Somewhere along her recent Toronto Press Tour, Meghan Trainor found a quick minute to pop by over at the National Post and record an Acoustic version of Sam Smith‘s Stay With Me as per of their NP Sessions Series. And let me tell you – your mind will be blown! Dare I say I like it even more than the original? Sorry, Sam! You know I love you too!

Surely we can’t be the only ones to see a little Dolly Parton in her?

Check it out in full below:

We cannot sing high enough praises for this Girl. We adore her and need that full-length Album like yesterday! Trainor‘s Disc TITLE will be in stores on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 via Sony Music!

Official Artwork:

If you haven’t checked out her new Single LIPS ARE MOVING, here‘s a sample.

Read about that time we meet Meghan Trainor right here.

(Photo/video credit: National Post)

The 77th  Pattison Canadian International was held at Woodbine Racetrack  yesterday, the $1-million one-and-a-half mile race drawing competitors domestic and abroad for a shot at the big prize!  Post-Time Favourite HILLSTAR would go on to win by just under a horse length, under now two-time Pattison Canadian International-winning jockey Ryan Moore over  U.S. invader BIG BLUE KITTEN, ridden by Joel Rosario.  The Winner paid $4.50 on a $2 bet, the final time a respectable 2:29, about four seconds off the Course Record.

The afternoon certainly was not without its share of drama as Co-Favourite Brown Panther, also from England, was started moments before the race startled, bolting off with his rider Richard Kingscote, who eventually was dismounted. The Horse’s owner, English Football Star Michael Owen took to Twitter to express his disappointment, but was glad nonetheless that his prized Star and its rider were unharmed.

Earlier on the Card, Racing Fans were delighted with some remarkable Races on the Program including the $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes (regarded as a top turf fixture internationally for female horses), the $300k Nearctic Stakes (a respected turf event for sprinters) and also the $150k Ontario Fashion (a sprint race on the main track for female horses). JUST THE JUDGE would prevail in the E.P. Taylor under soon-to-retire jockey Jamie Spencer winning by a half-length over ODELIZ, both Irish-bred fillies. The Winner returned $5.20 to a $2 bet. Canada’s DECEPTIVE VISION placed third in the Race for historic Sam-Son Farms.

I had the pleasure of entertaining a group of Social Media Influencers earlier in the day, who took delight in meeting one of Woodbine’s top riders Patrick Husbands just moments before he went-on to win on race favourite HILLABY! We enjoyed the one-day only international flavours including Funnel Cakes, Smoked Turkey Legs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Crepes and so much more!

Patrick Husbands + Friends: 

Also, those limited edition and fashionable Pattison Canadian International Scarves clearly were a cross-generational hit!

It’s not too late still to check-out the races at Woodbine Racetrack, which conclude this December!  Let’s make a day of it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The stars shined bright tonight on the yellow carpet at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts as the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show commenced on a chillier-than-average October day.  The annual Fixture which originated in 1998 honouring individuals who have contributed greatly to the Canadian Cultural landscape, saw representatives from multiple disciplines recognized with an equally star-studded list of Presenters.  Their achievements are commemorated via a star plaque situated between John to Simcoe Streets in Toronto, in and around the Entertainment District.

Among those  honoured this year were the likes of Actor Ryan Reynolds, Actress Rachel McAdams, Olympian and Hockey Icon Hayley Wickenheiser, Philanthropist Louise Arbour, Musician Jeff Healey and iconic Rock Outfit, The Band.  Their Peers including Jian Ghomeshi, Wendy Crewson, Tom Cochrane, Jay Baruchel, Clara Hughes, Peter Fonda and more were on-hand to introduce each of this year’s Star Recipients.

Director and Film/Television Star Jason Priestley filled Host’s duties more than ably with his quick wit, poking fun at everything from the traffic in Toronto to the perception that all Canadian Actors hang with one another while in Hollywood. We had the pleasure of chatting with Priestley  on who his Canadian Heroes are and why it is he chose to be involved with Canada’s Walk of Fame.  On his Idol, he says “It was The Relic on The Beachcombers back in the day. That’s how long ago I left Canada.”.  He adds, “I left Canada in the mid-80s but  I’m so thankful every day I grew up here. I want to Theatre School here and Canada’s been extremely important to me as an Artist and a Man.  That’s why it’s important for me to be here recognizing these great Entertainers and Political Figures.”.

We spoke quickly to Ryan Reynolds who arrived sans pregnant Wife Blake Lively and he reveals to us his greatest Canadian Heroes.  “Michael J. Fox for starters, Atom Egoyan (whom he collaborated with on 2014’s The Captive), Gordon Lightfoot… I loved Barenaked Ladies growing-up” says the Vancouver-born Honouree. “There’s no shortage of Canadian Heroes, I could definitely do this all day!”.   Reynolds upon receiving his Star, spoke to some of the highs and lows he’s faced in his Career, telling the Audience “My ability to laugh at myself has saved my life.  Canada’s greatest export in fact is sarcasm.”.  He proceeded to thank his Mother Tammy who was in-attendance and Lively, whom he describes as “An Alien.  Like MacGyver-meets-Brigitte Bardot!“.

Prized Hockey Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser had full control of the stage today, speaking eloquently about her success and how our national treasure of a sport, Hockey, has afforded her many privileges in life.  She brought along a ten-year-old Cancer-surviving Hockey Player named Grace whom had her leg amputated, lauding her courage to continue fighting in the name of the Sport.  Wickenheiser also thanked her Son Noah on-stage, whom she admits isn’t a Hockey Fan.  She went-on to thank him for his understanding in all her travels away from home, drawing emotional reactions from some of the Audience members.

McAdams certainly was the Belle of the Ball, looking one-part Classic Hollywood Starlet and one-part Grecian Goddess in a dual-tone flowy number.  Despite being rushed-in and unable to accommodate many Media interviews, she made a strong impression, tearfully receiving her Star on the Walk of Fame.  The Actress, in-town currently filming the Drama Spotlight, admits “As much as I love adventure, there is nothing more nourishing to my soul than coming home.”.  McAdams went-on to credit York University for giving her a foundation and skills which she still draws-upon still  to this day as one of Hollywood’s top Actresses.

Musical Tributes also were given to Inductees Jeff Healey and The Band, with JUNO Winner Sean Jones and The Treasures (ft. Tom Cochrane and more) putting on a dazzling display for the Audience respectively.  Scarborough’s The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was named Recipient of the Allan Slaight Award, honouring one young Canadian for making a positive impact.  His latest Disc KISS LAND debuted atop the iTunes Album Chart and in three short years, he has seen his star rise on the international front.

Global Television airs the 2014 CANADA’S WALK OF FAME TRIBUTE SHOW on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Living up to its name, World War II Drama FURY takes the top of the Box Office for Sony Pictures this weekend, opening in 3,713 theatres across North America with an impressive $23.5 million in its debut. This also gives Director David Ayer (who wrote Training Day) the distinction of the second time debuting atop the Box Office.  He accomplished the feat first in September 2012 with End of Watch.  Made for a reported $68 million budget, the Film starring a talented male Ensemble including Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Joe Bernthal, Michael Peña and Megastar Brad Pitt tallied in at 80% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, a strong consensus from Critics.  CinemaScore also indicates Audiences gave it an A- which bodes well for word of mouth.

Slipping to second spot this weekend is 20th Century Fox‘s commercially and critically successful GONE GIRL. After remaining on-top for two consecutive weeks domestically, the Film earns $17.8 million this weekend in its third week out from 3,248 theatres.  The Film also just surpassed the $100 million-mark this weekend in North America also.

20th Century Fox also has a solid showing in third spot with THE BOOK OF LIFE with $17 million from 3,071 theatres.  The Animated Feature from Director/Writer Jorge Gutierrez and Producer Guillermo del Toro featuring the Voice Work of Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum and Diego Luna, critically has been well-received with an 80% tally on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore also. Many are calling this a Contender Awards Season in its respective category.

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY continues to capitalize on a lack of Family-oriented options at the Box Office, in fourth this weekend with $12 million from 3,088 theatres in its second week for Disney.

THE BEST OF ME, the latest Film Adaptation from best-selling Romance Writer Nicholas Sparks, opens in fifth spot with $10.2 million for Relativity Media and eOne Films from 2,936 theatres.  Starring James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, Critics were harsh on it with a 7% on the Tomatometer, but a decent B+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

ANNABELLE continues to scare Moviegoers in eight with $7.9 million in its third week out from 2,878 theatres.  In its North America run so far, this Prequel to The Conjuring has made just shy of $80 million for Warner Bros.

THE EQUALIZER hangs-on to the Top Ten in ninth spot for Sony Pictures with $5.4 million from 2,262 theatres in four weeks, cumulatively grossing just under $90 million.

THE MAZE RUNNER rounds-out the Top Ten with $4.5 million in its fifth week out, just surpassing the $90 million-mark domestically.

One of my favourite annual Fixtures in the City is The Delicious Food Show and now in its third year, I’ve seen the Event develop from spectacular to somehow even more polished. Taking place at the Direct Energy Centre this weekend, the three-day Food Expo brings-in a star-studded list of Celebrity Chefs with countless opportunities to delight your tastebuds. Cooking Demonstrations, Autograph Signings, Food and Drink Sampling – the question is, what isn’t there to do at The Delicious Food Show?

The Chew Star, renowned Chef and Author Mario Batali headlines the Event this year delighting Fans by putting on a Demo, followed by a Signing today for his new Book AMERICA FARM TO TABLE, offering them a rare chance to get up close and personal. The new Book brought him one-on-one with Farmers across the U.S. gathering stories. He says, “We took pics of their mailboxes, their food, their chickens. Their food is even more delicious after knowing their stories”. The famous Croc-Wearer adds, “There is no gift more selfless and emotionally delightful than giving something delicious.”. Just last night, the Chef in a once-in-a-lifetime Op collaborated with BUCA‘s Rob Gentile at that Hotspot “gifting” palettes with some scintillating offerings and we hear Truffles were plentiful.

Popular Culinary Personality Tyler Florence also graced the Stage today promoting also his latest Book, INSIDE THE TEST KITCHEN. The Book  is comprised of Recipes based on Twitter Fan Feedback and Photos  shot entirely on his iPad. With the assistance of Technology, he was able to put together the Book at one-third the Budget which a Cookbook normally costs (approximately $130k). “I spent three hours on Twitter, thanks to in-flight Wi-Fi, crowdsourcing Recipes from the Community”, says Florence on the 125-Recipe release. “We found a way to cook a 16 lb. turkey in one-and-a-half hours and make bread rise with no yeast”.

Canadian Celebrity Chef/Hunk Chuck Hughes returns to the Event this year and as always is a Favourite. On the topic of cooking for Children, he revealed to Media that his Son absolutely is into chopped liver and he is experimenting with lots of pureeing currently. There was a consensus among Batali, Hughes and Florence at today’s Junket and that would be for Parents to stop offering their Children the “Kids’ Menu” option when dining out. As Batali says succinctly, “I hate Chicken Fingers”.

One huge announcement was made at today’s Gathering and we learned that in September 2015, the City will host the first-ever TORONTO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Although details are still yet to be confirmed, it is said that it won’t be exclusive to downtown Toronto only. That is, other parts of Greater Toronto also will be engaged. This comes hot on the heels of successful Festivals in New York, Austin, LA, Hawaii, Atlanta, Barbados, and Aspen  from the respected Publication.

The Delicious Food Show runs from Friday, October 17, 2014 through Sunday, October 19, 2014. More details here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Washington D.C. Premiere of FURY took place last night at the Newseum and the Stars were out in full force indeed!  Writer/Director David Ayer and the Cast including Star Brad Pitt walked the Star-Spangled Banner-lined Carpet, talking in-depth about their respective experiences filming the new World War II Drama.

On preparing for his exhausting role as Don “Wardaddy” Collier, Brad Pitt says “Listen, with five guys shoved in a tin can you get tired pretty fast, you don’t have a choice.”. He adds, “You know, we had to work the tank – and were fortunate enough to get to use live ammunition.”.  We also learn about his preparation speaking to several War Veterans in understanding their tired psyches.

Listen to Pitt talk about his role below:

Director/Writer David Ayer also talks about his experience working with his brilliant Ensemble of Actors, stating “You think of World War II as a ‘clean war’ because the outcome was so positive, but for the guy inside the tank, it was incredibly murky and difficult.”. He sings Pitt’s praises proclaiming, “I think this is the best work Brad has ever done!”. In describing the Film, he feels “It isn’t your Dad’s World War II Movie”.

See Ayer‘s thoughts below:

Rising Star Logan Lerman who stars as Norman Ellison, also has great praise for his Co-Stars. He says, “We became brothers in pre-production. Our relationship getting to know each other so well made the Movie what it is.”.

See Lerman‘s thoughts below:

And we’re hearing praise from Critics thus far, tallying already a solid 76% on the Tomatometer from Critics!
Sony Pictures release FURY, now in theatres.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

We’ve missed Chris Rock and it’s about time we got a proper dose! A brand new Trailer has just been released for the hilarious Comedy which sparked a bidding war at TIFF ’14 which you must see.

Synopsis:
New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen (Chris Rock) has an unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson), forcing him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind.

TOP FIVE stars Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Cedric the Entertainer, Jay Pharaoh, Kevin Hart, Sherri Shepard and Tracy Morgan.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures release TOP FIVE on Friday, December 5, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)

We enjoy v. much ELEVEN PAST ONE! Now that their long-awaited debut Album almost is out finally, it’s time to enjoy a Video for their new Single I’M READY! Above this, you guys are first to get to see it RIGHT HERE!

Warner Music Canada release THE WORLD IS OURS, the debut Album from ELEVEN PAST ONE, on Tuesday, November 14, 2014!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

You’re not Canadian if you don’t at least feel some sense of familiarity when seeing his face! Folk-Rock Outfit Great Big Sea’s Frontman, Alan Doyle, is doing the rounds today in Toronto in support of his new Memoir, Where I Belong.

We caught-up with Newfoundland Actor/Singer/Songwriter this morning taping an interview with Erin Davis of CHFI. With Starbucks in hand, we noticed the friendly Doyle opt against being driven in his Mercedes Benz, instead taking to walking on his own before an appearance later this morning on Global‘s The Morning Show.  He heads to London, Ontario tonight to meet Fans.

For more on WHERE I BELONG, click here.

Indigo Bookstore hosts a Series of Signing with Doyle across Canada this month. Click here for more on that.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Doubleday Canada)

International Pop Sensation Kiesza is currently in-town promoting her long-awaited major label Debut, Sound of a Woman. Originally from Calgary, the Dancer/Singer/Songwriter/Model at once joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves. Since exploding onto the Pop Music Scene with breakout hit Hideaway, the 25-year-old isn’t turning back and has established herself a huge European following, hitting number one in the U.K. with that Track. The Single was a Top Five Hit here in Canada also.

Kiesza is on a two-day Canadian Press Tour which sees her making a slew of Radio and TV appearances. In addition to taping interviews for Global‘s The Morning Show and CTV‘s The Social, Kiesza hit-up the Top 40 Radio Circuit today including a visit to The Roz & Mocha Show at the break of dawn. Rocking her signature up-do and channeling some serious vintage ’90s Versace, Kiesza stopped for photos and autographs with Fans. Despite her Handler insisting on one Photo only with Billy and me , she still made time for everybody!

Kiesza last visited Toronto this June for the MuchMusic Video Awards and pretty much had Music Bloggers in a frenzy with her phenomenal dancing and powerful Soprano. Even Perez Hilton was singing the praises of this Canadian Songstress.

After slowing things down on second Single Giant in my Heart, she takes us back to the ’90s  with a modern Electronic sensibility on fantastic new Single, No Enemiesz!

Listen in full below: