Review: Mr. Mercedes
There’s nothing like an absorbing story to take one’s mind off, oh, I don’t know, maybe civilian airliners getting shot down and renewed fighting over a thin strip of land allegedly promised to two peoples. …
Reviews
Professor Weird Al
The Weird one is back. The man who brought us Eat It to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Beat It, King of Suede to King of Pain by the Police and many, many more parodies has returned. His first release left me a little cold. Tacky is a take on Pharrell’s Happy and the only thing it seemed to have going for it was a bunch of celebrities. Watch it once, and you’re done with it. Â …
Review: Tomorrow Night
Louis ck may very well be the funniest man on the planet. He’s cerebral and still relatable.  Stories about his daughters, his life, his observations, have made him millions of dollars. He’s a rock star in the stand-up comedy world. …
Review: Philomena
The acclaimed film Philomena came out last year and was a critical darling. Dame Judi Dench stars in the title role of an Irish woman forced to give up her toddler during a dark chapter of Ireland’s history. Steve Coogan is the journalist who embarks on a quest to help her find her son. …
Yo! Bananas!
Many months ago the Yonanas machine caught my attention but it took a while to convince me to acquire one for my own. Â …
Review: The Racketeer
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Grisham novel. I was an early fan but he lost me when he evolved into a non-legal-affairs writer. …
From London to Chicago
It’s incredible how time slips away and before you know it a year has gone by between visits with two of your favourite people. That’s where hubby and I found ourselves when BFF Erin and AFL (amazing friend for life) Rob floated the idea of the two of us coming up for a weekend to see Chicago at Casino Rama. …
Review: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
When Chris Hadfield returned from serving as Commander of the International Space Station he could have taken any job in Canada that he wanted. He is so popular, respected and admired that he holds us in the palm of his hands. …
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My First Poor Decision of 2014
After the delightful story I reviewed yesterday I ignored my own best judgment and downloaded a book I hoped beyond reason would be funny. Alas, it was not! Â …
Novel Way to Start the New Year
Someone, somewhere recommended this Swedish-to-English novel and I’m so glad I picked it up.  The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared keeps only surnames and place names in its original Swedish and the story isn’t lost in translation. It’s funny, smart and at times, laugh out loud funny. …
Review: My Mother was Nuts by Penny Marshall
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for dishy, insider stories from those who have made their living in some form of popular entertainment. …
Review: Ring of Fire (The Music of Johnny Cash)
The Grand Theatre’s new season has opened with a strum and a twang in homage to the music of Johnny Cash. …
Venus Rising Reviews
One of the most gratifying aspects of writing is getting feedback from readers. Whether it’s this blog or my House Proud column or a book, the fact that something I did compelled someone to take the time to communicate with me is something I will never take for granted.
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Review: The Fridgularity by Mark Rayner
I’m really torn about this review.  They say film critics are failed film students.  Well I wouldn’t call myself failed but I do know how hard it is to write fiction. …
Bully
My brother suggested I watch a documentary titled Bully. Â “You’ll blog about it”, he said. Â So here I am, proving my brother right. A few decades ago that would have been unthinkable! Â …
He’s Just Not That Into You
What a depressing book. …
Review: The Truth about Dandelions by Hayley Linfield
The best novelists make their writing seem effortless. When you read their stories you don’t even think about the writing and that’s tough for a fellow writer to do.  But Hayley Linfield has accomplished this with her debut novel, The Truth about Dandelions. …
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On the Fringe
One of the best mainstream TV shows in recent memory signed off for good on Friday night. Â And unlike so many shows before it, its finale tied things up intelligently and appropriately, leaving fans with a chuckle and a tear. Â …