November Events

Atonement ****
Film adaptation of Ian McEwan's tragic novel. For an adult male to painstakingly recreate the inner world of a 13 year old girl is admirable. To deftly drawn us into the horrors of war and wrap it in a love story is worthly of applause. Such is the breadth of Atonement. It's faithful to the book but like all screenplays some details are missing - and none of the essence has been lost. Much of the dialogue is drawn directly from the pages and the period as well as the costumes ring true - all the way down to Marshall's loafers. Strongly recommended, especially for the breath-taking 6 minute tracking sequence along the beach at Dunkirk.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Who could have imagined that a 45-year-old Russian baritone would be my next flavour-of-the-month? Well, not me! Move over Steven Pinker. It’s impossible not to fall under his velvety spell. And why resist? Just ask the 2500-or-so roaring fans during November’s triumphant muli-faceted concert at Roy Thomson Hall. And it wasn’t just his singing – it was that charming, boyish "geee, you liked it" grin that followed each number. In the end, the crowd applauded in unison while at least four floral bouquets were presented. How does a Canadian girl react when this superstar returns for his 3rd encore wearing a personalized Leaf’s jersey (#77) and sings O Sole Mio? Pass the smelling salts.

Whole Life Expo 2007
Crystals galore! Also, mini-massages, blood testing, aura photos, water filters, ethical funds, sprouts, hemp, and organic olives on a toothpick. Plus lectures on the dangers of microwave pollution, if you're worried about that sort of thing.
Photo Sensitive - exhibition celebrated Trillium Foundation's 25th anniversary. Images from 25 photographers were displayed at BCE Place from Nov 19-30.

On Set With The Hour

On Wed, Nov 14 a bunch of us left work early and headed down to the CBC building on Front St East to join the enthusiastic audience for The Hour with George Strombolopoulos. He worked the crowd in line while we waited to take our seats -

grabbing Suly's camera and snapping the top photo on the fly. George was as friendly and upbeat in person as he appears on camera. He let us know what to expect between taped segments and then hung out for a chatty Q&A after the stage

hands wrapped up. When asked about the #1 Cdn Competition a few years ago, he said Tommy Douglas was his first and only choice - well, maybe Neil Young - and, although he doesn't feel "proud" of helping Tommy reach the top spot, he would have felt responsible if he didn't win. The up close and personal pose was his idea, honest! (photo courtesy of Tura Adam)

World AIDS Day - Dec 1st

Dr. Jane Philpott kicked off a successful rally in First Cdn Place on Nov 14th. She is also responsible for starting the Day in 2004 by challenging 50 fellow doctors at Markham Stouffville Hospital to donate one day's pay to this worthy cause. That first year they raised $33,000.

By 2006, $500,000 was raised to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation. He gave us his unique perspective and encouragement about the situation in Afria. Funds also benefit Dignitas International. James Orbinski (left) let us know more about this medical humanitarian organization.

We got pumped up with Soul Influence and finished with Steven Page singing a few Barenaked Ladies songs. We also heard from a brother and sister who donated the money they earn from their paper route, finishing with a challenge to other paper carriers to donate a day's pay.

November Weekend

The National Women's Show was a huge success again this year. Held in the south building of the Convention Centre, the show offered cooking demos, fashion shows and healthy tips and tricks, but I enjoyed the give-aways the best!
Smiling? Sure - after my successful flexibility and hydration testing. I also learned about hair weaves, the benefits of glass nail files and options for teeth whitening, if you're interested.

On Saturday, Nov 3rd I attended Hope in the Balance, an all-day event at U of T's Convocation Hall. Six speakers were each given one hour (a 20-minute lecture followed by an interview then Q&A) to explore the "possibilities for humanitarianism in the 21st century." On the bill were Romeo Dallaire (right), Stephen Lewis, and James Orbinski.