Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Celebrate all that love

Dear Ella,

I’m getting married in October and my guest list is a bit unusual.

In attendance will be my two mothers and three fathers. This happy bunch is the result of my mom’s three marriages and my dad’s two marriages.

Let me explain.

My mom, Linda, and dad, Paul, divorced when I was five years old.

My mom remarried, and I was primarily raised by her and my stepfather, Brian. Three years ago, my mom and Brian split up, and she’s now with her new partner, Rob. My dad, Paul, remarried Eve when I was a little girl, and I spent a lot of time with them over the years. What’s funny about all this is that I love them all. They are all wonderful people and are important in my life. What’s even more unusual is that they all like each other and get along very well at family functions.

Now that you know the background, here’s the problem: I want them all to play an important role in my wedding. Larry, my fiancĂ©, is fine with whatever I decide.

Who walks me down the aisle? Can they all be in my wedding party? What about the head table and the speeches? The invitation is a whole other nightmare!

It’s very complicated, and I don’t want to hurt anyone, as I love them all.

Lots of Lovin’

Dear Lots of Lovin’,

The addition of stepparents is not so unusual. What makes this unique is that they all get along. Of course, this works in your favour.

For the invitation, the phrase “together with their families,” could be used, as there may be too many names to mention. A professional invitation person will have options for you to choose so your wording can reflect exactly what you want.

Now let’s tackle the wedding party. Since they’re all very special to you, you may want them all to take part in your ceremony. Perhaps the married couples could each march down the aisle and Brian, whom I assume did not remarry, can walk down on his own. Both Linda and Paul will stop in the centre of the aisle while their spouses continue to their seats in the front row or stand under the chupah –your choice. Linda and Paul, your biological parents will wait for you to come down the aisle, and they should walk you up to the chupah.

For the head table, if you want them there with you, just add more chairs. Remember: this is your wedding and you can do it your way.

Speeches can be a little tricky. For the sake of the guests, you don’t want too many speeches. Possibly a short toast from some could be an alternative? How about having a pre-wedding meeting with everyone and do a little brainstorming? All the “steps” may even come up with a cute group speech.

An experienced wedding consultant can help with suggestions and proper execution. The most important thing to remember is this is your day. It can be as creative and meaningful as you and Larry want it to be. You don’t have to follow “wedding etiquette.” You’re a lucky woman to have so much love in your life.

Celebrate it!

Readers may submit their questions to Ella at ellacjn@gmail.com. But Ella is not a professional counsellor. She brings to the questions posed by readers her unique brand of earthy wisdom. Her advice is not a replacement for medical, legal or any other advice. For serious problems, consult a professional.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Emmanuelle Chriqui on genre series work

Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui is immersing herself in yet another groundbreaking series.

While known most notably for her role as Sloan on Entourage – that series was a fictional look at the life of an emerging Hollywood star and his friends – Chriqui has been cast alongside top performers in an all-new animated offering from Disney.

Tron Uprising, premiering June 7 and running for 18 episodes on Disney XD, is set between the events of the original feature film and the 2011 blockbuster followup, Tron Legacy. Beck, a young program, voiced by Elijah Wood, is destined to become the next top renegade of the computer world known as "The Grid". Trained by its past champion Tron, Beck will soon lead a revolution against the villainous Clu and main protagonist General Tesler.



In a press conference for the series first season, Chriqui who voices Paige, the general's young field commander, says she treated the role as if it were a live-action program. While not plugged into the world of science fiction, she could not help but be drawn in by the script and the journey each character was set to embark upon, she told the press at a series launch interview.



Chriqui and Wood will also be joined vocally by the likes of Bruce Boxleitner, who portrayed Tron in both theatrical releases, as well as Mandy Moore and Lance Henriksen.

This is the in-between feature filler Tron fans won't want to miss.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

When all has been said about Shavuot

Compared to most other holidays on the Jewish calendar, Shavuot is perhaps one of the dullest ritually speaking.

Consuming dairy products, hardly stacks up against the symbols and rituals associated with the High Holidays, such as blowing the shofar and listening to the familiar strains of Kol Nidre, or Passover, when we recall the Exodus from Eqypt and spend eight days eating matzah.

Last year The CJN's Rabbi Michael Stavsky discussed the Tikun Leil Shavuot – the custom of studying Torah all night and the recitation of the tikun composition – which for many is the most difficult Shavuot custom to observe.

After all the readings have been exhausted and the mind needs a rest check out Jewish Humor Central where among their posts you'll find this scene from Mel Brooks' classic film History of the World - Part 1. In it Brooks, playing Moses, gives us his explanation of how we ended up with "only" 10 commandments. Enjoy!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Shatner guest stars on ABC summer hit


One of the most anticipated shows returning to this summer's TV schedule is ABC's Rookie Blue. The fictional cop drama with an almost all-Canadian cast, kicks off its third season with rookie Andy McNally (played by B.C.'s Missy Peregrym's) return from suspension.

Among his many roles, William Shatner, who portrayed police sergeant T.J. Hooker on the series of the same name from 1982 to 1986, guest stars in the Rookie Blue season 3 premiere, as a drunk driver with an axe to grind against the city's police force.

Watch the promos from ABC and Global TV below; then tune in for all the action next Thursday May 24, at 8 p.m.