-01-06T14:10:00.003-05:00

On Monday, a United flight on its way from Chicago to Frankfurt had to be diverted to Toronto's Pearson International Airport when the pilot spilled coffee on his lap and triggered a hijacking alert. The episode was reminiscent of the 1964 Glenn Ford movie Fate is the Hunter where a coffee mishap caused distress signals to go out, including code 7500 for hijacking.

The Transport Canada report said Canada's defense department had been notified but the flight crew confirmed it was only a communication issue and subsequent navigation issue that prompted the unscheduled landing, and not any unlawful interference.

The Boeing 777 was carrying 241 passengers and 14 crew members. The airline flew the passengers back to Chicago, where they were put up in a hotel overnight. The flight to Germany departed on Tuesday.

Queen Elizabeth Becomes A Great-Grandmother Thanks To A Canadian

2010-12-30T13:04:00.002-05:00

The Queen is a great-grandmother for the first time after the Canadian wife of her grandson, Peter Phillips, gave birth Wednesday. Autumn Phillips gave birth to a girl whose name is yet to be announced.

Peter Phillips is the only child of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and her first husband, Mark Phillips. He was the first grandchild of the Queen to marry. The new arrival is 12th in line to the throne.

It's A Ryan Gosling Twofer This Month On The Big Screen

2010-12-26T15:38:00.003-05:00

The Academy-Award nominated actor, 30, can currently be seen in All Good Things, a fictionalized account of real estate heir and suspected killer Robert Durst. The movie, directed by Andrew Jurecki (Capturing the Friedmans), co-stars Kirstin Dunst. The real Durst, who was never convicted of murder (he's accused of killing his wife and two others), has said Gosling's performance is good but “not as good as the real thing”.

The official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7_VwoZKPRM

At the end of December, in time for Oscar consideration, is the limited release of the much-buzzed about Blue Valentine. The film just survived what could have been a ratings debacle, going from a disastrous NC-17 to R.

Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYgr_iGATB4

And an interview from Sundance with Gosling and his co-star Michelle Williams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdbVdFocSX0

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!

2010-12-24T03:02:00.003-05:00

For fans of the Canadian dramedy Being Erica, it is the season of giving. ABC is adapting an American version with Ivan Schneeberg of Temple Street Productions, who produces the original, attached.

The show currently airs in 160 countries and averages half a million viewers in Canada each week. Erin Karpluk, who plays the title character in the original, thinks ABC should shake things up by casting a male in the lead.

"In the back of my head, I've always thought if anyone was to redo this show, I'd like to see how it would change if it was a man," she says.

The third season of Being Erica premieres on SOAPnet on January 26th. We'll have to wait until spring to see if it's renewed for a fourth season.

Looks Like Ryan Reynolds' Year Is Not Going To End On Such A High Note Afterall

2010-12-15T11:43:00.003-05:00

The actor, named by People Magazine as their pick for this year's Sexiest Man Alive, has separated from his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. The couple began dating in 2007 after Reynolds split from longtime girlfriend and onetime fiancee Alannis Morisette. Reynolds and Johansson married in September 2008. According to sources, it was the Mrs. who initiated the split. She was recently seen apartment hunting in New York. Reynolds next film, The Green Lantern, will be released in June.

Is Toronto The Worst City In Canada?

2010-12-03T12:22:00.002-05:00

According to a study conducted by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards, the conclusion seems to be that Toronto will make you miserable.

It has the country's largest GDP and population, but comes in last on the happiness meter. The study culled data from the 2007 and 2008 Canadian Community Health Surveys to determine the cheeriest parts of Canada and did/did not cause people to feel the way they do. A major finding of the study was that "the most important reason for geographical variation in happiness in Canada is differences in the sense of belonging to local communities, which is generally higher in small CMAs, rural areas, and Atlantic Canada."

Before you consider packing up and moving to Sherbrooke, QB, the city that came in at number one, know that Toronto scored a 4.15 out of 5 on the scale while the Quebec city weighed in at 4.37 (a difference of 5.5%).

Finally, courtesy of New York Magazine, a joke about Toronto from actor Nathan Filion, who is in fact from Alberta:
"The rest of Canada considers Toronto kind of uppity. A friend who moved there say s it's so hard to make a friend you have to wait for somebody to die to take their place."

Leslie Nielsen, Dead At 84

2010-11-29T01:30:00.002-05:00

The Saskatchewan-born actor, known for both comedic and dramatic roles, passed away on Sunday in Ft. Lauderdale after falling ill with pneumonia.

As a teenager in Canada, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After starting in radio in his homeland, he brought his matinee-idol good looks to New York to study at the Actors Studio. Nielsen worked in the television industry in the 1950s, breaking out in the science fiction film Forbidden Planet. In the 1960s and 70s, his memorable sonorous voice graced such projects as Peyton Place, Dr. Kildare and The Poseidon Adventure.

Then in 1980, he was cast in perhaps his most famous role, as Dr. Rumack in the film parody Airplane. His character had one of the best comedic retorts in moviedom, the classic and oft-referenced quote: “Surely you can’t be serious!” “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

Two years later, the minds behind Airplane brought him back to television for the cop-show spoof, Police Squad! The show lasted less than half a season, but Nielsen was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Lt. Frank Drebin. The role had continued luck for him for the next decade when he again played Drebin in the silver screen adaptation, The Naked Gun. The film spawned two sequels.

In the years since the Naked Gun franchise, Nielsen appeared in other comedies and spoofs, including most recently the role of the President in the last three Scary Movie films, the newest one to be released in 2011. He also wrote an autobiography, "Naked Truth" in which he hilariously and casually fictionalized his life story, detailing such moments as an affair with Elizabeth Taylor and a rehab stint.

In 2002, he received The Order of Canada, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a civilian.

Canadian Wins 2010 World Series Of Poker

2010-11-19T23:40:00.003-05:00

Last week in Las Vegas at the Penn and Teller Theatre, Jonathan Duhamel of Quebec, beat out 7,319 entrants to play his way to victory. The tournament commenced in July with each player ponying up $10K and Duhamel walked away with a prize purse of $8.94M.

At university, Duhamel was a math whiz and finance major, and ultimately dropped out at 19 to become a pro on the circuit. Now 23, he's the first Canadian to earn the title to poker's main event.

From his winnings, 30% goes to the government, but Duhamel has set aside $100K for the Montreal Canadiens' Children's Foundation.

Neil Young's Warehouse Burns Down

2010-11-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

The legendary singer suffered a big loss yesterday morning when his San Carlos warehouse went up in flames. It was being used to hold at least six vintage cars, paintings, guitars and more. The warehouse did not have sprinklers and damage is estimated at $1M. Rescuers were able to save 60-70% of the valuables.

In happier news, Young has a new album out, Le Noise, produced by Daniel Lanois.

Further Proof That Canadians Are Superior

2010-11-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

In July, a retired Nova Scotia couple won $11.3M (CA) in the lottery and has nearly given it all away to friends, family and charity.

Violet Large was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer over the summer when she and her husband discovered they'd scored big. Her hubby, Alan, tearfully told a reporter from the Nova Scotia Chronicle Herald "that money that we won was nothing. We have each other."

After hearing from a number of people out of the blue, as well as being concerned about being taken advantage of by criminals, they decided to go on a spending spree. After taking care of family, they went through their two-page list of groups they wanted to give to including the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, a hospital in Halifax, churches and the local fire department.

Mrs. Large told the Chronicle Herald, "It made us feel good. And there's so much good being done with that money."

The couple, married 35 years, haven't spent any of their winnings on themselves, but did put away two percent for a rainy day. Violet, who finished chemotherapy in October declared, "We're the lucky ones. I have no complaints."

Celine Dion Gives Birth To Twin Boys

2010-10-30T13:05:00.002-04:00

The singer, 42, and her husband, Rene Angelil, welcomed the arrivals on October 23rd in West Palm Beach, Florida. They named the boys Nelson (after Nelson Mandela) and Eddy (after Eddy Marnay, who produced Dion's first five albums).

This Just In - Actor Randy Quaid And Wife Arrested In Canada

2010-10-23T00:04:00.002-04:00

The actor and his wife were picked up in Vancouver on outstanding warrants stemming from a felony burglary arrest in Santa Barbara in September (the two had failed to show in court and the judge had issued $50K warrants on Monday). The couple need to post a cash bond of $10,000 CAN in order to be released but they won't be allowed to leave the country without reporting weekly to the Canada Border Services Agency. Their next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Seven Inches Is Plenty

2010-10-22T23:43:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week, Apple's Steve Jobs earned the ire of Research In Motion, the Canadian company behind the Blackberry. During an earnings call on Monday with financial analyststs, Jobs dismissively remarked that 7-inch tablet computers were "too big to compete with a smartphone and too small to compete with an iPad". A RIM executive fired back via a blog post, writing, "We think many customers are getting tired of being told what to think by Apple."

Jobs had gone on to suggest that makers of 7-inch screens should "include sandpaper so users can sand down their fingers" in order to type. Jobs was addressing concerns that the iPad had missed its target of 4.8 million units by 20% and he blamed rival tablet makers for not marketing worthwhile products.

Blackberry will be launching a touchscreen tablet computer called the PlayBook. It will feature a 7-inch screen in a clear bid to challenge the iPad, which has a screen of nearly 10 inches.

Random News Of The Week

2010-10-07T12:46:00.003-04:00

Local smoked meat purveyor Mile End, the Montreal-style Jewish Deli in Boerum Hill, made the 2011 New York City Zagat Restaurant Guide. Their smoked meat sandwich, with meat cured for 11 days and then smoked for 8 hours, was chosen as one of the best sandwiches in the city.

Remember Ashton Kutcher's MTV show Punk'd? According to New York Magazine's Vulture blog, Justin Bieber has been picked to be the new host. Can't wait!

In Case You Missed The Terry Fox Story Into The Wind on ESPN's 30 For 30 Documentary Series

2010-10-06T14:03:00.002-04:00

Here are some scenes and a little background on Canadian Steve Nash, the Phoenix Sun point guard turned director of the movie.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/news/story?id=5608365

Catch the program on ESPN Classic on Saturday, October 9th. It's also scheduled to re-air on the channel on November 14th and December 5th.

Is Hockey Coming Back To Quebec?

2010-10-04T03:05:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, 50,000 Nordique fans came out to support Mayor Lebeaume's efforts to get a new arena built for a NHL team (and to make a bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics) in the capital city. The province and the city have pledged funds but to date Prime Minister Harper has said there were be no money from Ottawa unless the private sector kicks in a substantial figure. There were a number of former Nordiques in attendance, including Marc Tardif, Michel Goulet, Stéphane Fiset, Steven Finn, André Savard, André Dupont, former coach Michel Bergeron and the Stastny brothers – Peter, Anton and Marian.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has also said the city won't be considered for a franchise unless it gets a stadium and a team. The Phoenix Coyotes are in search of a new owner but the prevailing consensus is that if the team moves back to Canada, it will return to its roots in Winnipeg.

The new arena is budgeted at $400 million with Quebec and the city of Quebec each pledging $50 million.

This Will Impress You Much

2010-09-24T12:37:00.002-04:00

The five-time-Grammy-Award-winning singer (and JUNO Award winner) Shania Twain is about to have a very big year. The singer, who has been laying low from the music scene for the last few years (she released a greatest hits album in 2004) while semi-retired with her then-husband, producer Mutt Lange, and their son. In the last few years Twain has been on the receiving end of celebrity gossip after Lange had an affair with a family friend.

Twain will be writing about her "challenging and sometimes shockingly painful upbringing in rural Ontario," as well as her divorce in her upcoming memoir, to be published by Atria Books in 2011. The announcement of a book deal for the as yet untitled project came this week. Also next year, she will debut a docu-series on OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Toronto Film Fest Dispatch

2010-09-17T12:37:00.002-04:00

Last week, hockey kicked off the international festival. Actually, it was a movie called Score: A Hockey Musical. It's a return to tradition after last year when the minds behind the TFF decided to not have a Canadian film open the event. Worse still, those minds chose the poorly reviewed British historical drama Evolution.

But is a movie about hockey too low brow for such a high toned festival? Critics seem to think not: "The Oscar-bait fare that usually comes to Toronto is usually morbid, high-toned affairs with lots of grieving, angst and broken families," wrote Susan Wloszczyna of USA Today. "This one is just pure fun."

When the premiere was over, Canadian singer Hawksley Workman got on stage to sing a live version of the closing musical number, joined by a children's choir and a drum line.

Score was directed by Toronto filmmaker Michael McGowan (Saint Ralph and One Week) and stars Olivia Newton-John, a woman who may not know much about hockey but certainly knows her way around a tune. Walter Gretzky and Theo Fleury cameo.

The festival ends Sunday after screening 339 films from 59 countries.

Didja Hear? All Things Canadian Turns 3!

2010-09-15T12:40:00.004-04:00

In honour of the big birthday, enjoy the retro-electro sounds from Canadian duo Chromeo, whose new album, Business Casual, is out now. It's their major label debut.

http://www.chromeo.net/

"Night by Night" and "I'm Not Contagious", are a couple of choice tracks to get to know.

http://www.myspace.com/chromeo

Fun For Your Friday

2010-09-10T01:35:00.002-04:00

If you missed the Emmy broadcast or you just want to watch the amazing intro again, here it is, featuring two outstanding Canadian talents: Glee's Cory Monteith and The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPkDFPmRSqU

Rebecca Marino Gives Venus Williams A Run For The Money

2010-09-02T01:37:00.002-04:00

Ranked 179, Marino went into Round 2 yesterday having never played anyone ranked in the Top 50. The athlete, based in Montreal, home to Canada's National Tennis Center, began playing tennis with her dad and her brother at age 10. Two years ago she went pro after initially deferring pursuing a degree in architecture at Georgia Tech.

With her heavy forehand and a serve that averaged 110 mph, she advanced from Monday's first round where she had played on Court 12. Two days later, she was in the big time playing on the courts of Arthur Ashe Statdium against the third seed. Marino took the first game and battled back every time Williams won a game. She ultimately lost the first set 7-6. Had it not been for the powerful winds that started interfering with the game, she might have bested an injured Williams, who won the second set 6-3. Keep an eye on the 19-year-old. Chances are, 2011 is going to be her breakout year.

Canadians To Root For At The US Open

2010-08-29T14:02:00.006-04:00

The Open starts tomorrow, but first was the qualifying tournament this past week in Queens. The only Canadian to survive was Milos Raonic, who defeated No. 8 David Guez of France. He'll be playing in tomorrow morning's first round against Australian Carsten Ball. Also playing tomorrow is Rebecca Marino, who will face Russian Ksenia Pervak. Yesterday, on the last day of play, two Canadians were eliminated. In the womens, No. 25 seed Stephanie Dubois lost to Irina Falconi. In the mens, Frank Dancevic lost to No. 24 Kei Nishikori.

American Apparel's Loveable Dov Charney In The News Yet Again

2010-08-29T00:37:00.002-04:00

According to Gawker, the company is facing a serious threat of bankruptcy. AA's financial reports earlier this month indicate that shares are down 30%. In recent weeks, AA has tumbled as low as 82 cents per share. Closures in downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan where there are multiple locations (Soho) may soon become more than rumours. In Los Angeles, shareholders have filed suit claiming financial mismanagement. So get your thigh-high socks now. AA's days may be numbered.

Shatner Unexpectedly At The Center Of Controversy

2010-08-17T23:33:00.003-04:00

The actor is playing the lead on CBS's new show,"Shit My Dad Says", which the network is promoting as "(Bleep) My Dad Says." Earlier this month, The Parents Television Council sent over 300 letters to companies that advertise on television, urging them to stay away from the show unless CBS changes the name. The group's position is that the title is indecent.

Shatner's take? "I wish they would call it shit....The word shit is around us. It's a natural function. Why are we pussyfooting?"

So far the council has heard from a dozen advertisers who agree with their argument.

Stay tuned.

Illustrator Faith Erin Hicks Is Making A Name For Herself In The Publishing World

2010-08-09T23:55:00.005-04:00

Hicks, the accomplished author and artist behind "Zombies Calling" and "The War at Ellsmere", did the full-colour artwork for the new young adult graphic novel "Brain Camp, written by Americans Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan. In its review, Booklist wrote, “Kim and Klavan, who balanced adventure and kid's social issues so well in 'City of Spies' (2010), do the same in another well-rounded adventure here, as the climax mixes with genuine insight into dealing with parents, fitting into a new crowd, and handling the pressures of performance. Hicks' line work is cool enough to assuage older readers who might be suspicious of the summer-camp setting.”

A Vancouver native, Hicks grew up in the Toronto suburbs and attended Sheridan College for animation, graduating in 2004. A year later she moved to Halifax to work for Copernicus Studios and today is enjoying success as a freelancer.

After Hicks and I bonded over Halifax, she chatted with ATC for an interview.

Q: When did you start drawing and when did you realize you had a knack for it?

A: Ah, the old talent question. Honestly, I don't believe I'm talented. I don't think I have a knack for drawing. Drawing is really really hard for me, and I don't know why I decided at a fairly late age (late teens) to pick it up and start making comics. What you see in my artwork is the result of years and years of very dedicated work, hours spent drawing thousands of comic pages. I tend to think that people who are naturally skilled at drawing don't have to spend that long developing their craft. They start out good and develop into something great. I started out crappy and developed into something decent. But as for when I began comics, I put my very first online comic page on the internet in 1999, so that's a good starting point.

Q: How did you get interested in animation? What were these online comics that you worked on?

A: I really enjoyed the movies Disney released in the 90s: "Beauty and the Beast", "Mulan", "Tarzan", and wanted to be a part of that. Later I learned I was much happier working on my own stories rather than someone else's. As for comics, I started drawing my own online comic "Demonology 101" in school.

Q: What was "Demonology 101"? Did you just do that for kicks? Did you get any attention from it or was it just a way for you to hone your craft?

A: "Demonology 101" was a comic that I did from 1999 to 2004. When I finished it, it was over 700 pages long. I started it because I was very drawn to comics as an art form, but there were few comics I wanted to read, and fewer that had characters (especially female characters) that I enjoyed. So I decided to fill that gap. I pretty much taught myself how to draw. Comics are a great crash course in drawing. They force you to learn fast.

I had a few thousand followers. I didn't get internet famous from doing the comic, but enough people read it that I felt it was worthwhile.

Q: Is Sheridan College well known for its animation program? Were there any graduates whose work you followed? Did you get a BA from Sheridan or was this a specialized program that you went into after toiling in the animation world for a while after high school?

A: When I was at Sheridan (I graduated in 2004) it was a 3 year college diploma program. I was one of the final years to take the 3 year program, and now it's changed over to a 4 year Bachelors. In between high school and Sheridan I spent a few years in University working on an English/Art degree before deciding I wanted to do animation. I wasn't familiar with many Sheridan graduates, but knew it had a reputation for churning out excellent artists.

Q: What's Copernicus Studios and what did you do for them?

A: Copernicus is an animation studio in Halifax that deals primarily with Flash animation. I worked for them from 2005-2008 doing a bunch of different animation-related jobs.

Q: Can you explain the difference between drawing and animation?

A: The main difference is that when you animate, you are making a drawing literally move, as opposed to indicating movement with a single static image, as in comics. Animation requires 12 to 24 drawings a second. So if you draw someone punching another person in the face, you do thousands of drawings to get that movement right. I don't enjoy animating. I can do it if I try, but it's not where my passion lies. In comics, it's one drawing. I just don't have the patience to animate. I like the impact of a single drawing.

Q: Are there any illustrators and/or comic book artists whose work inspires you and/or that you admire?

A: I am deeply in love with the work of Naoki Urasawa, a Japanese manga artist. His comics (he currently has three series published in English: "Monster", "Pluto" and "20th Century Boys") opened my eyes to the possibilities of serialized, long form storytelling, and using your characters as actors. I really love his work. I'm also mad for American cartoonists like Jeff Smith ("Bone"), Nate Powell, and Jim Rugg. I have a whole huge list of artists, but those are usually my top guys.

Q: How did you hook up with the "Brain Camp" people? Did you ever meet the authors and if not, was that strange or is that typical?

A: First Second Books, publisher of "Brain Camp", contacted me over the internet about trying out for a script they'd bought, then titled "The Fielding Course". I drew up some pages from the script and got the job. Goes to show, you never know who's looking at your website. I haven't yet had a chance to meet Susan and Laurence, though I hope to in the fall [at ComicCon]. I don't know if the experience was strange or typical, as it was my first time drawing a comic book script that wasn't my own... the script was done by the time I started drawing, so it was just a matter of following Susan and Laurence's instructions.

Q: How long did you work on the project?

A: It took me about 5 1/2 months to draw "Brain Camp".

Q: What's the animation scene in Canada like right now, and specifically in Nova Scotia since you've been working freelance? Are you doing comic books for American publishers, Canadian or both?

A: The animation scene in Nova Scotia used to be a vibrant, wonderful community, but the recession hit it hard, and pretty much all the studios have closed down. Most of my friends have left for greener pastures in Ottawa or Toronto. It's very sad. I keep hoping some big project will come through and there'll finally be work for everyone, but it hasn't happened yet. I was very lucky to get out when I did. I draw for whomever I can get work with. Mostly my comics have been for American publishers, First Second and SLG Publishing, but I've done small freelance stuff for local publishers/newspapers here in Nova Scotia.

Q: What are you working on now with "Brain Camp" behind you?

A: I just finished writing and drawing my next graphic novel, "Friends With Boys", which will be published by First Second. It's about a girl entering her first year of high school after being homeschooled. I'm an ex-homeschooled kid, so it's a little bit autobiographical, although not really.

Q: What would be your dream project?

A: Honestly, having the financial means to write and draw my very own graphic novel fulltime - "Friends With Boys" - was my dream project. Now I just hope I can follow it up with another graphic novel. It's really a dream come true.

Q: What do you like to do in Halifax when you're not working?

A: Sleep! That's pretty much my life. Sleeping and working. But in the off chance I do have a couple minutes to myself, I like going out sketching with friends, or just seeing people. It can be isolating working at home on comics for 12 hours a day, six days a week, which is what I've been doing since January. So when I can, I try and escape the drawing desk and go outside.

Q: Is illustration what you hope to be doing in five or ten years?

A: I hope I'll be drawing comics until I'm 90.

"Brain Camp" by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan, is available now from First Second.

Check out the trailer here:

Brain Camp - trailer
www.youtube.com

Find it in your local bookstore or online: http://www.amazon.com/Brain-Camp-Susan-Kim/dp/1596433663/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281413122&sr=1-1

The Northern Lights

2010-08-05T00:02:00.002-04:00

If you can't see them in person, check out these beautiful photos. This week, the Aurora Borealis will be visible to many more folks due to solar storms.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yahooeditorspicks/galleries/72157624653325820/

Is William Shatner The Hardest Working Person In Show Business

2010-07-31T13:55:00.002-04:00

In addition to his peerless Priceline promotional spots, the 79-year-old has not one but two shows on television this summer and fall.

The first, Aftermath With William Shatner, debuts Monday on the Bio channel. It's a chat show with dramatizations and voice-overs ala Unsolved Mysteries. For the first episode, Shatner will be sitting down with infamous subway vigilante Bernard Goetz.

http://www.biography.com/aftermath/index.jsp

In September, the new comedy, Sh*t My Dad Says, premieres on CBS. The show is based on the book of the same name by Justin Halpern, who started it all with a Twitter feed (that has about one million followers) of his father's ravings and rants. Shatner plays the eponymous father. ''

From The Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/s-that-shatner-says/article1657428/

Check out a preview of the pilot: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/23/shit-my-dad-says-video_n_586374.html

Fall Television News

2010-07-29T13:11:00.003-04:00

Further evidence that it's Justin Bieber's world and we're just living in it: the teenager singer will guest star on the 11th season premiere of CSI (September 23rd).

If you prefer your male eye candy to be less jailbait and more mature, James Tupper (late of Men in Trees and Mercy), will be playing a trauma counselor on Grey's Anatomy for a multi-episode arc. Grey's fans have already picked up the "McTreemy" nickname that had been bestowed upon the actor when he was on Men in Trees.

And on a more serious note, ESPN has announced that as part of the ESPN 30 in 30 series, the network will air a movie about Terry Fox. Premiering on September 28th, the film, entitled In to the Wind, is directed by Canadian Steve Nash.

Cheese, Glorious Cheese!

2010-07-21T18:14:00.003-04:00

A new goat cheese out of Quebec recently won top honours at the World Cheese Awards and can officially be called the best cheese in the world. Called Le Cendrillon (i.e. Cinderella) because it's coated with ash, is made by La Maison Alexis de Portneuf. It triumphed over 2,440 entries from 34 countries and it's the first time a Canadian cheese maker has won. The flavour is sharp and mouth feeling. A tasty alternative to the mild goat cheese most of us are accustomed to eating.

In New York you can find it at the Garden of Eden Gourmet Markets.

http://www.alexisdeportneuf.com/products/goat/le-cendrillon.html#/products/goat/le-cendrillon.html

As Always, It's Good To Be Rush

2010-07-14T13:47:00.003-04:00

Not only does the prog trio have a new documentary out, they just got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In recent years the band has been enjoying a new level of fandom and pop culture infamy thanks to in part to Judd Apatow (I Love You Man and Freaks and Geeks). Perhaps a loving documentary was inevitable. The film, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, chronicles the band from the earliest days. If you buy it, you get a bonus disc with previously unreleased live clips and a segment on the annual RushCon. This year's RushCon will be held in Toronto from July 16th-18th and Rush MiniCon will be in Las Vegas on August 14th.

http://www.rushcon.org/

It's Time For The Annual Crop of Exported Summer Television Shows

2010-07-06T13:43:00.004-04:00

Rather than venture out during this heat wave, camp out in front of the television with returning favourites and newbies:

Debuting this Saturday on CBS is The Bridge, a Wire-esque police drama. It stars Aaron Douglas, late of Battlestar Galactica.

Rookie Blue, which premiered last month on Thursday night on ABC, is the most watched new show this summer, cracking the Nielsen Top 20. The program centers on recent police academy grads. It stars Canadians Miss Peregrym (Reaper) and Gregory Smith (Everwood).

Flashpoint, now airing its third season on CBS on Friday nights, is a drama about a tactical team trained in negotiating and profiling. It's inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force). The show features a number of Canadian actors, including lead Enrico Colantoni.

In Honour Of Canada Day Tomorrow. Go Have Yourself Some Smoked Meat And Poutine

2010-06-30T21:59:00.003-04:00

And now you can, for lunch and dinner at the newly-expanded Mile End Deli in Brooklyn. The owners rented additional space, hired a baker so they can make their own bread and bought a second smoker. In addition to the smoked briscuit that was already on the menu you can now look forward to smoked pulled duck and thinly-sliced, grass-fed rib eye steak. The menu will also have Tortiere and chomeur, a maple syrup infused pudding. So go for a St. Viateur and pile on some meat.

Feel The Earth Move Under Your Feet

2010-06-23T18:02:00.002-04:00

Yes, earthquakes apparently don't just happen in California on this continent. At approximately 1:41 PM today, a 5.0-magnitude quake hit Quebec, just south of Echo Lake (60 km north of Ottawa) and was felt as far south and east as Pennsylvania and Vermont. According to a seismologist for the CBC, there are small fault lines along Lakes Erie and Ontario. In fact, in 1998, a comparable quake with a 5.4 magnitude, struck that fault line. Provincial police in Ontario said no injuries have been reported thus far.

Flat-Chested Chicks, You Are On Your Own

2010-06-19T15:38:00.002-04:00

But for the ladies who are rocking Cs and double Ds, here's the hook up.

Canadian lingerie designer/fitting specialist Christina Remenyi got tired of the ill-fitting, pinchy bras that North American manufacturers are putting out and came up with her own line of vintage-inspired mesh and lace underpinnings. The Fortnight collection covers sizes 30-38, A-E. The site comes with measuring instructions and tips on how to make the daily wear more comfortable.

Peruse here: http://fortnightlingerie.com/collection/

Shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fortnightlingerie

Summer Is Just Days Away And You'll Want To Be Ready

2010-06-13T22:38:00.002-04:00

Whether you'll be going to the beach or the closet you're getting to seaside fun is your fire escape, outfit your warm days with a deck chair from Gallant and Jones. They're from two Vancouver-based ladies who have backgrounds in woodworking and design who were charmed and inspired by the chairs they saw along the Thames. Every chair is made by the two women. The ones for the beach are made with high UV-resistant textiles.

Find them online: http://gallantandjones.com/

Alanis Morissette Gets Hitched On The QT

2010-06-08T01:23:00.002-04:00

The singer, 36, married her boyfriend of a year, rapper MC Souleye, in secret on May 22nd. The Grammy winner and her first-time hubby (aka Mario Treadway) had a ceremony at their home in Los Angeles. Morissette spread the news via Twitter and Facebook: "Hi guys! So happy to share with you that my man Souleye and I got married," she wrote. "We're very excited to embark on this journey with each other."