Last Ryan Gosling post of 2011

Might as well end the year on a high note, right?

Here's a photo of Ryan Gosling looking buff as shit as he leaves an MMA class barefoot in Hollywood earlier this week.

2011 belonged to ...

My goodness, can you believe another year has come and gone already?

As the new year approaches, I took some time to go back through the blog and pick out the people, TV shows, musicians, movies and real-life experiences that made 2012 awesome for this pop culture blogger.

The heartbreak of a British songstress, "photoshopped" abs of our favourite Canadian hunk, and a series of unfortunate bridal party mishaps connected us all through 2011.

Click inside for even more highlights from the past year, and be sure to let me know your favourite pop culture phenomenon of 2011.

Three songs I played on repeat ... repeatedly in 2011

In a year of great music, there are three songs that I'm sure will be blasting from my iPod dock for years to come.



1. Rolling in the Deep, Adele
"It's so refreshing to watch an honest performance based on nothing but talent and emotion. That voice! You can't fake this! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous."




2. Till The World Ends, Britney Spears
"The album leads with Till The World Ends, by far my favourite track off the album ... It is impossible not to dance in your chair when this song amps up. With lyrics that proclaim 'See the sunlight, we ain't stopping, keep on dancing till the world ends' this could easily be the anthem of my life."




3. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger), Kelly Clarkson
"Once you get past the first verse it's non-stop dance fun. It would've made a great opening single from the album. But that's okay -- it's not too late for it to be a great second single!"

April Ludgate doesn't give a shit

A supercut of April Ludgate's best moments, to tide us over until Parks & Recreation's return on January 12.

"April, you're like an angel with no wings."

"So, like a person."

Sighting!

photo: Chris Wong

via Jan Jan on Dec. 21:

Celeb sighting in Edmonton at West Edmonton Mall this afternoon!

Jordan Eberle, NHL player of Edmonton Oilers. My brother reports that he makes like $800,000/yr and is only about 20 yrs old. He's known for his dopey sleepy eyes and awful teeth. We were at David's Teas, just about to leave when my brother's keen eye noticed the hockey player walk in. He maintained a respectful distance but I went back in and pretended to look at tea behind him. He was just wearing jeans and a hoodie... no one seemed to notice who he was except for my brother -- who made enough eye contact with Jordan that we suspect Jordan knew that Chris knew who he was. He was holding two big boxes which contained remote control helicopters. Presents? Or toys? I should have asked!

Magic Mike: First official photo!

Mark your calendars: July 29 will see the release of the hunkiest movie of 2012.

That's when Magic Mike, the male stripper movie starring Channing Tatum, hits theatres.

And to pique our interest, above is the movie's first official promo still. Let me say, I like what I see.

From left, that's Joe Manganiello, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConnaughey and Tatum.

The only hunk missing is Mr. Matt Bomer, whose hotness is sure to increase the stud quotient in this movie even more.

John Krasinski on Sesame Street

Oh boy oh boy.

What's cuter than John Krasinski being his regular adorable self?

John Krasinski being his regular adorable self on Sesame Street!

Check out this great clip of the Office star teaching kids the meaning of the word soggy. It's sure to make you smile and swoon!

A new Christmas tradition

After sufficiently stuffing our faces with turkey dinner on Christmas day, a few cousins, my brothers and I invented a new game we could all enjoy.

It's called "Recite as many Home Alone and Home Alone 2 quotes as you possibly can."

It proved to be a real team effort, and a bonding exercise that brought us even closer together. I'm so glad I recorded it on video, because it's still making me laugh, as you can clearly hear it did at the time.

God damn, my family makes me so proud.

Fuller, easy on the Pepsi!

Tweet tweet: Christmas edition

Merry Christmas! Here's a SoundCloud download of my unreleased song "Stuck On F*ckin' You": bit.ly/uCS27x For your IPODS!! I love u!

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) December 25, 2011

"what would you like for christmas young man?"- "a sitcom" - may all your holiday wishes come true. xj say.ly/gRe1blA

— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas everybody :)

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas! I think I found the perfect Pandora mix for this morning: "Home Alone" soundtrack, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole. Enjoy!

— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) December 25, 2011

Ho Ho Ho! Meeeery Christmas and Happy Holidays! What did Santa leave you under the tree?

— Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) December 25, 2011

I had a wonderful Christmas I can't wait for the New Year. Love u all! Xxoo

— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) December 26, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Well, the big day is here my friends, and so I just want to take a minute to wish you and yours all the best this fine Christmas day!

In true Mejaski holiday tradition, we spent our Christmas Eve watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Always Sunny's Christmas special, before heading to bed and waiting for Santa to come.

We've got a big day of food and family ahead of us -- not to mention even more festivities in the days to come.

And while I do indeed hope Santa is good to you, I'm also glad we've got Bert, Ernie and Mr. Hooper to remind us generosity of spirit and being around loved ones is so much more important than presents.

Happy holidays and best wishes to keep this holiday spirit with you year-round!

It's beginning to feel a whole lot like Christmas!

What a whirlwind of holiday festivities the past few weeks has been!

We're now less than a week from Christmas, and I sure can tell! The Christmas parties and seasonal activities sure have amped up, and I've taken advantage of every opportunity to eat, drink and be merry.

Things officially got festive a couple weeks ago when I visited home and decorated the family Christmas tree with my parents and brother, before we all went out for dinner and a hilarious Second City show.

Then, on Wednesday, Gillian, Ashley, Diana and I attended Andy Kim's Christmas show, where some of Canada's greatest performers got together to raise money for Gillian's Place. The lineup included Sam Roberts, Ron Sexsmith, Buck 65, Lights, Arkells, Dru, and Sarah Harmer.

Each performer played one of their own hits, as well as a holiday song, the latter of which saw some fun collaborations. Sam Roberts performed Little Drummer Boy, which was just too cute, before a rousing rendition of Don't Walk Away Eileen. A highlight indeed! Arkells also proved highly entertaining, while I discovered I knew more Andy Kim songs than I had previously realized.

The next evening I joined Diana and family for a performance of The National Ballet's Nutcracker. It was my first time at the ballet, and I was so excited!

After watching the show I can say I really want to go back! The sets, costumes and music were amazing, but obviously it was the dancing that was truly astounding. It was impossible not to be engaged in the feats of physical beauty the ballet dancers performed on the stage. Also, male dancers in tights = the finest asses I perhaps have ever seen.

I ended off the week with my office Christmas party, where my Secret Santa knew just how to wrap my LCBO gift card ...

... and I learned through caricature that I look like Luke and/or Owen Wilson ...

From there, the weekend is a blur of Christmas season visits, including quality time with my cousin Jass, some intense Saved by the Bell viewing with Katie, and a reunion with my former roommate/always soulmate Devon.

On Sunday we took a lovely stroll through the Christmas Market in the Distillery District, where we enjoyed the music of carollers, and treated ourselves to chocolate-covered bacon ...

As I write this I'm sitting in my parents' living room, watching reruns of Scrubs with the glow of the Christmas tree filling the room. Aren't Christmas holidays great?

More updates soon.

Q&A: Dru talks 'On The Brink'

by Jackie

Canadian R&B artist Dru released his second solo album On The Brink last month, at which point he called Jackie from his house in the hills of Mississauga to talk about musical aspirations, hitting it big in Japan, and his single Gettin' It In.

Your new single Gettin’ It In is fun. How are people reacting to it?

It’s been great! At first I think people weren’t sure if it was me or not, because it was a different sound compared to a lot of the slower R&B stuff that people might know me for, but it’s picking up and catching on really nice. People seem to be liking the video.


Can we expect a similar style from the rest of the songs on the album?

I spent a lot of time in L.A. making the album, so it has a little bit of that dancey LMFAO kind of vibe, but of course that’s still merged with R&B and soul. The R&B influence always has to be there in my music.

I really wanted to give a strong —- I don’t want to say U.S. sound -— but I really wanted to step it up production-wise on this album. People seem to be loving it and I’m really happy about that.


What do you mean by U.S.-sound?

Production level for urban music is on another level in the U.S. It’s taken some years for Canada, on the urban side of things, to catch up and compete. But we’re definitely at that level now with artists like Drake, myself, or Justin Bieber. It’s definitely come a long way.

Tweet tweet: Ricky Gervais

Many of you people are outraged and disgusted by some of the Golden Globe nominations. You want justice. Chill out.Leave it to me. BWAHAHA!

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 15, 2011

Full list of Golden Globe nominees is here.

Ryan Gosling is up for two! Kristen Wiig's recognized for Bridesmaids! Plus nods for Amy Poehler, Claire Danes, Kate Winslet and more.

(These are the nods I'm happy about, obvz. Still, I can't wait for Ricky to rip Hollywood a new one, and for all the actors to whine about it afterward).

I love Matt Damon

And I want to sit on his lap.

Matt Damon for GQ January 2012

Matt Damon sure is looking studly on the January 2012 cover of GQ.

The actor appears in next year's We Bought A Zoo as a widowed father of two who -- coincidentally enough -- buys a ramshackle zoo.

He's also gearing up for his directorial debut, an unnamed film he's developing with John Krasinski.

"When I first started getting work, I felt like acting was the most important thing," he says. "But the more you do it, the more you realize that in the end, the director has all the power.

Full cover story at GQ.com.

Also, check this hotness:

Juliette Lewis on ...

THE WEIRDEST THING SHE DOES WHEN ALONE:
"Lately I have obsessively been doing little videos of my dog. I will talk to my dog and he lays on his back in eternal submission. And I sort of talk in my doggy voice to him and hypnotize him and talk for him in his voice."

CELEBRITIES SHE'D LIKE TO MAKE OUT WITH:
"I’m not really attracted to actors. Because I sort of like Herculean guys or really working class guys who have come from a rough city. I like men who can build things. Like my ex-husband was a pro skateboarder and to me he was a superhero. So as far as celebrity guys, there are a few actors who exceed expectations. Like Mark Ruffalo."

THE CLOSEST SHE'S COME TO BEING ARRESTED:
"This is a fun story, because I actually was arrested. It's much like Footloose, because all I wanted to do was dance. I was 15 and I was bored and I went to a club that unbeknownst to me didn’t have its liquor license.

"So me and my girlfriend got handcuffed because the cops said, 'Anybody who is under the age of 18, raise your hands and we will let you go.' They didn’t let us go; they handcuffed us and took us in. It was hilarious to me, because I was always an artist and my parents were a bit individualistic and funny and Bohemian and I knew my mugshot would be a good piece of art.

"So, I was joking with the cop, 'You think I could get my mugshot?' And I got it and an artist silk-screened it for me and now it's in my living room. But that’s when I got arrested for dancing. It wasn’t like I was consuming drugs and alcohol in this club that didn’t have its liquor license. But it gives me street cred and my mugshot is pretty hilarious."

Ms. Lewis costars on NBC's new series The Firm, premiering in January.

More interview at the source.

Kelly Clarkson: Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) video

This is the cutest Kelly Clarkson video ever.

Check out the voice of a generation's new video for Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You), her second single off her new album.

Kelly solicited flash mob submissions based on choreography she posted to her website last month.

The result is pretty great -- I particularly love the men in suits.

Stay tuned till the end when Kelly and her band get in on the act. What a goof, I love her!

30 Rock season six promo: Liz has a secret

I'm about to say this: with how amazing Parks & Recreation has been this season, I kind of forgot that 30 Rock was missing from NBC's fall schedule.

But that doesn't mean I'm not excited for its January 12 return!

The net is starting to promote the new season with the above spot. Take a look -- Liz has got a secret!

Evan Rachel Wood in Roland Moret

I'm loving the pops of red on Evan Rachel Wood's navy blue Rouland Mouret dress.

The 24-year-old actress sported it for a night out at Chateau Marmont in Hollywood on Saturday.

The spring 2012 design features red leather lilies, and a matching short-sleeved cardy.

Ms. Wood impressively managed to match her lips to her dress embellishments, and played up the rouge with deeper red heels and clutch.

Kelly Clarkson: Why Don't You Try

When I first bought Kelly Clarkson's new album Stronger, I had some trouble getting into Why Don't You Try. It's the least infectiously catchy track, and strays from the rest of the album's pop-rock vibe.

But these days I love getting into the groove of this song more and more. It's sultry and soulful and lets Kelly exercise those pipes in the way she was born to do.

It's definitely lower tempo, but I just know Kelly loves singing this type of song, and live she'd hit it out of the park vocally and emotionally.

(It's also a cover of an Eric Hutchinson track; Kelly outperforms the original, obvz).

Meryl Streep for Vogue January 2012

Good lord. What a positively beautiful cover of Vogue!

Meryl Streep takes the January 2012 cover of the mag, being her breathtaking self in a photo by Annie Liebovitz.

This is the first time the 62-year-old actress, who next portrays Margarat Thatcher in The Iron Lady, has taken the cover of Vogue.

She tells the mag she was intrigued to play Thatcher, as the subjects covered in the film have interested her for a while.

What subjects exactly?

“Women and power and diminishment of power and loss of power,” she says. “And reconciliation with your life when you come to a point when you’ve lived most of it and it’s behind you. I have always liked and been intrigued by older people, and the idea that behind them lives every human trauma, drama, glory, jokes, love.”

For more great photos, a behind-the-scenes video and the full cover story, check out Vogue.com.

Shit girls say

Hah!

I say a lot of these things too -- particularly the part that starts at 1:01.

Thank you, Yvette Nicole Brown ...

... for tweeting the following of your Community costar Joel McHale:

I sure hope this is behind-the-scenes of an upcoming episode where we get more shiny shirtless McHale. Good lord.

NYC11: Saying so long ...

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

Well my friends, as all good things must come to an end, so did our friendship retreat. And might I say it was my best friendship retreat of 2011!

In this final video of our series, get my quick take on standing in line for hours for McQueen, sweating on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the drama of UCB comedy.

Stay tuned till the very end to hear my final line, which made Vanessa LOL once she stopped recording.

Speaking of Vanessa, many thanks to her for allowing me to post her video, voice, image and personal experiences on the blog all week. Thanks even more for living them with me.

And thanks to anyone who enjoyed and commented on these posts this week -- they took foreva-eva to put together with all the words and the photos and the videos, and without comments I don't know that anyone actually cares.

The rest of you just plain suck and don't belong here.

Alanis Morissette cast in Up All Night

Oh now this is just a great piece of casting news.

Canadian icon Alanis Morissette has booked a guest role on NBC's rookie comedy Up All Night.

The Flavours of Entanglement singer (and recent mom) will play a hip hop legend and former member of Ava's (Maya Rudolph) 1990s hip hop band Sound LLC.

Those familiar with Alanis' pre-Jagged Little Pill discography know she's got those big-haired early-90s pop roots to really pull off the role.

She's also no comedy slouch.

Alanis' episode of Up All Night will air in early 2012.

NYC11: Comedy!

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

Not wanting to stay still for a minute while in NYC, Vanessa and I took in not one but two comedy shows during our time there.

First up, we checked out Comedy Cellar, which was coincidentally located downstairs from the pub where I ordered a classic combo during our last trip to NYC.

Claire Danes in Valentino

I love the pretty red dress Claire Danes wore to the Valentino Virtual Museum Launch Party in L.A. earlier this week.

Its bold red colour brings vibrance to a dress that makes clean lines out of a frilly fabric.

The lacy creation is, appropriately enough, Valentino spring 2012.

Danes grounds the look with a pair of black heels and a matching clutch.

Gorge!

NYC11: Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

Our journey to Savage Beauty, the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met, required a lot of hard work, determination, blood, sweat, tears, and waiting.

We naively approached the Met on a sunny Sunday afternoon, one week before the McQueen exhibit was to close.

As we entered, we saw a long line of people wrapped around the upper balcony. "Could they be waiting for the exhibit?" we wondered.

Then we saw it. A sign that said "Two hour wait."

Daniel Radcliffe: EW's Entertainer of the Year

Entertainment Weekly has named Daniel Radcliffe its entertainer of the year for 2011!

The 22-year-old British actor completed the Harry Potter film franchise this year, in addition to getting rave reviews on Broadway in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

(Including a rave from me!)

Also featured in the entertainers of the year issue are Ryan Gosling, Adele, Hugh Jackman, the cast of Bridesmaids and Viola Davis.

NYC11: Brooklyn!

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

After three days in Manhattan, Vanessa and I decided to venture out of our NYC comfort zone and over to Brooklyn. It proved to be a delicious trip, with a few quality retail finds, and a whole shit ton of hipsters.

NYC11: High Line Park

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

One of the highlights of NYC11 was a lovely afternoon stroll through High Line Park, an eye-opening discovery neither of us had heard of until my friend Keren told me it was her favourite spot in the city.

According to Wiki, the High Line is a linear park built on a one-and-a-half mile section of the former elevated freight railroad, which runs along the lower west side of Manhattan. It's been redesigned and planted as an aerial greenway, which runs from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea, to the West Side Yard.

It was a beautifully sunny day as we took in the green space against the city and industrial backdrops of Manhattan. Packed with other pedestrians, it was quite the popular attraction, and yet still felt like a gem tucked away from the main hussle and bustle of the city.

If you've got a spare hour next time your in NYC, I highly recommend you take a little breather at this park. Vanessa even called it her favourite attraction of the trip. Greenery meets the urban city in a fantastic fusion, and when the sun is shining you just can't beat it.

(Not to mention, at the end of the park, we found a party of food trucks underneath!)

Rachel McAdams in Marchesa

Rachel McAdams walked the red carpet at last night's Hollywood premiere of Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows in a lovely long-sleeved Marchesa gown.

Our Canadian beauty kept her hair and makeup simple, and combined the silver dress with Christian Louboutin heels and jewels by Jacqueline Nerguizian.

Gorgeous at the back too ...

NYC11: Things We Ate

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

Like any Chris-and-Vanessa getaway, we spent half our time eating, and the other half talking about eating while visiting other NYC attractions (as you may have noticed in our video blogs).

One of the things I really came to appreciate about NYC was the ease at which I could purchase, and subsequently eat, a large slice of pizza for a mere $1.50. It was, in fact, the first thing I ate when we arrived, and became a nice midnight snack as well. While Toronto's got pretty good street meat distribution, I think we really need to make this curbside pizza equally available.

Here are a few other food highlights, purchased on and off the street ...

Kelly Clarkson: I'll Be Home For Christmas

Ch-check out Kelly Clarkson's brand-spankin' new rendition of I'll Be Home For Christmas.

The fah-lawless version of the holiday classic effectively combines two of the greatest things ever: Kelly Clarkson and Christmas.

You can download the tune now from iTunes, with more new recordings from Ms. Clarkson expected from the online retailer at the end of December.

"The band and I recorded different versions of new and old "Kelly Clarkson" songs for a special ITunes package. It was a lot of fun! We also put a Christmas song on there as well. I can't wait to make a Christmas album. It was such a tease :)" Kelly tweeted last month.

NYC11: Just chillin' on the Met steps

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

Halfway through our trip, Vanessa and I decided to take a little rest on the Met steps. Y'know, like Blair Waldorf would do. (Had nothing to do with the fact that the lineup for the Alexander McQueen exhibit was two plus hours, so we weren't sure what to do instead).

Check out this update to get our quick take on our activities of the day prior.

Plus! Find out why my nectarine Renee gets a special shoutout.

And! Could this be the third update in which Vanessa references tacos?!

Quite possibly.

Watch the 'Christmas Day' trailer (It's better than 'New Year's Eve'!)

Christmas Day (New Years Eve Parody) - watch more funny videos

Kudos to the creators of this parody video for hitting the nail on the head re: the new movie New Year's Eve.

In this spoof, titled Christmas Day, the tagline says it all: "Small plots. Big celebrities."

Raise your glass to this funny video, which is surely way better than New Year's Eve the movie.

NYC11: Marie's Crisis

Upon Diana's recommendation, after Benny's Burritos one night, we headed to Marie's Crisis for a gay old time.

The small ground-level piano bar specializes in show tunes, and as Vanessa and I learned, draws quite the crowd of regulars! It was entertaining, and really quite fascinating, to watch as gays of all ages (and one super impressive female senior citizen) crowded around the piano, and sang right along to songs of Broadway shows past that I've only ever heard of.

Kristen Wiig for Paper December/January 2012

After a banner year, funny woman Kristen Wiig takes the December/January 2012 cover of Paper magazine.

The SNL star tells the mag that despite all the attention Bridesmaids got this year, women have always been funny!

"It's unfortunate that this is only now being talked about, because women have been present in comedy for so long. There have been tons of movies with lots of women in them before Bridesmaids. It's just a confusing thing to me. But you know, if more movies are getting green-lit, and writers are getting a chance because of this movie, I couldn't be happier. That's such a great thing, because the fact that they weren't is kind of awful."

Friend and Bridesmaids costar Maya Rudolph also talks to the mag about her relationship with Wiig, which reminds me of me and my bumheart Renee.

When the two are together, their "sense of humor can get weird -- and maybe also mildly annoying to others," Rudolph says. While working together on the forthcoming film Friends with Kids, "Our hair woman there later told us, 'I miss being there and hearing your and Kristen's songs.' And we were both like, 'What songs?' and she said, 'Whenever you talk about stuff you start singing.' We weren't even really that aware that we did that."

I love it!

For more of Wiig's cover story click here, and a couple more cute photos by Jake Chessum inside.

NYC11: NBC Studio Tour

One of our first stops when we arrived in NYC was the NBC Store. Vanessa and I love it there because they sell t-shirts upon t-shirts with our favourite NBC sitcom catch phrases on them. After our first 45 minute visit, we both bought Queen of Jordan t-shirts. If you don't know that reference, you should feel ashamed. HAHYM!

We tried at this time to also take the NBC Studio Tour, but were told it was all sold out for the day. Slightly discouraged, we decided to look on the bright side -- by coming back in a few days for the tour, we would have another opportunity to shop around the NBC store.

Hey guys, let's have a moment for this Zac Efron gif...

... from the trailer of his upcoming movie The Lucky One.

Yup. Mmm hmm. Affirmative. I'm into it.

Looks pretty great in the face department too:

NYC11: Live! From New York ...

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

In this video update, shot as we waited to go on the NBC Studio Tour, we answer incredibly pressing questions, such as …

Where did Chris and Vanessa eat breakfast on day two of their NYC adventure?

How was DanRad in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?

What’s the price of an umbrella when you really need it?

Plus: did Vanessa eat a taco? If so, where? And how delicious was it?

Once you’ve caught up on our video blog, scroll down for a full review of How To Succeed, plus the story of our sweaty journey to Chuck Bass’ hotel.

And check back tomorrow for more – yes, more! – NYC greatness.

NYC11: DanRad 'Succeeds' at Broadway

If there was ever any doubt that Harry Potter and a Night Court star could make Broadway magic together, I'm here to tell you it's more than possible -- it's happening right now!

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, playing at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre, sees Daniel Radcliffe star as J. Pierrepont Finch, a window-washer who's got more ambition to climb the corporate ladder than skill to back up his quick ascension.

Finch uses a book that bares the name of the show to learn how to make it to the top. That involves wrapping the company's president J.B. Biggley, played by John Laroquette, around his finger, and dodging office rival Bud Frump, played by Christopher J. Hanke.

Jay Baruchel on ...

FIGHTING IN HOCKEY (his upcoming film Goon is about a hockey enforcer):
"The hockey I was raised on, the hockey I understand, the hockey that my Dad taught me about when I was a boy was intrinsically connected with fighting. I grew up in a house where we revered tough guys and paid constant homage to the likes of Chris Nilan and John Kordic. I understand full well that this question makes good fodder for television talking heads, but for me, fighting has always been a part of the North American game."

BEING AWARDED A 'SCREENWRITER TO WATCH' HONOUR WITH JUST TWO WRITING CREDITS:
"Well, if I'm incarcerated or homeless within the next year then yes, this whole tribute may skew a tad 'cart before horse.' But more than anything I'm just very humbled and flattered to be involved with this year's festivities. My love and passion for writing predates my foray into acting. Writing and hopefully directing movies here in Canada - that's my raison d'etre."

CANADIAN PRIDE x FOREVA:
"Yes, I have a maple leaf tattooed over my heart. Yes, I am a proud Montrealer. Jobs will take me where they take me, but nothing will ever be able to convince me to leave my home. If it were up to me, every job would be somewhere in Canada. It's where I'm from, it's where I'm happiest."

[More at source]

NYC11: Chuck Bass' hotel

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

We didn't spot any celebs on this trip to New York, but we did seek out, and loiter in, the real-life Empire Hotel -- a.k.a Chuck Bass' hotel on Gossip Girl.

Like most of our trip, it was a long sweaty journey to our destination.

This video made me LOL!

I hope it gives you a chuckle too.

Also, more of bald dude please.

People's Sexiest Man Alive, on Ryan Gosling

"It's so awful that I'm admitting this but the hell with it - there was such a backlash when they announced it. Ryan Gosling, who I love and I just did a movie with him, he's the greatest, but we were both in Paris this last week and a friend of mine showed me photographs (of us) from the paparazzi. When I say friend I mean me alone in my room looking at the computer!

"There's him walking around and he literally looks like he's in a photoshoot, like he just came off the runway. And there's ones of me and I literally look like the neighbour who never really comes out of his house. And when he does you're like, 'Maybe he should just stay in! We don't know what he does in there!' So it's been interesting."

-- Bradley Cooper, on the backlash of being chosen People's Sexiest Man Alive over the true sexiest man alive Ryan Gosling.

Let's just enjoy them both, okay?

NYC11: Chris and Vanessa set goals

In August 2011 Chris and Vanessa traveled to New York City for a five-day friendship retreat. This week they share highlights through photos, video and the written word.

In our first video update, we share our goals for our time in one of the greatest cities in the world. While diverse, each item on our list had the potential to bring big fun and big memories.

Be sure to check back throughout the week to discover whether we achieved our goals, and how much fun we had in the process!

(Vanessa will also emerge from behind the camera).

Oh yes, Brandon Flowers. Oh yes.

I think I will always and forever have a soft spot for Brandon Flowers. My heart went all aflutter when I saw the above photo of the Killers frontman, from this new GQ interview.

(He's still gorgeous, right?)

After releasing and touring a solo album, Flowers is back recording with The Killers, and talking with the mag about their sound evolution.

"Some people talk about how we've changed a lot, and that's definitely not something we set out to do," he says. "But we're always searching. I've struggled with an identity sometimes; I don't know what exactly I am. I love so many types of music and I don't want to commit to going down one road. The band is still trying to figure that out and maybe that's what has kept things fresh for people."

At that rate, Mr. Flowers also admits his style has transitioned quite a few times over the years. He event confesses to never being too happy with that Sam's Town-era moustache of is.

"I'm searching for something. When we came out, we were wearing suits. My dad didn't wear stuff like that, but I was into David Bowie. It was a combination of him and the whole Vegas thing of wanting to put on a show. That started and then we began writing rock songs that went down a different road, and, I don't know, things keep evolving. I keep trying things. I really would be happy to just find one thing and stick with that. I'm getting closer! [laughs] The more I work out and the more I feel comfortable in my own skin, the more simple it becomes and the more comfortable I feel onstage."

If you're jonesing for new Killers, the band just released a new Christmas single to benefit RED, which you can listen to below.

(I can't watch this video without wanting to jump into my computer screen and smother Mr. Flowers with all my love).

This is an Alanis Morissette walking post

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: motherhood sure does agree with Alanis Morissette!

The Canadian songstress was photographed looking gorgeous and glowing in Brentwood, Calif. earlier this week.

Love!

Dianna Agron for Nylon January 2012

Dianna Agron visits the 60s on the January 2012 cover of Nylon magazine, photographed by Marvin Scott Jarrett.

The blonde beauty gives the mag the scoop on her new website You and Me and Charlie.

"It's mainly arts-based, but it's also a forum for people to love and support each other," she says."I realized that just by posting something, I can really influence someone's day."

She also reveals what she was like in her adolescence, and it sounds nothing like her Glee character Quinn!

"We watched Practical Magic and all of those movies, like The Craft. My friend's mom had all these Stevie Nicks outfits, and we'd gypsy dance in her living room and have seances. We'd mix all these things from the refrigerator together and we'd look at it and be like, 'This means you're going to find true love when you'r 18 years old'."

For more from the interview, check out Nylon's website.

More 60s glam photos inside!

Other adjectives for the 'most fascinating' people of 2011

Another year, another opportunity to question Barbara Walters' grasp of the word 'fascinating.'

Yup, that's right. Babs has revealed some of her most fascinating people of the year, to be featured on her annual ABC special.

And while perhaps fascinating is in the eye of the beholder, I've got my own thoughts about the TV specials on which each of her selections should really be featured.

PIPPA MIDDLETON - Most Scenestealy Bridesmaids of the Year

SIMON COWELL - Most British Black-tshirt Wearers of the Year

JESSE TYLER FERGUSON and ERIC STONESTREET - Most Apt at Playing Gay Stereotypes of the Year

DEREK JETER - Most Difficult To Label With A Zingy Title, Partially Because I'm Too Lazy To Google What Makes This Baseball Player So Special, of the Year

KATY PERRY - Most Likely To Show Off Her Breasts While Infiltrating My Ears With The Next Catchy Earworm of the Year

THE KARDASHIANS - Most Unworthy Of My Time of the Year

DONALD TRUMP - Most Likely To Have Paid For His Name to Appear On This List of the Year

Gabourey Sidibe on ...

ART AND COMMERCE:
"Art means expressing yourself and commerce is just a means of supporting yourself monetarily. If you’re lucky, your art can turn into commerce…or maybe if you’re unlucky as well."

HER FAVOURITE CAREER MOMENT TO DATE:
"Being asked to host SNL was a huge deal. I consider myself to be a comedy nerd and being asked to do a show that has launched so many careers and has changed so many minds about what’s funny and what isn’t was such an honor. To this day, I haven’t been able to get over being proud or scared. I’m still scared."

WHO SHE'D LIKE TO WORK WITH:
"There are so many actors that I admire and would love to work with. It’s hard to choose one. I’m a huge fan of funny ladies so I’d have to say Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig and Sarah Silverman."

HER FAVE FORM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION (BESIDES ACTING):
"I love to sing! I love music. I sing all the time without even realizing it. I also love to write. When most teenagers in my high school were getting high (and pregnant), my best friend Crystal and I would write stories for each other. It’s always been a great interest of mine. Whenever I have a bad day, it helps me feel better to write out the way the day should’ve gone."

WHERE SHE'LL BE IN FIVE YEARS:
"I’m not the kind of girl that makes plans for years to come. If 5 years ago, someone had asked what I’d be doing this year, I would’ve given a completely wrong answer. That’s what life is about. Surprises! I just hope that in 5 years I’m even happier than I am today."

[More at The HF Magazine]