What's not new? Who's not sleeping.

So....

As of this moment.... there is absolutely nothing on the "Upcoming on the Hour" portion of the website...

We have heard that the show will be back on the air on Jan 2, 2008.

So instead of fascinating guests bio's and pictures... I bring you a link to http://www.strombo.com

Go check it out...

George is Sleepless in Vegas.

We also have an interesting debate happening still under our guest poster Tracy's post. Regarding Ike Turner... go check it out and comment.

With that being said...

We at The Stroumboulopouli wish you all a :

Very Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2008!

If we were Santa Claus...

The guests that I would like most to give a gift wish to this season.

My choices are for a man that works tirelessly for others around the world and here in Canada and a woman who brings us humour about daily life into our lives everyday.

Stephen Lewis is talking with George at the Newsstand... Stephen is on The Hour each season and I would not mind if he was on each week.

A gift I would wish for Stephen Lewis would be many many donations to the Stephen Lewis Foundation . I would also like him to be heard by Canada's politicians about the poverty issues in Canada and worldwide.

Lynn Johnston interviewing George half way through.... I love this interview.

Lynn Johnston is in remission from spasmodic torticollis... my Christmas wish for her is that it stays in remission or they find a cure or treatment that works.

I wish all the guests and everyone Happy Christmas, Merry Holidays and continued good health and success for the New Year. ;-)

Barbara

~~~~~~~~~~~

Well...when I started thinking about my "gift wish", several recipients came to mind...

...to Christie Blatchford, a wish that she will continue to tell the stories that so desperately need to be told.

...to Anne Murray and Paul Anka, I wish continued career longevity. These individuals have set the bar high for the future of Canadian music.

...to Nigel Fisher, Stephen Lewis and Master Corporal Paul Franklin...the most elusive 'gifts' of all...an end to poverty, disease and war.

May love & happiness surround you. Merry Christmas!!

Steph A.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"If we were Santa Claus...." We would provide a hopeful future to the lives of Pakistanis, in the wake of yesterday's absolute tragedy.

Thinking of past guests I would want to help & what to post, I stumbled onto the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in the news.
She may not have been a guest on the show, but I believe this falls into one of the shows themes, of people making a positive impact on the world.
How overwhelmingly sad. My heart is heavy for her family, her followers, and the potential of what could have been.

She was an amazing woman who held a bright tomorrow in her hands, her voice and her heart. I find it hard not to compare her situation, with that of JFK, but obviously with present affairs at stake, for not only Pakistan's future, but for the rest of the world's. Within her vision and grasp, she held hope for what her beloved country could be as a united front, contributing to the fight against terrorism and poverty with an unwavering goal of democracy for her people.

One of her quotes that will now stay with me:
"Democracy needs support and the best support for democracy comes from other democracies. Democratic nations should ... come together in an association designed to help each other and promote what is a universal value — democracy."
— 1989 speech at Harvard University.


To quote from a recent CBC News article:
"Perhaps, sadly and ironically, her death may have a more productive impact on the political future of her beloved Pakistan than her election victory might have."
I'm saddened to say, I certainly hope so.

May we hold closer, this season, the ones we love,
and look beyond our borders to embrace what we have here;
our "peace" of the globe.

Jenuine

Pinball makes an impression.

So, Did anyone else just really LIKE Michael "Pinball" Clemons?!?!?!?!?!?!?

WOW! He was so great to listen too.
I think that what he said about giving back to the community was genius!
I so wish more Canadians felt that way about our country and communities and tried to make them better places to live.

Wait, isn't that what our government is supposed to be doing.....!??!??!!?!?!?!?


The funny thing here is... Is Pinball a Canadian!? or is he Landed? and if he is Landed...

WOW! the irony.

'Twas the week before Christmas...

Here is what's coming up this week on The Hour...

Monday, December 17

Former Afghanistan Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah Abdullah

New CEO and former coach of the Toronto Argonauts

Mike "Pinball" Clemons

Tuesday, December 18

Mandalay Entertainment executive and talk show host Peter Guber

Award winning Canadian R & B singer and songwriter Jully Black

Wednesday, December 19

Check here for up-to-date details.

Thursday, December 20

"The Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver

Humanitarian and member of the Order of Canada Judy Feld Carr

Quick note...

In preparation for this post, I stumbled upon a "mystery" on The Hour's Blog. Check it out.

The Hour this week starting with Dec 09

The Strombo Show will be back in Toronto live from The Edge studios this Sunday

But who is on The Hour this week?

Monday December 10 th

Actor Homayoun Ershadi who plays Baba in The Kite Runner

The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien who took on the role of the Prime Minister of Canada.

Tuesday December 11 th

One of my favourite Authors Mitch Albom

For One More Day
Albom’s tribute to family and particularly motherhood is his second novel and the first to feature a female protagonist. It explores questions of regret, divorce, and how we would spend one special day with the ghost of someone we loved.

Please comment on what you would do with one more day with a loved one who has passed on. I got the idea from Jim Richards' CFRB radio show and I have been thinking about it since then...

plus

“The Sceptical Environmentalist” Bjorn Lombourg


Wednesday December 12 th

Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace

and also (maybe)

Dave Bidini of the Rheostatics

Thursday December 13 th

Nigel Fisher, President of UNICEF Canada

This Hour Has 70 Minutes

It's official. The "After the Hour" website officially launched today. What is "After the Hour"?
I'm glad you asked.

Media in Canada published the following article on their website:

Strombo virtually bumped to 70 minutes

by Kara Nicholson

Yesterday, CBC launched a 10-minute online after show to complement The Hour. The aptly named After the Hour is being sponsored by Labatt Breweries of Canada, and will feature behind-the-scenes footage, including out-takes and extended versions of host George Stroumboulopoulos's interviews with guests. Each episode will be available on-demand and also streamed at cbc.ca/thehour.

The sponsorship is a great way for the company to reach consumers, says Labatt media strategist Ben Seaton. "Both the Keith's Family and CBC Television's The Hour are wholly committed to supporting our Canadian roots and culture, which makes this partnership a natural fit."

Adds CBC GM of media sales and marketing: "By offering viewers exclusive digital content, we are furthering our connection with our audiences and engaging them at another important touchpoint."

http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/online

Interesting tidbits include Chris Jericho's "Best Story Ever", more interview viz with Steve Earle, Stroumboulopoulos' doctor of laws acceptance speech and a very bizarre video about humans and animals doing pushups.

Vancouver's upcoming shows

Monday , Dec 03

Matthew Good
The outspoken singer has a new album motivated by personal struggle.


Robert Bateman
The famous artist is bringing kids closer to nature.




Tuesday , Dec 04

Adam The Dream Healer
An alternative healing source from this student and best selling author.



Brent Butt
Founder and star of the popular show, 'Corner Gas'.




Wednesday, Dec 05

Nazanin Afshin Jam
Campaigning to end child executions in Iran.



Lynn Johnston
The creator of the famous cartoon 'For Better of For Worse'.




Thursday , Dec 06

Tricia Helfer
A Canadian born supermodel who is carving out her own niche.


Chris Turner
In search of environmentally friendly innovations.

Live from Vancouver

Tune in today to hear George's interview with Matthew Good, some fine, fine music & call-ins.
You can go to Strombo.com to put in any song requests or to see if he posts any videos of songs he's playing.

I've got one:
"Winter Wonderland" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Rusty and Jerome leave the CBC Museum Over Gemini scandal

If you recall the Gemini Awards this past fall, (and who doesn't?) you may remember a certain puppet retirement skit. There was a little heated debate about the puppet skit on this blog at the time in the comment section. Well someone else took note of what those puppets were up to... Here is the story from The Globe and Mail

Here is the puppet's Gemini moment on youtube...




What we need on youtube is more Gemini moments like the opening skit. No controversy there.

November 26-30 on The Hour

As I prepared to write this post on behalf of Barbara who was unable to do it this week, I visited The Hour's website. As my fingertips are touching my keyboard at this very moment, only four guests are listed. Please visit the website for more up-to-date information, as it becomes available. So, here is what we know...

Monday

Former Coca-Cola Executive and Mexican President Vincente Fox

The hysterically funny duo of Kenny Hotz & Spenny Rice
Tuesday

British "domestic goddess" and best-selling author Nigella Lawson

And also coming up this week...

Canadian music icon and Springhill, NS native Anne Murray

Operation DROP DISC, is now in effect.

George, made this impassioned plea last week for us Canadian's to rip a CD of our favourite music with a playlist and leave it places for other Canadian's to pick up, take it home and listen to it. Then they would leave that CD some place else but create one of their own....

Well we here at Stroumboulopouli, decided that ethically and morally we were unclear of the ramifications of that choice but we wanted to present a playlist or two from us....

So without further adieu.

This is Janna's playlist... We also have a group combined one at the bottom

1. In Bloom- Nirvana

2. Believe- Newsboys

3. Rental Car-Beck

4. Universe- Sarah Slean

5. Elsewhere- Sarah McLachan

6. Just -Radiohead

7. LA Song-Christian Kane

8. Key-Devics

9. Rocket Man- Elton John

10. Whipping Boy-Ben Harper

11. Keep It Down- Kelis

12. Local God- Everclear

13. Golden-FallOutBoy

14. Love Addict- Family Force 5

15. Limp-Fiona Apple

16. 6 Underground- Sneaker Pimps

17. Over My Head- Furslide

18. Red Flag- Billy Talent

19. Tripping- Robbie Williams

20. Everybody Got Their Something -Nikka Costa
************************************

Barbara -I would like to add I would make a disc and drop it somewhere but how would that person picking it up know it's virus free? Not that I would add a virus... but who is to say that can't happen? Just a thought.

I added 4 songs to the group playlist. No harm could come of it if you buy those songs. I added the album names and links to help you in your search.

Here are some links I like for music and music info. Will & Bens Record Room, Maple Music and CBCRadio3

If you go on itunes and check out Celebrity Playlists you will find on page 4, George Stroumboulopoulos' playlist choices... You can find George sandwiched between George Lopez and Glass Tiger and no those aren't his musical choices. His choices (in 2005) included The Clash, Bob Dylan and Kathleen Edwards.

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

Steph A. - Anyone who knows me in the three-dimensional world knows that I LOVE music. I have many cd’s…if you are up on your Roman Numerals, think “M” and add a few! I still enjoy buying music the "old-fashioned" way….browsing the racks, looking at the cover art and when I buy the cd, reading the liner notes from beginning to end. To me, music is a very personal thing, as we each draw from it what we need at any particular moment. I like songs that tell a good story and in many ways, I think sad songs are the best songs. My list of old and new is as follows:

Prayer to St. Peter – Edwin McCain

Where Angels Sing – Meatloaf

Close Call - Under the Blacklight

Mama’s Arms – Joshua Kadison

Windowsill – Arcade Fire

Friend to a Stranger - Emmerson Hart

Devil You Know - Pinback

Godspeed – Shaye

Black Betty – Ram Jam

Unguided - The New Pornographers

(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

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

Jenuine's Playlist
So.....here goes.
Let's just say, I have a large eclectic taste for music. I have some strong feelings towards many, a mild liking for others, and an opposition to some.
Often, I wildly enjoy anything that evokes movement out of me, such as toe tapping, head banging, surface drumming, and occassional air guitar riffs. I love cranking the tunes as inspiration for artwork or domestic chores, although at times, I find it blissfull to shut my eyes alone in the dark, picking out specific instruments or lyrics.
It's amazing how a song or band can take you back to memories past, both good & bad, and bring out emotions that went with those times. Having said that, I'm a HUGE fan of new music & totally enjoy discovering new artists.
So, in no particular order, here are a few:

1. Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes
2. A Penny More - Skydiggers
3. Run to the Hills - Judas Priest
4. You Make Me Feel So Young - Tim Tamishiro
5. Passage into Midnight - Omar (instrumental)
6. Sweet Jane - Cowboy Junkies
7. Blackened Waters - Black Label Society
8. Pathetique -Tchaikovsky (Symphony No. 6 in b minor, Op. 74)
9. Used to Get High - John Butler Trio
10. All the Things I Wasn't - Grapes of Wrath
11. True Colors - Tuck & Patti
12. Sweet Strabane - Irish Rovers
13. You're No Good - Linda Rondstat
14. Find the Cost of Freedom - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
15. Just a Gigalo - David Lee Roth
************************************

Mich's turn... First off, music is a huge part of my life, it's everywhere and fits in everything I do. I think exposing people to new music and new performers is a fantastic idea and something everyone should do. That said... Operation Disc Drop has me conflicted. I think it's a great idea, because it does expose people to new music and hopefully gets them out of their comfort zone. The part that I'm conflicted about is the legal/moral/ethical issue I see with distributing copyrighted music without permission. For years, I've been a strong advocate against illegally sharing and downloading music, which is a very unpopular stance. My view started to change when I saw the BNL interview on The Hour, where they were talking about copyright restrictions and such. If the artists are okay with it, then who am I to be against it? But then I think of my own work and how much it would bother me if people were using it, unauthorised and not paying for it. But then I hear about Radiohead launching their latest album online as a "pay as you wish" album. Where does that take things? For as long as I can remember, it's been all about protecting copyright and protecting the artists and the livelihood of the everyone involved in the process. With the grayness of the laws, and the diverse stance on the moral and ethical stance on freesharing music, I don't know where I stand, so for now I remain conflicted.

But I do have a playlist to share (though honestly, it's hard to pick just a few, because what I like is so dependent on my mood) :

Violet Light - Raised by Swans

The Past is Never Past - Andrea Revel

Brian Wilson - Barenaked Ladies

Son of a Bitch to the Core - The Headstones

London Calling - The Clash

The Girl in the Other Room - Diana Krall

The Wonder - Royal Wood

Breakthrough - Rhea's Obsession

Ragged Ass Road - Tom Cochrane

Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits

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

Group Playlist

1. Bang The Doldrums- FallOutBoy- Janna

2. Always- Newsboys- Janna

3. Where's Your Head At?- Basement Jaxx- Janna

4. Sleep- Riley Armstrong- Janna

5. Feeling Good - Nina Simone -(I Put A Spell On You) - BW

6. Never Been To Spain - Three Dog Night - (The Best Of Three Dog Night) - BW

7. Deux Fois La Meme Histoire - Eric Lapointe -(Invitez les Vautours ) - B

8. Striptease - Hawksley Workman - (Last Night We Were- The Delicious Wolves) - BW

9. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin (SA)

10. Down by the River - Neil Young (SA)

11. Unloved - Jann Arden (SA)

12. Forever Young - Youth Group (SA)

13. A Sunday Kind of Love - Etta James - Jenuine

14. Drop Kick Queen of the Weekend - The Dudes - Jenuine

15. Everybody's Free to Wear Sunglasses - Baz Luhrmann - Jenuine

16. Cornflake Girl - Tori Amos - Jenuine

17. Once - Royal Wood

18. Turn up the Dark - Stirling

19. Hockey Skates - Kathleen Edward

20. Castles in the Sky - Philosopher Kings

Get ready for a heaping bowl of Hour Stew cette semaine....

This week's menu prepared by the creative team of The Hour
and always delivered in style by your host: George Stroumboulopoulos.
Bon Appetit!

MONDAY
A delightful bold entree of Naomi Klein
with a lingering, yet zingy serving of Paul Anka.
Accompanied by a unique, yet refreshing mix of Jeff Goldblum
and a small delicious sampling of Craig Ferguson.

TUESDAY
A sharp roasted entree of Rick Mercer
served with an exotic & exquisite helping of Jane Goodall.
Georges St. Pierre and The Foo Fighters
will add a punch of flavour enhancement to this robust meal.

WEDNESDAY
A timeless dish of hot & wild Joan Jett,
harmonized with a spicy serving of Carlo Rota,
and balanced with a mild hint of Jason Priestley.

THURSDAY
A contrasting buffet of main courses to sample from:
A modern country taste of Brooks & Dunn,
a complex European platter of Henry Morgentaler,
a fresh invigorating Scottish helping of KT Tunstall,
or the tried & true favorite, homestyle fare of Stephen Lewis.

FRIDAY
Always a surprise, and often a leftover mix of popular,
"back by demand" items.


Thank you for choosing The Stroumboulopouli and we hope you enjoyed your visit.
As always, we encourage you to leave your critiques & suggestions in our comment box.

Your Thoughts?

This one's double duty, with issues from the November 14th and the November 15th show. I'm starting to think I need more sleep, because lately, my brain is shutting off around 10:30, in the middle of watching the East Coast feed of The Hour. So I apologize for the delay, but maybe posting now will carry us through the weekend and as we go back into the territory of repeats next week.

So what made you yell at the television over the past couple days? What made you go "hmmmmm" in the middle of the interview? What are your thoughts on the issues?

1) The Cold Opener on Wednesday was all about those super vivid dreams or nightmares that some of us have. I know lately my dreams are going all weird, involving jelly donuts and trenches (like the ones in wars)... and oddly enough, the CBC building. And I do have some reoccuring nightmares, like George's, but not involving wrestlers. Nope. Mine involve bees... and identical quintuplets. Do you think these kinds of dreams are influenced by what's going on in our lives or is it just our brains playing a mean (or just weird) game with us?

2) Ani DiFranco, discussed candidates in the American election (which feels like it's gone on forever... and there's still a year to go. This is why I hate set terms and election dates... no one ever stops campaigning. Elections should be surprises... like root canals or burst appendix. They certainly seem just as painful). DiFranco commented that the public are becoming "media sheep" and have stopped thinking for themselves when it comes to candidates because of the spin phenomenon. Is there anyone who doesn't spin these days? Is it true that the common man isn't thinking for him/herself and just voting the way the media says they are going to? Is is the term "unelectable" valid? Is any candidate who throws their hat in the ring truly "unelectable" or is that just another PR move to get the vote away from candidates?

3) Matt Damon was named "Sexiest Man Alive" or whatever by People Magazine. Honestly, I don't get it. Sure Damon's a looker. Sure some people think he's sexy. So it's not the choice that baffles me, it's the whole bloody concept. Why? Why choose one man who is the "sexiest" when everyone's tastes differ. Do we really have to turn men into a piece of meat? I don't know. Maybe I just don't get the whole "cult of the celebrity" thing... or why I should care that Matt Damon is the sexiest man alive. Honestly, I'd rather hear about what he's working on and his charitable work than be told he's the sexiest man alive. And really, what criteria do they use? I apologize for the rant, but I've just never understood: a) the appeal of this subject for People magazine and b) how these people choose ONE man as the sexiest. I just don't get it.

4) Top TV Icons of all time: The Associated Press has prepared a list of the Top 50 TV Icons of all time as part of a TV special airing Friday night at 8 EST. George revealed the Top Ten on The Hour.

10) Dick Clark
9) Homer Simpson
8) Jerry Seinfeld
7) Mary Tyler Moore
6) Carol Burnett
5) Walter Cronkite
4) Bill Cosby
3) Oprah Winfrey
2) Lucille Ball
1) Johnny Carson

Agree or disagree? Who's in your top ten?

5) Mark Cohon, the Commissioner of the CFL made the comment that the CFL and the NFL can work together through cross-promotion of NFL games with CFL games. Do you think it's a good idea for the NFL to start infringing on the CFL's turf? Do we really need American football or should we concentrate instead on building and maintaining Canadian football? Is this even something to be concerned with or should we be concerned that the Buffalo Bills will be playing in Toronto in the near future? Can the CFL survive if the NFL comes to town?

6) I think it's very cool that Letterman is paying his staff out of pocket during the Writer's Guild strike. I can totally understand why... in television, you really want to build and then keep a team together that you can trust and work well with. I have that kind of team, and if I could, I'd pay them even when we're on a dark period. Michael Landon did that with his crew between productions. It just means that the team can stay together and still manage to pay those pesky bills.

Other than that, I thought it was a pretty interesting week of interviews. So what did you think?

That's Dr. Stroumboulopoulos to you!

George, was in Calgary on Tuesday to get his Honorary Degree from the University of Calgary

He delivered an address to the Graduates and accepted his degree in Doctor of Laws.

Despite the ridiculous hat and gown! (George complained of wanting the "cool black gowns" everyone else was wearing.) But in usual form, George was dressed for the occasion in a black hoodie, black jeans, and his runners...(totally awesome) but the funniest part... was seeing G in his heavy winter coat and scarf... (Calgary isn't THAT cold... HA HA HA.) Oh! and the guy who ran up on stage to kiss one of the graduates.

More then that his inspiring speech sent the new Alumni out into the world with a fresh look upon life.

George stated that " his mom had two dreams in life for George 1. to get into heaven and 2. Get a degree and at least now one has happened".

So next time you see George, make sure you Congratulate him!

What's Your Thought?

Are you one of those people who talk back to the television? One of those people who always have thoughts (weird or otherwise) pop into your head when you're watching an interview or something on television? Well, I am. And without fail, every time I watch The Hour, there are things that pique my interest that I either talk back to the show (because you know, he can hear me through the television...) or I wish I had the opportunity to discuss some of the ideas and thoughts presented on the show with others. There's one downfall, either no one I know has watched the show, or they don't pay attention to the news and wouldn't have a clue what I'm talking about.

Well, that's all about to change. Talking to Barbara and Steph last week, I mentioned that it would be interesting to post random thoughts inspired by the show so that we could start a discussion here on the blog about the topics the show covered. They liked the idea... so here I am.

Tonight's show brought up a lot of different topics for me...

1) Disgraced pediatric pathologist Dr. Charles Smith apologized through a statement read by his lawyer. Because you know, apologies read by someone else always ring with sincerity. This whole case infuriates me. This pathologist's work sent people to prison for crimes they didn't commit... and for crimes that never happened. How does an apology on paper fix that? Can anything fix that? The whole situation blows my mind. I can't write anything else because all I can do is shake my head... how does something like this resolve itself? How does something like this happen in the first place?

2) Record stores going the way of the Dodo: The last Canadian player in the music store business, MusicWorld, announced they are shuttering the business because they can't compete. Sir Richard Branson said that he thinks there will be no record stores in 10 years. And it's all to do with the shift in how we get our music (legal or otherwise). When was the last time you bought a CD or even set foot in a music store? I know the way I buy music has changed over the past few years, particularly since getting my iPod. The last time I bought a CD was 3 weeks ago... Feist's album (it's awesome... pick it up). The thought of not physically holding music in my hand kind of makes me sad... I love album art.

3) Celebrities going to Africa: I know this raises a lot of ire with some people I talk to. They see it as the celebrity exploiting the situation to make themselves look good. Branson seems to see a benefit to it, by raising awareness and money for the needs of the people of Africa. Good thing? Bad thing? I don't know. I can see both sides of the coin. I'm sure there are some celebs that go merely to raise their profile, but I also think that many go because they see something they can use their notoriety for good. And those that do try and make a difference, good for them. We need more people to step up and do what they can to make a difference in the world.

4) What does risk mean to you? To some, it's riding a motorcycle. To others, it's trying to get a car to go over 1000 miles per hour. To others, risk is not so out there, it's choosing to wear a red dress instead of the regular black one. Are you a risk taker? Do you step up and put yourself out there, like Steve Fossett who put his life on the line and achieve 125 world records after the age of 55? Or does risk mean taking a different route to work or trying something new? I think I walk the middle.

5) Alan Alda said he doesn't talk politics in public, but then made the following statement as the one political thing he will say: "Why won't they listen to each other?". He was referring to those in government who are supposed to be in charge and trying to make a difference for the people they govern, but are seemingly embroiled in a petty partisan battle that involves putting each other down instead of trying to get something done. I'm pretty sure he was talking about the American government, but it certainly rings true in our own federal government. I don't know about you, but I haven't figured out how I'm supposed to take a political party seriously, if all they do is attack each other, instead of doing what they are supposed to. I don't care if you (the political party) thinks that the other person is a big poopy head, just learn to get along for the sake of the group. Isn't that what we're taught in kindergarten, you may not like someone but you have to learn to get along for the sake of the greater good?




And on an unrelated, yet related note... I found an article online today from The Muse, Memorial University's paper. It's from the Geminis, but it's a good read. Though if you are not a fan of the F-word, be warned, it's used a couple of times. Shocking. I know.

Enjoy!

What's up this week on The Hour??

There is a shortage of information on The Hour's website....but this is what we are assuming will be happening next week...

Monday, November 12

Entrepreneur and head of the huge Virgin conglomerate, Sir Richard Branson.

Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor, best known for his portrayal of Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce on M*A*S*H, Alan Alda.

Tuesday, November 13

It's a mystery...check here for details.

Wednesday, November 14

Christopher Keith Irvine will be dropping by...who you ask? You might know him better as WWE Superstar Chris Jericho.

Controversial and outspoken Afghan Member of Parliament Malalai Joya.

American singer/songwriter and political activist Steve Earle.

Thursday, November 15

Canadian hockey champion and the first woman to provide colour commentary on Hockey Night in Canada, Cassie Campbell.

Former businessman and current Canadian Football League commissioner, Mark Cohon.

Remembrance Day: Then and Now

I'm giving you the heads up...this post has absolutely nothing to do with The Hour.

I recently wrote elsewhere that there is no day on the calendar that I honour with as much reverence as Remembrance Day. As the grand-daughter and niece of men who served our great nation with distinction, I was raised to have a good understanding of WHY November 11th is so significant. In my house it was never just another day.

As a child (in the 70's) my mother would take me to the cenotaph at Old City Hall in Toronto. I would watch the Remembrance Day ceremonies unfold among the veterans who experienced war first hand. From my recollection, it was always cold, raining or windy. But the inclement weather never showed on the faces of our veterans. They had a job to do...honour the memory of their fallen comrades.

Fast forward to my teenage years. I distinctly remember the focus of Remembrance Day slowly switch from remembering those lost in war to the concept of "peace'. So much so, that the name of our assembly was officially changed to "Peace Day" ceremonies. This never sat well with me. We were not remembering peace. We were remembering the ultimate sacrifice of war...the loss of human life.

In my 20's I would tape the Remembrance Day ceremonies from Ottawa. Just like the images from my childhood, there were our veterans, standing at attention, proudly displaying their various medals, seemingly unaffected by the weather. I would watch the Silver Cross mother lay a wreath in memory of her child, taken too soon. Everyone seemed to be getting older and older. The numbers of veterans in attendance slowly diminishing. The crowds gathering appeared to be getting smaller too. I started to feel that sadly, the significance of Remembrance Day was being lost. Up to that point in my lifetime, war was not really a consideration. Canadian Forces were leaving our soil for peace-keeping missions, not combat.

Today...well, history has a way of repeating itself, now doesn't it? Once again our brave men and women are willing to sacrifice for a cause they so strongly believe in. Canadian veterans are no longer the older men and women I remember from my childhood. In many cases, the veterans of today, are younger than me.

As Canadians, we owe our veterans, no matter their age, living or dead, a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Please do not let this Remembrance Day pass as just another day on your calendar.

I first heard this song while listening to CFRB a couple of years ago. It is based on the 1999 real-life experience of singer/songwriter Terry Kelly. It is not really my kind of music...but the message is clear...lest we forget.

"Gemini Cold Opener"

"Big Toronto Hippie… with his ears pierced… think he'll come and mock the Prairies, is that it?"

For the past week, the mere thought of the cold opener from the Geminis has brought random giggles into my life. So much so, that the people I work with and those nearest and dearest to me think that I've finally gone over the edge. Maybe it's the Prairie Girl in me… maybe it's growing up in Alberta and the constant rivalry between the two provinces... or maybe it's just the fact that I'm a transplant in Ontario and I miss home. Whatever it was, the cold opening at the Geminis this year had me on the floor laughing. Literally. Not just in internet terms, but physically on the floor, laughing. Why? Because in some areas of Saskatchewan… it's true!
Saskatchewan isn't totally flat… there are occasional hills and valleys… but compared to other provinces (say, Alberta)… it could easily be considered flat. And Albertans know how to milk that for everything it's worth. That said, Saskatchewan cannot be defined by it's topography… Saskatchewan has a lot going for it. It's the home of universal health care in Canada. It's economy, like it's neighbour Alberta, is booming. The Mounties call it home for their academy. The Snowbirds are based there. To be honest, Saskatchewan is a pretty cool place. Despite being flat. Or maybe, because of it.

All kudos to Saskatchewan aside, the opener was pretty slick. With fantastic writing (writer Paul Bates is a genius… I want to know, is he from the Prairies?), it was the perfect choice for the evening. It brings all that's the Toronto-Prairies "fight" together in a typically self-mocking Canadian manner. Very fitting for the boy from Toronto visiting the Prairies.

If you've made it this far, and enjoyed the cold opener at the Geminis last weekend, you'll be happy to know that the cold opener is now posted on YouTube. Enjoy!



Mich
Guest poster of the Stroumboulopouli

This week in November on The Hour

Quick notes:
The Strombo Show in it's new body debuts today Sunday Nov 04. You can listen live with a link on this page.

Here is the link from the National Post about how to host a talk show


Monday Nov 05 on The Hour
Ralph Mellanby: Executive Producer who revolutionized Sports television.
Bachman/Cummings
and Ben Harper is back on The Hour.

Tuesday Nov 06
Journalist Jan Wong
Malalai Joya talks about the Enemies of Happiness.
Your life coach Tony Robbins

Wednesday Nov 07
Ani DiFranco singer/songwriter
Also on The Hour Nigella Lawson I looked up Nigella and one result on Google search was Nigella Lawson breasts and I found the link for a Slow-Roasted Garlic and Lemon Chicken by Nigella recipe but it was for chicken thighs not breasts... in any case She is a chef...


Thursday Nov 08
Canadian singing legend ( maybe you have heard of her)Anne Murray
For Kevin of The Hour I will do my Anne Murray Applause.

A conversation with Jian Ghomeshi Part 1 & 2

Pictures are of Jian,
Shelley, Lorraine and Stephanie the She Asked crew.

Jian Ghomeshi has been among many things, a correspondent for The Hour the past three seasons... no word about this season. The man is pretty busy with his radio show Q .

I hope he does do a feature for The Hour this season because something fun happens when those two boys are on the set together.

This spring Jian was kind enough to invite us to his Q studio. He played the piano while we set up the cameras for our She Asked Jian Ghomeshi interview. Did Jian know what he was getting into? I have to say it turned into a very long circular conversation full of funny moments and surprises. We really enjoyed it!

The studio is lit for radio not for romantic effect... in other words, our apologies for the dark video. We are presenting it in two parts 15 minutes each.

Part 1

And for you, without farther ado, Jian from Q...part 2

What do you really think about Canadian television??

The idea for this post was inspired, in part, by the following comment left on our blog a few weeks ago: “Now Canadians can not watch the Geminis, just like they don't watch The Hour.” This got me to thinking, what do Canadians really think of Canadian television?

In preparation for this post, I compiled a list of Canadian television programs, both past and present. I was somewhat surprised by just how varied and substantial the list ended up being. I thought to myself, why wouldn’t Canadians watch the Gemini Awards? We have made some pretty awesome TV over the last few decades and our programming is getting better and better.

So...I have a few questions for you...feel free to answer one, some or all of them...

Do you remember what your first experience was with a Canadian television program?

What Canadian TV shows are you watching now? What have you watched in the past?

What do you consider the most unique quality of Canadian television?

Do you believe that television produced by our neighbours to the South is superior to our programming? What could make our programming better?

To answer some of my own questions...as a child, it never occured to me that Mr. Dressup and the Polka Dot Door (featuring the vocabulary-challenged Polkaroo) were home-grown. My first truly memorable Canadian TV series...the one I could NEVER miss...was Street Legal (apparently I have a thing for the law and lawyers). While my friends were engrossed in L.A. Law, I was tuning into the CBC to watch what I considered to be a far superior legal drama. Plus, I loved the fact that it was filmed in my hometown of Toronto. I also enjoyed Night Heat, The Newsroom, Da Vinci's Inquest, and Road to Avonlea.

Currently, my schedule does not really permit me a whole lot of television viewing time. In addition to The Hour, and when I have the opportunity to watch, I also enjoy The Mercer Report, W-Five, Hockey Night in Canada, a really interesting program called How It's Made and of course, the nightly news. For the purposes of full disclosure, I do watch 24 and The Amazing Race.

Do I think that US television is better than ours? No. What it is, is different. I've always thought that our programming is, even in make believe, more realistic. In some instances, perhaps more theatre based and less celebrity driven. Without a doubt, Canadian television tends to celebrate our regional and cultural diversity, just as our nation does. It is a good representation of us.

Just because it is Canadian, does not somehow make it second-rate.

The week starts with the Geminis!

GEMINI AWARDS GALA SUNDAY OCTOBER 28, 2007 Celebrating the best in Canadian Television and and Canadian talent.

Sunday night 8 pm The Geminis, hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos, produced by his production team and the CBC (and they worked their asses off to do this for you, so you should watch is all I am sayin')

One more link about the Gemini Awards from the Regina Leader-Post
OK another link from anonymous comment # 3 who suggests you view it from about 46 minutes in to see a behind the scene preview of the Gemini Awards.
and finally
Results of the Gemini Awards from the CBC site

What is on The Hour this week?


Tuesday October 30
Wyclef Jean While rooted in hip-hop, Jean takes in all of the musical spectrum, from rap to reggae, Miles Davis to Pink Floyd. Also, his lean childhood gave him a social conscience and keeps him from glamorizing life on the street the way other artists do.




Wedneday October 31
Kenny vs Spenny
Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice produce a hit TV show and some gonzo Documentaries.
also on the show
Vicente Fox


President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006.


Thursday November 01
Famous music producer has worked with U2 and Bob Dylan.

Daniel Lanois
Instrumental music "can speak louder than singing," Lanois explains

Coming this week on our blog
A conversation with Jian Ghomeshi

It's On, My Friends!

Vancouver

Winnipeg

Toronto

London

Hamilton


To quote his introductions:

THE STROMBO SHOW
"Hey it’s your old pal George....and it’s on my friends ....My brand new show every Sunday at (your time zone) right here.
So what's the new show all about?...Well it’s about...awesome music, celebrity guests, and your calls from across the country
It all kicks off Sunday November 4th. See you there!
George Stroumboulopoulous"

George is "Totally Stoked" to not pay off a Student Loan

Those of us Westie's (And by Westie's I mean Calgarians) have had an inside track on this for awhile now but were sworn to secrecy until it was publicly released.

Well, it was released.


George...
From All of us here at notpaid CONGRATULATIONS!


U of C Degree for G

Rock N' Roll.......Jesus!

What a numbskull!

Photo courtesy of reuters.com
Kid Rock arrested in Atlanta on Sunday, after fight in Waffle House.

Go to rueters for full article:

Never being fully convinced of liking or disliking the guy; he's always intrigued me in some deranged way.
Could be that he reminds me of an old boyfriend, or perhaps it's because of his unconventional career/life choices....not quite sure, but was really looking forward to his interview.
Hopefully it was pre-taped for the show, if not, should add a great comic twist for any rescheduled visits to The Hour!

The Weekly Dish

So Monday this week is a rerun. The Jason Priestley interview will be on.

Tuesday- Danny Glover
Wednesday- Kid Rock
Thursday- Rerun? We have heard a rumour Debbie Harry and AJ Jacobs will be on.


http://www.cbc.ca/thehour go there for daily updates as to who will be guests....

It is Gemini Week... George and his team are working hard to bring us the Gemini's so... not sure what this week in the Hour holds.


Oh yeah, The Gemini Awards air Sunday Oct 28th (a week today) on CBC, George is hosting. You should watch.

AND THE WINNER IS......?!?!?!?!

THE HOUR!!!!

We, here at notpaid knew yesterday that George and the Hour team had won but we wanted to see if George would say anything. We are glad he did. It meant we could...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! ON WINNING THREE GEMINI'S!

Best Production Design or Art Direction in a Non-Fiction Program or SeriesCallum MacLachlan - The Hour - Prime Time Special

Best Host or Interviewer in a General/Human Interest or Talk Program or SeriesGeorge Stroumboulopoulos - The Hour

Best Talk SeriesThe Hour(CBC)Jennifer Dettman, George Stroumboulopoulos, Susan Taylor


Congrats! to Jennifer Dettman, Susan Taylor, Callum MacLachlan and George Stroumboulopoulos.