
Resident at Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat celebrates birthday
Northern Ontario Watch
Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat celebrated one of its resident's 12th birthday with some special treats.
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CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Kendrick Lamar gets two-minute ovation after ‘Not Like Us' in Drake's hometown
Kendrick Lamar performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Kendrick Lamar stepped onto Drake's turf on Thursday, playing his first concert in Toronto since the rift between the music superstars went into hyperdrive last year. For the most part, the Los Angeles rapper didn't fan the flames of his feud, even if some ticketholders hoped he might douse the conflict in gasoline. Instead, Lamar mostly took the high road by focusing on the music. As the first of two nights at the Rogers Centre neared its close, Lamar pulled out his ace card with a performance of 'Not Like Us,' the chart-topping diss track that knocked Drake down a few pegs in popular culture. Immediately, phones went up, booties started shaking, and fans shouted along to the contemptuous lyrics that brought Lamar and Drake's rift to its apparent head. Once he was finished, Lamar stood centre stage in a spotlight, his face in shadow, and for the next two minutes he took in the roar of the crowd. Many of them screamed, 'One more time.' Lamar didn't deliver that pleaded encore, but he gave the crowd plenty of other hits to dance to, including 'Squabble Up' and 'TV Off' from his latest album 'GNX' and older favourites 'Humble' and 'All the Stars,' which he performed with his tour mate SZA. The duo are snaking their way across North America and Europe with their Grand National Tour this summer, but their only Canadian dates are in Toronto at a massive stadium that Drake has never played on tour. And so Lamar's moment in the spotlight could be seen as another win in the battle against his rap nemesis. Drake and Lamar have been entrenched in a highly publicized rap beef that has culminated in a legal battle between the Canadian rapper and the U.S. record label that represents both men. Drake is suing Universal Music Group for defamation for publishing and promoting 'Not Like Us.' In legal documents, Drake says the song's lyrics wrongly accuse him of being a pedophile, jeopardizing his safety and damaging his reputation. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Before the show, how Lamar might play his cards in Toronto loomed as internet forums and local barbershops buzzed with speculation of special guests and what he might say on stage. Brendan Wong flew in from Calgary for what he described as a 'monumental occasion.' Brendan Wong Brendan Wong, from Calgary, poses for a portrait outside of a Kendrick Lamar concert at Rogers Centre in Toronto, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor 'I love the music, I love Kendrick, I love SZA, so that's why I'm here, honestly,' he said outside the venue. 'It's not like I'm a religious Drake supporter, you know what I'm saying? I like Kendrick more, so I guess I'm on his side.' Other ticket holders arrived wearing Drake's OVO gear, branded with its famous owl logo. Peter Jin's shirt featured a Canadian flag adorning the wing of the OVO owl. He said he likes the music of both rappers and was hoping for a surprise Drake appearance that might lead to a truce during the show. 'Maybe if they can go to the stage together,' he said. 'And challenge each other (in a rap battle), that would be amazing.' Jin didn't get his wish, though he said no matter how the night went, he would have fun. Outside the venue, a noticeably stronger police foot patrol roamed the premises, though the crowd appeared peaceful. Toronto Police officers Toronto Police officers walk by a security gate outside of a Kendrick Lamar concert at Rogers Centre in Toronto, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor Plans for some Drake fans to congregate in support of Drizzy during the show fizzled when organizers behind an Instagram account promoting the gathering said 'logistical constraints' prevented them from moving forward. Drake was also set to host a livestream Thursday night with American internet personality Kai Cenat, but the streamer later posted those plans were being delayed 'a few more days.' At least one Drake fan at the Rogers Centre came to simply to show his unwavering support, dressed head to toe in OVO memorabilia, including a hat, pants and jacket. Even though he didn't have concert tickets, the fan, who called himself Julian, said he arrived from Whitby, Ont., 'to show who runs this city.' Julian Julian shows the back of his Drake jacket outside a Kendrick Lamar concert at Rogers Centre in Toronto, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor 'I've been a Drake and OVO diehard fan, that's what I was made for,' he said. 'I'm born October the 6th in the 6 (Toronto's nickname) … so I'm just here to support through and through.' Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae came to the Lamar show without much thirst for the drama. They waited several hours in the merchandise line to purchase matching SZA shirts, in support of Lamar's Grammy-winning tour mate. But they admitted that the lingering feud between Drake and Lamar was still on their minds. 'Everyone's talking about it, so we had to get tickets because of the beef,' he said. Tran said while the hype surrounding the rappers' bad blood drove them to buy seats, it wasn't the main reason they showed up. 'I think both of them are really good songwriters, so I don't really care about the personalities,' he added, before rethinking his answer. 'Honestly, I do like Drake better. I'm sorry. Yeah, but we are from Toronto, so we got to rep Drake.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.

CBC
3 hours ago
- CBC
Your guide to 2025 summer festivals in the Hamilton area
Social Sharing Even if you clone yourself, you'll probably find it difficult to attend all the festivals in the Hamilton area this summer. From music to theatre to food, there'll be no shortage of things to do. Here's some of what's coming up. This list will be updated throughout the summer. Have an event to share? Email hamilton@ Burlington Sound of Music Festival, June 12 to 15 This free music festival takes place in Spencer Smith Park on the waterfront in downtown Burlington, Ont. There's a varied lineup of musicians and a parade planned for Saturday. There are also vendors and a midway. Taste of Philippines, June 13 to 15 In honour of Philippines Independence Day on June 12, a three-day event at Gage Park in Hamilton's east-end will include live music, street food and a karaoke beer garden. Barton Village Festival, June 14 At Woodlands Park in Hamilton's Gibson neighbourhood, the Barton Village Business Improvement Association is hosting an event including live music, kids' games, activities and a vendor market. Organizers say Barton Street E., will be closed to vehicle traffic from Wentworth Street N., to Sanford Avenue N. Strawberry festivals on James Street N., and in downtown Stoney Creek, June 14 to 15 Some businesses on James Street N., in Hamilton will be participating in a new strawberry-themed event by offering "a special strawberry delight," during business hours, organizers say. In Stoney Creek on June 14, the 10th annual StrawberryFest will include music, games, food, vendors and children's games between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Something Else!, June 19 to 22 An annual music festival by Zula Music & Arts Collective Hamilton takes place across three locations with ticketed and free events. Attendees can hear live music at St. Cuthbert's on 2 Bond St., at the Hamilton Public Library Central branch and at during the Open Streets event at 399 King St. E. FrancoFEST Hamilton, June 20 to 22 Featuring music, free family activities and food, a three-day celebration of French speakers in Hamilton happens at Gage Park. Festitalia: Hamilton Italian Heritage Festival, June 21 and 22 By Liuna Station on Hamilton's James Street N., a street festival to honour Italians will include a car show, bocce tournament, music and pasta-eating contest. Open Streets On King, June 22 For one Sunday in June, King Street E., will be closed to vehicle traffic from John Street to Gage Avenue between 10 am. And 4 p.m., making space for activities and entertainment. For example, the International Village Business Improvement Area will be hosting a Pride event at Ferguson Station featuring drag performances and a "queer makers market." Waterdown Oh Canada Ribfest, June 27 to 30 The Waterdown and Flamborough rotary clubs are hosting an event in Waterdown's Memorial Park featuring ribs, live music and family activities. Admission is free. It's Your Festival, June 28 to July 1 To celebrate Canada Day, Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council is hosting live music at Gage Park. There will be a beer garden, parade and midway. Parking is $10. Admission is free. Because Beer Craft Beer Festival, July 11 and 12 Dedicated to music and craft beer, this weekend event at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton will include goods from 40 local breweries, ciderhouses and distilleries, food trucks, a retro arcade and something called beer yoga. The festival is a 19-plus, ticketed event. Hamilton Fringe, July 16 to 27 Spanning 12 days, the annual Hamilton arts festival includes over 350 theatre, comedy, dance, puppetry and magic performances in venues throughout the city. Festival of Friends, August 1 to 3 The annual Gage Park live music festival has yet to publish a lineup. Hamilton Pride, August 8 to 10 At Pier 4 Park, this pride event will feature vendors and performances. Winona Peach Festival, August 22 to 25 Featuring food, vendors and live music, the annual fair at Winona Park in east Hamilton.


Globe and Mail
3 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
The summer that Joshua Jackson realized he wasn't a morning person
Vancouver-born actor Joshua Jackson has played a sprawling range of roles including defence lawyer, restaurant owner, corner-store cashier, cruise ship doctor and — in this week's Audible Original Oracle: Murder at the Grandview — an FBI psychic hunting serial killers. But has the 47-year-old actor ever braved a regular job like the rest of us? We asked the Dawson's Creek star in this latest instalment of 'How I Spent My Summer.' A lot of my summer jobs were on movie sets, but in between films, I had a few grinding short-term jobs. I was a grunt at a cement company, moving cement bags from one spot to another. I briefly worked at Subway, but my job at Starbucks was the briefest. I worked there for less than two weeks when I was 15. I'd applied for a couple jobs, including one I really wanted at Rogers Video. They didn't give it to me and called me 'unqualified,' which was a bummer since I was in movies on their store shelves. That was a real hit to the ego and I was pretty desperate, so when Starbucks needed a person to open the store on Broadway in Vancouver, I applied there and got the job. I was the person who opened the door at 5 o'clock in the morning – or was it 6? It was a long time ago – to a group of caffeine addicts. I wasn't the point-of-sale person, not even close. You don't even get to make the coffee at the beginning; you're just the prep guy who turns the machines on and moves boxes around. I kind of remember a brown uniform. Robert Munsch's first job in the French countryside turned out to be a stinky situation It was me and some other poor schmuck having to deal with people probably at the worst point of their whole day. They haven't had coffee yet or maybe they're already late for work, and now they have to deal with two teenagers who don't know what they're doing. But worse than not knowing, we just didn't care. We didn't even want to give them what they wanted. It was the coffee shop in my neighbourhood so I knew some people who came in, but even then, it didn't matter. The coffee's not ready, it's brewing too slow, they need to get somewhere. Maybe if I was a morning person, I'd have been better, but I wasn't. To be a non-morning person trying to serve a bunch of other non-morning people who need their first cup of coffee was just a personality mismatch. At that time in the morning, you should just want a cup of coffee. You shouldn't expect a teenager to make your double-half-caf-blah-blah-blah at 5 a.m. Nobody needs a 10-word coffee order. I had no patience for that and I wasn't empathetic either. Mother Teresa could have walked through that door at 6 o'clock in the morning and I would have been not happy to see her. When I tell you I did not enjoy this job, I mean I did not enjoy this job. You shouldn't do morning-person things if you're not a morning person. Just don't. But at 15, I was probably making irresponsible choices and staying up late just the same. When you go to bed in the dark, and you wake up and it's still dark and you haven't had a cup of coffee, you're a monster. I get it now that I'm on the other side. The summer Sook-Yin Lee spent in a noodle costume changed her life forever Now that I have a kid, I can do morning-person things. I never loved anybody who walked into Starbucks as much as I love my daughter. For my daughter, I am a morning person. For Starbucks, I was not. They made a big mistake in hiring me but I solved that problem for them. I probably knew I would have been fired soon, so I quit first. I just walked right out and never went back. That's what you're like when you're 15 or 16, and I didn't feel any kind of way about it either. I just wasn't there the next day. They were on a biweekly pay cycle, and I didn't even get my first paycheque. Even then, I thought, 'I hate everything about this job and life is too short so I'm out.' As much as I didn't know what my contribution to humanity was going to be, I knew it wasn't that. They didn't even let me keep the shirt. As told to Rosemary Counter