Constant Rotation: April 2009

1. I Do Not Hook Up, Kelly Clarkson
2. Already Gone, Kelly Clarkson
3. Can't Have It All, Jay Brannan
4. Please Don't Leave Me, Pink
5. I Wanna, All-American Rejects
6. Words & Fire, Sam Roberts
7. Bruises, Chairlift
8. John Lennon, Arkells
9. Believe, All-American Rejects
10. Stand And Deliver, No Doubt
11. Ever After Happily, Jay Brannan
12. Stronger, Britney Spears
13. Help, I'm Alive, Metric
14. LoveGame, Lady Gaga

Adele performance effortlessly beautiful

After indulging in nostalgia at the New Found Glory concert earlier this week, last night was all about new music as I checked out the highly-lauded vocal talents of Adele. The British songstress performed to a sold out Massey Hall in Toronto.

With knowledge of only a handful of Adele’s songs, a delightful infusion of jazz, soul and pop, I quickly learned she is one of those rare creatures who can open her mouth and make singing seem so effortlessly beautiful. (For the record, I too can make it seem effortless, but beautiful it ain’t). Unlike so many stage shows that rely on choreography, larger than life visuals and circus tricks, Adele needed little more than her rich, flawless voice to engage the audience. A slight foot shuffle and subtle flick of the wrist served to punctuate her incredible vocal range.

Donning a black and white striped jumper she admitted she also sleeps in, Adele conveyed a comfortable confidence like she’s been doing this for years. Smiling and talking to the audience like old friends, she casually threw out a number of endearing between-song anecdotes. (Earlier in the day, we learned, she had taken a trip to a Yonge St. pawn shop, where she bought two guitars from a grumpy salesperson).

Accompanied by a five-piece band for most of the set, Adele occasionally picked up a guitar to perform a few songs solo. The 75-minute set consisted of the complete track listing off her debut album 19, which helped the almost-20-year-old win two Grammys earlier this year. Acknowledging she only has so much material to draw upon, she filled out the show with Bob Dylan, Etta James and Sam Cooke covers, in addition to a new song she’s working on called Stand By Me.

Perhaps most striking was that through the simplicity of the performance, Adele conveyed sincere enjoyment being onstage. Recounting her previous two trips to Toronto in support of 19, Adele noted how nice it felt to be playing to such a full crowd. Speaking as one of her newest fans, I think it's safe to say the pleasure was all ours.

Hot Docs starts now

Hot Docs, the Canadian International Documentary Festival, kicks off today in Toronto.

Celebrating its 16th edition, Hot Docs is presenting 171 films from 39 countries until May 10, 2009.

Tonight’s opening night gala includes a screening of Act of God at the Winter Garden Theatre. Directed by Jennifer Baichwal, the doc “provokes questions about chance, fate and meaning of life” as it explores the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning.

Click here to check out blogTO’s top picks, or here to check out the festival’s complete schedule.

Is it just me . . .

. . or do Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt make the least convincing couple ever?

They’re really good at walking down red carpets together, but pretty awful at making it appear they enjoy each other’s company.

Now obviously Doug is enjoying a raised profile by being part of this relationship.

But what the heck does Paris gain from dating a man-whore/occasional Hills star?

Remember the time we realized Thriller was our favourite song?

Save for a few good friends, I've cut off communication with most of my high school classmates.

Every once in a while I'll see one on the street, stop, turn, and start walking in the opposite direction to avoid any sort of awkward encounter.

Which is why I wasn't sure how I'd enjoy last night's New Found Glory show at the Phoenix in Toronto. Sure, their music defined my youth, but dude -- I'm getting old! Perhaps I'd feel nothing but indifference for the band, as I try to bury memories of the gawkiest years of my life.

I saw the pop-punk five-piece for the first time back in summer 2001 and was immediately hooked by their infectious pop hooks and undeniable energy. Their songs of heartache and coming of age became my adolescent anthems, and I saw them at least three more times before graduating high school in 2003.

But time passed. I cut the black Nice 'N Easy-dyed hair off my head and traded my wide-legged jeans for pants wide enough for just one person. I grew up and realized that even at its toughest, I had very little in my life to be angst-ridden about.

As I waited for NFG to take the stage last night, I was still somehow shocked to realize I wasn't the only fan of theirs who had grown up. In fact, I was surrounded by mid-twenty-somethings!

By the band's second song I recognized that even if I'm no longer living vicariously through their lyrics, it's the heart and energy the put into their live show that keeps long-term fans like myself coming back.

"I'm sick of smiling and so is my jaw!" I sang along with vocalist Jordan Pundik, even though a goofy smirk wouldn't leave my face for the rest of their set. Today, as eight years ago, New Found Glory deliver a performance that’s meant to be sung along to. It’s encouraged, and the audience is happy to oblige, hands clapping, fists pumping, and feet jumping.

Catering to their loyal long-term fan base, the band mixed the best high energy tracks off earlier releases (Dressed to Kill, Hit or Miss, Better Off Dead) with the more introspective (The Story So Far, Forget My Name), a cover song (Don't You Forget About Me), and a few tracks from their newest releases (which I admittedly was hearing for the first time).

Technically, the sound was muffled, as was the case for the the night's opening acts. But performance-wise there was nothing stopping the energy of Pundik and guitarist Chad Gilbert in particular, who hopped around every inch of stage.

Between-song banter reminded me of the band's endearing goofiness, and included a pause for Gilbert to snap the above photo to post to his Twitter.

The band's three-song encore included 2's & 3's, by audience request, and perhaps their biggest commercial hit My Friends Over You.

Before the show even ended I realized I would totally jump on the chance to see New Found Glory next time they come to town. The show felt like going home to a place I didn't realize I was missing.

Still, don’t expect to see me at any high school reunions anytime soon.

[photo via Chad Gilbert's Twitter]

Tabloid cover of the week

Jon And Kate Gosselin take the cover of this week's Us Weekly, for a story that claims Jon recently left a club at 2 a.m. with another woman, while Kate was off promoting her new book.

You know Us Weekly is ready to stand by a story when they relegate Heidi Montag to the cover's sidebar!

Jon's explanation: "A friend of mine wanted to check out my car, so I let her drive it to her car. Yes, I have female friends -- but that is all she is. I'm not going to end my friendships just because I'm on TV."

No one's asking you to end your friendships, Jon. But personally I think there comes a time in every TLC star's life when they have to wake up and realize it's time to stop whoring out their children for fame.

Might I be so bold as to suggest that time is when you take the cover of Us Weekly with allegations of infedelity.

Whether the story's true or not, there's eight kids who are going to hear from the other kids at the playground that their dad's on the cover of Us Weekly because he cheated on mom. Dude, all they want to do is play on the monkey bars.

WWIB: gap-toothed edition

This week's Who Worked It Better comes courtesy of Vanessa, who's apparently been distracted by the gap-toothed smiles of Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick (Chuck) and Penn Badgley (Dan).

"None of Dan's teeth touch. Ew," she says.

(She was careful not to compare anyone to a foot, as some deemed that opinion harsh last time around).

Personally, I think the right sized gap adds character to one's smile. I was pretty pissed a few years back when Tyra Banks made Top Model contestant Danielle fill the signature space between her teeth or risk being eliminated.

As for Ed vs. Penn, I don't think either of them need to reach for the invisaligns just yet. But they should keep an eye on that shit, or risk growing up to have chompers like Shannen Doherty. Eek!

[photos via Gossip Girl Media]

Quick hits, in case you missed it

• Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were married for television again over the weekend. My enthusiasm for this event can best be summed up by this headline: Reality TV Person Weds Her Reality TV Boyfriend. Yeah, that’s about the gist of it.



• In other Hills news, Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank don’t have to worry about getting new shtick anytime soon. Though Lauren Conrad won’t be participating, MTV announced new episodes will be back in the fall, starring Heidi, Audrina, Lo, Brody, Spencer, Stephanie, and Justin Bobby. (MTV actually used the name Justin Bobby in the press release. His name’s just Justin, right?)



• There’s a fake Ben Mulroney on Twitter who’s a helluva lot more entertaining than the real Ben Mulroney.



• Just what nobody has been hoping for: a Creed reunion!



• TLC’s secured quite the hot young celeb as the subject of the season seven premiere of What Not To Wear on May 29th. No, not Lindsay Lohan – even better! It’s Blossom’s Mayim Byalik.



• Ch-check out some brand new promo pics of No Doubt’s upcoming Gossip Girl guest appearance. xoxo.

Gossip Girl line of the week

“NYU? What was I thinking? You know what I think about ironic facial hair. . . there’s no way I’m going down there. It’s full of mole men and middle class professionals.” --Blair, adjusting (or not) to the idea of going to NYU and taking the subway

RUNNER UP
“Why can’t anybody see a movie around here?!” – Serena, after Blair revealed she spent Friday night spying on her boyfriend

Scrubs: The Next Generation shows signs of life

ABC is in talks to renew Scrubs for a ninth season, though it remains to be seen who of the original cast will sign on for full or part-time roles, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Zach Braff has been vocal that season eight would be his last, while Donald Faison, John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn are all attached to new pilots for next season.

A ninth season would see Scrubs focus on a new group of interns, some of whom were introduced this season. None of the original cast are committed beyond the current season, though they could sign deals for recurring roles.

Show creator Bill Lawrence is involved in the renewal talks with the network and studio, as he preps his new Courteney Cox comedy pilot Cougar Town for ABC.

Though Scrubs hasn’t been a big ratings winner on ABC, it has drawn a young male demo the network was previously lacking.

I’m a little bit conflicted about the idea of a ninth season of Scrubs. Part of me wants ABC to let the show go with its original cast in tact, as this season has clearly been wrapping up storylines.

At the same time, the fact that this continuously on-the-bubble show is still kicking is pretty awesome. And some of the new interns definitely don’t suck. Eliza Coupe’s Denise and Sonal Shah’s Sunny show the most potential for keeping Scrubs: The Next Generation funny.

Throw in recurring appearances from new chief of surgery Turk (Faison) and new chief of medicine Dr. Cox (McGinley), and there could be some life left in Sacred Heart to come.

Keep trying, Vanessa Hudgens

What do you do when the world can’t get enough of your pretty boyfriend, his floppy hair and dancing feet?

How do you deal when you realize you’re the boring, bland half of a G-rated young Hollywood couple?

What lengths do you go to to draw the paparazzi's attention, when your better half is off being way cooler somewhere else?

Well, if you’re Vanessa Hudgens, you walk around L.A. without pants.

Yes, Ms. Zac Efron didn’t feel the need to cover her legs on a trip to the Diesel Store in West Hollywood.

That’s the type of girl I very obviously roll my eyes at when I’m walking down the street.

Though I guess for V.Hudge, this is tame. Remember those nude photos of hers that were discovered a year or two ago?

(I’d link you to them, but I don’t promote Disney porn).

[photo via JJ]

Sightings!

Apparently the warm weather sharpens my star-spotting skills.

On my walk home from work I spotted four fifths of New Found Glory -- Jordan Pundik, Cyrus Bolooki, Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein -- hanging around their tour bus at Dundas and Chestnut. (Iain Grushka had somewhere else to be?)

The pop punk band is in town to play the Phoenix tomorrow night in support of their new album Not Without A Fight.

The 13-year-old emo kid in me freaked out. My unjustified teen angst was defined by these boys. I had their poster on my wall and still rock their t-shirts on laundry day.

The 24-year-old adult me circled the situation for a minute, took a mental photo, then went on my way, My Life Would Suck Without You blasting in my ears.

Minutes later I spotted 2006 MuchMusic VJ Search finalist/former Star TV correspondent Sean Gehon hanging with a friend near College and University.

I did a very obvious double take, which I hope Sean appreciates, as I don't think he's even on-air anymore.

The only thing that could've made the walk home better would have been a Jake Epstein sighting. A Jake Epstein sighting makes any day great.

Anyone know where he's at right now?

Monday deliciousness

Oh. My. Goodness.

Johnathon Schaech took off his clothes for this exclusive Pop Wrap photo released last week, and the world sure is a better place for it.

Schaech bared (almost) all as he promoted the Poker Club, a straight-to-DVD thriller which he co-produced and stars in.

I can only assume the movie's about Schaech's character taking off his clothes and logging on to Twitter. In which case, I'd like Amazon to put a rush order on that for me.

Allow me to point out that dude is 39 years old and clearly has nothing to be ashamed of.

Below, a collection of past Schaech deliciousness.

Happy Monday!

Mike Comrie: hot or not?

I'm not quite sure what to make of Hilary Duff's man/NHL hockey player Mike Comrie.

He accompanied the Duffster to the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of her movie Stay Cool last week, where he looked quite a bit prettier than I expected him to.

I think I'd call him cute. Good looking, sure. But that neckline's a little too low, that fake tan's a little too heavy, that hair's a little too perfectly coifed, and that head's a little too potato-shaped for me to call him hot.

What do you think? Hot or not?

[photo via Hilary Duff Online]

Chuck Bass in fine form

Rumour circulated a couple weeks ago that Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick was getting a little too big to fit into his wardrobe, and that producers were going to have to talk to him about losing some pounds.

I think the story's a stretch, as did a show source who said Westwick's physique was not a concern, especially since production had already wrapped for the season.

Well, the 21-year-old stepped out to the BAFTA TV Awards this weekend, and certainly showed no signs of out-of-control bloating.

Dude's looking sharp in that suit if you ask me. (I'm ignoring the Zac Efron hair situation he has going on).

Seriously though. Considering I never used to give the guy a second look as he stood in the shadows of Chace Crawford, I think he's doing okay for himself.

[photo via Ed-Westwick.org]

Your burning questions answered

I know what you're Googling to find this here blog, and in an effort to give you what you're looking for, I've taken the time to answer some of the most popular and random questions you've asked.

(I'm leaving out anything pervy. Perhaps for a future edition of Monday Deliciousness?)

IS STACEY FARBER PREGNANT?
It amazes me that more than a year after Degrassi’s Stacey Farber was spotted wearing unflattering baggy clothes in a few episodes of the teen show, I still get daily hits from people trying to find out if she’s pregnant.

There’s still no evidence that the 21-year-old was hiding a baby bump under those oversized duds.

So, let’s look at the facts: it’s been 13 months since the initial speculation began. A woman’s pregnancy usually lasts about nine months, then she delivers the child. So, I’m going to go out on a limb and say no, Stacey Farber is not currently pregnant. Please update your Google search terms to read “Does Stacey Farber have a child?” Then we'll talk further.


HOW DO YOU DRESS LIKE JESSI CRUICKSHANK?
The After Show cohost says she likes to mix designer and vintage with a few alterations.

"We have an amazing seamstress [at MTV]," she says, "so I now have the luxury of going to Kensington Market or 69 Vintage and finding something and having her tailor it."

Cruickshank isn't opposed to designer names -- she wore a Dolce & Gabana dress to last year's MTV Movie Awards. But she also says she still sports a jean jacket her dad gave to her in the eighth grade.

As for footwear, Cruickshank has about 35 pairs of vintage pointy pumps from thrift stores like Value Village and couture vintage stores like Paperbag Princess.

And, on this season's finale of the Hills After Show, Jessi will rock the design of one aspiring designer, the winner of the show's Project After Show contest.

IS MICHAEL BUBLE TICKLISH?
This question is strange, and I choose not to research it. I’m just going to go with yes.

WHY CANADIAN TV SUCH A SHIT?
Now now, let’s not get too critical. Perhaps you just need to give Canadian TV a chance.

CBC's Being Erica recently received an A-grade in Entertainment Weekly -- no small feat! And after six seasons, CTV's Corner Gas recently saw its highest ratings ever for its series finale, proving Canadian TV is not just critically acclaimed but can hold an audience too.

Degrassi: the Next Generation and Little Mosque On The Prairie have earned loyal audiences and critical acclaim in their own right. The Tudors has successfully made history sexy. And MTV Canada's the Hills After Show is almost more popular than the show it roasts.

Meanwhile, Canadian-American coproduction Flashpoint continues to win its timeslot on both sides of the border. Its success has proven Canadian TV can be slick and enthralling, and compete against big American productions. A slew of other coproductions have followed.


WHY DID MATTE BABEL LEAVE MUCHMUSIC?
As reported last month, Matte Babel left MuchMusic to cohost CP24’s new morning show. He explained via Twitter it was time to move on.

“i left much which was a dope place to work...because i had been there for 4 and a half years and needed a new challenge,” he tweeted. “i was too comfortable and if you comfortable you're not growing...so in order and grow as a broadcastor I need to take on something else.”

As an FYI, Leah Miller, Sarah Taylor and Devon Soltendieck have also been on Much for four+ years now. Not saying it’s time to refresh the rest of the music station’s faces, but . . . well yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying.

Sighting!

Just spotted Jerry O'Connell out for a jog at Bloor and St. George.

He was decked out in Nike, ear buds in and ignored my creepy attempts at eye contact. (Kind of looked like the above photo, which was not taken in Toronto).

Had I not been so obviously not out for a jog, I would've turned around and started running right alongside him.

"Hey Jerry, ever tried going for a jog in jeans and a pleather jacket, with your favourite Banana Republic shopping bag? No? You haven't? And you want me to leave you alone? Okay . . . "

O'Connell's in Toronto with wife Rebecca Romijn, who's filming The Love Child of Andy Warhol and Yoko Ono with Donald Sutherland.

Amanda Walsh on . . .

When former MuchMusic VJ Amanda Walsh left Canada's music station in 2004, she had acting aspirations on her mind.

Now, with a failed sitcom under her belt, and guest roles on Veronica Mars, Smallville, and the Big Bang Theory, she'll be seen next weekend in the Matthew McConaughey-Jennifer Garner romcom Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.

The 27-year-old from Rigaud, Que. spoke to the Canadian Press this week about her acting career and life in L.A.

ON HER FIRST MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY MEETING:
I was coming out of the bathroom and he was playing (a piece of equipment) like bongos. Like, he was just hitting it. And I was like, 'Wow, that's such a perfect moment of everything you hear,' and you have these ideas (about McConaughey), so it was kind of funny. But actually working with him, I think he's a really nice, very charming, easy-going guy.... He was always totally on his game, really hard-working.

ON LIVING WITH FOUR OTHERS IN SHOW BUSINESS:
It feels a bit like a reality show in here, but it's funny. Sometimes there'll be photo shoots in the house - you'll come home and there'll be like, (mimicking Britney Spears' pop hit in a high-pitched singing voice) 'Gimme gimme more, gimme more' and a random model walks by. It's very, very L.A.

ON HER CHARACTER IN THE HBO PILOT WASHINGTONIENNE:
I play Laura, who's the Republican from a small town and she's sort of a little oblivious, doesn't have much of a social life because she's just really devoted to her work. It's a comedy kind of the way 'Sex In the City' is a comedy.

ON HER CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD:
I feel really, really grateful that I am where I am right now. I'm sort of kind of pinching myself still. When you first move to a new city, you're like...'I can't believe it's going to take years until I feel comfortable here.' But it's finally happened.

Steven Page takes to Stratford

Former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page is working on composing the score for Stratford Shakespeare Festival's June 4 opening of Bartholomew Fair, his first major project since officially leaving the band in February.

"I constantly have to remind myself that I'm not making a Steven Page record here, I'm writing a song for other actors to sing and I'm there to help the whole play," he tells the Toronto Star.

Page reiterates that leaving BNL was a decision in favour of his own self-fulfillment. But the success of the band is not last on him.

"We were the anti-rock stars," he says. "We were the outcasts in a world of outcasts. What we projected is that we were like our audiences. Like them, we had families and responsibilities, and we juggled them with a sense of wit and irony and pathos that appealed to people."

[photo by David Bergman via Steven's Facebook]

The Grey Gardens Emmy Race

Since the HBO original movie Grey Gardens premiered to universal praise last weekend there's one question that persists in many TV critics minds: who will win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie, Drew Barrymore or Jessica Lange?

According to PageSix, HBO thinks Barrymore is a lock, and has been pushing Lange to submit herself for nomination in the supporting actress category. This would prevent vote-splitting if both actresses go up against each other in the lead actress category, and could result in two acting awards for the film.

But Lange, a two-time Oscar winner is having none of it.

"She felt she wasn't a supporting character in the film, and that it'd be dishonest and a manipulation of votes. She didn't want a part of it," an unnamed source tells PageSix.

Still, HBO and Lange are both giving different takes on who made the final decision to submit both actresses in the lead actress category.

"HBO would never presume to dictate which category an actor chooses for award submissions. We do engage in a dialogue with actors and filmmakers to facilitate the process, but the actor's decision is always final," an HBO spokespersons says.

According to Lange's rep, "Prior to the decision being made, there was lots of discussion between Drew, the studio and Jessica. Obviously people wanted a scenario where everyone was happy. At the end of the day, HBO was the one who looked at the screentime and made the call."

Clear as mud.

"Are any of y'all on Twitter?"

Let's all thank Joel McHale for shedding light on the Twitter fever that's hit everyone from Tyra Banks to Barbara Walters on this week's episode of the Soup.

Come on Barbara, really? Do you really "want to be put on Twitter"? Or did you see Oprah do it and immediately feel like you were falling behind in the cool race? (Because honestly, you've been losing that race for a while now.)

As Joel so astutely points out "it's the digital Macarena!"

Does that mean we're all going to be ashamed we jumped on the bandwagon in about six months time?

Or does it mean you should all just follow me, because it's so much fun?

Look of the week: Zoe Saldana

Star Trek star Zoe Saldana's been looking crazy beautiful as she promotes the new film across Europe.

The 30-year-old actress from New Jersey wore a firy red one shoulder Prabal Gurung mini dress to the Berlin premiere, paired with multi-strapped Emilio Pucci stiletto heels.

Saldana toned down the colour but not the style for the London premiere, where she donned a floaty grey Alaïa dress, cinched at the waist. And once again -- killer shoes!

Oh, and in case you didn't notice, girl would be gorgeous even without designer clothes.

[photos via Zoe Saldana Fan]

Hot mess of the week

Oh my. What is Mischa Barton trying to pull here? The girl has become such a hot messtacular.

Left, she combined a plaid shirt with a large piece of blue fabric, held together with a clunky belt, and "complemented" with outrageously hideous shoes. She was promoting Herbal Essences at the time, and I guess her hair looked nice?

Centre, she's seen leaving an Ri2k & Nica press day in London. I don't hate the outfit (aside from the skulls on the scarf), but the hair and makeup is harsh to the extreme.

And right, there's no way Mischa would be promoting hair products with that mess on top of her head, in addition to that nasty feather headpiece. The rest of the outfit she wore to hang out with friends in London is just sloppy.

Looks like there's a reason Rachel Bilson, and not Mischa, will have a column in InStyle.

Oh Mischa Barton. You hot mess.

While we're talking fashion . . .

We get it, Lady Gaga. Seriously. You wear some effed up shit when you walk about town.

I’m over it.

Manny Santos sings to Mr. Colson

Seems the Degrassi set is quite the training ground for wannabe pop stars.

Jimmy Brooks and Jay Hoggart have already recently released new music, and now Manny Santos is getting in on the act too.

(Come on guys, we all know Craig Manning’s the real Degrassi rock star).

Be that as it may, Cassie Steele (Manny) has just released a new video for a song called Mr. Colson. (Was he the too-touchy teacher on Degrassi?)

The song's from Steele's second -- yes, second! -- album Destructo Doll, due later this year.

Does the video remind anyone else of the classic YTV show Catwalk (with a lower budget, and a weird, unexplained doll decapitation subplot)?

I'm getting old, sign #232: Ninja Turtles turn 25

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were in New York today to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Yes, you read correctly. The karate-chopping, pizza-eating, sewer-dwelling characters that defined my childhood are 25 years old. Do you realize how old that makes me?!

In my defense, it's the Ninja Turtles comic book that's turning 25. The cartoon that enthralled me as a kid is a mere 22.

At this morning's promo event, a new live action movie was announced for release in 2011 that will explore the Turtles' origins.

The Turtles are now making their way across the States on a promo tour to commemorate their 25-year milestone.

I haven't really kept up with recent incarnations of the Ninja Turtles, but you better believe I had a Donatello birthday cake when I was in grade one. (Before I came to my senses and realized Raphael was the coolest).

[photo via BestWeekEver]

Dean and Dan to get Canadian star

Designers Dean and Dan Caten will get a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame this year, according to Vogue.

The DSquared designers from Toronto are the first of this year’s inductees to be revealed. Located in Toronto’s entertainment district, Canada’s Walk of Fame boasts the names of more than 100 stars of the arts.

"Canada is our birthplace and will always remain in our heart,” Dean and Dan say. "Fashion, music and all of the arts have become forces to be reckoned with across Canada. The people involved continue to evolve into a class of individuals that Canada is pleased to claim as its own. We could not be more proud to be inducted into such a community."

This year’s award ceremony will take place September 11 and 12.

Regular folk like you and I have until the end of the month to nominate other Canadian stars to be inducted this year.

Quick hits, in case you missed it

Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester has signed a record contract with Universal. Sources close to the star say her debut album will be called OMFG, with a track listing that includes LOL, FML, BFF, BRB and ABCDEFG. 

Bad news for Better Off Ted: last night’s episode trailed America’s Next Top Model in the ratings. Dude, it’s never a good thing for a CW show to have better ratings than you. Never. 

Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco will guest star on the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy. Oh wait a minute, no she won’t.

ABC announced the renewal of 12 shows today for next season. The only one that really matters: Brothers and Sisters. (But also: Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives, the Bachelor and Dancing With The Stars, among others).

Another pretty great gay storm parody, courtesy of Stephen Colbert.

Follow me on Twitter. Why? Because you need to be updated every time I eat, scratch myself or go to the washroom. Trust me

Rachel Bilson takes her tips to InStyle

We haven't seen too much of Rachel Bilson since her days in the OC, aside from a guest role on Chuck and the scifi flick Jumper.

(I admit, we've seen even less of some of her OC costars).

But now the former Summer Roberts will have monthly deadlines to meet, as a columnist for InStyle Magazine.

“I can talk about fashion all day long, and I am an avid InStyle reader so the relationship seemed perfect!" Bilson says. "This column is the best homework assignment ever!”

Bilson will offer fashion tips to readers, starting in the mag's May issue, out this Friday.

Alright, Adam Brody. Time to get yourself back in the spotlight by writing comic books or some shit.

Tabloid cover of the week

Can someone explain to me who picks a trashy tabloid like Globe over more quality fare like Us Weekly?

Globe doesn't even bother putting A-listers like Brangelina on its cover.

Instead this week we've got Hulk Hogan. He's apparently going to murder his terrified wife and toyboy by poking them to death with those index fingers.

Um, Globe does know he's a former wrestler, right? Couldn't they have at least found a more intimidating photo to really sell this fake story?

Canwest cop drama crosses border

Canadian TV got a boost of confidence from American network ABC today.

The alphabet net has picked up Copper, a Canwest original cop drama produced by E1 Entertainment.

The series is described as a one-hour, character-driven drama about five rookie cops entering the world of big city policing.

Um, so like Southland times five?

Production on the 13-episode pickup is to begin June in Toronto. No casting announcements have been made.

Tracey Ullman on Chelsea Lately

There's no denying the hilarity when a funny lady like Tracey Ullman takes the guest chair on Chelsea Lately.

Sure, Ullman's funny all the time, but no one feels the need to hold back on Handler's show.

Take a look above to find out what Ullman thinks about Twitter, Susan Boyle and women in late night.

Heidi! Miley! and more tweet same-sex marriage

So, during Sunday Night's Miss USA competition, Miss California Carrie Prejean declared that she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

I wasn't going to report on her opposition to same-sex marriage, because I really just can't be bothered with what Miss California thinks about anything.

But now some noteworthy celebs have taken to their Twitter pages, expressing their support for same-sex marriage. And I'm all for spreading such positivity when I can.

Britney Spears
"Love is love! People should be able to do whatever makes them happy!"

Heidi Montag
"God says in the bible that we should love our neighbor and he created us all as equals. I know in my heart that gays and lesbians should have the same government rights that Spencer and I will when we get married. So, yes, this blonde Christian believes in gay marriage."

Giuliana Rancic
"...i know i'm a journalist, and i should be objective...but she is an ignorant discrace and she makes me sick to my stomach . . . everyone deserves to love & be loved."

Shanna Moakler (former Miss USA)
"The MISS CALIFORNIA USA title is NOT supposed to be used to push your own agenda, that is NOT what pageants are about."

Miley Cyrus
"gods greatest commandment is to love. and judging is not loving. thats why christians have such a bad rep. . . jesus loves you AND your partner and wants you to know how much he cares! thats like a daddy not loving his lil boy cuz hes gay."

Man, does this mean I should lighten up on Heidi and Miley? Maybe, but it's still not likely.

Anyone know if Elisabeth Hasselbeck weighed in yet?

WWIB: Mom jeans edition

Hey, remember how Jessica Simpson wore mom jeans during a concert a couple months ago, and received all kinds of criticism for some weight she gained?

Well apparently Jessica Alba took that as her cue to pick up a pair!

The actress was photographed in some high-waisted denim on her way to a reception at Tod’s Boutique Beverly Hills last week.

I've gotta say, the jacket and purse almost make up for those unfortunate pants.

[photo via Hollywood Rag]

Diane Keaton rides the VIA to Toronto

Diane Keaton was photographed at Toronto's Union Station today, arriving from Montreal on VIA Rail.

The Oscar-winning actress was in town to speak at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the Unique Lives & Experiences women’s lecture series.

Keaton, a design enthusiast, spent 15 minutes touring Union Station, taking note of its architecture, and snapping her own pictures.

Now this is interesting, because I've spent my fair share of time at Union Station, and whenever I see people taking photos of it I turn and look to see what they're trying to capture. Guess I take advantage of it as a landmark in my own city.

Perhaps I'll give it a second look next time I'm there!


[photos: HoundsTV.ca]

No Doubt covers Spin Magazine

No Doubt is Spin Magazine's May 2009 cover band.

The pop rock icons are gearing up to embark on a summer tour -- their first big outing in five years.

"I have no idea what we mean to people anymore," Gwen Stefani tells the mag. "I was on tour by myself not that long ago and selling out all over the world. But now, do people even go out anymore? The world's gone crazy."

Tony Kanal says he can't be bothered to worry about how the economy and the band's absence will impact ticket sales.

We can't think about that shit. We have to focus on what we're doing," he says.

As for the band's May 11 guest appearance on Gossip Girl, they're happy for the exposure, but don't necessarily watch the show.

"[Gossip Girl is] totally the kind of thing I would watch," Stefani says apologetically, "but if the choice is between sleeping and watching TV, then I'm going to sleep."


[photos via ONTD]

Sighting!

Well, she's no Laurie Elliott, but Nicole Richie was enough of a draw to get me to stop in to Holt Renfrew's Contemporary Shopping Party tonight.

The socialite showed off her new baby bump at the launch of her House of Harlow 1960 jewellery line.

This was the first shopping party I've ever attended at Holt's. You'd think I'd feel right at home in a store crammed with people clearly in love with themselves, but the vanity in that room was even too much for me.

I do have to say though, that with the exception of the most offensive man cleave I think I've ever seen, there were some fine looking dudes there. I love a man who can dress himself, I do.

Obvious highlights included the complimentary brownies, skittles, and teeny tiny hamburgers served. I also indulged in a Graffiti cocktail (vodka and "fresh" Vitamin Water. How very Gossip Girl white party).

My dear friend Linda, who I attended the event with, alerted me of a second sighting she had on the way home. She almost tripped up the stairs when she saw Degrassi's Jake Epstein at Davisville subway station.

Keep those Jake Epstein sightings coming, friends. Dude is everywhere, apparently. And I like the reputation I'm getting as the point person when he's spotted.

CBC announces 2009/2010 schedule

CBC Television announced its 2009/2010 entertainment lineup today, which includes six new shows.  Fall will see the premiere of:

• Battle of the Blades, a reality competition pairing Canadian figure skaters with hockey stars.
  
• The Ron James Show, featuring “renowned comedian Ron James and his always entertaining, poetically charged observations on life in the modern world.” Whatever that means.
  
• Canada’s Super Speller, (I’ll let you guess what this reality show’s about).
  

Two additional shows will premiere come winter, including the TV return of Degrassi’s Ellie Nash:

• 18 to Life, a sitcom about an 18-year-old married couple and their families, starring Degrassi’s Stacey Farber.
  
• The Republic of Doyle, a one hour dramedy about a father-son team private investigating team in St. John’s Newfoundland.
  

Returning series to CBC’s lineup include the Tudors, Being Erica, the Border, Dragons’ Den, Little Mosque on the Prairie, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Heartland, the Rick Mercer Report, and the Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos.

"And this gay rain army won't stop."

Oh my goodness. I don’t know how it’s taken me so long to discover this.

Check out how laugh out loud funny this anti-gay marriage video is without even trying:


Outrageous, right? Just like a Sarah Palin interview, you don’t even need to touch it. It’s a parody in itself.

But that didn’t stop the creators of this new Funny Or Die video from taking a stab at it – and yes, they made an even funnier spoof!

A Gaythering Storm from Jane Lynch

Oh my god, I love it so much. I can’t stop laughing. And I have a new found love for everyone in it. Even Sophia Bush. But maybe not Lance Bass.

[On a side note, can we please recognize the comedic genius that is Sarah Chalke? Seriously. Everything that comes out of her mouth this season on Scrubs is golden. I can’t wait to see where she lands next – hopefully headlining a show equally worthy of her talents].

One month till SYTYCD season five!

We're officially one month away from the fifth season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, which is just incredibly exciting.

Y'all know nothing makes me happier than a quirky Cat Deeley moment, a ride on Mary Murphy's hot tamale train, and of course a stellar dance routine.

Take a peek above at what Deeley, Murphy, Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman hope to see from the coming season.

How 'bout Chelsie and Mark open each show with their Bleeding Love routine from last season? That would suit me just fine.

Gossip Girl line of the week

Rufus: Dan, you're dressed just like a cater waiter.

Dan: yeah, well you go for a classic look with a black tie and a white shirt, that's what you get.

The best sighting ever, pretty much

In a lot of ways I think a mediocre celeb sighting is more impressive than an A-list one.

I mean, anyone can spot Paris Hilton walking down the street because she'll be wearing something absolutely ridiculous like this.

But to recognize someone from a Tim Horton's commercial or, like, Train 48 -- that takes talent.

Renee and Jackie have pretty much proven their awesomeness in celebrity sightings, by spotting someone in Ottawa last week whose fame is so questionable that they couldn't remember her name.

"It was the blonde girl with the funny lips!" from Video On Trial, my dear friend Jackie reported. "She was crossing the street!"

Thankfully, Renee did a little research so I didn't have to.

"After checking with my good friend Google, her name is Laurie Elliott. She was walking across Elgin with a Wine Rack bag - so Jackie and I came to the conclusion that she got some wine for her comedy show (if she had one)."

Excellent detective work.

I did a Google image search, and the photo above is the first one that came up. Is that her? I really don't think I've ever seen her before.

Good eye, friends.