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Toronto Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, a ‘vibrant spirit and memorable presence,' dies at 54
Juliette Powell, former MuchMusic television host, beauty queen, tech leader and trailblazer, has died at age 54. Powell died of acute bacterial meningitis on June 3. She grew up competing in beauty pageants and became the first Black winner of the Miss Canada pageant in 1989, going on to represent Canada in Miss Universe. Powell was the first Black winner of Miss Canada in 1989. Ron Bull Powell's magnetic personality and knack for connecting with audiences made her a natural fit for television. She began as a VJ at Quebecois television broadcaster MusiquePlus in 1992, hosting the dance music show 'Bouge de là!' In 1996, she moved to Toronto and joined MuchMusic, where she became host of the shows 'Electric Circus,' a live dance music program, and 'French Kiss,' which aired French-language music videos. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Bell Media is deeply saddened to hear the news of Juliette's passing,' wrote Justin Stockman, spokesperson for Bell Media, in a June 10 email to the Star. 'Her vibrant spirit and memorable presence for both MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, on iconic programs such as Electric Circus and French Kiss, left an enduring legacy. Juliette's warmth and energy resonated with audiences and her contributions to Canadian television will never be forgotten.' Juiette Powell interviewing dancers during a live broadcast of 'Electric Circus.' Tony Bock In 1999, she founded her own media company, Powell International Entertainment, through which she produced features with luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Janet Jackson and Steven Spielberg. Born in New York City, Powell moved to Montreal at age eight. She returned to New York to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Columbia University, and ultimately became a faculty member in the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University. Powell became an author as well, writing '33 Million People in the Room: How to Create Influence, and Run a Successful Business Using Social Networking' in 2009. In 2023, she co-authored 'The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology' with Art Kleiner, and was a founder and managing partner of Kleiner Powell International, a consultancy focusing on business strategy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Condolences can be left at
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
The Guardian
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Life List review – overly neat Netflix weepie leaves dry eyes
There are big, all-consuming emotions contained within the cosy Netflix weepie The Life List, a film about grief, family, love, dreams, heartbreak and the courage to strive for the life you truly want rather than the one you've settled for. Based on the bestselling novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, it's a proudly heart-over-head confection and given how the platform has become a reliable provider of movies and shows aimed at younger women who have been underserved elsewhere, it'll probably find its audience. But writer-director Adam Brooks, who knows this world better than most, having been involved in sturdy star-led studio films such as Definitely, Maybe; Wimbledon; and the hugely underrated Meg Ryan romcom French Kiss, can't quite squeeze the tears or cheers out of material that so desperately wants them. It's a film about experiences many of us should be able to identify with – the fear that we're not living our best life, the realisation we're in an ill-fitting relationship, the crushing loss of a parent – but it's all too pat and prettified to register as believably human. It's a problem exacerbated by the choice of lead, the actor-singer Sofia Carson, who recently starred alongside Taron Egerton in Netflix's wonderful smash-hit thriller Carry-On. Carson came of age as a Disney star, best known for the Descendants movies, and there's something a little too much of that blemish-free PG world that clashes with what we're supposed to believe about her character. She plays Alex, a scrappy, band-T-shirt wearing, basketball-loving 'adorkable' mess who says the wrong thing and just can't quite get her life together. Her boyfriend works in a record store but is developing a gory zombie video game while she has abandoned her dream of being a teacher to work for her mother's cosmetics company. The mother is played by Connie Britton, and while it would be nice to see the actor allowed to wrestle with more than another copy-paste maternal role, she brings a bit of weight to a film that sorely needs it. The film starts with Alex (late as usual!) drinking her way through a family party (classic!) where her boyfriend accidentally exposes himself to her niece and nephew (I mean!) before her mother shares some devastating news: the cancer she thought was in remission has returned and there's nothing that can be done. Brooks wisely transitions straight to her funeral as Alex tries to pick up the pieces. A reading of the will, from the family's conveniently cute lawyer (Kyle Allen, of the incredibly charming high-concept romcom The Map of Tiny Perfect Things) reveals that Alex hasn't been left in control of her family company and has instead been left with a DVD and a familiar scrap of paper: her life list of goals/dreams written as a child. In order to find out what her inheritance will be, Alex must tick off every one of them before the end of the year, each also unlocking a new DVD containing a personal message from beyond the grave. Alex's 12 months are then filled with living (taking part in a mosh pit), laughing (doing standup) and loving (her final bullet point aims for true love). It's PS I Love You for the mother-daughter crowd, a potentially more interesting dynamic than a simple girl-loses-boy romance. There's deep affection in the dynamic but also a sense of disappointment, that Alex hasn't become the person she could have been because of the fear involved with taking a chance. Yet the film is ultimately more interested in Alex's low-stakes love life over her familial relationships or personal growth or, gulp, career (her teaching ambitions are introduced, then swiftly, lazily ignored). The film is a reminder that sadly far too many films with female leads are still more focused on who they end up with rather than who they end up being. The Life List does benefit from genuine, point-and-recognise locations in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn, an unusual on-the-ground gloss often not afforded to smaller Netflix titles and a successful hark back to the 90s/00s films it would like to be filed next to (that same sense of nostalgia might explain both the DVDs and why a song by the Ting Tings is used three times as an unofficial theme tune). But Carson, while competent, doesn't have the magnetic pull and preternatural charm of the leads who dominated during that time, a freer sense of fun and a wilder spirit never really shining through, her performance as carefully smoothed out as the film surrounding her. The word 'messy' is bandied around by its characters but The Life List is far too clean. The Life List is now available on Netflix
