Raisin Wine: A Boyhood in a Different Muskoka is the story of James Bartleman, the former Lieutenant General of Ontario. I was intrigued by this book, as I am by most biographies, so I sailed right in after finding it on display at the library with an assortment of other Canadiana books on a table preparing patrons for Canada Day.
What I expected was the story of James Bartleman and how he eventually made his way to the Ontario Lieutenant Govenor's chair but what I didn't expect is that the book would be written as a novel, in a third person omniscient voice and with few proper names used in the book. The main character was refered to as "the boy, while other characters were referred to as "the boy's mother/father/brother/sister". This was not your average run of the mill biography, it spans only a few years in the fifties, though the years covered were probably the most formative years of anyone's life, when children were just discovering the teen years and what lies beyond the family circle. It's always interesting to read how someone who attained Bartleman's stature later in life, was obsessed with ice cream and comics from the general store or how he helped the family's income by collecting scrapmetal and selling fish to his neighbours as a child.
This book also paints an interesting picture of Muskoka as it grew into the tourist haven it is today. Focussed around Port Carling, the book speaks of how the region grew from the disappointment of the first settlers and the displacement of the First Nations to the growth of cottages and summer homes owned by the people from the "South" (Toronto). With the conditions of reserves currently in the news due to the swine flu outbreaks, I found it rather depressing to read that nothing much has changed in that regard since the time frame of the book, that some First Nation reserves still struggle for basic infrastructure and needs, while battling the same demons such as substance abuse.
As soon as I finished reading this book, I recommended it to a friend who lives in Muskoka. It is a compelling read, of a little boy growing into a teenager and the dynamics that shaped who he is today.
Please check out James Bartleman's apperance on The Hour. Like the book, this interview is very compelling.
Hour Books: Raisin Wine...
O Canada! What's on June 29-July 3
Where did June go? It seems like just yesterday we were in the middle of spring and now we're looking at the month of July. At least the summer weather is finally here.
The Hour hiatus continues with some of the best interviews from Season Five.
Monday, June 29
Bill Maher and Larry Charles
Finesse Mitchell
Tuesday, June 30
Howard Zinn
Sean Avery
Ricky Gervais
Wednesday, July 1
Paul Rudd and Jason Segel
Nickelback
Thursday, July 2
Smashing Pumpkins
Howie Mandel
James Cameron
Friday, July 3
Sarah Palin
Marlee Maitlin
John Legend
Have a wonderful and safe Canada Day week!Strombo Joins the Suzuki Foundation Board
Hour Books: Smile While You're Lying...
I'm a big fan of this genre so it's no surprise that I really liked this book. Thompson's voice really reminds me of NYC Chef Anthony Bourdain (author of Kitchen Confidential and host of No Reservations), but with a totally different spin. This excerpt from the book sums it up:
The biggest reason travel writing is dull, as Queenan correctly pointed out, is that most of it is devoid of anything approaching an authentic point of view. On those rare occasions when travel writers are allowed to express an actual opinion, it must be a completely harmless one that's also shared by the travel industry at large. These are usually offered as hard-hitting commentaries describing how “quaint” a hotel room is, how “mind-blowing” a nature park is, or how “mouthwatering” a chef's specialty is. Everything is superlative. Like being a sports fan, one of the best things about being a traveler is complaining about the parts you don't like—hating the Dallas Cowboys not only doesn't make me any less a football fan, it probably makes me a more avid one. This is a concept the travel industry has never embraced.
From having all his money stolen on a remote island in Thailand to running out of gas on a remote British Columbia highway, I thought this book was a great read particularly if you're interested in travelling or writing about your travels.
Don't forget to check out Chuck Thompson when he appeared on The Hour in April 2008... and then check out More With Chuck Thompson...
It's Summertime!
George Gershwin summed it up best: "Summertime, and the livin' is easy". In case you missed it, the much anticipated Summer Solstice arrived early this morning! Of course summer means different things to different people. One thing it means to me is spontaneous roadtrips with music blaring from the car stereo. If you are looking for some new music to add to the soundtrack of your summer, check out today's edition of The Strombo Show (5pm EST) on one of these Corus Radio stations: The Edge 102.1 (Toronto) The Fox 99.3 (Vancouver) Power 97 (Winnipeg) Y108 (Hamilton) FM96 (London).
If you are a fan of The Hour, one downside to summer is that we are now into repeats. Perhaps you'll be able to catch an interview you missed when it originally aired or have the opportunity to re-watch a special favourite.
Award-winning documentary film director and author Mariane Pearl.
Music legend Tony Bennett.
Tuesday, June 23rd
(Do you see a pattern here?)
Canada's best known "Hit Man", music producer David Foster.
British journalist Sir David Frost.
Super Dave Osborne (aka Bob Einstein).
Wednesday, June 24th
Canadian literary icon Farley Mowat.
Film director, producer, writer and actor Spike Lee.
Reformed computer hacker MafiaBoy (aka Michael Calce).
Thursday, June 25th
British Columbia native and multi-award winning singer, Michael Bublé.
Journalist, television personality and author Barbara Walters.
The King of Culinary Cursing, chef Gordon Ramsay.
Friday, June 26th 
Former Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Hon. Paul Martin.
Actress and author Valerie Bertinelli.
Television and movie legend Bob Newhart.
Speaking of Bob...if your travels ever take you to the entrance of Chicago's Navy Pier, you too can have a session with the 'doctor'.
Hour Books: The Book of Negroes
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill was one of the last books featured in Season Five of The Hour and the winner of the 2009 Canada Reads competition on CBC. It chronicles the amazing life of Aminata Diallo, a young woman stolen from her African home, sold into slavery and then travels from place to place looking for freedom from slavery, including a little known incident in Canada's own history.
Most Canadians know of Canada's involvement in the Underground Railroad, but few know that Canada had its own race issues and was not immune to the slave trade. Author Lawrence Hill found inspiration for the novel from the story of the migration of these black settlers to and from Africa. He took the name of his novel from the actual Book of Negroes, a relatively unknown historical document that lists the names and characteristics of the black loyalists who migrated from New York state to Nova Scotia towards the end of the American Revolutionary War with the promise that they would receive land and liberty when they arrived in the British colonies.
Unfortunately, what they were promised and what they found were two completely different things. In 1784, a group of unemployed white settlers attacked the black settlement of Birchtown, Nova Scotia, destroying the settlement. This attack became known as the first race riot in North America. Feeling angered and betrayed by the British, some of these settlers made the first journey back to Africa only ten years after arriving on the continent.
You can view a copy of the Book of Negroes through the Nova Scotia Archives.
This novel is a very interesting read. It's also a very heavy read, there were times when the sheer volume of suffering was really disturbing. Hill has a gift for painting an image in the mind, I often felt like I'd been transported right into the scene. This is not a "happily ever after" novel, there is a lot of sadness and human suffering in this book. But woven into the book is a demonstration of the strength of the human spirit.
If you've read the novel, leave us a comment and let us know what you thought of the book.
Check out Lawrence Hill's interview on The Hour.
Stroumboulopoulos. Reporting for Duty. Jury Duty.
As I walked the Queen West area of Toronto with some friends this past Friday night after a fabulous Japanese dinner, we noticed hoards of kids strewn about the sidewalks clad in sweats, some in sleeping bags, some hunkering down in pup tents. Curious and or nosy as I am, I asked a seemingly friendly, normal young lady what people were lining up for. Her answer was somewhat shocking and disturbing... we're lining up for wristbands for the MMVA's.
Yes... the Much Music Video Awards. Hosted by the triumvirate of virginal musical pablum -- the Jonas Brothers. Featuring musical powerhouses like Lady Gaga and special guests from The Hills. God help us all... is this how far music has fallen?
Resisting the urge to Yakitori all over the sidewalk, we soldiered on... talking about our excitement for upcoming music festivals including this week's NXNE and reminiscing about who we may have camped out for when we were 15. Conversation progressing, we realized that at their ages, our musical tastes were also not fully formed... okay kids. Mama'll give you a pass. You're forgiven.
This time of year is an important one in the Canadian music industry. The nominees for the Polaris Prize -- the initial long list of 40 discs have been announced - the submissions from music journalists, bloggers, media types hand in their 5 picks for best Canadian album of this past year. After this, jurors will vote again to narrow down to the short list of 10. The short list will be revealed on July 7th and then it's on. The Grand Jury will debate the merits and announce the final pick -- the $20,000 prize winner at the Polaris gala on September 21st.
Not surprisingly, the list is not without omissions... but as always, covers a wide spectrum of genres and geographical regions. I'm happy to say that of the list of 40, I own 11. Yes, own. That aside, my favourite part of Polaris is that the contest is based on artistic merit - not sales- and provides music lovers a fabulous opportunity to really explore the musical landscape that the scenesters have laid out with their long list selections.
Some notable points on the list?
Former Polaris Grand Prize winner Patrick Watson makes a return appearance on the list -- this time for 'Wooden Arms'. Could they win again?
Profanity takes a backseat to no list -- last year it was Holy Fuck who made the top 10 -- will the equally controversially named Fucked Up be so lucky with their entry 'The Chemistry of Common Life'?
Many artists who receive play or have been live studio guests on The Strombo Show have made the cut. Jill Barber, Arkells, The Stills, Joel Plaskett, Metric and K-OS -- to name a few.
I really feel that a good bet for top 10 are Hey Rosetta -- who kicked ass at the East Coast Music Awards. Great Lake Swimmers, Jill Barber, Joel Plaskett and The Stills are among my top picks.
I will definitely check out some acts I've never even heard of... Think About Life, Lhasa and Bison B.C. to name a few.
Check out the long list HERE. There is also a featured contest for those who wish to guess who will comprise the top 10 finalists...
What would your top 10 be? Any glaring omissions this year? Who'd your ultimate winner be?
Take care... happy listening. Let's hear it for Canadian Music!!!!!
Buko Juice, a Real Thirst Quencher
Acquaintance Party at Camp Holiday Beach Resort
Last weekend we had an acquaintance party at Camp Holiday Beach Resort in Brgy. Kinawitnon, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). We had so much fun...parlor games were played...food was great! Some of my colleagues brought with them their kids and spouses.
Camp holiday Resort is a new addition to the many resorts in Samal Island. It is very accessible because it is situated just right beside the barge wharf. It is very clean and it has a nice ambiance. It has enough space for kids, camping and games.
There are a number of guest houses inside the resort. It is air-conditioned, with hot and cold shower, toilet, and a cable TV. This is good for 3 persons at a rate of Php1,800.00.
This is a Ferry boat...taken while riding Island City Express Bus
A souvenir pose...Me and hubby few hours before going home - Pavillion
- Camping ground
- Shower and toilets
- Restaurant / Bar
- Playground
- Huts
- Function hall
Entrance fee - Php50.00
Cottages - Hut - Php150.00
Function Hall - Php15,000.00
Hour/Hockey season is over and Summer begins
The Strombo Show this and every Sunday.The Edge 102.1 (Toronto) The Fox 99.3 (Vancouver)
Power 97 (Winnipeg) Y108 (Hamilton) FM96 (London)
George and Alex share music, interviews and conversation each radio show. They will use 'technology' to get you fresh shows all summer long.
If you have a request for George message him in your usual fashion. Email, facebook, myspace and twitter. Click on the listen live at 5 (EST) or follow along on facebook.
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The Hour is on a summer taping break but the best of The Hour from this Season will be presented at it's regular time all summer long.
Monday June 15, 2009
Canada's sometimes controversial but always stylish (oops is that fur?) Governor General -Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean will be talking to George about seal hearts and other subjects.
- Joe Dinicol
actor - Malcolm McDowell who has done everything from Star Trek to A Clockwork Orange.
KISS this!
-Journalist, author and pop sociologist -
Catholic Priest gets to have a very long conversation with George.
He is on The Hour for the entire hour.
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With cutbacks this year to the CBC The Hour is not unaffected and some of our favourite staff will not be coming back in Season Six. We know the Season Six crew will get the job done and The Hour will be a tribute to their hard work and they will come up with brilliant new ideas.
One audience favourite is attending the show and meeting George when The Hour is on the Road. The question of 'Can The Hour do shows on the road in the coming season?' would depend on sponsorship. In these tough economic times finding those sponsors would be nice. So if you have any ideas to get The Hour traveling again let 'em know.
To the crew of The Hour have a great summer! Good luck in all your endeavors.
The Blog writers will still be adding our posts all summer long. We'll write about books featured on The Hour and other summer projects... please keep following us for updates.
