logo
Iconic movie inspires Cape Breton writer to take ‘girly' art seriously in new book

Iconic movie inspires Cape Breton writer to take ‘girly' art seriously in new book

CTV News01-06-2025
Author Veronica Litt talks about her debut novel "Ugh! As If!: Clueless."
It's been thirty years since the movie 'Clueless' debuted in theatres and left its indelible mark on a generation.
Veronice Litt is an Ontario author who's a resident of North Sydney, N.S. She calls herself an 'unabashed girly art defender' which is one of the reasons her book 'ugh! as if! clueless' was inspired by the 1995 film.
'I think it's really important to amplify optimism and hope,' Litt said. 'I really respect that this movie shows us the beauty, and I think the world-changing power of naiveté and femininity.'
The book is meant to be bright, shiny and for girls – just like the movie, Litt said.
'I was going to try to uncover all the things that make this genre so special and resonant.'
Litt said she thinks 'Clueless' is still widely discussed because of the movie's high-quality writing.
'It's so sharp,' she said. 'It's so clever.'
The iconic lines that stuck with fans of the movie are complimented by a 'big-hearted message,' said Litt. She called it a feel-good movie about a girl who becomes a budding activist and a group of teenagers trying to make a difference in their community.
'This movie really believes that unlikely people can change for the better and contribute to their world,' Litt said. 'That's a message that we're still really interested in hearing.'
Litt said she hopes people will get some hope from the book and see it as a model for thinking deeply about popular and 'girly' art.
'I think that this is a really smart form of media if you give it attention.'
Litt's debut book, 'ugh! as if, clueless' is available June 3.
Clueless
Actress Alicia Silverstone is pictured in a still frame from the 1995 movie, 'Clueless.'
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What's a Blue Jays TV rally killer? Another Apple game on Friday to bounce Sportsnet coverage
What's a Blue Jays TV rally killer? Another Apple game on Friday to bounce Sportsnet coverage

National Post

time25 minutes ago

  • National Post

What's a Blue Jays TV rally killer? Another Apple game on Friday to bounce Sportsnet coverage

The Blue Jays are the hottest ticket in town and it's not even close — now that the red-hot, first-place team is riding a sellout streak of 13 consecutive games at the Rogers Centre and is drawing massive ratings numbers for their corporate sister, Sportsnet. Article content Buck Martinez is back, adding another welcome and familiar touch to the game coverage and the pictures and production from the first-rate Sportsnet once again look spectacular. With the roof open for the first time in the last three games, the stunning drone shots on Thursday's exhilarating 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs once again put a punctuation on how special the dome looks with a full house these days. Article content Article content So how does that momentum build? Article content Cue the latest disruption for the fan base — another Apple TV game on Friday when the Jays open a three-game weekend series against the Texas Rangers and interest, one that arrives when interest in the first-place team is arguably as high as it has been in a decade for a regular season game. Article content Article content The timing is never great for the Apple TV interruption, but for three of the four Jays appearances on the streaming service certainly could be seen as rally killers for Canadian TV audiences. Article content The first appearance came on the opening weekend of the season, essentially robbing Sportsnet of a potentially massive prime time Friday night audience. Article content Another Apple TV date came immediately after the Jays had finished up a sweep of the New York Yankees to seize first place in the American League East. Article content And now this. This is not a knock on the Apple TV production, it needs to be said. The slickly produced shows are designed to attract a younger audience and are not only mandated to do so but have paid for the rights in a national deal with Major League Baseball. Article content Article content As well, the Jays fan base is not the only one to endure the interruption of their regularly scheduled baseball programming — it's a league-wide thing. Article content Article content But with the Jays as hot as they are right now — and following the electrifying effort of starter Max Scherzer and the dramatic Vlad Guerrero Jr. home run for Thursday's win to take two of three from the Cubbies — it would have been a virtual lock that Sportsnet would have drawn well over a million viewers on Friday. Article content It has to be particularly frustrating for Sportsnet execs, given the undeniable buzz and momentum around the team right now, storylines that are well told on the broadcasts. The Apple TV crew will be all over the narrative of the Jays elevating from a last-place team to one with the best record in the American League and no doubt chronicle the recent Guerrero heroics. Article content

From the PNE Fair to RibFest, here's what's happening in Vancouver this weekend
From the PNE Fair to RibFest, here's what's happening in Vancouver this weekend

CTV News

time25 minutes ago

  • CTV News

From the PNE Fair to RibFest, here's what's happening in Vancouver this weekend

There's plenty to do in and around Vancouver this weekend – but with light rain in the forecast, you might want to pack an umbrella. The PNE Fair Saturday marks the opening of the PNE Fair, where you can munch on Lobster Tail Poutine, cheer on the SuperDogs, and take in Summer Nights Concerts performances featuring artists from Counting Crows to Flo Rida. The Fair runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1, with gates opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. daily. Advance tickets and the full 2025 lineup are available on the PNE website. New West Pride Over in New Westminster, Columbia Street will be bursting with colour this Saturday for the annual Pride Street Festival, with performances from Wan-Ting Moi, The Hillbettys, the Rainbow Chorus and many more. This year's event has expanded into the Anvil Centre, and will feature two stages, several activity tents, food trucks and other attractions – with organizers expecting 'thousands of queer and allied folks from across the Lower Mainland' to turn up. The free event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Superflux's 5th Brithday Craft beer lovers can head to Superflux this Saturday for the Clark Street brewery's fifth birthday. The celebration is happening from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will feature DJ sets, food from Taqueria Chicatana and Superflux Cabana, wine from Pamplemousse Jus, and some new beer releases to mark the occasion. Entry is free, but attendees must be 19 years old or older. RibFest Langley Calling all carnivores: The annual RibFest Langley event is back this weekend, with more live entertainment, another fun-packed KidZone, and a fresh helping of award-winning barbecue. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to Rotary Service Projects and local charities. Eastside Flea Friday night will mark the opening of the Eastside Flea Vintage and Handmade Emporium, a seasonal pop-up featuring dozens of vendors offering a diverse selection of clothing, collectibles, plants, artisanal foods and more. Visitors will also find 'coffee, food trucks, an amazing playlist, lots of seating and a yummy season bar menu,' organizers say. The emporium will be open on Venables Street from Wednesdays to Sundays,12 p.m. to 6 p.m., until Oct. 5. – and admission is free.

City of Ottawa considering licencing fee for landscapers as part of bylaw review
City of Ottawa considering licencing fee for landscapers as part of bylaw review

CTV News

time25 minutes ago

  • CTV News

City of Ottawa considering licencing fee for landscapers as part of bylaw review

An Ottawa City Councillor says changes could be coming to the bylaw that oversees landscapers. CTV's Katie Griffin reports. Changes could be coming to the bylaw that oversees landscapers in Ottawa. The review that has been underway as part of the Landscaper Regulatory Review comes as several homeowners speak out after receiving a notice from the city saying they have to rip up some of their landscaping because it goes against a bylaw. 'Somebody complained and they targeted seven of us on this little crescent,' said Claude Mulligan who lives in Findlay Creek. 'The river rock was up to the curb and the city ordered us to remove everything in the right of way which is about 13 feet in my case.' He says the city eventually said they would only have to remove about 18 inches of rock away from the curb and replace it with mulch. 'But not any kind of mulch, it had to be organic mulch,' Mulligan said. 'I've got rubber mulch which I'm in the process of removing and I'm going to replace it with the organic, wood chip-type of mulch.' The landscaping was done more than 10 years ago and until this June it had never been an issue—until someone complained and a bylaw officer paid a visit, he said. 'We're all confused why this is happening. These stones don't bother anyone, they don't damage the roadway, they don't impede or interfere with anything.' Ottawa landscaping : Some residents in a Findlay Creek neighbourhood were told they had to rip out hardscape and replace it with mulch because it violated a bylaw. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa) Other homeowners reached out to CTV News Ottawa after our initial story about a Kanata couple that was told they had to rip out part of their $40,000 landscaping project. The city says no hardscaping, including river rock and interlock, is allowed on its right of way because it 'interferes with drainage, snow removal and can impact other city services.' 'I know that in the city there are literally tens of thousands of people that have done this in the last 20 years I would say. I think the bylaw needs to be changed because people don't want grass anymore,' Mulligan said. The Klines A Kanata couple has been told they have to rip out some of their nearly $40,000 landscaping project over a bylaw violation. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa) Right now, the city is reviewing the bylaw that oversees landscapers. 'The city needs to be much more proactive and making sure people are aware of what they can and cannot do but also to hold landscapers accountable,' said Coun. Riley Brockington. 'Landscapers need to be aware of the bylaw, this is not just a paycheque.' Brockington added that some potential changes as part of the Landscaper Regulatory Review could include licencing. 'That's possible that there may be a licensing fee so the city can keep better track of who the landscapers are.' Proposed changes could come before committee in the fall. Mulligan hopes something changes. 'We did what the city asked us to do but we're still scratching our heads as to why this is so bad.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store