Posts tagged CBC
Shameless Self-Promotion
Dec 3rd
Hi folks!
Just an update on my life. I graduated Ryerson University in June with my degree in journalism and have since been working as a freelance writer. I thought I would link to some of the recent blog posts I’ve written for Yahoo! Canada, so that you can take a looksy.
Cheers,
Leigh.
My blogging station during the Toronto International Film Festival
# This post is about how celebrities (like Kiefer Sutherland, Lisa Kudrow, Diablo Cody, and Joss Whedon, among others) are moving from film and television to the Internet. Check it out here: “Kiefer Sutherland stars in the online series ‘The Confession,’ but he’s not the first celeb to hit the web.”
# For a while, I’ve had this theory that Taylor Lautner’s mannerisms, voice, and facial expressions on chat shows are very similar to Matt Damon’s TV appearances. Visit: “Is Taylor Lautner taking interview cues from Matt Damon?”
# While watching an interview of Jann Arden on CBC’s “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight,” I found it interesting that she talked about her brother’s poor treatment in prison. Apparently, readers did to, as it currently has 456 comments. Read “Jann Arden condemns poor treatment of her brother in prison” on “omg!”
# I was one of many who thought Ryan Gosling deserved People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” title for 2011. I air my grievances in “People’s Sexiest Man Alive: Was Ryan Gosling robbed?“
Funny: Ryan Hamilton
Jun 3rd
When I first watched Ryan Hamilton’s stand-up on Conan, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between him and Jerry Seinfeld. The commentary on ordinary life made funny, not to mention similar speech, make Hamilton and Seinfeld the same breed of comedian. This is the type of comedy I enjoy; one that is not brimming with obscenities and over-sharing about exes, rather, just simple comedy.
Hamilton is from small-town Idaho and has his degree in journalism (holla!) and public relations. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Hamilton spent his days as a PR professional, but his nights were used building a comedy career.
Today, Hamilton is a full-time comedian that is generating buzz; Hamilton was named one of Rolling Stone’s five comics to watch, was MVP in Just For Laughs’ “The Comedy Leagues” competition and performed in the Showtime special “Caroline Rhea and Friends.” You will certainly be seeing more of Ryan Hamilton.
Being Erica
Dec 29th
Not Canadian? Then perhaps you haven’t heard of the gem Being Erica, a CBC show following 30-something Erica Strange. To me, Being Erica is similar to Gilmore Girls, with it’s independent leading lady, cutesy atmosphere and feel-good moral lessons. But Being Erica is edgier than the WB family-friendly show and will surely leave your mouth agape after some dramatic storylines.
In season one, Erica Strange is single and unemployed. Her life seems to be leading nowhere until she meets Dr. Tom, an unorthodox therapist, who offers his services to the curly-haired brunette. Desperate, she accepts and Dr. Tom sends Erica to her past, where she faces her regrets.
I received a "Being Erica" snow globe for Christmas!
The second season of the CBC show features a happier Erica. She scored a dream job and a dream guy, but the season is far from boring. While a happy main character might make some shows boring, the writers of Being Erica keep viewers on their toes. Season two is darker, with each episode bringing a shock factor; Erica learns Dr. Tom’s history and relives her greatest regret- the death of her brother Leo.
Now in it’s third season, Erica enters group therapy; Instead of delving into her own past, she helps others undergoing the same treatment. Not only does Erica move forward in her personal life, but she moves forward in the treatment process- and we get to see what Erica’s future is in this bizarre otherworldly therapy.
It is rumoured that Being Erica will be remade for the U.S., but I think the Canadian series is excellent on its own. Unlike most Canadian shows, which aim to include as much Canadiana as possible (to please the CRTC), Being Erica is truly representative of urban Canadians. While there may be a few “eh”‘s and “poutine” shout-outs, I’m sure Americans will understand the original just fine, so I encourage you to watch it (Being Erica airs on SOAPnet).