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.