Latest news with #FoodforThought
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Gasman cometh
A household name in Canadian comedy will be right here in Lethbridge next week for two very special events. Brent Butt, stand-up comedy icon and the visionary behind Corner Gas, the most successful sitcom in Canadian history, is making his first stop at the Yates Memorial Theatre this Sunday (May 25). He'll be performing alongside his good friend and fellow comedian, Charlie Demers, to raise awareness and funds for students facing food insecurity through the University of Lethbridge Food for Thought initiative. 'I was naively unaware that [food insecurity] was even an issue,' Butt told the Herald. 'Some people are just barely getting by in their education, and as someone who likes to eat, food security should be the last thing anybody has to worry about. It really does seem to me to be the sign of a population in decline when some people don't have food to eat. So, I was keen to participate in the show.' A small number of tickets are still available through the Arena website. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Butt will also be walking the stage at the U of L spring convocation on May 30. The university chose him for an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian culture over the last 35 years. 'Laughter is incredibly important in our lives, and I think we are realizing that more every day. Brent's devotion to his comedic craft, willingness to share with others in the comedy community and unwavering commitment to his rural roots and Canadian culture says a lot about the kind of person he is,' says Terry Whitehead, U of L chancellor. This will be Butt's first honourary degree. He joked that it's tremendously flattering, but he wouldn't be surprised if it were also his last. Butt says stand-up comedy has been his dream since he was 12-years old. Now looking back on his career, there are plenty of significant turning points that lead to where he is today. 'I really look at the first time I stepped on stage in a professional environment, at a club for strangers who had paid money to hear comedy. That was in February of 1988,' Butt recalled. 'Then the first time I performed at Just for Laughs about four years in. That's a milestone for any comedian, especially Canadian comedians at the time because it was our sole outlet to be seen by anybody outside the country. Then the opportunity to do Corner Gas. That was the big one; that was very life changing.' Butt created, wrote and starred in Corner Gas across the span of six seasons from 2004 to 2009. The show averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode and collected a number of awards. He now utilizes his well-earned platform to promote and mentor growing comedians and the comedy community as a whole. Butt will be giving a short speech during the graduation ceremony. He says he plans to use the time to offer a message of inspiration, not only to the new graduates, but their supporters, as well. 'You really should pursue what makes you happy,' he says. 'The notion of pursuing something for security reasons is kind of silly because you can never anticipate security. At least try and chase down something that you're passionate about, that you love doing, because – in a perfect world – you're going to be doing it for the rest of your life. 'Too many teachers, professors, parents, and people like that squash the dreams of other people. Don't be that person. Be there for guidance, be there for encouragement, but don't be a roadblock. You're not doing anybody any favours, despite how it might feel.' Moving forward, Butt says performing stand-up comedy will always be part of his life. He's also releasing his first comedy album this spring, writing a second novel and working on a new television script that he hopes to shop around to networks soon. However, it doesn't appear that his new title of Dr. Butt will be appearing in the credits. 'With the last name that I have, you always have to be careful. It definitely gives proctology vibes. I don't think that will ever be in my introduction.' Butt is joined by writer David Robertson, former U of L Chancellor Charlie Weaselhead, conductor Kirk Muspratt and local advocates Bernadine and Toby Boulet who will also be receiving honorary degrees from the U of L this year.
Muscat Daily
29-04-2025
- Muscat Daily
Dutch Culture Week opens, marking 400 years of ties
Muscat – The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman inaugurated Dutch Culture Week at the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muscat on Monday, marking 400 years of maritime relations between Oman and the Netherlands. The event highlighted the longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. H E Sheikh Khalifa al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, attended the opening as Guest of Honour, alongside Omani dignitaries, artists, students, Dutch residents and members of the public. At the centre of the evening was the opening of Food for Thought, a photographic exhibition by Dutch photojournalist and filmmaker Kadir van Lohuizen. The exhibition examines the global food supply chain across countries including the Netherlands, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, the US and China, using large-scale images and projections to reflect on agriculture, production and sustainability. The Wind Quintet of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands performed at the launch, drawing praise for its emotionally resonant performance by young Dutch musicians. Also featured was Emotions of the Oceans, a student-led exhibition organised by the Green Life Art Center. It showcased 20 artworks by school students, focusing on marine conservation, climate change and cultural identity. The exhibition was widely appreciated for giving a voice to youth on environmental themes. In her opening remarks, H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, said, 'The power of culture- and art in particular – is that it can open doors to dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust. Art is a form of soft power that creates connection, challenges perspectives, and contributes meaningfully to public discourse. This role is especially vital in times of conflict and global instability. Culture helps us come together celebrate cultural diversity as a source of strength and resilience.' The event marked the beginning of a week-long programme including workshops, educational initiatives and other cultural activities, aimed at strengthening people-to-people connections between Oman and the Netherlands. The exhibitions will remain open to the public at Bait Al Zubair Museum for two weeks.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Inspector found used cans storing food at West Knoxville restaurant
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The inspector found cooked food in re-used cans at this week's low-scoring restaurant, a violation we've never reported before. The place is located in Knoxville. The grade is a 72 at Chef's Asian Cuisine on Hardin Valley Road, in West Knoxville. This is a passing grade as any grade of 69 and below is considered failing. Chef's Asian Cuisine, 10612 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville — Grade: 72 'A heart to help': Niota couple brings relief to communities hit by Helene The inspector wrote he watched an employee drinking a beverage while walking around the kitchen preparing food. You might do that at home, but drinking and eating while preparing food at restaurants is not allowed. Chicken wings that an employee was eating were found left on top of a container of shrimp sauce. Wouldn't you know it, the lid on the sauce was loose, thus possibly contaminating the sauce. No date markings were found on cooked shrimp and cooked vegetables in the walk-in coolers. The date of first use is required to be marked on all ready-to-eat food and it must be used within seven days to assure its wholesomeness. Bags of thawing shrimp were found on a kitchen table at 54 degrees, a temperature that invites the rapid growth of bacteria. The shrimp should have been in the refrigerator thawing at 41 degrees and below. The temperature of cooked broccoli left on a food prep table was 125 degrees. But 135 and above is the safe hot temperature to kill bacteria. Finally, several metal cans were being reused to store cooked foods. Once a can is opened, it should be thrown away and foods should be stored in food-grade containers. Kentucky floods: State response moves to 'stabilization phase' amid arctic lows Chef's Asian Cuisine will be re-inspected soon. Food-For-Thought-2-20Download Shoney's, 343 Emory Rd, Powell — 100 Chick-fil-A, 540 Emory Rd, Powell — 100 Burger King, 2806 N. Broadway, Knoxville — 100 Subway, 10612 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville — 100 Bojangles, 7505 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville — 100 Cruze Farm, 2721 Asbury Rd, Knoxville — 100 Burger King, 6825 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville — 99 Clean Eatz, 551 Foothills Plaza Dr, Maryville — 99 Jason Aldean's Kitchen, 644 Parkway, Gatlinburg — 99 Mcdonald's, 550 S. Highway 92, Dandridge — 99 Subway, 1267 5th Street, Jellico — 99 Double Dogs, 10639 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville — 98 SECOND HELPING: Miss a Food for Thought segment? See them all here. If you notice something wrong while dining out, let the manager know or file a complaint with the health department in the county where you live. An inspector will be sent out for an unannounced visit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SC legislators don aprons and talk politics in upcoming TV show
Rep. Jeff Bradley, R-Hilton Head Island, and Rep. J.A. Moore, D-North Charleston, cook a meal on the SCETV show "Food for Thought" in 2023. (Provided/SCETV) COLUMBIA — Republican Rep. Jeff Bradley wore a blue apron, while Democratic Rep. J.A. Moore donned a red one in the first episode of the show 'Food for Thought.' 'See, you're already wearing my apron today,' Bradley joked. 'You're wearing mine!' Moore replied. The 30-minute show, which premieres Thursday night on South Carolina's public educational network (SCETV), is part travelogue, part cooking show and part political discussion. After sourcing local ingredients, Bradley, a 66-year-old white Republican from Hilton Head Island, and Moore, a 39-year-old Black Democrat from North Charleston, cook dinner for friends, then start a conversation about a divisive topic. The goal is to show that it's possible to disagree about issues while remaining friends, the representatives said. 'I'm an old white conservative, and he's a young Black liberal,' Bradley said. 'Theoretically, we shouldn't get along, but we do.' The idea had been on Moore's mind since he was first elected in 2018. As a professional chef, he knows the easiest way to start difficult conversations is over a drink or a delicious meal, he said. 'Not that you're going to have a drink with a person and they're going to agree with you on policy, but I think by having a drink or having a meal, you can make it more powerful to have those discussions that are otherwise defensive,' Moore said. Moore had to first figure out what, exactly, that would look like. After considering a panel and a documentary, he landed on a TV show, which SCETV supported. What he needed after that was a counterpart with whom he could have those tough talks. Bradley seemed like a great fit. The two got along well, and Bradley was a passionate hobby cook. With his children out of the house, he does most of the cooking these days, he said. Bradley also knows the power of a good meal to affect people's attitudes, he said. 'It's hard to be angry with anyone when you're sitting down and eating with them,' Bradley said. During the first episode, over dishes of seafood and peach cobbler, Bradley, Moore and four friends dive right in with the topic of gun control. Is there a way, the representatives ask, that they might be able to prevent mass shootings without restricting access to guns? The topic is a personal one for Moore, whose sister, Myra Thompson, was one of the nine worshipers shot to death at Charleston's Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2015. The massacre prompted Moore to run for office in 2018, when he defeated a three-term Republican incumbent by 5 percentage points. 'It was important for me, for the first episode, for it to be based in Charleston, for it to tell the story of why I got involved in politics, but more importantly, to have the conversation about gun violence and mass shootings,' Moore said. Gun control is an issue on which Moore and Bradley have publicly disagreed. When the House passed a bill allowing gun owners to carry a handgun in public without a permit, Bradley voted for it. Moore voted against it following an impassioned plea to his colleagues from the podium. The governor signed the measure into law last year. Beginning with such a controversial, personal topic opens the door to potential future conversations about divisive issues such as abortion access, immigration and surgeries for transgender youth, Bradley and Moore said. 'Anything that's politically polarizing, that's what we want to talk about,' said Bradley, chairman of the House regulations and cybersecurity committee. How to watch Thursday, January 30, 8:30 pm on ETVHD Monday, February 3, 9:00 pm on SC Channel Monday, February 10, 12:30 pm on ETV World Source: SCETV With politics becoming more polarized across the country, Moore and Bradley wanted to prove a point on which South Carolina lawmakers pride themselves: No matter how contentious their debates may get, they can walk out the door at the end of the day and remain friends. 'You can have opposing views from someone, but you can do it, all pun intended, in a more palatable way,' Moore said. Along the way, Moore and Bradley want to highlight different parts of South Carolina and the foods that make the state stand out. In the first episode, Moore and Bradley pay a visit to the family-owned Capt. Don's Seafood in Charleston's West Ashley district for mahi-mahi, shrimp and scallops, then Ruke's produce stand in Mount Pleasant for fruits and vegetables. They make a final stop at Mother Emanuel on the peninsula to pick up a pot of Charleston red rice, a Southern staple, that Moore's family prepared. 'I want to highlight South Carolina and the beauty and the culture and food of South Carolina,' Moore said. 'That's as important to me as the political stuff.' In the remaining nine episodes, which the two have yet to film, they might visit the Darlington Raceway, take a trip on Bradley's sport fishing boat or tailgate at one of the state's major public universities, they said. Moore and Bradley are hoping to join up and cook again this spring, depending on their schedules at the Statehouse. Regardless of where they go and what they discuss, what they can guarantee is plenty of food. 'There will be peaches. There will be poultry. There will be BBQ. There will be strawberries,' Bradley said.
