Why the Juno Awards Matter

The Juno Awards are in town on Sunday night, hosted by William Shatner! Canadian music royalty will descend on Scotiabank Place and it promises to be a great night of entertainment. From Newfoundland to BC, tv's will be tuned in to see the singers and bands that got their start in the school band, or the dive across town, or they were the guys you knew that played in the drummer's parents' basement. No matter how they got their start, they should all be proud, as Canadian musicians continue to wow the world with everything from unique blends of everything from punk celtic to opera to jazz fusion, country and straight ahead rock and roll. Our country is the birthplace of some of the top darlings in the history of music: from Paul Anka, Leonard Cohen, and Oscar Peterson to Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Robbie Robertson, The Guess Who, and Rush...just to name a few. What defines Canadian music? Why is it so unique? Perhaps the answer lies in our passion for it. We like to share it, and we like it when a 'Canadian' musician gets attention around the world, but we take a great deal of pride in the notion that 'he or she' is OURS, and there is no better fan of a Canadian musician, than a Canadian. How many thousands of us from coast to coast have experienced the quintessential hot summer Canadian night, sandals and bare feet on grass, fanning out from the stage,swaying and singing along with the chorus of 'Hasn't Hit Me Yet', a sweat-stained Greg Keelor sharing the spotlight with the energy that is Jim Cuddy. And when the song comes to an end, we hold our beer cups in the air, and the boys from Blue Rodeo return the gesture, and at that moment, no one else in the world would get it. It is more than fitting that Blue Rodeo is going to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this Sunday night at the Juno Awards. After countless awards, and millions of records sold, the numbers alone should be enough to earn Blue Rodeo the highest honour in Canadian music. But for Blue Rodeo's fans, we know they deserve it for a whole other set of reasons: a nearby lake, a bonfire, good friends, and Blue Rodeo. It just doesn't get any better than that.



A selection of videos from artists appearing at the Junos on Sunday night!

Helping our Inuit Children Get Sports Gear!

Project North launches Gear Up March 15th, 2012 from Reno Video Productions on Vimeo.

On March 15th, 2012 Project North proudly announced that Mrs. Laureen Harper will be their Honourary Chair and Chris Phillips will be their Honourary Captain.

As well, GearUP! Fill the Bag... Fulfill the Dream web campaign was officially launched.

Citizens right across Canada will be able to help enrich the lives of Inuit children – by filling up virtual hockey bags that Project North will turn into the real thing and then ship off to kids in northern communities. Thanks to the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund and our many sponsors!

You can find Gear UP on the website - projectnorth.ca

Produced by: Reno Video Productions

Fur Ball 2012!

Its that time of year again! The Ottawa Humane Society Fur Ball is taking place on March 24th, 2012 at the National Gallery of Canada. This year, the theme is 'Bollywood', your chance to don a sari for the evening (optional!) And as Fur Ball Chair Mrs Laureen Harper told me, a sari is extremely comfortable, lots of extra material. Perfect for dancing and you won't have to skip dessert! Love it!
Please put this night on your calendar- it really is a beautiful event and proceeds go towards the 11,000-plus animals that come through the doors of the shelter each year. Ticket information, www.939bobfm.com



(above) honorary Fur Ball chair Mrs Laureen Harper participates in the after-care of a cat who has just been spayed



(above) Luke is a St Bernard looking for a forever home. He was rescued from the 'Paws-R-Us' puppy mill and is getting wonderful attention at the Humane Society, but he would really like to come home with you! www.ottawahumane.ca has all the details about Luke!

Big Lebowski Fest

One of the funniest movies ever made (in my humble opinion) is The Big Lebowski. The film didn't exactly set box office records when it hit theatres in 1998, but it's popularity has grown over the years. Those who love the movie, REALLY love it. 'Lebowskifest' brings fans of the film together 2 or 3 times a year, and something incredible happened at Lebowskifest in New York City last summer: the cast of the movie showed up. Yep, from the 'Dude' himself, Jeff Bridges, to John Goodman and Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, even John Turturro and T-Bone Burnett appeared on stage at the Beacon Theatre to discuss 'The Big Lebowski'. I was lucky enough to be in the audience for a casual, hilarious, and often poignant question-and-answer session. It was obvious that each cast member looks back on 'The Big Lebowski' with much fondness and joy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Dude abide.

Red Sky at Night, ..... out like a lamb?

It's March!! It's March! Yay! Why does this matter? Because March means that winter is almost over!! I usually like winter but this winter...not so much. Spring can't come fast enough. But good signs are popping up all over the place. Spring fashions are back in the stores. And I just bought a litre of cream with a best before date of April 3rd. Yes, these are things that excite me!