Kicking-off February...

February is likely the most dreary weather month for Canadians.

I think this quote sums it up pretty well:

"Everything around is dead, the trees black and frozen...the ground hard and cold, the snow dirty, the winter hateful, hanging on too long."

- author Anna Quindlen

However, we do have some things to help us get forget just how awful the weather is...

On the Corus Radio Network...

The week starts with The Strombo Show. Sources have told us that this week's edition is a "Best Of" show. According his Facebook updates, George is in California...I wonder what February looks like there? It also happens to be Super Bowl Sunday. So if you are a football widow or not a fan of the sport, you can always tune into the show for some great music.

The Edge 102.1 (Toronto) The Fox 99.3 (Vancouver)
Power 97 (Winnipeg) Y108 (Hamilton) FM96 (London)

On The Hour...

Monday, February 2nd

It's Groundhog Day! Similar to the theme of the movie by the same name,

you can watch two repeat interviews from The Hour's archives.

"Foodie" Nigella Lawson.

Fashion designer Kenneth Cole.

Tuesday, February 3rd

It's movie makers night!

During the mid-60's Paul Saltzman travelled to the Mississippi Delta as a civil rights worker. Four decades later, the Canadian filmmaker went back to gather footage for one documentary and found material for another. Saltzman's latest project, Prom Night in Mississippi, documents the FIRST EVER integrated senior prom in Charleston. The prom, funded by actor Morgan Freeman, took place in 2008...44 years after the United States Supreme Court had ordered desegregation of all schools and school related events.

The resume of Garry Marshall is rather impressive. Particularly in light of the fact that he has been the driving force behind some of the most memorable projects in both television and motion picture history. Regardless of which hat he was wearing (director, producer, writer or even actor), chances are you have seen at least one of his five dozen plus productions spanning over forty years. Among them, on the small screen, The Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days and Mork & Mindy. On the silverscreen, Beaches, Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries and The Runaway Bride. His latest film, Dear Eleanor is scheduled to hit theatres in 2009.

Wednesday, February 4th

If you are a hockey fan, then chances are you have an opinion of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Since his election as the first Commissioner in February '93, Bettman's mission has been to 'grow the game'. And grow it has! Under his tenure, revenue has gone from $400 million to over $2 billion. He has been responsible for team expansion to atypical hockey markets such as Arizona and Florida. In addition, the game itself has undergone significant rule changes. Love him or hate him, Gary Bettman has left an indelible mark on professional hockey.

Thursday, February 5th

If you are a fan of some of Kevin Smith's work, then you likely know New Jersey native Jason Mewes as the "Jay" from a slew of films including Clerks, Chasing Amy, as well as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. More recently you may have caught his performance as "Lester" in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which comes out on DVD this week. Here is an interesting tidbit surrounding the release of the aforementioned DVD.

Australia's 25th Prime Minister (1996-2007) John Howard.

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In other news...

Have you checked out the progress of One Million Acts of Green? As of today, there have been over 950, 000 acts registered from over fifty countries!! Have you registered yours?

Jimmy Carter Sneak Preview

Looking forward to the Jimmy Carter interview on The Hour on Thursday evening?  Here's a quick teaser to whet your appetite...

Tune into the CBC Main Network on Thursday, January 29th for the full interview with former president Jimmy Carter and the first ever national interview given by acclaimed spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos.

The amazingly awesome Robert Munsch

When I first found out that Robert Munsch was going to be on The Hour, I must admit that I was elated. Not only am I a huge fan, but I know that his visit coincides with the 2009 Family Literacy Day taking place on January 27th. Mr. Munsch has been the Honourary Chair of this event since 2003.

If you are not familiar with his story, Robert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh in the mid-40's, one of nine children...contrary to popular belief, he is not Canadian born. He will tell you he was not a great academic, but he did love to write poetry. He abandoned plans to join the priesthood and began working in daycare. Later, when he and his wife lost jobs due to funding cuts, a decision was made that they would try to seek jobs in Canada. He took a position in the child studies lab at the University of Guelph and during circle time it was apparent that he had a gift for story telling. At the urging of his boss and his boss' wife (a children's librarian) he published his first book. The rest is history...over 50 books, published in several languages. Likely his best known book, Love You Forever, has sold over 15 million copies.

Courtesy: Firefly Books

As a result of my career choice, I am quite well versed in the world of Munsch books. While yes, they are for children, there is always something there for grown-ups. His characters are written in a vibrant style that makes them practically jump off the page. And if you have ever personally witnessed a Munsch reading, then you are aware that no one can read a Munsch, quite like the man himself. Among my favourites: Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess and Purple, Green and Yellow. You can check out MP3 versions here. Trust me, it will brighten your day!

Courtesy: Annick Press

Family Literacy Day

Created ten years ago by ABC Canada Literacy Foundation and Honda Canada, Family Literacy Day was established "to promote the importance of reading and learning together as a family all year round". Each year on January 27th, families and community partners celebrate the day with special literacy-themed events. If you would like more information on how you can participate, visit ABC-Canada.

This year, as a prelude to Family Literacy Day, there was a campaign to secure a new Guinness Book World Record in the category of the most children reading with an adult in multiple locations. I am proud to report that my class was among over 190, 000 people who registered and particpated in this event.