1) You can invite three people, dead or alive, to a dinner party. Who would they be?
(photo used with Steph's permission. Actually, it was her idea!)
My maternal grandparents, both of whom passed away far too early.
The third? Maybe my father. 2) Parallel park or drive around the block? I learned how to drive in my dad's three-quarter ton pick-up truck modified for off-roading. In the words of my Young Drivers of Canada instructor
"If you can parallel park that, you can parallel park anything!"
3) Which would you prefer: a dozen roses or a box of chocolate? ALWAYS roses...preferably orange ones.
4) What's the most unusual thing you carry in your bag or purse?
In celebration of Chinese New Year, a little boy I know gave me a lucky red envelope. I keep it tucked away in my wallet.
5) MySpace or Facebook?
Facebook.
6) Ultimate Travel Destination:
For a weekend: Ottawa. Far off destination: Greece.
7) What do you do when no one's watching?
That all depends on WHO I'm with...and that's all I'm saying!
8) Favourite television show (either currently on the air or off):
I loved Street Legal. I am currently in withdrawals over 24. And of course, The Hour.
9) Vancouver Island or Prince Edward Island?
PEI.
10) At the movies: butter or butter topping?
The real deal...butter. Layered so it is dispersed throughout the bag.
11) Can you change a tire?
YES! And the oil, air filter, and if need be, also the serpentine belt! I also pump my own gas and put air in the tires. This is what happens when parents raise their daughters to be capable and self-reliant.
12) What's your favourite thing to do on a rainy day? Sleep or read.
13) Phone, text, or email?
Without a doubt, email. No one ever answers the telephone anymore thanks to answer machines. Texting just takes too damn long.
14) Poutine: gift from the gods or what the hell were they thinking?
I like french fries and cheese, but not together. I'm not a big fan of gravy. For me, it's a little of both.
15) Favourite season:
Autumn. I live in the country where the fall colours are simply stunning.
16) Favourite cartoon character:
Charlie Brown.
17) Truth or dare? Truth.
18) Have you ever sent yourself flowers? No. Who does that?
There's a lot going on in the world of Strombo in the last couple weeks leading up to the launch of the fifth season of The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, so here's a quick run down of a few things that have popped up...
Former Hour guest, Dr. Jane Goodall, will be honoured at a Tribute Dinner, at the Royal York in Toronto on November 16th. Hosted by former Hour guest, Michael Budman, and his Roots co-founder Don Green, the dinner will pay tribute to Ms. Goodall and help raise funds for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. The honorary dinner chair for the evening will be Dr. David Suzuki. George will play emcee for the evening. All proceeds from the evening will benefit three programs: the expansion of the "Roots and Shoots" program in Canada; to establish Jane Goodall scholarships in Environmental studies; and a "Roots and Shoots" program at the University of Haifa.
Heading out for a night on the town in Toronto? You may want to check out one of "Strombo's Top Five Toronto Bars", as seen in The Strand, the student newspaper of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. According to the article, the bars include:
The Communist's Daughter (1146 Dundas st w.) Tuesdays at The Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen st w.) Wednesdays at The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington ave.)
To find out which Toronto watering holes are in George's Top Two, make sure you check out the full article.
And finally, who could forget Margaret Cho's appearance on The Hour in season four?
Well, it appears that the message that Margaret Cho left on Kevin Drew's answering machine during that interview may have actually succeeded in getting her in the band. According to Rolling Stone, Broken Social Scene will be saving a space on stage for Cho sometime in the near future. According to Rolling Stone:
“Broken Social Scene is the best thing happening in modern music. Kevin Drew is a genius and I am so excited about joining them onstage,” she tells Rolling Stone (the collaboration hasn’t happened just yet, but is in the works). “I told him I wanted to just sneak my way into the band, like walking backwards onstage while playing the triangle. This is total proof that The Secret works because every time I would listen to their music, I would say to myself, ‘I wanna be be in this band. I must be in this band. I am gonna be in this band.’ And then it happened!”
And those are the latest snippets of news from the world of Strombo. Stay tuned later this week for another edition of Stroumboulopouli 2:20 and don't forget to book your tickets for The Hour's Toronto Film Festival pretapes. Some tickets are still available, but the tapings are selling out fast.
Music, Sex, Misfits, Legends...and George in a Beer Store
On the Strombo Show this Sunday, George will be interviewing _______________THE FLATLINERS________________ From their MySpace page: "They play punk rock/reggae/grime that makes you want to dance and punch. Hailing from Toronto and having been together for 5 years now; They will most likely kill you, but doing so will have never sounded so sweet."
So....Like I teased in the title, here it is: George in a Beer Store. (Mag, that is) CHILL is the official magazine of The Beer Store in Ontario, and for anyone that's not familiar with George's drinking habits; he doesn't. (Although I hear he's a big fan of O'Douls.) That aside, for anyone interested in reading a very chill-axed & insightful interview with George, crack open a frosty beverage, be responsible and enjoy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, for those wondering when the HECK the new season starts, you can pencil in Monday, September 15th. Anyone in the Toronto area wishing to book tickets to see the show live, I am sorry to say that the first week looks like it's sold out; however, if you go on over to The Hour's website, they still have some pre-tape tickets available from Sept 4th - Sept 11th. Also a good way to get a sneak peak at some of the upcoming guests!
Mon, Sept 1st - Music An all-access, exclusive full-hour TV special with acclaimed British band Coldplay.
Tues, Sept 2nd - Sex Canadian sex educator Sue Johanson & singer Wayne Newton.
Wed, Sept 3rd - Misfits Bestselling author Augusten Burroughs & Canadian actor Dave Foley.
Thurs, Sept 4th - Legends Legendary rocker Ronnie Hawkins & former supermodel Iman.
Fri, Sept 5th - If you have a common denominator, insert here. Canadian actor Nicholas Campbell & Bjorn Lomborg, author of The Skeptical Environmentalist.
Georgewas asking you this summer, if you wanted Bragging Rights: the world will know you wrote an anthem that will be a key part of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada’s broadcast. The winning Theme will be broadcast as a key part of the program during the 2008-9 hockey season, and potentially beyond.
The Anthem Challenge entry period endsAugust 31 st and if you don't get your song in really soon one of those other songs is going to be the Hockey theme for years... just sayin'
They have an official blog page about the Anthem Challenge if you want to read more about it... plus other blogs and a facebook page. Here are the key dates for those following the progress of this contest to it's exciting conclusion.
August 31, 2008, 11:59 pm ET:Deadline to submit entries
October 4, 2008, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm ET:Semifinalist show
October 4, 2008, 10:00 pm ET to Oct 7 11:59 pm ET: Voting for Finalists
October 9, 2008, 7:00 ET:Finalists revealed during opening of the regular 2008-09 NHL Season
October 9, 2008, 10:00 pm ET to Oct 10, 11:59 pm ET:Voting for Winner
October 11, 2008: Winner revealed during CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada opening Saturday night broadcast.
Now get ye to a musical instrument and compose because there are only a few short days left...
In a related nomination, in the category of Production Design or Art Direction in a Non-Fiction Program or Series,Michael "Spike" Parks was nominated for his work on the 2007 Gemini Awards Broadcast.
According to a press release from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television:
"This was a banner year for Canadian television," said Sara Morton, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. "The nominees announced today truly exemplify the depth and breadth of our country's talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Featuring newcomers and returning favourites, this year's field of nominees has engaged and entertained audiences in Canada and beyond."
Some of the many other CBC shows that did well in the nomination run include:
The Geminis will be handed out at three industry gala nights on October 20, 21, 22 and at the televised broadcast on November 28. This year Canwest, the parent network of the broadcast gala, is bringing the awards back to Toronto. You can catch the Geminis on E! Network and Showcase at 9 pm EST.
Congratulations to George and everyone at The Hour!
We found an interview George did for The Governor's Ball on the day he was accepting his honorary degree from Humber College. Here is the link to the podcast and George's interview can be found about 1/3 rd the way in after some very heavy metal music... (*some language in this interview may be offensive to some) -------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of that... We found this discussion going on at Rabble.ca in it's babble forum about George Stroumboulopoulos and The Hour. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a picture of George and Lily on the newly renovated studio at The Edge where he does The Strombo Radio show live. 416-???-???? is George's phone number according to hisnew fav TShirt
This is Lily of Death valley
This is part of the crew that brings you The Strombo Show. From Left to right Mike Sullivan (producer), Alex Liu, Lily Ames, Dan Lytwyn (The Intern)
Missing that day was Bob Mackowycz Jr. and Amanda Jane Orr
Olympics are over. Summer's almost history. School's almost back in session. Reruns of The Hour will soon be a fading memory and we'll have new interviews to preview for you.
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First - what's going on in entertainment news? Gwen and Gavin had their second baby boy and named him Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale. In related news? Vegas odds makers are already taking wagers on how old this kid will be when he starts getting taunted and beat up.
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South of the Border? The Democratic ticket is set. Barack Obama has selected veteran Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Much like Brangelina, Bennifer and other annoying name mashups - we now have the absolute best -- JOEBAMA.
What's that I smell? A thousand little sweatshops making t-shirts. Awesome. This Veep selection alone may revive the US economy!
Can you hear the debates now? Joebama foreign policy so wack that... Joebama so stupid that... Joebama so ugly... Joebama health care plan so nasty...
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Here at home apparently Harper and Dion might be getting together to talk about a Fall election. Maybe they can get together in Ottawa on September 5th and go see Cheech and Chong at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to talk it over?
<<<<I APOLOGIZE FOR MY LAME SEGUE >>>>
Sunday kicks off with The Strombo Show live on the Corus Radio Network on 102.1 The Edge, 99.3 The Fox, Power 97, Y108 and Fm 96. This week's edition brings special call in guests and Comedy Legends Cheech and Chongwho are reuniting for their 'Light Up America/Canada' stand up tour that kicks off in Ottawa on September 5th, and brings them to the historic Massey Hall on September 6th.
Cheech and Chong are among the most successful comedy teams of all time. Heavily rooted in the hippie/ counter culture scene, they were and are completely original.
Comedy Albums, live performances, movies, merchandising. These guys did it all, including time - for Tommy at least. *rim shot*
Do yourself a favour and YouTube 'Mexican Americans'. I wonder if 'Beaners' is on there too? Amazing. I will have to rent some of the classics again.
After so many years apart, it will be interesting to hear what - besides the all mighty dollar of course - has prompted their reunion.
The boys have had drastically different solo careers. Cheech is much more mainstream and has worked with some of the biggest dorks in Hollywood - Don Johnson in Nash Bridges and Kevin Costner in 'Tin Cup'. Tommy's most mainstream role was as Leo - the burnout hippie owner of the Fotohut on 'That 70's Show'.
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Meanwhile, In TV Land....
The Hour this week brings a few favourites out for yet another go round... there's not much to say that we haven't said already about these folks, so I'll try to infuse a fun fact if I can. As of Sunday, here's who will be gracing your screens this week... check out The Hour'swebsite for the latest updates...
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Monday,August 25th
Naomi Klein
Author, Filmmaker & Social Activist Naomi Klein is clearly quick of wit. However, can you imagine what her first visit to meet husband Avi Lewis' parents must have been like? In case you don't know - Naomi's in laws are Steven Lewis and Michele Landsberg. Intimidating? WOW!
Paul Anka
In his fifth decade in the entertainment business, Paul Anka is still out there, kicking ass & taking names. Something you may not know about Anka? His daughter Amanda is married to Jason Bateman. He of the brilliant Arrested Development & the even more brilliant Juno. My favourite Jason role has to be as Pepper Brooks, the clueless colour commentator in Dodgeball. His banter with 'Cotton McKnight' is classic.
Cotton: 'Looks like it's gonna be a menage a trois of pain.'
Pepper: 'Usually you pay double for that type of action, Cotton. '
Tuesday,August 26th
Anne Murray
How many of us grew up in homes listening to the mellifluous voice of Canada's first hugely successful female solo artist? 'Could I have this Dance' was the only song my mom could drag my dad out to dance to. If you've seen my dad dance, you'd know the Haley's Comet frequency of his busting a move? Good for all concerned.
According to the Internet - which never lies - Anne loves Yahtzee and the film 'My Cousin Vinny' - who doesn't Anne... who doesn't.
Tony Robbins
Self help guru and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins is such a cultural Icon by this point that he's known to show up in cool film cameos. The best was in Shallow Hal, when he convinced Hal - played by Jack Black to look for inner beauty. Who among us would ever get trapped in an elevator with anyone even 1/10th as interesting?
If I were trapped in an elevator with Tony? I would ask him only two questions:
How much cash do you have in your wallet right now? AND Can I have it?
Thursday,August 28th
Diana Krall
Canada's own Diana Krall is an award winning Jazz songstress, mom of twins and is married to the legendary Elvis Costello. What more can you say. Even ONE of those accomplishments is enough to warrant some acclaim.
Season 5 of The Hour kicks off September 15th. Want to see the show taped live? Click here to preview the dates available. A HUGE BONUS for Toronto area folks? It's Toronto International Film Festival Time and many of the stars will be pretaping interviews. These will spring up for odd times - early mornings, later evenings, weekends... basically whenever their availability might be. Check the ticket page frequently for your favourites. Spike Lee, Jay Baruchel and many others have confirmed visits thus far....
So... enjoy the last gasps of summer. One last trip to the cottage. The BBQ to top all BBQ's. Cram in all the fun you can handle! Check back on Wednesday for another edition of 2:20 turned out Stroumboulopouli style.
Now it's my turn to ask Tracy some friendly questions... 1) What summer Olympic sport do you imagine winning a gold in?
I only run if I'm being chased or playing baseball so... Diving?
2) If you were driving the bus to your favourite folk fest what musicians would be in your bus?
How big's the bus? Ron Sexsmith, Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland, Jackie Washington, Ari Hest, Brandi Carlisle, Lindsay Jane, Justin Rutledge, The Duhks, NQ Arbuckle, Kathleen Edwards, Chic Gamine and many many more!
3) A modern condo, or an old Victorian fixer upper?
Condo! Sleek and clean. No mice.
4) What would the title of your ‘Best Story Ever’ be?
My potential stepbrother was a Star Wars costumed freak. And probably a virgin.
5) When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mom or a lawyer.
6) And now?
Community Relations Director
7) Who was your Idol as a teen?
I was in love with Sting even before the tantric thing!
8) How many pairs of shoes do you own? A) less than 10 B) between 10 and 20 or C) lost count.
Ha ha.... C. I loooooove shoes & boots.
9) What fashion trend did you once follow that you never want to come back ever!?
Jelly shoes from the 80's. Jesus we looked stupid. Crocs with more air holes that cut your feet and are smelly and just fugly.
10) Ideal summer place in Canada?
PEI. I love the East Coast.
11) Ideal winter spot anywhere in the world?
Paris. Anytime of the year..... *sigh* or a hot spot - St. Maarten.
12) Read books, or listen to music? Choose one!
MUSIC. 100% - no contest. Reading is hard and I'm not that bright.
13) How do you get out of a speeding ticket?
Cleavage helps, so does being overly polite, crying? I have only had one that stuck. Female officer. She did drop my speed so I didn't get points. Whew.
It's the middle of August, how's your summer going? Having fun yet? There's always fun going on around the Stromboulopouli, make sure you come back on Wednesday, when Barb puts Tracy in our own 2:20 hot seat!
This week on the Strombo Show:
Orginally scheduled to appear on last week's show, George Stroumboulopoulos welcomes Slipknot into the newly renovated Edge studios and Alex returns for another week. Make sure you check out The Strombo Show! Facebook Group and the Strombo Show website for more information and fun stuff from the show!
( This is indeed a clock that runs counter clockwise. You can buy one here.)
Due to the second week of heavy Olympic coverage, The Hour will only broadcast sporadically over the next week. According to the CBC schedule, you can catch The Hour on the CBC Main Network and CBC Newsworld during the wee morning hours of August 18-21.
The new season will premiere next month on Monday, September 15, so if you're planning to be in Toronto that week, make sure you order your tickets for the first few shows of Season Five. You can order your tickets through The Hour's website. Cheers!
Here are a few other important things that happened today in history...
1996 - Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1991 - Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" stays at #1 on the Billboard Charts for the fifth straight week 1980 - Rev. Lois Wilson elected the first woman moderator of the United Church of Canada 1974 - Scarborough native, Cindy Nicholas, crosses Lake Ontario in 15 hours beating the previous record by three hours 1979 - Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker dies in Ottawa, Ontario at age 83. 1972 - The Canadian National Exhibition opens with a display by the People's Republic of China - it was the first display by China in the Western World 1969 - The first Canadian Summer Games open in Halifax, Nova Scotia 1968 - The first full length Canadian Ballet, Rose Latulipe, premieres at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival 1966 - George Chuvalo becomes the Canadian Heavyweight Boxing Champion 1947 - The first flight of the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver bush plane. Eventually 1600 of these planes would be built, a record for a Canadian designed aircraft. 1945 - The War Measures Act Cancelled. 1943 - The Allied conquest of Sicily is complete. 1936 - The 11th Summer Olympics close in Berlin, Germany. Canada took home 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze. 1930 - The first British Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games) take place in Hamilton, Ontario. 1858 - The Bank of Canada receives its Charter in Ottawa, Ontario. The Assembly of the Province of Canada also abolishes imprisonment for debt. 1827 - Admiral John Franklin lays the first stones of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Ontario. 1812 - General Isaac Brock captures Detroit and the Michigan Territory. Brock was knighted for this victory but died at Queenston Heights before the news of this honour reached him.
If you can find The Hour during the Summer Games - you're patient and persistent. During the summer hiatus we thought it was a good time for a few light hearted posts! Each Wednesday until the start of the new season of The Hour, the ladies of the Stroumboulopouli will be quizzing one another in a version of the 'friend test'.... 2/20.
Like many good concepts, this one took some serious R & D. Rip off & Duplicate. 2/20 has been a fun segment on The Hour where we've learned some amusing things. Ryan Reynolds can smell the fear. Mike Holmes would win in a fight between himself and a cougar even if "the cougar was an animal' Funny stuff...
So we kept it light... and present to you - 2/20 - Tracy asks Jenuine. And.... we're off!
Q. You're competing on The Amazing Race. Who do you pick to be your partner and why?
A. My man. It would make for hilarious reality T.V watching....we passionately fight over the inane, but when push comes to shove we know each other's strengths & weaknesses.
Q. There's no such thing as a stupid question. True statement or load of crap?
A. A truckload!
Q. Finish the sentence - my first love was.....
A. A true bad-ass.
Q. Fair Maiden or Iron Maiden?
A. IIIIIRRRRONNNN!
Q. The world issue that most concerns me is?
A. The future.
Q. Public Speaking - terrifying or fun?
A. Both.
Q. The most overrated actor or comedian is...
A. Jim Carrey
Q. Bert & Ernie - roommates or life partners?
A. Hahahah! Way to ruin my cherished childhood icons.
Q. My bravest moment was...
A. Having my children.
Q. Pizza Pocket, pocket full of sunshine or pocket full of kryptonite?
A. Gooey Sunshine.
Q. Who's the celebrity that you'd pick first in a death pool?
A. Juliette Lewis.
Q. If you had to sacrifice a sense, which one would it be and why?
A. ARRRRGGGGHHHH! I couldn't pick....really. Oh, if I must....taste. *Sob!*
Q. The return of coloured jeans. Fashion do, fashion don't or Jesus, I didn't even wear these the first time they were popular.
A. What the hell are those?
Q. Favourite sitcom family: The Huxtables, The Keatons, The Cleavers or The Bundy's?
A. Huxtables.
Q. The City I would most like to travel to is...
A. It's a cop-out, but, all of them.
Q. Finish the sentence. When I cook, my family....
A. Have snacks while waiting. (Takes a while, but worth the wait.)
Q. Worse cheater - John Edwards or Bill Clinton?
A. John Edwards
Q. Pick an Elvis - Presley or Costello?
A. Presley
Q. What is your best quality?
A. Sincerity.
Q. What cliche annoys you the most?
A. "God has a plan for me."
Allllll righty then! Thanks Jen... don't know about you but I'm gonna watch some PBS or s
(photo used with Steph's permission. Actually, it was her idea!)
ALWAYS roses...preferably orange ones.
YES! And the oil, air filter, and if need be, also the serpentine belt! I also pump my own gas and put air in the tires. This is what happens when parents raise their daughters to be capable and self-reliant. 
Autumn. I live in the country where the fall colours are simply stunning.
