R.I.P Cory Monteith

Cory Monteith, Vancouver actor, who played Finn on Glee, was found dead today in a Vancouver hotel. He had checked in on July 6, and was scheduled to check-out today, however, when he did not, hotel staff checked on him and called emergency vehicles who declared him deceased when they arrived on the scene. No further details have been released. All news sources have the story currently and Cory's past struggles with substance abuse starting in his early teens have been mentioned, along with his stay in rehab earlier this year. It is suggested that he O.D'd, however, this has not been confirmed. His autopsy is scheduled for Monday, with results coming back in a few weeks. I am sure it will continue to make news as his family, friends, cast mates, and fans mourn this very tragic loss.

 

I am feeling absolutely shocked and devastated. I met Cory in July 2010 outside a Gastown resturant. He was very friendly, kind, chatted with my friend and I for a bit after taking some photos. I remember thinking he was so nice and genuine.

He was one of those actors Canadians, like myself, were proud to call "our own" Growing up locally, working as a greeter at Walmart, then, making it big on Glee. The little Canadian boy that made it big... I can't believe he is gone.


I wish his family and friends peace in this difficult time.

What's Different About Canada - epic tumblr account you need to follow!!

http://whatsdifferentincanada.tumblr.com/

You need to see this tumblr site - epic... I submitted some posts which I hope to see featured soon but all my friends who tease me about my Canadian ways... well, you will love this site as much as I do!!



Tim Hortons (“Timmies”) is the Canadian version of Dunkin Donuts. Its history is so Canadian it’s named after hockey player Tim Horton - the apostrophe was dropped so the name makes more sense in Quebec. They are finally making their way into the states, but have been in US border cities like Rochester for a while. The most common order is a “double double,” that is, a coffee with two milks and two sugars.



When ordering toast at a Canadian restaurant, you will be asked if you want “white or brown toast?” Don’t be alarmed, “brown toast” is actually whole wheat toast.




In the US, “Smarties” is a chalky, tart, stackable candy that comes in little plastic wrappers. (This candy is called “Rockets” north of the border.) In Canada, Smarties are candy-coated chocolates - sort of like unlabeled M&Ms that come in dark blue boxes.



It’s a common trope that Canadians are polite, but the quintessential Canadian experience is when you bump into somebody, it’s clearly your fault, and they apologize to you. It is part of a complex national identity that is sometimes self-deprecating, other times passive-aggressive, and cannot be reconciled with a single word. But in general, Canadians are a polite and apologetic people, and sorry (“SORE-ee”) is the sound of being in Canada.
Suggested by just about everybody.

#MMVAs

I have been tumblr-ing all night but wanted to share a few things from MMVAs - will update and post throughout the show.

Red Carpet

If you havent' watched MMVAs, you should, Canada is weird. I can say this because I am Canadian. It is in Toronto, it is a giant outdoor red carpet street and it is known for insane, outrageous arrivals. Unique vehicles, strange stunts. I should do a post JUST on those arrivals fromt he past - insanity!

Anyways.... Just started watching.... check back often and will re-post/update as the night goes on.....

Justin with a baby - his brother? BUt posing with local gal Carly Rae Jepsen raised some questions, especially with Selena arriving solo in a super short gold dress.... ha! But then Selena is holding a kid - is this a Bieber too? I am confused - - -












Side note - is that DEAN???





Katy Perry is there looking great, she has a buncha kids dressed as mini Katy Perry (from various music videos) cute, but watching the PR people try to organize all the kids for photo shoots every 2 meters is hilarious.









Chord Overstreet looking a bit hary but still cute:



Cody Simpson:


**MORE SOON**

The Show

You should also know, MMVAs is an outdoor concert with some awards given away on the side. It is unlike most awards shows where there is a stage and speeches and such.... it is mostly live performances and pretty unscripted, live, random - lot's of weird stuff typically goes on and it always feels completely unorganized.

LMFAO do a lil' skit with cameos from Hedley, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry.... then they open the show with "Party Rockin" they end their performance by spraying champagne on the audience, which is mostly 12 year olds I think.... but they are in bright yellow ponchos so somehow it seems ok... maybe? They move into "Sexy and I know it" (I work out) with the "famous" wiggle wiggle - one has an elephant underwear with an extra long trunk omg!

It then moevs stages to Carly Rae Jepsen swinging on a telephone singing "Call me Baby"

I have to say her voice seems a bit strained - as did the LMFAO fro guy - I do appreciate it's all live and sung as such, no lip synching!

After the opening credits we welcome Canadian Shanae Rimes (sp?) who interned at Much Music as a teenager, and is the annoying Annie on 90210. Her dress slits were super high on both sides...

She presented International Video of the Year Artist: Beyonce, Chris Brown ft JB, David Guetta ft Nicky Minaj, Florida, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull ft Ne-Yo, Rihanna ft Alvin Harris (enough nominations yet? OMG!)

Winner: Katy Perry - Last Friday Night

She comes out in a new dress/pant suit and high pony. "Hello Canada" she thanks everyone.

Lauren Toyota - she is annoying - I have to listen to her in every commercial break of Teen Wolf and PLL... *le sigh* she looked hot though!

LMFAO the co-hosts are back being loud and obnoxious... "Canada is the first place... they hosted an awards show, went #1 and learned they are allergic to maple syrup" I hope they are on drugs, because their behaviour is otherwise unnatural....

They go through last year's lost and found.... and give it away "yea baby" "ya dig?"

a hat, a red solo cup, heels, but Selena Gomex runs out in some giant heels to claim "last year's heels" - since she hosted last year... so LMFAO seeks advice from Selena... "ya dig?"

- host needs wardrobe changes (LMFAO has 48 planned)
- pronounce names right (difficult, they can't even say LMFAO right)
- give audience what they want (right now they want Marianna's Trench)

They perform and crowd surf, one gal is groping his ass ha ha

Lauren Toyota returns and introduces some people. Far East Movement and a victoria duffield girl who is Canadian but I don't know who she is.

They present award for Int'l video of the year for a Canadian

Avril Lavine, Drake ft Rihanna, JB, Nickelback, Simple Plan,

Winner is: Justin Bieber - crowd goes ape shit crazy, he comes out touching girls hands in the front row. "What's up Toronto, What's up Canada, What's up Guys?" he thanks everyone including fans, friends, and tells them to get his album.

Angelie(?) and Dragonette talk about hwo not to be nervous - one says they picture people naked - they point out an actual naked guy in the audience - oh yes....

Reminder to vote for fave artist.

Another commercial break

COdy Simpson comes out - he high fives as many people as possible in ten seconds. Then they present award for int'l video of the year group

Bad meets evil ft bruno mars, cobra starship, cold play, foster the people, gym class heros ft adam lavine, lmfao, maroon 5 ft xtina, one direction, selena gomez, the wanted, yes a lot of nominees

winner: LMFAO

OBVS rigged - there is no way they beat all those others!

Out comes Down with Webster out of breath from partying at the after party that they are still at from last year - oh kay - they introduce Nelly Furtado to perform.

I saw her on the carpet and I have to say she is looking older, fine, but more plastic - her stage outdfit and look was better than the carpet in my opinion

More people, more stuff...

Darren Criss comes out with LMFAO and he criticizes LMFAO for party rocking too loud so he couldn't hear anything LOL LMFAO is "sorry for party rocking" Darren doesn't believe them because they lack emotion - Darren does a broadway version....

"SORRY FOR PARTY ROCKING"

EPIC

LOVE IT!!

Darren then introduces ED SHEERAN - who performs - amazingly!

Some guy I dunno introduces Flo Rida who sings then and Carly Rae joins him for "wild one"

Love lil Rico from Modern family - he is a super star - he comes out as the shuffle bot (LMFAO robot) he pulls it off too! Talented kid!

He introduces Hedley - I love Jacob Hoggard hard - he is so cute and I totally adored him on Canadian Idol... He is a local boy, I have seen him play local gigs, seen him shopping, seen him at fright nights at playland, it isn't a big deal I guess - but on tv I still drool over him LMAO

Chord Overstreet comes out with a rose to look for his biggest fan... he gives it to a fan and gals around her tore it up trying to take it - brutal - reminds me of Breaking Dawn Part 1 Tent City concert with the cut out Bella and Edward.

Carly Rae Jepsen, Down with Webster, Drake, Hedley, Marianas Trench

Winner is: Carly Rae Jepsen who comes out in a new dress similar to Shinae Grimes...

Carly says a name in her speech that I know - from highschool - so i go to his facebook page and sure enough he is dating Carly Rae Jepsen ha ha random - I knew she was local but wow - small world! I also thought she was 17 not almost 30 - ha ha random!

She then introduces Kelly Clarkson who performs - she is very blonde.

Out come Degrassi people with Lights to present an award for face group or artist.

Drake, Hedley, jb, carly rae, marianas trench

winner is: Justin Bieber

Fro-off with Perez Hilton wearing a fro with LMFAO - they introduced Katy perry who performed.

Carly Rae Jepsen wins again!!!

Cosmopolis Cast on Strombo - which is Canadian for George Stoumboulopoulos

Anyone in Toronto?!?! Try to get tickets or pop by studio for this one...

May 31, 2012

All right, this is exciting: 'Cosmopolis' just premiered at Cannes, and now we've got the director and cast of David Cronenberg's latest in the studio. David himself, Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti, and Toronto's rising star Sarah Gadon will all be in the red chair.

The show is airing next Thursday, June 7th, so make sure to tune in and check it out.

'Cosmopolis' goes on wide release across Canada Friday, June 8th.

Via CBC

SYTYCD Canada Results - then there were 14

Tonight's episode shocked me horribly.

My #1 routine from last night ended up not only in the bottom 3, but were the two couples sent home!

I can#t believe they got into the Bottom 3, however, given one of their solo's I knew they would be going home.

Here is how the show went:
Melissa & Christian - safe
Denitsa & Joey - not safe
JP & Geisha - safe (I was shocked!)
Jordan & Shane - now safe (I was shocked!)
Carlena & Adam - safe
Francois & Lindsey - safe
Shelaina & Kevin - not safe (I was shocked!)
Yulia & Matt -safe (I was shocked!)

These voting results had be absolutely stunned!

Onto the solos:

GALS:

Denitsa - "These Boots were made for walking" - Nancy Sinatra

She did well. It was her style, which she excels at, but I have yet to see much else outside of this that wow's me.

Jordan - "Gorecki" - Lamb

Stunning, beautiful, if she was sent home for this solo, or this week, I think I actually may have stopped watching!

Shelaina -

Her solo was pretty weak. While I DO NOT think she should have been in the Bottom 3, based on solo's alone, her was the weakest. Which is too bad because she is one of my favourites this season and was my favuorite routine last night!

GUYS:

Joey -

Amazing, he is so beautiful to watch.

Shane -

Another fantastic solo

Kevin -

another great solo, all the men were fabulous.

Results:
Shelaina and Kevin were sent home, in what I think is a complete upset!

What do you think? I am still surprised! I hopepeople start voting, I mean Jordan in bottom three? With that amazing routine last night? Shelaina and Kevin? really?

Comment Below - Please, I am dying for others thoughts on this!!!

Oh and sorry for lack of music, I was really in shock and focused on the solo's not the songs tonigt, my apologies!

Michael Sheen with his Family at Harry Potter 7 Premiere in Toronto

Here Michael Sheen and his ex, Kate are at Harry Potter 7 with their two daughters. How adorable!

[Via Twifans]

Reality TV Updates - June 2011

It's been a while, but there is a lot going on in reality tv world...

Bachelorette - Well the whole Bentley thing is just stupid. What is it with girls and going after bad boys. I swear I want to grab and SHAKE some of these Bachelorettes. It is even worse when they are past "contestents" and KNOW how the "game" works... Michelle told Ashley Bentley was there for his career... granted he didn't seem to push his career, but he did play his son like a card, publicly say he wished she was Emily and basically be a complete douche... yet stupid girl kept obsessing *sigh* played like a fiddle.

Tonight they boys fought each other in Thailand - Muay Thai though none are trained.... WTF? It was NO shock when Ames was sent to the hospital. What are the producers thinking?! Then poor old Ashley is all, "I care for them, I don't want to see them hurt" really? Did NOBODY think this was a bad idea? a dangerous idea? a potentially harmful idea?

I know three boys will be on Bachelor Pad - I would love to see more JP, William and Blake (if they don't make it to the end ... See my post here)

Big Brother - Starts Thursday July 7. I can't wait. No casting news or twist sharing yet... I can't wait - I really am considering getting live feed since it is on sale - then again, I rarely get time to sit online and watch and may not have time... BUT - it's cheap and I have a fairly lazy few weeks after I get my wisdom teeth out mid-july, so perhaps...

Master Chef - I really love this show. I think it's great to see home cooks from all walks of life come to the show and go through the challenges. I already have some faves. I am excited to see tonight's episode.

SYTYCD - Early faves include Ryan, Jess, and also Tadd, Missy, Melaniel Robert... gah - - - It's too early to tell how they will fair in all the types... but there are some great characters. Of course for the first round, no one was eliminated, which means four will be this week - stress!

In funny, somewhat related news, @dizzyfeet accidently tweeted his phone # thinking he was sending a DM to a friends... oops! Well, I called and got his humourous voicemail basically saying he would not be answering the phone anymore ha ha - changing his number - clearly!

SYTYCD Canada - Premiered tonight. I always love the flavour Canada's show brings. Though I hate when it airs at the same time as the USA one - it's just SO MUCH tv time - - Thank god for PVR!

The Voice - Best new show, I have to say. I am Team Adam.... He has a great team. I really love the banter between the coaches and the social media component... it's awesome to have the tweets going throughout the show.

America's Got Talent - I have to admit this and Biggest Loser are probably the only two reality shows I do not watch religiously... In fact, I maybe catch one or two a season and do not follow.

Bachelor Pad - I am so psyched this is returning. I really really loved the show last summer... take all the bachelor(ette) rejects and throw them in a house for money and "love" (ahem - sex) See who is cast here.

Expedition Impossible - Premieres after Wipeout on Thursday... I may or may not watch this. I feel a bit full as far as tv goes and I stopped watching Amazing Race a few seasons ago - so I feel like this will be very similar... we`ll see.

Love in the Wild - this I plan to watch. I don`t know why, I just like watching people fall in and out of love in wacky situations ha ha

Am I missing anything?

Vancouver Riots: Some Perspective

It really sickens me that the headlines around the world include the Vancouver Riots last night. I watched in horror last night as I saw downtown Vancouver get destroyed! Over what? A Hockey Game? Some think so, but having been downtown for Canucks Games and Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Games, I can assure you this was NOT about hockey!

This was about causing trouble. These people, "hooligans" if you will (though my term for them is far worse) went out looking for tourble.

Win or Lose these idiots were determined to cause trouble. Looking at the footage it is mostly young, intoxicated men.... many seemingly prepared to start this kind of destruction. Who heads downtown with Canucks Jerseys, pepper spray and goggles? Who "happens to have" black scarves and bandana's with them?

I find the footage appauling. I am also disappointed in numerous media outlets who choose to focus on the bad and ignore the good. Today citizens of Vancouver worked together as a community to help clea-up the mess caused last night by a few troublemakers.

I am saddened that, like in many situations, a few bad eggs tarnish the reputation of so many good people from one of the most beautiful cities in the world! After such a high last year with the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, this kind of behaviour really takes a toll on those who live and work and play here!

I hope the world realizes that those "yahoo's" from last night, the ones that dominated our news casts, are NOT Canucks fans, they are NOT Vancouverites, they are NOT a true representation of who we are or what our city is!

In this day of social media, camera phones and citizen reporters, I am thankful for all the photos, footage and coverage, because it means the VPD can identify, capture and punish those who were involved. I feel bystanders should also be dealt with. Anyone with any brain at all would have got out of the downtown core after the game. Even slight delays in transit were rectified within the hour and anyone wandering downtown, just to watch, makes me sick and should be held equally responsible!

I hope parents, employers, people all over examine the footage and photos and if they see people they know - they turn their names over to the police and give the criminals a piece of their mind!!! Kick them out, Fire them, turn them over to the police!!

Those who looted, vandalized, destroyed property or committed acts of violence should suffer severely. Fines, criminal records, jail time, community service, the works!

I still can NOT believe this happened here! Though I shouldn't be surprised really...

• 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, Canucks lost in Game 7 to the NY Rangers... there was a riot in the streets. (in 1993 Montreal rioted after winning the Stanley Cup... also, 2008 Montreal also rioted... after BEATING the Boston Bruins... ?!?! Also Montreal did in 1955 after a fight with... Boston Bruins...)
• 2002 when GunsNRoses canceled their show a riot brokeout. (In 1992 Montreal had a riot when GunsNRoses & Metallica cut their show short)

The point is, Canadians are known for being nice and polite... but we sure do get crazy....

Canadians have the international reputation of being polite, courteous and, let’s face it, a little boring. However, we have civil disobedience coursing through our national veins as thick as maple syrup -- yes, Canada has a long (we won’t say proud) history of rioting. We’ve rioted over labour disputes, for social change and even over hockey -- a lot over hockey.

- Via Top 10 Canadian Riots

I was talking to my husband, who is American, about WHY Canadians riot... some ideas we came up with included:

• Canadian Police are "too nice"
• Canadians are not as "scared" of their government/consequences
• Canadians have more "anarchists"
• stronger beer

And why after hockey:

• more men in their 20s out
• more alcohol consumed
• the sport is agressive and violent and hypes people up
• people are passionate

What do you think?

I have no idea!!! We just discussed a number of possible reasons.... though there really is NO reason that makes it exusable or acceptable!

I mean, if we are going to riot why not over taxes? Elections? Mistreatments, injustices, some of the SERIOUS reasons other people riot!! Hockey? Not a reason... and it just allows the losers in the city to cause trouble and cast a dark shadow on the entire city!!

It is a sad day in Vancouver.


We lost a lot more than just the Stanley Cup!

-----------------------------------------------------

Here are some photos from last night in Vancouver...



What started outside the arena, only a few blocks up by the Canada Post Office was a car fire.



Kids and families were caught inthe crowd at the start, but quickly headed home before things got worse



Friends of mine were at the Queen E Theatre a few blocks from Rogers Arena, for Wicked. Outside and across the street this car was burning! They were held inside afterwards because of the dangers of rioting outside.



Soon a path of destruction headed west hitting more cars and newspaper bozes and porta-potties. Flipping and burning.



This photo is so bizarre.... but I like it...