A preview of tonights show

Cee Lo Green opens up with George about 

overcoming life's challenges

November turns to December

This is what's on this week.

The Strombo Show includes the 12 great song picks, Album Side,Ten with Tom and the great lie down plus this week Bob M Jr cleans his garage with some classic garage rock picks and Bran Van 3000's James De Silva stops in and plays some inspirational tunes with George.
Love songs, sad songs, road songs, songs with feeling. Catch it live and commercial free Sunday nights from 8pm to midnight on the nation's music station, CBC Radio 2.

On George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight this week

Monday Nov. 29

Editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Arianna Huffington knows her news.

Tuesday Nov. 30

Thomas DeCarlo Callaway better known as Musician Cee Lo Green is promoting his new album The Lady Killer.

Wednesday Dec. 1

Premier Danny Williams talked about his decision to step down last week on the show there have been a few people named as possible successors including General Rick Hillier

Thursday Dec. 2

Liberal MP and Hockey legend Ken Dryden is in the news again as well. 

Friday Dec. 3

Emmy winning Actor Eric McCormack has a new TV series. 

 plus

OK GO makes the most fantastic videos

Also on Friday

George Stroumboulopoulos, Peter Mansbridge, Jian Ghomeshi and other CBC hosts and stars will be heading to Vancouver for Friday December 3 rd to meet  you. CBC Vancouver is having an Open House and Food Bank Day.

 

A closer look at this weeks guest, Salman Rushdie

 Luka and the Fire of Life, by Salman Rushdie

Random House Publishing Group, 2010.

Toronto: Alfred Knofp, 2010.

Many people know Salman Rushdie as a result of the Fatwā issued against him by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then Supreme Leader of Iran, after the publication of The Satanic Verses, for which he won a Booker-prize. While in exile, separated from his first-born son Zafar, now 31-years old, he wrote Haroun and the Sea of Stories, in which the hero struggles against forces attempting to silence storytelling.

Twenty years later, Rushdie has written a companion novel for his second son, Milan, called Luka and the Fire of Life; another magical-realist quest. This one is in the form of Arthurian Romance, with a 21^st Century gaming twist. The Green and Gold flying carpet— reminiscent of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight— the dragons, and the mythical figures interact with Luka’s real-life adventure to save his father’s life. The difference in this tale is that Luka is afforded multiple lives and the ability to save his progress as he journeys through “The World of Magic.”

The adventure begins one beautiful starry night in the land of Alifbay, where a terrible thing happens: Luka’s father, Rashid, the legendary storyteller of Kahani, falls suddenly and inexplicably into a sleep so deep that nothing and no one can rouse him. To save him from slipping away entirely, Luka must embark on a journey through the world of magic with his loyal companions, Bear the dog and Dog the bear, as they encounter a slew of fantastical creatures, strange allies, and challenging obstacles along the way—all in the hopes of stealing the Fire of Life, a seemingly impossible and exceedingly treacherous task.

—from Rushdie’s website

Salman Rushdie is currently planning a movie adaptation of his Booker-Prize winning novel, Midnight’s Children, with Deepa Mehta. He is also writing his memoirs, due to be released in 2012, and spends several weeks each year teaching seminars at Emory University, in Atlanta.

Rushdie will present a free reading at the Toronto Reference Library tonight, November 24^th, at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm, preceded by a cash bar reception, Q&A, book sale and signing.

Guest Blogger

Mel Rhodes Gray

Who is on this week? Nov 21 - 26

The Strombo Show CBC Radio 2
Features George's top 12 , conversation and contribution from Bob Mackowycz Jr.  Bob and George talk best collaborations in music. Garth Hudson stops in for a bit plus an inspired 80's dance party. As always a bunch of great music you may not hear elsewhere,  then Album side and the big lie down. You can enjoy it on air or online Sundays from 8 pm 'til midnight.
 

On George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight this week

Monday Nov. 22

Judah Friedlander

Actor and comedian best known as writer Frank Rossitano from 30 Rock and has appear in many popular movies and TV roles as 'a guy' of some kind, often wearing a truckers cap.

Tuesday Nov. 23

Director, producer, writer and Artist. Tim Burton His creations include the films Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Wednesday Nov. 24

Salman Rushdie British-Indian novelist and essayist; winner of the Booker Prize for Midnight's  Children (1981); author of The Satanic Verses (1988) 
His latest book is...

We may have more on Salman Rushdie in another post coming up.


Thursday Nov. 25

Canadian/American Actor Jason Priestley

Here is Jason on The Hour in 2007

Friday Nov. 26 

Singer Feist is subject of a documentary called Look At What The Light Did Now
This Sunday Night Nov 21 st at 8:30 and George Stroumboulopoulos will interview Feist and Director Anthony Seck following the exclusive screening at the ROM in Toronto. 

Hot Hot Heat is a Canadian alternative rock band formed in 1999 from Victoria, B.C.

 

She has been on his show so tonight ...

George is on Being Erica tonight Nov 17th on CBC

@Strombo tweeted about this today with this link here

Here is the description on tonight episode of Being Erica.

Being Erica (HD) (DV) - Series III - Eps 9 - Gettin' Wiggy Wit' It

Erica's latest therapy session has uncovered a shocking secret that could mean the end of 50/50 Press. Erica is caught between a rock and a hard place. Dr. Tom has a time-altering solution for her... But will Dr. Arthur allow it?

is on George's show at 11:05 tonight...

This Week...

Sunday comes too quickly and Monday right after, just like clockwork... back to work, back to school. Damn. If you're in reach of a radio or want to stream a little online action you might want to tune into CBC Radio2 for the Strombo Show from 8pm-Midnight.

After freezing his ass off, working with Polar Bears in Manitoba, I am sure George will be happy to be back in the relative warmth of the T-dot, taping and airing new shows. Here's who's up this week:


Monday, November 15th


Sir Richard Branson

Virgin Founder, activist and master marketer -- Richard Branson knows how to create a positive buzz and influence change wherever he travels, while making a bucket load of cash to boot. He was recently in Canada to shine a light on one of his favoured causes - alleviating homelessness.

Tuesday, November 16th

George Galloway

Political shit disturber and banned from Canada for his pro-Palistian views, former British MP George Galloway's previous appearances were via satellite. Reportedly, he has plans to sue the Canadian Government for being denied entry. Thanks, but I think my taxes are already high enough...

Wednesday, November 17th

Les Stroud

Survivalist, author, TV personality Les Stroud makes a return appearance on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight to promote his latest book - Will to Live. Cross your fingers girls, maybe he'll be rocking the chest hair/bitchin' man jewelry combo like in the above photo!

Thursday November 18th

Jamie Oliver

Jamie is among the most popular of the celebrity chefs. With umpteen cookbooks, TV series and even live cooking events under his belt, his niche seems to be in helping improve people's diets - whether with lobbying for sweeping changes for UK schoolchildren in 'School Dinners' or in towns across the UK in 'Jamie's Food Revolution'; he wants us to eat quality and cut the crap out of our diets. One question though... should I trust the judgement of a dude who has consciously named his kids Poppy Honey, Daisy Boo, Petal Blossom and the cringe inducing and future schoolyard ass kicking in the making moniker - Buddy Bear Maurice?

Friday, November 19th

Callum Keith RennieRennie is one of those actors that you know, but may not be able to instantly place. He has been in a laundry list of films, TV series and guest shots. Perhaps you best know him from Battlestar Galactica, 24 or maybe the interesting mystery series Harper's Island? With an effortless ability to melt into character, he'll be around for years to come.

Luke Doucet & The White Falcon

Get set to have your socks rocked, kids! One of Canada's best guitarists and talented songwriters, Luke Doucet has been around the music scene for many years. So gifted is he that he joined Sarah McLachlan's band at 19. His newest album - the fantastic Steel City Trawler features nods to his adopted home base of Hamilton Ontario. If you buy the CD, beside great tunes there is a truly awesome series of cartoons. Luke is currently making his way back to Ontario via the Praries for a few shows with his Six Shooter label mates, the fabulous TO band The Beauties. Check Luke Doucet`s website HERE for dates and ticket info. You won`t be sorry. A big group of friends and I have had tix for one of their shows for over a month... also touring with Luke is his uber talented wife, vocalist and guitar player, Melissa McClelland.

Have a great week everyone.

The Hour is up for a Gemini tonight!

I know you knew Glee's Cory Monteith is hosting tonight's Gemini Awards show. I just wanted to remind you The Hour is up for a Gemini award for Best Talk Series.

The 25th Annual Gemini Awards show tonight at 8pm on Global or Showcase

Best Talk Series

The nominees for this category are...

	MTV Live p. Alex Sopinka, Pam de Montmorency, Daryn Jones MTV LIVE is a daily show featuring genius comedy bits, A to D-list celebrity guests, and the world's most incredible musical performances. Super-host Daryn Jones helms, with help from Juno nominated hottie Nicole Holness and awkwardness savant Paul "The Intern" Lemieux. Live TV has never been more live.
	Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... p. Elvis Costello, David Furnish, Steve Hamilton-Shaw, Jordan Jacobs, Sir Elton John, Martin Katz, Steve Warden SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... fuses the best elements of talk and music television and invites viewers to enjoy an intimate conversation between host Costello and his guests, punctuated by rare musical performances by Costello, his guests and a wide variety of musicians. Among the guests for the 13-part series are Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, The Police and President Bill Clinton.
	The After Show p. Darcy MacNeil, Pam de Montmorency, Alex Sopinka, Garrett Wintrip THE AFTER SHOW has expanded their scope from MTV Programming to the pop culture world and everyone is their target. The same way THE HILLS LIVE AFTER SHOW treats "Hills" content, THE AFTER SHOW extends to movie footage / television footage / music videos, celebrity interviews, and celebrity photographs / paparazzi shots all while using their telestrator! Join Dan and Jessi as they dissect the actions and choices of the celebrities involved in a humorous way.
	The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos p. George Stroumboulopoulos, Claire Adams, David Freeman, Susan Taylor Welcome to THE HOUR, Canada's late night talk show. Intelligent, funny and unpredictable, it's unlike anything else on television. In a vibrant fusion of news, entertainment and in-depth conversations, Host George Stroumboulopoulos connects you to the movers and shakers of the world. A multiplatform success, the show has a thriving community online with over 29 million video views on its YouTube channel.
	Update: The Hour did not win this round. A friend of the show, Elvis Costello host of Spectacle won this Gemini.

Les Stroud will be on the show soon

 While George (http://ow.ly/i/5oEy) is finding adventure with Polar Bears and musicians, Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida, this week in Churchill, next week he will be interviewing a full time Adventurer and Author, Les Stroud. Our guest blogger eagerly read and reviewed his latest book for this blog. 

 

Will to Live: Dispatches from the Edge of Survival

By: Les Stroud

Released by Harper Collins, Oct. 19, 2010

Paperback, 304 pages

Les Stroud is a member of The Explorers Club, host of Survivorman and Vanishing World, a new show that will air on the Discovery Channel. His first book, Survive!, offers practical tips about how to survive in all kinds of situations. His newest book, Will to Live, also offers many practical tips—including how to survive quicksand and how to butcher a moose—but in this book they are found in sidebars.

Will to Live includes twelve real-life stories of survival, how people found themselves suddenly facing life of death situations, what they did right, and in some cases, what led to their death. It explores the humanity of those who suffer, practical advice for how to survive in each unique situation, and of course, the power of the human will to live. None of the stories included in the book are about simple endurance; they all include ingenuity and inventiveness on the part of the survivors.

Stroud stresses the fact that each person comes from a vastly different background, is in a very different situation, but there are two things that everyone who survives, does right away: First, they face reality, and second, they ask themselves what they are going to do next.

The book is dedicated to Stroud’s father and there is a fantastic forward, written by psychologist, Richard D. Logan. He explains that we all read survival stories primarily because they are about what it takes to cope with life: Planning ahead, getting your stuff together, being creative, and thinking things through before you act. Nevertheless, you have to want to and Will to Live is definitely an apt title for this collection.

Guest blogger

Mel Rhodes Gray

Time marches on...

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know that since joining, I have always taken a moment to write about Remembrance Day. It is a topic about which I am very passionate and this year's post is quite personal.

Working with elementary school age children gives me a unique opportunity to share my love of history. I am a firm believer that we cannot understand today unless we know something about yesterday. With this in mind, about this time last year we had the privilege of having a Canadian Veteran visit our classroom. “Granddad G.”, is the grandfather of one the girls. “Granddad G.” told the group of his experience in WWII. His job was to fly Canadian built military aircraft from Canada to Europe. He spoke of the many adventures he and his fellow soldiers had flying in the black of night, often in subzero temperatures, trying to avoid detection by the enemy. The children enjoyed his stories and looking at a large map to see the routes he had taken. Of course they were also quite curious about the medals he wore on his blazer. The visit was a great opportunity to learn, firsthand, what kind of things went on during WWII.

This year I faced a dilemma. Unfortunately, “Granddad G.” has experienced a few health setbacks in recent months. He had been hospitalized for quite a while and only returned home two weeks ago. I mentioned to his granddaughter with all our sniffles and various ailments, it might be better, health wise, if “Granddad G.” does not visit right now and that I would ask our local Legion to send out a guest speaker. I suggested that perhaps her grandpa could visit in the spring or next Remembrance Day. She looked at me as tears welled up in her eyes and uttered the words “he may not be here next Remembrance Day”. A ten year old understands the sad reality of the situation. Eventually, for all our Veterans, time marches on and their heroic tales go with them to the grave...on this afternoon, in Room 104, the words of John McCrae meant more to me than ever before: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high”.

Tomorrow, please honour our Veterans with two minutes of silence.
We owe our Veterans a debt that cannot be repaid. Please listen to their stories and pass them on to younger generations.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Repeat, repeat....I said WHAT?

Hope your weekend's gone well.... just sitting at my desk, listening to excellent tunes & most awesomely: 'Cabin In The Woods' & 'Look Who's Evil Now' from
The Evil Dead Musical, on
The Strombo Show. (Every Sunday 8pm - Midnight on CBC Radio 2.)

Upcoming guests for
George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.

Yes, we have a week of repeats.....according to George; he, Raine Maida &
Chantal Kreviazuk are off to play with polar bears in Churchill Manitoba.

So, here are some not so oldies, but some goodies:

Mon, Nov 8
A selfish plug to wish my sweetness A HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY....Love you BenJammin'!
So, speaking of sons....here we have one, with his equally talented father.

Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez

Tues, Nov 9
Simply? A very funny comedian.

Billy Connolly

Wed, Nov 10
One of the most talented, down to earth, character actors out there.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Thur, Nov 11
Director to some shows you'd recognize: 24, ER, Deadwood.
He's facing controversy with a documentary he filmed called "Waiting for 'Superman'" about the failures of public schooling.

Davis Guggenheim

Fri, Nov 12
The couple that showed the world, romance can flourish, even under wraps.
(2 for 1 Plastic surgery....awwwww.)

Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed

Short clip of Debbie Travis on the show tonight

Some Geminis are being handed out

There are a few evenings of Gemini awarding going on this month. 
Nov 2nd is an important one for George Stroumboulopoulos.

1) Love Hate and Propaganda, narrated in English by Strombo, is up for a Gemini for Best Direction, Leon Laflamme.
2) George Stroumboulopoulos is nominated for Best Host or interviewer.

Best Host or Interviewer in a General/Human Interest or Talk Program or Series

The nominees for this category are...

	Adam Growe Cash Cab, Episode #210 Unassuming passengers step into the “Cash Cab” to discover host Adam Growe will drive them to their destination, but only if they answer his general knowledge questions along the way. Correct answers will win them cold hard cash, but get three wrong and Adam will pull the cab over and toss them to the curb. It’s fast, fun, and informative.
	Ed Robertson Ed's Up, Atlanta Journalist Abduction Course Ed Robertson, from the Barenaked Ladies, is back for more aches, early mornings and crap coffee - what the rest of us call the daily grind. Each new destination for Ed means a new boss and a difficult job for the pop singer to endure. In this third exciting season, the jobs are bigger, tougher, grosser and much further away.
	Don Kelly Fish Out of Water, Polynesian Cultural Centre - The Samoan Village Fish Out of Water is APTN's hit series featuring comedian Don Kelly, as he journeys back to traditional native lands to discover the origins of his heritage. Through a series of misadventures, Don is pushed to his limits, re-conects with his roots and spiritual values, while going back to the land to face great challenges - by learning from his elders.
	Paul McGuire One On One CMT’s Paul McGuire takes viewers on a unique glimpse into the life, career, craft and legacy of country music’s most revered performers.
	George Stroumboulopoulos The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos Welcome to THE HOUR, Canada's late night talk show. Intelligent, funny and unpredictable, it's unlike anything else on television. In a vibrant fusion of news, entertainment and in-depth conversations, Host George Stroumboulopoulos connects you to the movers and shakers of the world. A multiplatform success, the show has a thriving community online with over 29 million video views on its YouTube channel.

Best Direction in a Documentary Series

The nominees for this category are...

	Jeff Semple Ancestors In The Attic, Black Market Baby? Using remarkable resources available to anyone, ANCESTORS IN THE ATTIC makes unexpected, emotional and life-changing discoveries for ordinary Canadians by helping them find their lost relatives, and the truth behind their extraordinary family secrets. In Season IV, host Jeff Douglas, and a team of genealogical sleuths, travel from Belarus to Ukraine, from Nova Scotia to China solving amazing mysteries.
	Stavros Stavrides, Leslie Lucas, John Westheuser Licence To Drill, Paydirt In the unforgiving winter of the Canadian North, two rig crews risk their lives drilling thousands of meters below the ground in search of natural gas. It's a hundred days in hell but there's no other way: come spring, the ice roads disappear. In this environment, the worst clashes are not just between man and nature - they're between the men.
	Leon Laflamme Love, Hate and Propaganda, Truth and Total War CBC and Radio Canada present a 6 part documentary series about the role propaganda played during World War Two. With newsreels, posters, speeches, rallies, songs and radio, entire populations were convinced to go to war. Hosted by The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos, Love, Hate and Propaganda is a primer on the art of mass persuasion, aimed directly at a media-savvy generation
	Wendy Trueman Mega Builders, Big Rig MEGA BUILDERS is a documentary series about the world’s biggest and most intriguing engineering challenges. A character-driven program with access to spectacular mega-projects, Mega Builders documents the pressure engineers and construction crews face including crushing deadlines, cost overruns and construction problems. Filmed in HD for Discovery Canada and Discovery International, Mega Builders has an audience reach of 300 million worldwide.
	Mike Downie One Ocean, Birth of an Ocean

On the Big Gala night November 13th The Hour is up for Best Talk Series. You can watch the The Gemini Awards broadcast on Global and Show Case at 8 pm. It will be hosted by Glee's Cory Monteith.

Best Talk Series

The nominees for this category are...

	MTV Live p. Alex Sopinka, Pam de Montmorency, Daryn Jones MTV LIVE is a daily show featuring genius comedy bits, A to D-list celebrity guests, and the world's most incredible musical performances. Super-host Daryn Jones helms, with help from Juno nominated hottie Nicole Holness and awkwardness savant Paul "The Intern" Lemieux. Live TV has never been more live.
	Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... p. Elvis Costello, David Furnish, Steve Hamilton-Shaw, Jordan Jacobs, Sir Elton John, Martin Katz, Steve Warden SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... fuses the best elements of talk and music television and invites viewers to enjoy an intimate conversation between host Costello and his guests, punctuated by rare musical performances by Costello, his guests and a wide variety of musicians. Among the guests for the 13-part series are Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, The Police and President Bill Clinton.
	The After Show p. Darcy MacNeil, Pam de Montmorency, Alex Sopinka, Garrett Wintrip THE AFTER SHOW has expanded their scope from MTV Programming to the pop culture world and everyone is their target. The same way THE HILLS LIVE AFTER SHOW treats "Hills" content, THE AFTER SHOW extends to movie footage / television footage / music videos, celebrity interviews, and celebrity photographs / paparazzi shots all while using their telestrator! Join Dan and Jessi as they dissect the actions and choices of the celebrities involved in a humorous way.
	The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos p. George Stroumboulopoulos, Claire Adams, David Freeman, Susan Taylor

There is a lot of Canadian talent celebrated on these gala nights. 
You can follow the chatter of TheGeminiAwards on Twitter 

Update for Nov 02! And the Gemini goes to...

Best Host or Interviewer in a General/Human Interest or Talk Program or Series

And the Gemini goes to...

George Stroumboulopoulos The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos Welcome to THE HOUR, Canada's late night talk show. Intelligent, funny and unpredictable, it's unlike anything else on television. In a vibrant fusion of news, entertainment and in-depth conversations, Host George Stroumboulopoulos connects you to the movers and shakers of the world. A multiplatform success, the show has a thriving community online with over 29 million video views on its YouTube channel.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

Welcome to THE HOUR, Canada's late night talk show. Intelligent, funny and unpredictable, it's unlike anything else on television. In a vibrant fusion of news, entertainment and in-depth conversations, Host George Stroumboulopoulos connects you to the movers and shakers of the world. A multiplatform success, the show has a thriving community online with over 29 million video views on its YouTube channel.