Earth Day war against Drake's Ice Wall

And on the day to celebrate the earth and the bounty it provides, the Toronto Fire Department began the destruction of Drake's now famous mountain of ice. And behold the people in the city said, WTF!

The frozen art installation is apparently a publicity stunt to promote the release of Drake's new album. Inside of the 25 foot high pile of ice blocks there hides the release date of his new album "Iceman". When Drake released the teaser info about the ice, fans began to scratch and look for the reveal date (spoiler it is May 15, 2026) which concerned the police. First they blocked off the parking lot which is located at 81 Bond Street, just off Dundas Street East, close to the Eaton Centre, then on Wednesday they began to blast the ice with a fire truck.

People watched as the streets filled with what was fresh, clean water found that passersby were getting soakers walking by the site. A perfect story for opposite Earth Day, the only thing more fitting would be to pour Middle Eastern oil onto the ice and light it up!

@jmhcet #Toronto #firedepartment is going to war over #Drake's frozen #artinstallation ♬ How Bizarre - OMC

#tiff50 2025 back on King St

Fifty years of bringing stars amd their movies to Hollywood North at the Toronto Film Festival. You can catch the festival from September 4 to 14, 2025 with a focus on the King Street entertainment district.

From tiff, "Free movies, activities, and more

Join us on King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue for FREE activities and screenings! While Festival Street activations only last from September 4 to 7, everything else at David Pecaut Square runs through the rest of the Festival."

Collision tech conference Toronto 2023 coming in June

It has been described as the "the Olympics of tech" and it is coming back to Toronto from June 26 to June 29, 2023 at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place. Collision brings some of the world's best speakers, tech companies and leaders, media and thousands of attendees as they take part in expert-led workshops and roundtables which provide invaluable learning and development.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on stage

From Collision, "With expert-led workshops and roundtables, Collision is buzzing with insights from the leaders of all industries touched by tech. Hear it from a well-balanced and enticing line-up covering today’s pressing topics. Hear inspiring success stories, join thought-provoking conversations and upskill at Collision. As Entrepreneur Magazine puts it, “every visitor is guaranteed to learn something both new and exciting”."

There are 16 pages of listed speakers taking part in the conference, a literal who's who of CEOs, COOs, founders of so many famous companies, publications and sports including some that I picked out such as Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto described as the Grandfather of AI, Danielle Belton Editor-in-chief of HuffPost, Bill Manning President of Toronto FC & Toronto Argonauts MLSE and Subrata De Executive VP and Global Head of Programming and Documentary Vice.

Canadian actor Seth Rogen at the conference

Canada's STRONGER TOGETHER Concert

Famous Canadian performers will take to the airwaves and the internet tonite at 7pm in support of food banks across Canada during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sunday, April 26th star-studded special called STRONGER TOGETHER will be one hour long, commercial free broadcast on CBC, Citytv, CTV, Global as well as other specialty networks and radio stations. You can also find it on various streaming platforms as the show salutes frontline workers

Stars like Céline Dion, Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Sarah McLachlan, Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Rick Mercer, Alessia Cara, Russell Peters, Connor McDavid will perform from their homes during the concert.

"Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, Groupe V Média, and Rogers Sports & Media are coming together in a show of support for the frontline workers fighting the battle against COVID-19 across Canada." Viewers are asked to make a donation to Food Banks Canada (How to Donate: SMS: Text COVID to 30333 to donate $5, $10, or $20. Online: FoodBanksCanada.ca/StrongerTogether )

You can view the special on these channels and platforms: Bell Media TV: CTV, CTV2, CTV Life Channel, TSN, CP24, MUCH, MTV, VRAK Streaming: CTV.ca and CTV app; iHeartRadio.ca and iHeartRadio Canada app Radio: Virgin Radio On Demand: Crave; CTV.ca and CTV app; iHeartRadio.ca and iHeartRadio Canada app CBC/Radio-Canada TV: CBC TV, ICI ARTV Streaming: CBC Gem, CBC.ca Radio: CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen app, Sirius XM Channel 169 On Demand: CBC Gem, ICI TOU.TV Corus TV: Global, Slice, National Geographic, ABC Spark, and SériesPlus Streaming: Global TV app, globaltv.com, globalnews.ca, and etcanada.com On Demand: Global TV app and globaltv.com Rogers Sports & Media TV: Citytv, FX, OMNI Television Streaming: Citytv.com Groupe V Média TV.

Toronto Film Critics Best Canadian Film Award

With 2019 wrapped up, the Toronto Film Critics Association reviewed the eligible contenders and determined the winner of the Best Canadian Film Award 2019 to be 'The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open'. The winning movie was a drama, directed by Kathleen Hepburn and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers which told the story of a friendship between indigenous women of different backgrounds. Author Margaret Atwood presented the award which also comes with a monetary prize of $100,000. In the picture at top: Phil Lind, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Peter Howell, Kathleen Hepburn with award presenter Margaret Atwood (far right) at the Awards. Photo by George Pimentel Photography.

The Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Best Canadian Film category required films released in Canada in 2019, plus films that qualify for the upcoming Oscars and are released by the end of February 2020. The TFCA, established in 1997, is made up of Toronto based broadcasters and journalists who are film critics.

"The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is an adventurous work shot in real time on 16mm film. It co-stars Violet Nelson as a pregnant young woman fleeing an abusive relationship and was previously named one of the top 10 Canadian movies of the year by the Toronto International Film Festival. “The title is poetic, but the story is grounded in the bone-deep reality that animates the best of Canadian film," TFCA President Peter Howell said of The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open. "TFCA members responded to its empathy, honesty and social currency, as will anyone who views it."

“It’s incredibly satisfying to see the TFCA’s critics celebrate a vital Indigenous story directed by two women working on the cutting edge of Canadian cinema,” said Rogers Vice-Chair Phil Lind. “The originality, emotional power and sheer nerve of The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is exactly what this award is designed to encourage."

Helen Mirren at L’Oréal Paris Fashion Week

The world's number one beauty brand L’Oréal Paris hosted a runway spectacular during Paris Fashion Week 2019 which celebrated inclusive beauty and emerging fashion. Ageless beauties Helen Mirren and Andie McDowell walked the runway showcasing the diversity of the L’Oréal Paris beauty season. All photos by Giovanna Giannoni.

Helen and Andie joined other exceptional women during Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris to walk the runway for women everywhere at the historic institution Monnaie de Paris.

Photo Credit: Giovanna Giannoni

"In its trailblazing drive to make fashion’s beauty for all, L’Oréal Paris has become known for its world-headlining public shows, staged in the heart of the city during Paris Fashion Week. After the inaugural Champs Elysées extravaganza, followed the river Seine’s floating runway, the 2019 edition was held at the architectural Monnaie de Paris, once again proving an unmissable fashion week rendez-vous."

Doutzen Kroes, Photo Credit: Giovanna Giannoni

"Brand ambassadors Camila Cabello and Amber Heard made their first-ever appearances at Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris. In a celebration of motherhood, Eva Longoria walked the runway carrying her baby son, Santiago, in the grand finale. Proving beauty has no age, Helen Mirren and Andie McDowell made their return to the Paris runway while the lineup also saw star turns from Marie Bochet, Liya Kebede, Aja Naomi King, Doutzen Kroes, Soo Joo Park, Luma Grothe, Duckie Thot and Aishwarya Rai."

Photo Credit: Giovanna Giannoni

#Shazam Fan Experience in Toronto

Preparations are underway in Yonge-Dundas Square for fans of the new superhero movie Shazam. The event starts at 4pm on Thursday, March 14 and you can meet stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer and directory David Sandberg. Oh and City of Toronto Mayor John Tory will also be there.

"We are excited to put a spotlight on the many special things that film productions give back to our neighbourhoods. I encourage Torontonians to check out the free activation on March 14 and 15, and to celebrate productions like Shazam! that draw on the incredible artistic and technical talent our city has to offer."
- Mayor John Tory

The movie was filmed in Toronto and opens April 5, 2019. Get SHAZAMFIED and have a chance to win passes and other prizes.

"Using actual sets and props from production of the Shazam! superhero film (based on the comic book character of the same name and shot in Toronto), fans will be able to enter through a massive, 20-foot-tall (six-metre) lightning bolt and immerse themselves in two key moments from the film.

On Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., fans will be able to "ride" on a subway car resembling the TTC subway and hop off to enter the mysterious Rock of Eternity for their chance to hold the epic Wizard Staff and become Shazamified! Participants will receive a complimentary video of their experience, as well as screening passes and other exclusive prizes."

Handmaid's Tale at Toronto City Hall

Hollywood North continues even in the cold of winter as the television series the Handmaid's Tale was filming at Toronto City Hall on Thursday, February 21, 2019. Dozens of Handmaidens dressed in bright, blood red robes, topped by shockingly white bonnets strolled down the winding walkway and along the paths between the snow in Nathan Phillips Square.

Lunch break

Up and down they went as shooting focused on several characters and the interesting pattern of the women walking two by two. Making movies, or television is tough work. Later the actors went over to Trinity Church by the Eaton Centre for lunch and personal time.

Nathan Phillip Square

2019 JUNO Awards in March

Sarah McLachlan will host the 48th annual @TheJUNOAwards in London, Ontario on Sunday, March 17, 2019. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and 12-time JUNO Award winner will take the helm of Canada's biggest night in music at the Budweiser Gardens which will be broadcast live by CBC and streamed on CBC Gem. The JUNO Awards are part of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) not-for-profit organization that preserves and enhances the Canadian music industry.

Musical artist, singer-songwriter Corey Hart will be the 2019 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee at the JUNOs. Corey has sold over 16 million albums and will perform during the show - the first time in over 20 years.

CARAS have also announced that the 2019 Humanitarian Award will be given to the talented David Foster for his long support of charities, including his own David Foster Foundation which raises awareness for organ donations and helps Canadian families requiring life-saving transplants.

Nominees for the 2019 JUNO Awards are a mix of established and new artists and were announced by CARAS and include Shawn Mendes, bulow, Loud Luxury, Alessia Cara, Hubert Lenoir, Michael Buble and Three Days Grace. The JUNUs partial list of nominations is as follows, you can find the full list on their website.

"Shawn Mendes leads this year with a total of six nominations including: JUNO Fan Choice*, Single of the Year, Album of the Year*, Artist of the Year*, Songwriter of the Year* and Pop Album of the Year. The Weeknd received an impressive five nominations including JUNO Fan Choice*, Single of the Year, Album of the Year*, Artist of the Year* and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year – an award he has won four times previously.

First time nominees recognized with four nominations include bülow for JUNO Fan Choice*, Single of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year* and Pop Album of the Year; and London’s very own Loud Luxury for JUNO Fan Choice*, Single of the Year, Breakthrough Group of the Year* and Dance Recording of the Year.

Artists with three nominations include Alessia Cara for JUNO Fan Choice*, Single of the Year and Artist of the Year*;Bahamas for Songwriter of the Year*, Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Video of the Year*; Hubert Lenoir for Album of the Year*, Pop Album of the Year and Francophone Album of the Year; KILLY for JUNO Fan Choice*, Breakthrough Artist of the Year* and Rap Recording of the Year; Michael Bublé for Artist of the Year*, Jack Richardson Producer of the Year with David Foster and Adult Contemporary Album of the Year; Three Days Gracefor Album of the Year*, Group of the Year* and Rock Album of the Year; and Tory Lanez for JUNO Fan Choice*, Artist of the Year* and Rap Recording of the Year."

CBC Superfan Weekend

Toronto's CBC building at Front and Wellington Streets is full of fans meeting their favorite celebrities during three days of meet and greets and Q and As. Starting Friday, January 18 (7-11pm) and continuing Saturday, January 19 (11am-5pm) and finishing Sunday, January 20, 2019 (11am-5pm). CBC Superfun Superfan Weekend was a fantastic way to get close to some Canadian celebrities.

Michele

Michele, Dianne and the host

On Sunday Ann and I are here to see stars from Dragons Den in the morning and Murdoch Mysteries later in the afternoon. Dragon Den starts Arlene missed due to sickness and Vincenzo Guzzo was also unable to attend due to the snowstorm. Host Dianne Buckner and Dragon Michele Romanow did take part in the show, joined by Molly the Producer, for some interesting inside information and stories about the Den. From Murdoch Mysteries the main star William Murdoch, or Yannick Bisson, showed up for a funny and information meeting with fans.

Yannick

Tweets The Sunday fun started at 11am and will finish up at about 5pm. The tickets were free, you just had to sign up on eventbrite. After the show you got a swag bag of CBC merch and the studio was full of awesome photo opportunities and installations.

Some of the interesting photo opportunities

CBC Superfun Superfan host Maggie Cassella

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2019 this weekend

The holidays are over, now winter really starts to set in so it is time to take your mind off the cold, white snow - head to the International Centre for the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW from January 4th to the 6th. The 43rd annual 'Big One by the Airport' is Canada's largest motorcycle show and will feature Danielle Colby (picture at top, provided) from the TV series American Pickers this year - she can be found in Hall 3 on Friday, Jan 4 (2pm and 6pm) and Saturday June 5 (10:30am, 1:30pm and 5pm). You can find my post on the Supershow here.

Purrfect Angelz on stage

"Danielle Colby has starred in the hit History reality TV series American Pickers with Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz from 2010-2019. Turning into a fan favorite with the broad viewership of the hit TV show, her role on American Pickers is to not only find and research collectibles, and to point the guys in the right direction, but to also hit the road as well and unearth hidden treasures. "

Come to meet other riders and enthusiasts, see dealer and manufacturer displays and look for bargains in the bike markets and parts accessories booths. There will be over 100 clubs, and rides/rallies representatives along with other industry celebrities, live music and other entertainment including the stunt shows by Team Empire. Bike builders will also be competing for $50,000 in cash and prizes during the Canada Cup Championship Custom Bike Competition.

Parking is free, both at the Toronto International Centre and the nearby GO station across the tracks,
and you can also find online tickets and a $3 off coupon on their website.

Carly Rae Jepsen unveils 2018 Holiday Windows

Toronto's annual Christmas tradition of coming downtown to see the Hudson's Bay holiday windows started over the past weekend with Carly Rae Jepsen and Johhny Orlando unveiling the Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue displays with Hudson's Bay President Alison Coville. This is the third display by both the Bay and Saks and featured a concert by MC'd by Lainey Lui and headlined by Carly Rae and Johnny. Photo at top: Carly Rae Jepsen on-stage outside Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue to kick off the holiday window unveiling. Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography.

"The talented songstress delighted the crowd with four songs, including the classic holiday tunes Last Christmas and Let It Snow, along with her pop anthem, Call Me Maybe and Cut to the Feeling to an excited crowd that spilled onto the streets on Queen between Yonge and Bay streets outside of the Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue flagship stores. Canada’s next big music export, Johnny Orlando, charmed the crowd with three songs, including his smash hits,What If and Last Summer and holiday favourite, Mistletoe."

The event is always attracts thousands of visitors and Queen Street West was closed from Bay to Yonge Street from 10am to 10pm to allow for the event. FAO Schwarz also brought their famous Dance-On Piano for the post concert attractions along with a milk and cookie bar within Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue. Santa Claus also found time to attend the celebration. Hudson's Bay is North America's oldest company and they continue to serve the community and their shopping needs, joined by Saks Fifth Avenue "one of the world’s pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections."

Johnny Orlando opened the Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue third annual holiday window unveiling event in front of the flagship stores. Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography

Carly Rae Jepsen in front of Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue's iconic holiday windows. Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography