2008 Woodie Awards
Screening a new set of values in the holiday film
When was the last time you saw an epic pirate movie in theatres around Christmas? While summertime flicks tend to be violent action films with strong sexual content, come wintertime the explosions, nudity and gore seem to all but disappear and become replaced with Tim Allen in a Santa suit, talking CGI snowmen and more focus on the family than Fox News.
The top grossing christmas day releases
Although all god-fearing film buffs are spending time with their families or huddling en mass in some stiff wooden pews on December 25th, some studio execs think it's a great idea to release movies. Maybe they think it's like a little present for those of us who've invested so much money and time in their products over the course of the fiscal year-they are a sort-of cinematic holiday stocking stuffer.
McGill Dr. divulges the secrets to success
Aside from being the former Chief of Medicine at the Montreal General Hospital and current Executive Director of the Clinical Research Centre of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill's Dr. Phil Gold is also a grandfather, world-traveller and, believe it or not, clown collector.
Drinks to give you that holiday buzz
If there's anything more prone than your budget to stretching during the holiday season, it's your waistline. But don't forget to leave some room after all those cookies, turkey and latkes for indulgences of a more fluid nature. Here are some flavourful beverages to tempt your family and friends' senses.
Biscotti for your inner red-suited breaking-and-entering-er
Let's face it-when it comes to holiday food, baked goods take center stage. Traditional gingerbread cut-outs and decorated sugar cookies usually reign supreme, however with their festive hues of red, green and white, these biscotti will be a welcome addition to any cookie tray.
The two notoriously violent spending extravaganzas meet in the rink
Boxing Day Date & time: The day after Christmas, in Canada and in other Commonwealth countries. Origin: Boxing Day is an old British Imperial holiday of nebulous origins, however, most theories on its origin revolve around the act of gift exchanges-whether it be a box of tools from feudal lord to lowly serf, or a slaughtered wren given to neighbor, friends and family in a box, symbolizing good fortune and bountiful harvests.
Avoiding awkward questions at awkward dinners
Ah, the holidays, 'tis the season to be jolly! There are, after all, many perks to the winter break: sleeping in, partying with old friends, presents and good food. Yet, there is one unforeseen issue, one problem that is always overlooked until it hits you smack on the face, or, well, until it pinches your cheek: "So, why doesn't a good looking kid like you have a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?" Little does your grandmother know that while you are good looking in her mind, in reality, you may be pretty damn awkward.
