New month... new shows!

If you can tear yourself away from the final night of Olympics coverage... or if you're really good at multitasking... don't forget to tune into The Strombo Show on CBC Radio 2 for another "All Request" show. The show starts at 8 in all time zones, check out the CBC2 Frequency Page to find out where to tune in.

Now that the Olympics are over and we're all going through withdrawal, we're going to get back into some new episodes of The Hour. It's a packed, diverse line up of guests this week...

MONDAY, MARCH 1st

Anne Graham Lotz - Christian Evangelist and Daughter of Evangelist Billy Graham

Mindy Cohn - Actress and star of the series "The Facts of Life"

TUESDAY, MARCH 2nd

Douglas Coupland - Canadian Novelist

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd

Chubby Checker - The King of Twist

THURSDAY, MARCH 4th

Enrico Colantoni - Co star of "Flashpoint" the first cross-border success since Due South

FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH

It's the Best of Faith show...

Chris Hedges - Author of "I Don't Believe in Athiests"

William P. Young - Author of "The Shack"

Richard Dawkins - Author of "The God Delusion"

"Live from Vancouver"

I briefly mentioned this at the end of my Olympics rant, but have since, received more information:

Jim Richards from the Jim Richards Showgram, of Toronto's radio station NEWSTALK 1010, will be broadcasting his show this Friday, live from Vancouver, with special guest host, George Stroumboulopoulos. I've been told they may be discussing/watching the Men's hockey finals.

As well as George being on the show, one of Jim's guests will be B.C. Premier, Gordon Campbell. I think I'll give it a listen to see just what our Premier will weigh in on, in regards to the Olympics.
If you're interested in tuning in on-line you can go to the NEWSTALK 1010 website & click on the "Listen Live" button. The show runs this Friday, Feb. 26, between 1pm - 4pm EST.

5 Ring Circus?

"Ladies & Gentlemen, Children of all Ages (& for the rest of the ages)....Welcome to the Greatest Expenditures on Record!"

From one B.C.er's perspective:
It's hard to hear & see everything going on, while the ringmasters hold center stage & shout their boasting of what sights & events lay ahead: "We will be amazed, entertained & quite possibly shocked, but OH, won't it be wonderful?! We'll cherish the memories for years!"
At least, that's what we're supposed to take from all the smoke & mirrors delivered to us via government & corporations.

Don't get me wrong, I fully enjoy & respect athletes for their abilities, their dedication, their individual & National pride, however, it's hard to view these Winter Games only for the love of sports, yet turn a blind eye from the negative impacts B.C./Canada has suffered & will continue to do so for many years to come.
If only I could just wave my flag, cheer for my hometown guys & gals, and pretend that 'this' is what the Olympics are all about! I love our athletes & if I were of a religious nature, I would say God-Bless them. They are, without a doubt, definitely 'doing us proud'!

On a few other positive notes; it's infectious & enjoyable to get caught up in the excitement of the competitions. To converse with friends & strangers over medal standings, observations, the stories behind the athletes....that in itself, is gold.
Then I must mention the world-class venues built for the host city & her athletes of 2010, to be utilized & enjoyed by future hopefuls. It's feels pretty great to have something so new & shiny...I get that.

Now, back to the ugliness of it all. The underlying costs, greediness & undemocratic nature of this beast. Now, I may have my facts off from actual figures, but I'm pretty sure I'm close....
2% of the B.C. population were given the right to vote whether or not to host these Games, of which, they obviously won, by approx. 60/40. The voters were actual Vancouverites, not citizens of Vancouver's 25 surrounding communities, nor the populations held on Vancouver Island or the cohabitants of the remaining 4 large regions of B.C. I can pretty well assure you, had the rest of the Province had a say, or even just a few more of those communities, you would not be watching this year's Olympics in Vancouver. A democratic vote? Not bloody likely.

OK, so now onto the projected spending.
I seriously cannot type those words without yelling a "HAH!" out loud.
In 2006, it was reported that approx 2.5 billion dollars would be spent on 2010 Olympics....spending to date: an estimated 6 BILLION dollars! Short term tourists spending is projected to be close to one billion & oh, let's not forget about future international attraction coming to B.C. We may just get this paid off in a few decades!

And lastly, for now, the corporations or as they prefer to be named; "The Sponsors".
Let's see....35 corporate sponsors are named the "Official Sponsors" & for receiving exclusive marketing rights, we are bestowed with their blasting of products & services. VANOC will make damned sure of that! To the point of ridiculousness, I say.
A small example: Vancouver's Public Library employees were told that if they were hosting any kind of gathering/event for businesses, other than the sponsors, that all logos had to be completely hidden or covered. Fines for not following these procedures were 'implied'.
Another: Very minimal food/refreshments were available on Cypress mountain, for the hundreds of spectators that waited for hours to even get to the venue. Mostly because of the red-tape unofficial vendors had to go through to provide a service for this International crowd. Families with children, ended up turning around and missing their ticketed events, to ensure their kids some nourishment. Businesses all over Olympic areas were bullied & threatened legally by these sponsors over such things as selling their hamburgers, with the name: 'hamburger'. Instead having to get creative by selling this item using a different name, such as, 'buffalo sandwich', which I'm sure, did not appeal to most. Since when did McDonald's have the exclusive right over the word, hamburger?

Don't even get me started on the statement the government made, promising the world, the "Greenest" Olympics yet! Lets just ask David Suzuki, shall we?

I'm sorry if I've rained on your Olympics parade, but this to me, has been more about a corporate marketing circus & the all-mighty dollar.
"Go Canada Go"........"Do YOU believe?"
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Speaking of the Olympics:

Jim Richards from the Jim Richards Showgram, of Toronto's radio station NEWSTALK 1010, will be broadcasting his show this Friday, live from Vancouver, with special guest host, George Stroumboulopoulos. I've been told they may be discussing/watching the Men's hockey finals.

Olympic Edition ~ Week 2

Week one done, one week to go. Have you been watching the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics? There have been so many AMAZING moments...for me, none as exciting or emotional than the victory of moguls master Alexandre Bilodeau, the first Canadian Olympian to win a gold medal on home soil! Fingers crossed that perhaps Bilodeau will be a future guest on The Hour.

Speaking of The Hour...here is a schedule of this week's "best of'" shows:

Monday, February 22

The multi-talented (and rather yummy) Canadian actor and musician Hugh Dillon.

Also: Bill Maher and Vivica Fox.

Tuesday, February 23

Actor Morgan Freeman.

Comedian and author David Cross

and

author John Irving.

Wednesday, February 24

Canadian actor Cory Monteith.

SCTV alumni Eugene Levy.

Also...musician Norah Jones.

Thursday, February 25

Forever Little House on the Prairie's Laura Ingalls...actor Melissa Gilbert

as well that NKOTB Joey McIntyre and actor Louis Ferreira.

Friday, February 26

Actor and Montreal Canadiens fan Viggo Mortensen.

Actor Michael Douglas

and

the very funny Andrea Martin.

And in other news...

While The Hour continues its Olympic hiatus, tickets for tapings next week are now available. Click here for details.

Don't forget to tune into The Strombo Show tonight on CBC Radio 2 for the ALL REQUEST SHOW. To contact the show, one can be all futuristic and Skype (username: Stromboshow) or call in the old-fashioned way via telephone: 416-205-6226.

As a lover of history, I am quite eager to watch the new six part CBC documentary Love Hate & Propaganda, starting March 4. The series, narrated by George Stroumboulopoulos, examines the role propaganda played in WWII. Regarding this project, CBC's Director of Documentary Programming Mark Starowicz said, "This is a series that needed to be done. It's time to bring this story to a new generation, to the children and grandchildren of those who fought the War. The dictators are dead, but the ideas and the forces that spawned them are still alive in the present." Follow the documentary on Facebook and Twitter...AND BE SURE TO WATCH!

Olympic edition week 1

This Valentine Sunday on The Strombo Show 8 pm to midnight

Four hours of George's selections of Romantic Music plus your song requests with some input from CBC Radio 2's Rich Terfry and Bob Mackowycz jr.

Monday February 15, 2010
Patriotic love in the air...Go Canada Go!

Michael Bublé is a romantic Canadian crooner and a very proud Olympic torchbearer,
Also on this show flirty Actress Patricia Clarkson,
and sexy English Actor Clive Owen

Tuesday February 16, 2010

Catherine O'Hara Comedian and Wild Thing,
Author Nick Hornby,
Actress, Producer and Director Drew Barrymore

Wednesday February 17, 2010

Author and Director Michael Moore,
Actor Peter Sarsgaard,
Actress and musician Juliette Lewis

Thursday February 18, 2010

Author, singer and Olympic flag bearer Anne Murray,
Here is a trivia question.
How many of these Olympic Flag Bearers were guests on The Hour?
In this picture Bobby Orr, Anne Murray, Jacques Villeneuve, Barbara Ann Scott, Sen. Romeo Dallaire, Julie Payette and Donald Sutherland.
Feel free to answer in the comment section. No prizes, just bragging rights.
also on the show Musician and business man Snoop Dogg,
and Director Terry Gilliam

Friday February 19, 2010

Legendary Actress Isabella Rossellini,
Front man from Jane's Addiction Perry Farrell and
Oscar nominated Director and Olympic torchbearer Jason Reitman (left),
in this picture receiving the flame from his father Ivan Reitman (right)

also on the show Actor Bradley Cooper

The Strombo Show request line

The Strombo Show is having some ALL Request shows coming up.
They are taking requests by Skype now!

You can find them on your Skype by searching for Strombo Show. If you have Skype and a mic, leave your enthusiastic and detailed request for a song you love and want to share with everyone on George's voice mail. Maybe something Canadian to show the Olympic pride... or a song loved and long forgotten... or some new tune you just discovered...
Let everyone know!

If you are unable to skype to the show you can call 416-205-6226 and leave a request that way, but if outside the GTA long distance charges may apply.


The Strombo Show can be found on CBC Radio 2
listen online
Sunday Nights 8-12
or on your radio dial
What's the frequency?

New look! New website!

Yesterday the folks over at The Hour launched a new and improved website to promote everything associated with the TV show. You can still find all the same information about past shows and tickets, but there are a few new additions like a guest directory.

So go over to The Hour's website and take a look around. Then come back and tell us what you think!

Jack Layton on The Hour

Wednesday February 10 th
NDP leader Jack Layton will be appearing on The Hour in an exclusive TV interview.
I have been in the audience a number of times that Mr. Layton made an appearance on The Hour and today I will make no exception. He is a frank and friendly politician that is always open to talking to the media. He is a very compelling guest.

Politics aside I would say the majority of the media and the public have a great respect for Jack the man. The Hour seems to be the natural place for Jack Layton to come and talk about political and more personal matters.

Jack Layton has recently announced that he has prostate cancer and will be going through treatments now.

Many Canadian families are very familiar with dealing with cancer as it has touched many of us and we are united in support for Jack in his battle with this cancer.

Our prayers and best wishes to Mr. Layton and his family in this time.

Politicos. A Photog. Directors & a Dude in a Dress.

Are YOU ready for some FOOTBALL? NO, you say? Me either. Couldn't care less, though pretty psyched to go grab some NON sports bar dinner with friends on Superbowl Sunday. We figure any place that doesn't serve wings and doesn't have a ginormous TV will be golden!

If you're looking to multitask, maybe you'll want to stay in, listen to the radio and watch the big game at the same time? For keeners like yourself, tune into The Strombo Show on CBC Radio 2 from 8-Midnight for some great tunes. You can even pick your own time zone.

Monday, February 8th

Jamie Farr

Confession time! I have never watched M.A.S.H.! When I say I have never watched it, I'm dead serious. Not one episode. Not sure if that makes me a pop culture pariah? What I do know about it is that Jamie Farr's character, Klinger was an essential part of the formula that made that series work so incredibly well. I also do know that he is recognized for his philanthropy. I just hope he and David Frum don't wear the same outfit. That would be awkward!




David Frum

A frequent guest of The Hour, Frum is a well regarded and prolific political author with a unique view developed during his time as a bona fide Washington insider. Son of CBC legend Barbara Frum, David is never afraid to speak his mind.

Tuesday, February 9th

Lee Daniels

Could it be Oscar time for Best Director nominee Lee Daniels? Precious, his latest feature film has generated tremendous critical acclaim and garnered many accolades for Daniels and his cast. Wonder what it's like to team up with Oprah? And also --what WAS Mariah Carey drinking the night she made her loopy acceptance speech with Daniels at her side?

Louie Palu

Based in Afghanistan, Palu is a photojournalist extraordinaire. His images of war are full of honesty and impact. When you check a man's website and see that one of his home bases is self described as 'Hell' -- you know he's seen more horror than one can imagine and will have some gripping stories to tell.

Wednesday, February 10th

Anita Dunn

Anita Dunn is the ultimate political insider and served in the Obama administration as the White House Communications Director. Prior to that appointment, she was a key strategist and advisor to Obama in the years prior to his groundbreaking run for the Presidency. Her perspective on how he's faring now that the honeymoon phase is over should be interesting!

Thursday, February 11th

Wendel Clark

One of the most recognizable and beloved NHL players ever, former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark had a long and prolific career. Down to earth and humourous, Clark is a popular speaker at events throughout Canada. He's penned a book - "Wendel. My Life in Hockey".

Friday February 12th

Saorise Ronan - The Lovely Bones

Kevin Smith - Director, Author and one Sweaty Mofo.

Rosanne Cash - More than her Father's Daughter

If you're wondering what happens during the Olympics, The Hour will be taking a break from taping. Chill out, check out interviews you may have missed online and watch for the return of new episodes after the Games. If you want to really get into the experience, why not light something up and run around your neighbourhood? Perhaps you can wrap yourself in Saran and pretend to luge down your icy road? I won't judge.

For the Love of Bacon!

In a recent Angus Reid poll commissioned by Maple Leaf Foods, 4 out of 10 Canadians would choose BACON over SEX. Yup. Bacon over sex. And why did Maple Leaf Foods want to know this? Well, according to today's press release:

"We wanted to probe how deeply rooted Canadians' passion for bacon is - and the For the Love of Bacon survey sure opened our eyes!" explained Adam Grogan, VP Marketing, Maple LeafFoods. "Our research also told us that Canadians' number one frustration with typical bacon packaging is that it can't be reclosed (71%) and that it's too messy (52%). We know people love bacon, and now with Maple Leaf Reclosable Bacon, they'll love the package too!

Yup. They are excited about their bacon.

According to the survey:

3 out of 4 Canadians love bacon

18% of Canadian men claim they can't survive one day without bacon

4 out of 5 people who said they love bacon claim to be good lovers

4 out of 5 people who said they love bacon also claim they are romantic

Apparently 1 in 4 people from Saskatchewan and Manitoba wonder

if their partner loves bacon more than them

50% of British Columbian respondents said they would give up sex for bacon,

but only 37% of Quebecois respondents said they would

So what can we take away from this survey? Canadians love bacon. Possibly just a little too much.

For those wondering about the green factor of this new packaging... yes, it is 100% recyclable.

Is it just me, or does this sound like someone at Maple Leaf paid close attention to The Hour's "Greatest Thing Ever"?

Happy Wednesday!