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Vancouver Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Pamela Anderson sparkles on The Naked Gun red carpet
Pamela Anderson sparkled on the red carpet this week alongside her The Naked Gun co-star Liam Neeson. And it may have been more than the bespoke lab-grown diamond Pandora earrings and brooch that the B.C.-based star was wearing at the New York City event. (She's an ambassador for the jewelry brand.) The two stars stepped out at the film premiere amid swirling rumours that they're more than just co-stars of the film. According to Us Weekly magazine , Anderson and Neeson are 'officially an item.' In an interview with Postmedia News for the film, Anderson remarked the 'just had fun' while working on the project. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Anderson, who also shared the red carpet at the film premiere with her two sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, may have added fuel to the romance fire in a post shared to her Instagram account in which she noted, 'love is in the air.' Whether it's master movie marketing at its best or true love, we'll have to wait and see. Tapping into a touch of old Hollywood glamour, Anderson, who calls Vancouver Island home , wore a floor-length navy blue gown that was custom made by American fashion designer Thom Browne. She decorated the tailored, satin gown with a few sparkling touches of lab-grown diamonds, including a brooch and earrings. To add to the retro elegance, she wore delicate sheer black gloves. Anderson has been a darling of fashion and film circles in recent years, being celebrated for her acting, her playful sense of style — and for her largely makeup-free approach. 'I was really kind of drawn to the no-makeup makeup kind of thing because I'm still trying to figure out who I am underneath it all,' Anderson told Postmedia News in a feature interview following her 2024 Golden Globe nomination for her role in The Last Showgirl . 'I feel like I've been playing characters my whole life, in my personal life, and now that I get to play them in films and movies, I can actually just be myself. 'It's an experiment I'm playing with … I never thought anyone would even notice. But I love that other people are having makeup-free dinner parties and all sorts of stuff.' The star also stole style headlines earlier this year when she revealed a chic bob hairstyle at the Met Gala, which she paired with sparkling gown by Tory Burch. Her outfit for the annual fashion charity event last year hit closer to home — it was reportedly inspired by her property in B.C.
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver author Daniel Kalla launches new psychological crime thriller at free local event
Vancouver writer Daniel Kalla is back with another timely, twisty psychological thriller. This time Kalla, the king of zeitgeist topics, puts artificial intelligence (AI) on the table in his new novel (and top-notch summer holiday read ) The Deepest Fake. Out July 29, The Deepest Fake tells the story of successful AI company CEO Liam Hirsch, who is diagnosed with a terminal illness just a few weeks after figuring out his wife is cheating on him. As he makes plans to end his life on his own terms, some unexplained events inside his company cause him to question everything — including his actual illness. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. In a world of deep fakes, Liam isn't sure what is real and who he can trust. As a doctor and a writer, Kalla sees the effects, both good and bad, of AI on a daily basis. 'From my perspective, AI is the most game-changing, time saving tool I've ever discovered in both medicine and writing. I genuinely think it's made me better at both,' said Kalla in an email to Postmedia News. 'That said, I'm still not entirely convinced it won't kill us all. (I'm kidding … sort of).' While the longtime medical professional and bestselling author says he's not afraid of AI 'at this point,' he noted that he's 'acutely aware' of the perils of machine-learning if put into the wrong hands. 'That tension is central to The Deepest Fake,' Kalla shares. 'I recently heard someone compare AI to adopting a tiger cub. Right now, it's all adorable and fascinating, but you'd better raise it right if you don't want it to turn on you.' Fans of the prolific writer will have a chance to meet the bestselling author in person as he'll be at the Book Warehouse on Main Street (4118 Main in Vancouver) on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the launch of The Deepest Fake, his 19th book. The event is a free, informal gathering with no reading portion. For more information, visit 'I think it's important to connect with readers however you can. In-person events aren't always feasible — and as an author, they can be humbling, since turnout is never guaranteed,' Kalla says. 'But I'm excited to launch a book I believe is one of my best, in the city that's always been home, among the friends and readers who've stood by me from the beginning.' Kalla manages to pen about a book a year, an impressive pace that is made even more impressive when you take into consideration that he is also an emergency room doctor at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. 'As someone who's juggled two careers for decades, I always get asked the same thing: 'Where do you find the time?' I usually answer by saying I neglect my friends and family,' said Kalla. 'But the truth is, writing is my favourite hobby — and if I'm neglecting anything, it's probably chores and responsibilities.'
Calgary Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Vancouver author Daniel Kalla launches new psychological crime thriller at free local event
Article content Vancouver writer Daniel Kalla is back with another timely, twisty psychological thriller. Article content This time Kalla, the king of zeitgeist topics, puts artificial intelligence (AI) on the table in his new novel (and top-notch summer holiday read) The Deepest Fake. Article content Article content Article content As a doctor and a writer, Kalla sees the effects, both good and bad, of AI on a daily basis. Article content 'From my perspective, AI is the most game-changing, time saving tool I've ever discovered in both medicine and writing. I genuinely think it's made me better at both,' said Kalla in an email to Postmedia News. 'That said, I'm still not entirely convinced it won't kill us all. (I'm kidding … sort of).' Article content While the longtime medical professional and bestselling author says he's not afraid of AI 'at this point,' he noted that he's 'acutely aware' of the perils of machine-learning if put into the wrong hands. Article content 'That tension is central to The Deepest Fake,' Kalla shares. 'I recently heard someone compare AI to adopting a tiger cub. Right now, it's all adorable and fascinating, but you'd better raise it right if you don't want it to turn on you.' Article content Article content Fans of the prolific writer will have a chance to meet the bestselling author in person as he'll be at the Book Warehouse on Main Street (4118 Main in Vancouver) on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the launch of The Deepest Fake, his 19th book. The event is a free, informal gathering with no reading portion. For more information, visit Article content Article content 'I think it's important to connect with readers however you can. In-person events aren't always feasible — and as an author, they can be humbling, since turnout is never guaranteed,' Kalla says. 'But I'm excited to launch a book I believe is one of my best, in the city that's always been home, among the friends and readers who've stood by me from the beginning.' Article content Kalla manages to pen about a book a year, an impressive pace that is made even more impressive when you take into consideration that he is also an emergency room doctor at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Article content
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
LILLEY: Doug Ford defends sticking close to Liberal PM Mark Carney
Ford says most voters want elected officials to work together, not fight with each other. Get the latest from Brian Lilley straight to your inbox SASKATOON, SASK. - June 2, 2025 -- Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford hold a press conference after the first ministers' meeting at TCU Place. Photo taken in Saskatoon, Sask. on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Michelle Berg /Postmedia News) Damn the critics, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is defending his decision to speak in favour of new Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney. Ford says that 'some right-wing radicals' might take issue with the Premier of the country's largest province working with the just elected PM, but most voters don't see it that way, he says. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Ford hosted premiers from across the country at the Deerhurst Resort, not far from his cottage in Ontario's Muskoka region. Ford said that he and Carney, and some other premiers, stayed up around the fire until after midnight on Monday chatting about how to fix the problems of the nations. According to a couple of sources, all them were decked out in Ford Nation hoodies as they stood around the campfire. 'That's where you get the work done. You have heart-to-heart conversations one-on-one,' Ford said. 'I have a lot of respect for Prime Minister Carney, a very bright individual, a very smart business person. We share the same values. We have to run the government like a business, and we're going to get things done no matter if it's bail reform or dealing with President Trump on the trade deal.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ford said that he has more confidence in the new Prime Minister than he did in the last one. That's not a comment that is unique to him; in conversations public and private, premiers such as Alberta's Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan's Scott Moe or Nova Scotia's Tim Houston have said the same. Voters who wanted Poilievre to win the last election want to blast Ford, but Carney is seen as a breath of fresh air by the premiers. Sure, the bar was lowered by Justin Trudeau so much that showing up on time for a scheduled meeting is seen as a positive, but that is where we are. Recommended video Speaking with one official at the meeting of the premiers on Tuesday, they described how Trudeau would show up 45 minutes late to meetings with the premiers, lecture them and then not pay attention to their issues. Carney is not only on time but several premiers say that he's listening to them and looking for solutions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ford answered those critics who said the meetings between the premiers and with the PM could have been conducted virtually over Skype or Zoom. 'It's all about relationships. Business is about relationships. Work is about relationships. And nothing's better than looking someone square in the eyes and reading them,' Ford said. There's something to be said for that, being able to see someone face to face gives you a sense of whether you can trust what they said in a way that is different than a phone call or online conference call. Premiers are also able to speak more candidly when they know that it's just them in the room and that a staffer isn't lurking in the background recording everything that is said. That matters. Asked if the meetings in Huntsville will lead to a deal or if he thinks one is possible, Ford went off on Trump signing a deal with Japan. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Industry groups representing booze makers on both sides of the border say it's time to put American products back on Canadian shelves. What say you? Sales of U.S. spirits in Canada plunge 66%, industry groups say | Toronto Sun — Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) July 22, 2025 'Let's put it in perspective, Japan buys $79 billion of products off the U.S. We buy $359 billion of products,' Ford said. 'We're their largest customer, they need to start, Donald Trump needs to start respecting his largest customer.' Ford went on to talk about onshoring production to Canada and diversifying our markets away from the United States. That last part may sound good, but history will tell you it is wishful thinking. Pierre Trudeau talked about diversifying away from the United States in the 70s and 80s and nothing came of it. Successive governments have tried, none more than Stephen Harper's government who signed trade deals with dozens of countries in trying to diversify Canada's economy. Canada now has trade deals with 51 different countries, and the majority of our exports still go to the Americans. Mark Carney likes to talk about diversifying our trade, even talks of closer ties with the European Union where 10 of 27 countries still haven't ratified our trade deal with them almost a decade after it was signed. Doug Ford clearly has a lot of faith in Mark Carney to deal with these issues; the public will only have that kind of faith in Carney if he starts delivering — and delivering soon. Sports Golf Canada Canada Toronto & GTA
Vancouver Sun
19-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Fixes needed or this could be Vancouver's last Celebration of Light, producer warns
As producer Paul Runnals busily prepares for the weeklong Honda Celebration of Light fireworks festival, the largest public event in British Columbia, he faces a difficult reality: this could be the final year of the show. 'If we don't fix this, we won't have fireworks next year,' Runnals told Postmedia News. Soaring costs and the loss of public and private funding have pushed Vancouver's beloved summer tradition — and other major city events — to the brink. Public funding has taken a major hit in the past year, said Runnals. Provincial support for the fireworks festival is set to drop from $250,000 to $100,000 next year, while federal funding fell from $450,000 in 2023 to $250,000 last year and has been cut entirely for 2026. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The feds basically said, 'We're not going to give you any more, so don't bother asking,'' said Runnals. The annual Celebration of Light draws more than 1.5 million visitors and generates $40 million in economic activity for B.C., primarily through tourism and hospitality spending. Organizers warn that without new support, the festival may not return next year. The City of Vancouver covers police overtime, traffic control, and sanitation, an in-kind contribution valued at nearly $1 million a year. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called the situation unacceptable. 'Senior levels of government withdrawing financial support to place additional burden on both the city and the event organizers is unacceptable,' Sim said. 'Losing the Celebration of Light is not an option.' Although the non-profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society oversees the $3 million event, it is produced by for-profit BrandLive. That structure disqualifies the festival from several federal arts and culture funding streams, including Canadian Heritage grants. To help close the gap, the society introduced ticketed, catered viewing areas in 2010. These generate roughly $1 million in gross revenue annually, but fall short of covering rising production costs. In a statement to Postmedia, B.C.'s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said: 'Government is proud to support this event, and the funding provided reflects the growing demands on the ministry. 'We know this is a challenging time for many industries and our focus remains on making the best use of available resources to support economic growth while protecting core services people count on.' Postmedia reached out to the federal government, but did not receive a response by deadline. Other major Vancouver events, including the International Jazz Festival and Pride Parade, are also warning of cutbacks or cancellations amid inflation, sponsorship losses and uncertain public support. Organizers say that without renewed government and private-sector backing, these flagship public gatherings, which draw hundreds of thousands of residents and millions in tourism dollars to the city each year, are on shaky ground. 'Because the corporate world is nervous and holding onto their dollars or being very selective with them, I fear we're going to see a number of major events disappear in the city,' predicts Runnals. Organizers also worry that the arrival of FIFA 2026 could draw money and attention away from local events already struggling to survive. Yuri Fulmer, co-chair of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, said while local festivals grapple with reduced government funding, hundreds of millions are being spent by all three levels of government for the World Cup soccer event. The most recent budget estimate released for FIFA in Vancouver includes a combined $740 millions from municipal, provincial, and federal taxpayers. Organizers worry this major investment could divert public funds and corporate sponsorship away from Vancouver's established cultural events, putting their future at risk. 'The money to fund FIFA just doesn't come out of nowhere, it comes from slashing some things, definitely including arts and culture funding,' Fulmer said. Additionally, hosting the internationally renowned soccer competition at B.C. Place Stadium enforces a strict buffer zone. Known as a commercial exclusion zone, the restriction bars conflicting sponsor promotions within a set radius of FIFA venues. Nina Horvath, executive director of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, fears these restrictions could reduce sponsorship opportunities for next year's festival, which takes place during the same time. 'There are still a lot of unknowns about what accommodations we'll need to make for our event,' she said. Since 2022, Horvath said the festival has seen corporate sponsorship decline by 50 per cent, including the loss of its title sponsor. Support recovered modestly by 10 per cent this year, thanks to focused outreach efforts, while government funding has remained relatively stable. 'We've made some very tough choices along the way to ensure that we can be sustainable,' Horvath added, noting the festival has since adapted by reducing programming, which means fewer opportunities for artists and cultural workers. She's calling for incentives, like expanding community amenity agreements, the city fees paid by developers, to help attract more corporate sponsorship. Morgane Oger, secretary of the Vancouver Pride Society, told Postmedia last week that this year's parade is barely going ahead. Vancouver's Pride Parade, which draws hundreds of thousands downtown each summer, is also in jeopardy. Corporate sponsorship has dropped from $900,000 to $500,000, and provincial funding has fallen from $115,000 to just $45,000, Oger said. 'We're entering a period of debt tightening for governments and corporations,' she added. 'Festivals across the board are feeling the financial squeeze.' These steep losses threaten the parade's future, with organizers warning they may have to cancel next year's event without renewed support. sgrochowski@
