BEST BLOG INTERVIEWS OF 2010

Aside from mentioning I was the first-ever "Lake Shore" blogger, I made this title pretty self-explanatory. Here are the links to my most crucial interviews of 2010:

1. Jessie Sulidis from "The Bachelor" http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/07/torontos-final-rose-bachelors-jessie.html

2. Jodie Sweetin from "Full House"  http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/08/un-sweetin-ed-truth-full-houses-jodie.html
 
3. Lark Voorhies from "Saved by the Bell" http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/09/shes-saved-by-bell-once-again-lark.html
 
4. Sebastien Roberts from "Nikita" http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/11/to-actor-who-can-play-girl-psycho-and.html
 
5. CFL alum Damon Allen http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/10/damon-allen-one-of-greatest-cfl-players.html
 
6. Miss Universe Canada 2009 Mariana Valente http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/07/making-universe-better-place-last-years.html
 
7. The Situation's Canadian "Lover" Samantha Kumar (from "Jersey Shore") http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/10/ooh-samantha-weve-got-situation-with.html
 
8. Vik Sahay from "Chuck" http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/08/chuck-on-this-canadian-actor-vik-sahay.html
 
9.  Former SMOOTH Magazine editor and present SHOW Magazine owner SEAN CUMMINGS
http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-must-go-on-magazine-editor-sean.html

10. Veronika London (deemed "The Megan Fox of Hollywood North" by Maxim) from "Body Language"
http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/07/megan-fox-eat-your-heart-out-body.html

11. Carmen and Camille http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-is-story-about-two-hot.html

12. Former Toronto Sun advice columnist Valerie Gibson http://dafourfs.blogspot.com/2010/07/first-lady-for-ladies.html

TOP 5 BEST AND WORST SONGS OF 2010

In honour of the 6 month anniversary of this blog (a project I consider an integral part of my achievements in 2010) and a new year, here are MY Top 5 best (least annoying), worst (most annoying), or most memorable (or, um, "most weird") songs of 2010! P.S. This thorough review is also dedicated to my loyal fans and haters who may laugh with - or at me - for my (hopefully) entertaining comments and useful insights. Enjoy :) I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with prosperity, love, and good health. Thanks, everyone!

TOP 5 BEST

1. "Airplanes" (PART 2 ONLY) - BOB featuring Hayley Williams and Eminem
This may be BOB's song, but Eminem's highly anticipated resurrection and guest appearance just somehow default Part 1 to pale in comparison. As inspirational as it is passionate, this piece's rappers both reminiscence back to their pasts of poverty and loss of hope where they may still reside if they didn't follow their dreams, but again, Eminem wins us with his most promising verse of all: "Pretend he even had a friend to say was his friend...He wasn't socially awkward and estranged as a kid. He had a father, and his mother wasn't crazy as SH#!..." Eminem proves he still speaks with raw honesty in songs like "Love the Way You Lie" - where he collaborates with Rihanna on depicting the typical love/hate relationship inside a relationship involving domestic violence - and in this next song, which makes my list...

2. "Forever"- Drake, Lil' Wayne, Eminem, and Kanye West
4 rap powerhouses join forces singing - and rapping - on how they "just want this SH#! forever." It's arguable as to what this song is REALLY about, as many factors come into play regarding the true fruits of global domination. But when once-newcomer and now-overnight success, Toronto/Canada-bred Drake coins the phrase "Last name EVER, first name GREATEST," you know this song foreshadows one of the best hip hop music teams of all time: not just with Drake but with Lil' Wayne (Drake's sidekick who's famous for his sexually explicit lyrics in songs like "Lollipop" and a favourite of many mainstream urban duets like alongside Nicki Minaj and TPain, just to name a few), Kanye West (who's notorious for his scandalous verbal assaults and feuds against Taylor Swift and George Bush), and Eminem (who they had to beg to help them with this song and finally gave it a chance).

3. "Life After You" - Daughtry
I chose this as my #3 for no specific or special reason, other than that just because I love Daughtry and have a *tiny* crush on their heart-moving rhythms and romantic lyrics. Sacrifice their pride in convincing that "there's no life after you" (or you) - or any life worth living, an empty life worth remembering - without that special someone. Of course, I imagine "you" means "me" whenever I listen to this song, which brings back good and bad memories - or "what-if" hypothetical ones - where I see myself being seen by my many failed love pursuits, infatuations, or "friends" I've been through this year. But, enough about me; moving on :)

4. "Just A Dream" - Nelly
After (was it 5, 10 years?) of musical silence in the industry, Nelly also makes his comeback with his now overplayed hit single "Just A Dream" (which is less annoying than most overplayed songs, I have to admit). Nelly usually strives for more dance-y, upbeat tunes yet still succeeds in complimenting his raspy voice and casual ad libs with this softer song and theme about losing someone and letting go; repeating the thought process and hallucinations responsible for human insanity and mental deterioration required in missing him or her: "I was THINKING about her, THINKING about me, THINKING about us, what we're gunna be. Open my eyes, and it's only just a dream..."

5. "Live Like We're Dying" - Kris Allen
Now, I'm not sure if this Kris guy has any other songs (perhaps he's just a one-hit wonder), but his non-superficial lyrics and sing-along pop-rock beat here shouldn't fall under that same cliche category of cheesy, horrible songs. This song has a message, a meaning - the same one as Carpe Diem "Seize The Day," but only better and more specific: "We only got ? seconds in a day, to turn it all around and throw it all away.."

TOP 5 WORST

1. "Smile" - Justin Bieber
As much as 13-year-old girls shriek, hyperventilate, and break restraining order laws to touch or breathe on him, let's say it altogether now: "Justin Bieber is sooo oversold." He now has a line of barbie dolls, lunchboxes, and condoms (yes, I said condoms - I must be missing something else?!) to promote his Beatles-mocking fame even more. In his 2010 smash hit "Smile," Justin sings "you smile, I smile" (how original). In his debut single "One Time," he was merely a prepubescent 15-year-old boy from Stratford, Ontario who wooed over girls with lyrics like "your world is my world, and my fight is your fight, and my breath is your breath." This is the same guy who suggests in his second hit "One Last Lonely Girl" that a girl would "pack up her bags and leave," because, you know, no one under the age of 5 (sorry, 18) doesn't need a letter of permission or parent to leave the country. It's called "running away," Justin. But, oooh, now, he's flaunting a deeper voice and interest in porn, which can lead to a sexier, more mature persona. See you in the next 2 years, fellow Biebers.

2. "Fireflies" - Owl City
This song (and attaching music video) was created for 2-year-olds who need lullabies to soothe them to sleep. I decided :)

3. "Just The Way You Are" - Bruno Mars
I think this guy was on crack when he wrote this song, which explains his arrest for coke possession. Actually, I was thinking to his crack in this song. Come on, who has "hair that falls perfectly without her trying" and "eyes that make the stars look like they're not shining?" Crack! When you're on it! I especially confirmed my belief in his lack of geniality in his songs, when "Grenade" came out - until I heard the lyrics. Of course, then I thought it was a publicity stunt. Thanks, Jersey Shore.

4. "Telephone" by Lady GaGa featuring Beyonce
A pair, because they're both arguably the most iconic, richest artists in the world right now? Sure. A pair, because they match in vocal skill and visual style in dressing themselves and killing people for no apparent reason? Not so much.

5. "California Girls" - Katy Perry
Nice functional bra, Katy? Is this Candyland or Planet Mars? Oh Snoop Dogg, how much I love you - but why are you here?
   

   
  

NELLY'S CHRISTMAS WISH

Millenial legendary rapper Nelly - whose hit single "Just a Dream" is topping the charts - introduces us to his mission to fulfill dreams of families in need this holiday season. Along with DoSomething.org, Nelly is featured in a new video telling teens around the country to participate in their "Tackle Hunger" campaign and gather 1 million pounds of food in December. The initiative collaborates with Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic relief charity, and motivates teens to assemble food from their homes, communities and schools to make sure no person is starving this holiday.


Nelly's video challenge and more information can be found at DoSomething.org/tacklehunger

The AMAs: Another Awards Show's Excuse for Fashion Success and Suicide

From NKOTBSB's explosive performance to Bieber and Usher's leather jacket partnership, the American Music Awards' nominees and/or legendary stars have reinvented their own list of "do's" and "dont's." And, no, Lady Gaga wasn't responsible for ANY of this!

Not only does Avril look a little constipated here (I'm assuming everyone reading this knows what that means, because I really don't want to explain it), but she reeks of bad zebra print judgement. Better luck next time, Avril.

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys (sans Kevin) reunion(s) = totally awesome! Their matchy costume attire and looked-good-when-they-could-move-like-youth choreography? = Ehh, not soo much :)

Katy Perry brings out her famous pearly whites, porcelain glow, and full decolletage recipe in this iridescent, pastel pink diamond-and-flower-like strapless frock.

As for Kesha....well, she shocked with sexy-messy hair, glitter&glam, and cut-out fabric - as per usual.

Oh Miley, I prefer you with your more slutty punk-dominatrix-whatever get-ups, though I surprisingly like the cashmere toilet paper dress in that commercial (What? It's soft, easy to slip out of, and makes for an inexpensive wedding gown), and I applaud Miley for emulating it.

Nicki Minaj, I may not be able to see majority of your outfit, but I have decided - that's because this is probably your entire outfit (you predictably don't leave much to the imagination), and you look like a pink dragon here. Sorry, next!

As much as I can see through (literally and metaphorically) Rihanna's classic Whitney do and JLo-inspired lace gown, I do appreciate the flashback. Thank you, Rihanna.

Not sure if the full bangs are too harsh for Taylor Swift's cute little face, but the shiny disco ball she's wearing sure is groovy. Get it? Groovy? No? Anyone?

Hi, my name is Will.I.Am, and I'm soooo cool and creative, because I'm sporting an exclusive lego-covered hat. That's right - lego! I can finally reach out to a younger audience and entice my older one. Oooh, ahhh.
Ok, it's over. Jokes, Willz, I love you :)

I feel bad for picking on someone so young and I acknowledge her risks all in the name of being fashion-forward, but come on, Willow Smith - what the H-E-double hockey sticks are you wearing? (Remember, PG-rated language here, even though it spells out to be...oh well....).

INSIDE A TAURUS' PERSPECTIVE OF THE 25TH ANNUAL GEMINI AWARDS SHOW "FASHIONS"

Yesterday evening, shining Canadian stars - like Glee's Cory Monteith and Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev - took the time to revisit their roots and celebrate their culture at the 25th Annual Gemini Awards (right here in Toronto). Shaking awards and embracing old friends and co-stars victoriously, the following Canuck-born-or-raised celebs not only stood out to prove that the Great White North has inherited some extraordinary talent but extraordinary fashion sense as well. Check it out:

Anna Silk is svelte and pretty in pink, wrapped in this floor-length, a-line number topped off with a Greek Goddess-like, scrunched one-shoulder.

Dragon Den's Arlene Dickson may show us who's boss in this appropriate yet snappy off-the-shoulder purple piece, but should nix the awkward lighter purple criss-cross for another dress.

Alice's Caterina Scorsone looks super-cute in this youthful, strapless, shiny purple top and waist-cinching, patterned, poufy skirt/bottom combo.

All the Degrassi: The Next Generation alums here look great here, but credit is due to Cassie Steele for her neon pink 80s-style frock and Adamo Ruggiero for his geeky-trendy glasses-and-bow pull-up.

Grace Park (The Border, Hawaii-Five-0) flaunts her sleek, toned silhouette in this clingy, futuristic, foil-like silver minidress - with an intricate slit and delicate fabric design at the ends.

Degrassi: The Next Generation graduate/Vampire Diaries right-hand woman Nina Dobrev accentuates her naturally long limbs and lean physique in this dark blue, satin-y halter gown with an opposing longer back and shorter, frilly, ruffled front.

Sara Morton may pull off this dramatic (unforgiving-on-many), long, silver design that hugs every curve, but I'm not too sure about the black gloves and furry white (wait, is that a coat or shawl?)

Last but (certainly) not least, rightfully-chosen host/Glee star Cory Monteith dresses to impress in this mature light grey suit and dark-pattered tie.

IF I WROTE FOR "LAKE SHORE"....

...This is how it would go.

When Lake Shore released its 8 cast members to the media Monday night, major media channels - like PerezHilton.com, Access Hollywood, and CTV News - scrambled to spread news about the first (Canadian) television program to compete with the notorious MTV hit Jersey Shore. Now, Lake Shore's a hit, before its pilot. Can't say the same about Jersey Shore, now, can we - America?

Being Lake Shore's first exclusive blogger EVER, I have decided to create authority - and the predictions - to write my own hypothetical synopsis of the new Lake Shore episodes. If anyone would like to insert their own predictions for Tommy, Arber, Salem, Joey, Sibel, Robyn, Karolina, and Anni Mei, please don't hesitate to post them under here or my Facebook statuses. Enjoy :)

Who will get together? Sibel and Tommy - after a drunken night of fist-pumping and grinding at the club.

Who will get into a fight? Sibel and Robyn - after Sibel calls her a stereotypically racist Jewish name, and Robyn smashes her to the floor. Joey, Arber, and/or Tommy will accidentally slaughter one or each other in a playful decking match game, or purposely slaughter each other after an unexpected "creepy" visit from "grenades."

Who will hook up? Hmm, let's list all the combinations: Sibel and Anni Mei, Anni Mei and Karolina, Karolina and Robyn, Karolina, and Sibel, Robyn and Joey, Anni Mei and Arber, Sibel and Tommy, and - finally - Salem and a spicy Latino man. Yeeee

As for individual storylines...

Anni Mei - She loves to go-go dance, which is awesome, because Arber gets her some more (modeling) gigs through his various club connections. But, can she keep up?

Salem - Speaking of career demands, Salem is further expanding himself in the fashion industry, which means he's super busy. Will Lake Shore interfere with - or improve - his success?

Karolina - is struggling with her sexuality. Does she like women or men - or both? Rawr :)

And if Lake Shore is "real"-ly anything like Jersey Shore...

Karolina and Anni Mei want to tell Sibel about Tommy and his cheating ways - but through an email (not in 19th century letter format, ahem, Jersey Shore).

Anni Mei develops some self-esteem issues, as she grows more involved in the modeling industry.

Robyn talks &*%^ about Sibel - and then Karolina and Anni Mei. Tsk tsk, Robyn...

Anni Mei soon discovers or reveals her obsession with lemons.

The guys pull out girls from the club, and - guess what - they're from the US. Nutella - I mean, oranges - anyone?

"LAKE SHORE" TOP 8 OFFICIALLY REVEALED!

Ok, so the highly-anticipated announcement of the Lake Shore cast members has been leading up to this very moment. If you refer back to my list of who (I think) should be on Lake Shore, my top 8 were: Vonny, Kali, Karolina, Persia, Tommy Hollywood, Easton and Dana (the twins), Manuel Deon, and Robby Simpson.

Who ended up making it? Joey, Arber, Salem, Tommy (correct), Sibel, Karolina (correct), Robyn, and Anni Mei - which means I got 25% right on my predictions.

If you read my analysis - along with my previous chosen Top 8 - you most likely caught my wishy washiness - or lack of confidence - in the selections. For that reason, I believed the top 25 were all somehow equally capable of contributing their own authentic X-factors that would give the show that pizazz? - again, hence my not taking one side of just one or many potential contestants.

But, the key word here is "authentic." The initial purpose of Lake Shore was not just to include people of different ethnicities, races, or religions but to bring people of different cultures and personalities together as one - to not separate people into their little cliques or minorities and put them against each other (unless it's in the "fake drama" way), but to shape them into one multicultural family, country, society - world, even (as cliche as it sounds). Lake Shore could've been seen as a means of battling racism and glamourizing positive acceptance (as it should be, like one would glamourize Angelina Jolie and Madonna's rescuing and adopting poor kids from Africa), but now, I'm not so sure.

Ok, so we have Turkish (Sibel), Italian (Joey), Vietnamese (Anni Mei), Czech (Tommy), Jewish (Robyn), Polish (Karolina), Lebanese (Salem), and Albanian (Arber). Therefore, we have some Asian, some European...but how about the African Americans? Sure, excluding - or just not including - at least one black person into the mix may spark up debates as to how they chose the Top 8 (it wasn't necessarily based on who attained the highest votes). Of course, it may just be a coincidence that they didn't think any of the coloured individuals who auditioned were cut out - or so we think.

I happen to know many Facebook "friends" of Lake Shore - or I - disagree with many of the choices the team has made. Of course, they took the time to thoroughly assess each parameter and combine a group of people who would influence just the right type of drama and dirtiness, but would the viewers - the people who also must want to watch the show to propel the program's success - consent? Again, if Lake Shore's intention was to create diversity, and they didn't note the diversity of an African American person - who should be recognized for their historical significance, for their fighting justice and molding the world into the less legally prejudiced world it has become today - by including them in the Top 8, then the cast isn't exactly as diverse as they wanted it to be. Then again, concentrating on just one race's elimination overshadows the fact that there are more than just 8 ethnicities or cultures in the world, and Lake Shore shouldn't be expected to confront all of them.

Not to say Lake Shore is being racist. However, simply inserting a comment Sibel made in the Lake Shore series premiere sneak peak is a bit daunting and representing Lake Shore as a whole being racist. Sibel says "I'm not racist. I hate everyone equally, especially Jews." Hmm...is she being racist, or did she have a negative experience with more than one Jewish individual that has caused her to believe all Jewish people fall into a specific stereotype? Who knows? I guess we'll find out on the show? P.S. Looks like there's some tension between her and Robyn (who is a Jew). Coincidence?

Guys like Tommy, Arber, and Joey "love to party" every night of the week. In fact, there's no such natural force as daylight for them (metaphorically, not literally, speaking) - even so far as to say that some of them might even be somehow connected - or work - in the club promotions industry. This way, the "party" compensates for both their work AND play. Which begs the question? How many "Situations" does it take to screw in one light bulb? I mean, we need at least one Situation, Pauly D, Vinny, or Ronny to make the show like a "Shore" reality thing, but in this case, it just proves my point: the Situation, Pauly D, Vinny, and Ronny are all somehow synonymous to another. They're all hot and bothered, pumped up, GTL - in their hair gel, wifebeaters, and sick cars - conventional modern day guidos. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but again, the diversity here? Hmm...

One guy that doesn't fit that recipe? Salem - who is as career-driven and fashionably late as they come. He's "blunt, forward, and beautiful" (his words, not mine). As for Anni Mei and Karolina (even the rest of the girls)? Kind of the estrogen-y version of the guys: smexy, smart (business-wise?), and snappy. A Snooki vs. Angelina-esque catfight in the works here? I think so.

The catch? This Top 8 video "accidentally" slipped out of the Lake Shore YouTube womb well premature before its due date. Pardon my pun...everyone thought it'd be a girl, except it was a boy?

THE TRUE CANADIAN "HOUSE BUNNY": PLAYBOY'S "MISS NOVEMBER" SHERA BECHARD COACHES US ON HOW TO LOVE OUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

                                               Courtesy of Playboy

You know the story. Cinderella magically swirls from timid housekeeper into confident princess just in time for the Prince to find her glass slipper, take her hand in marriage, and - most importantly - supply her with the courage to leave her evil stepfamily (and just be happy).

Now, the tale of Cinderella has been altered and tweaked to tell for different time periods, cultures, and mediums. So, it makes sense to conclude that in this day and age, the evil stepfamily would probably be technology (not-so) friendly schoolmates, and the Prince (or Fairy Godmother) would most likely be Playboy. And in the midst of various Cinderella stories, this specific one would crown Shera Bechard a proud owner of the classic "Miss November" title.

Shera, a 27-year-old small-town girl from Kapuskasing, Ontario, may gracefully flip long blonde tresses and strip down from the curvaceous, little body Playboy is most famous for now, but she wasn't always this sure of herself. In an exclusive interview with the Toronto Sun, Shera revealed that growing up, she was constantly tormented by both male and female schoolmates, even to the point that "one summer, when she was seven, mean girls dumped her in a garbage can."

Then, not too shortly thereafter, she ditched Kapuskasing and rode to Toronto, taking jobs as a model and club hostess for the next 8 years. Then, finally, Longtime Playboy cartoonist Doug Sneyd finds this Cinderella at a Toronto comic show. “I don’t say this to every girl..." he says to Shera. And then - boom! The glass slipper fits. Shera poses for Playboy and has her happy ending.

But, the "Happily Ever After" isn't coming just yet. Actually, the story has barely begun. Here, Shera takes me through the pages of her own Cinderella story, vividly describing her most crucial characters, climaxes, and downfalls. Now, all girls - big or small - can be inspired to go after their unique "happy endings."

                                               Courtesy of Playboy

V.B. You hail from Northern Ontario, specifically from a small, elusive town called Kapuskasing. What's the lifestyle like up there?

S.B. Kapuskasing is a great little town. It's primarily a logging town with a population of about 9,000. Like most Northern Ontario towns, it's bilingual, so I grew up with French as my first language. Being 8 hours North of Toronto the summers there are short, and the winters are long. But, it's beautiful! You're guaranteed snow every Christmas!

V.B. According to the Toronto Sun, you have a religious mother. If you don't mind me asking, where did her - or your overall family's - religious beliefs stand? What's your take on God and religion? What do you believe?

S.B. Growing up, my mother was more religious than she currently is now. She still has her beliefs, but she's mellowed down quite a bit. She's actually pretty liberal now and has been very supportive of my decision to pose for Playboy, but I did tell my stepfather about it first to see what he thought her reaction would be. As for myself, I guess you could say I'm agnostic. Religion isn't currently a part of my life.

V.B. You were bullied constantly by girls and guys alike throughout school. How did you end up dealing with that? What lessons have you learnt from your own experience that you can offer to anyone - children, teenagers, etc. - who is being tormented?

S.B. Well, I never really dealt with it back then - I just got through it. I was always very shy and timid growing up. I guess that made me a target, but I've overcame a lot of that shyness now. The one thing I would say to people who are going through it themselves is to know that it will end eventually, and it will get better with time. Thankfully, high school is only a few years of your life.

V.B. What made you decide to pack your bags and move to Toronto when you were 18? Have you always wanted to become a model? How did Toronto "toughen you up"?

S.B. As much as I like Kapuskasing, there was nothing there for me; I had no job or friends/boyfriend holding me there. I always had people telling me I could be a model, and I had done a photoshoot with a local photographer up in Kap, so I thought I might as well pursue it. Clearly, I couldn't do it there, so I came to Toronto. Toronto was good in the sense that I got to do a lot of shoots with great photographers, and I found out I was quite good at modeling, so that was good for my confidence. But yeah, Toronto toughens you up; coming from a town of 9,000 to a city of 2 million will do that.

V.B. Were you hoping for or expecting this type of fame? Do you project the "Playboy" achievement as a metaphorical "middle finger" to the guys and girls that used to tease - and who probably now want to be or be with - you?

S.B. I certainly wasn't expecting this, but you do hope to achieve it. But it's not even the fame I was hoping for - just the success. I've never wanted to be famous; I just wanted to be good at what I do, good enough to make a living off of it. And yeah, it's also nice knowing that I've achieved more with my life now than most of those people who once tormented me, so I guess I got the last laugh :)

                                                  Courtesy of Playboy

V.B. You described your younger self as "geeky and scrawny" and also indicated that your curves weren't appreciated by the high fashion modeling industry in Toronto. The struggle to looking "perfect" in the industry - or society, in general - is constant. What's your take on body image issues regarding young girls and women, and how can you apply that perspective to your own life?

S.B. Yeah, my curves and height (I'm 5'6") weren't good enough for the Toronto modeling industry. But, thankfully, that didn't hold me back. Personally, I've never bought into that whole struggle to look perfect. I think that if you eat well and exercise, things take care of themselves.

V.B. You were (indirectly) discovered by Playboy cartoonist Doug Sneyd at a Toronto comics book show, then suddenly (it seems), you were in. How exactly did the whole process go down?

S.B. Well, as I said, I went there to meet a friend. My friend said Doug was there, and he thought it'd be fun to have him draw my picture, since he was a fan of Doug's work. So as Doug was drawing me, we got to talking, and, long story short, Doug said he had met a lot of Playmates over the years and felt that I was better looking than all of them. So he said he was willing to do something he had never done before, which was to send my photos directly to Hef. So I sent my photos to Doug, he sent them to Hef, and - within a week - I was asked to come down to L.A. to do the test shoot. I met Doug May 8th and was in L.A. shooting my test shoot by the end of the month.

V.B. So, now, you're adjusting to the "Playboy" lifestyle. You say there's no "orgies" but is there anything about the Playboy Mansion or brand that only the models know, that outsiders wouldn't foresee?

S.B. I think most people would be surprised with how laid-back and friendly and non-sexual it is there. Hef is also the warmest and sweetest guy; so are the friends who hang out with him. I miss it when I'm not at the Mansion - the grounds are beautiful, whatever food you want is available 24/7, Sunday is "Fun in the Sun" day where all Playmates - past and present - are allowed to come and hang out by the pool. On weekend nights, we watch movies in the Mansion's theatre - so being there is like being on vacation.

V.B. You portray a "mute stripper" in Sweet Karma. Can you clue us in to your character or the plot of the story?

S.B. I actually don't play a mute stripper. I play a mute Russian girl who comes to Toronto to infiltrate a sex ring, in order to get revenge for the death of her sister. So, in one scene, she poses as a stripper to get her revenge on one of the guys. The film was actually based on true stories about sex rings in Toronto and how they operate. Obviously, the whole revenge thing is fiction, but the world that the film takes place in is very real - which most people are quite shocked to learn.

V.B. What's coming up for you in the nearby future?

S.B. I have nothing concrete coming up; I've had a couple more film offers, and I'm certainly looking into doing another film soon. I also just finished doing the Playmate Review photo shoot, which comes out in the January issue of Playboy, so that people can vote for Playmate of the Year. And hopefully, with any luck, that will be my next big photo shoot :)

TO THE ACTOR WHO CAN PLAY A CHEATER, PSYCHO, AND JOSH HARTNETT'S NEMESIS ALL AT ONCE: NIKITA'S SEBASTIEN ROBERTS TELLS US HOW "GOOD OF AN ACTOR" HE REALLY IS!

“Thanks for calling. Talking to you actually made time go a lot quicker.” Static and sounds of the road cloud over my phone’s quality; Sebastien Roberts is bravely taking on a 4 hour drive to his hometown of Montreal simultaneously while answering my many interview questions (using headsets, of course! He believes in safe driving!) But, his cutting yet soothing voice still prove to be comprehensible. He pronounces every word accurately – without thee Encyclopedia dictionary arrogance or suspicions of over-rehearsal. He stammers and stops like everyone else, but builds enough rapport to carry on conversation - to tell his story so fluidly. And, boy, does he have a story... Not bad for the 37-year-old Montreal native who is now most memorable for playing the (dead?) fiancé of the character-titled, reborn Toronto-filmed CW series Nikita, boasting a cast of a bevy of stars like The O.C.’s Melinda Clarke, Young & The Restless’s Lyndsy Fonseca, and A Walk to Remember’s Shane West. Surrounded by an all-celebrity cast, Sebastien’s raw yet versatile talents stand out, circling his own spotlight. Here, Sebastien opens up about his twin sister’s death, playing tough characters – like an in-the-closet homosexual, incestuous rapist, and Josh Hartnett’s enemy – and conceiving a son with the “biggest heart” (Aww.) Check our personal Q&A here.

V.B. You were born in the great metropolitan city of Montreal, Quebec. What made you decide to relocate and pursue a career in acting?

S.R. Actually, I was born in Montreal then I grew up in Sarnia (a town located approximately 2-3 hours away from Toronto). I moved back to Montreal, when I was about 20-21, because I just had my son. Now that my son is turning 17 and so grown up, I have more time to pursue acting. I just sold my house in Montreal and got an apartment in Toronto, because I spend more time here now (to film Nikita). I go back and forth. I never dreamt of becoming an actor really early on, but I was on an improv team in Ontario that travelled and performed in a few plays in high school. I had a child so early, so I needed a job. I worked in the pipe centre/industry – plumbing, oil plants, etc. – that sort of thing. If I didn’t have my son (Jesse), I would probably be one of those struggling actors who bartended or served to pay his bills. I didn’t go to theatre school until I was 28.

V.B. You were a regular on Providence, playing character Francois Berthier. Would you say you grew with your character throughout your duration on the show? What kinds of issues and behaviour shifts did your character experience that you would like to address or advise your viewers on?

S.R. I played a Phys Ed/Nature teacher on the Providence for 3 years. I’m very grateful for this, because it was my first big role. When you’re on a show with a million viewers for 3 years, you get recognition for other opportunities. I’m used to playing sociopaths or other multi-dimensional characters, but he (Francois) was too perfect – too boring. He fell in love with one of his student’s mothers who was having a hard time with her husband. But then it became more interesting, when after 2 years, they (the writers) made my character have an affair with a man. You never actually saw the affair on the show; you only heard about it. The affair supposedly happened 10 years before that. The man I had a “fling” with told everyone, and my wife (on the show) found out.

V.B. Were you comfortable playing a gay character?

S.R. Yes. You didn’t actually see the character being gay. It was simple, not based on a whole bunch of research. There was no confusion, bisexuality, or struggle with his character (to come out, understand his sexuality, etc.)

V.B. In 2006, you made appearances on shows like Naked Josh and G-Spot. Those seem like pretty racy shows, judging by their names :) Where do you draw your line in what you're willing to perform as an actor, and why? For example, would you consider doing (more) nude or sex scenes?

S.R. On Naked Josh, I played a handicapped character (in a wheelchair) who cheated on his girlfriend. Of course, it was hard moving in certain positions utilizing – and being in – a wheelchair. That was the first and only time I played someone handicapped. It really gave me a view of what handicapped people have to go through, day in and day out. In G-Spot, I only did one sex scene, and there I showed my chest. In Lucky Number Slevin – a movie where I acted with Josh Hartnett – I actually had sex with his girlfriend behind his back, and he found out. Of course, they cut the dialogue and not the sex scene. People tease me for that; this was actually done earlier on in my career. That’s how good of an actor I am. They cut my lines and kept my ass (laughs)! I wouldn’t do that again, unless I were the lead or it depended on the movie – not for a one-liner, especially when you’re just starting out and you’re the “pretty boy.” One of my more controversial roles called for my playing a rapist on One Way, a movie we filmed in Germany? We find out in court as a teen, I raped my sister when she was only 14. I tell people “I love playing a rapist,” because as an actor, you go down to these dark places with your character, and it’s really interesting. Of course, it seems real when you see a lot of nudity and sex – and you ask yourself, “Is she really doing this?” – but (you have to remind yourself that) it isn’t real.

V.B. Speaking of "sex," many Canadians especially consider you to be a sex symbol. What do you find "sexy"?

S.R. I’m more known in Quebec than in English-speaking parts of Canada. I’ve never seen an article where they mention me as a sex symbol. I’m not 25 anymore; I’m a Dad, and I couldn’t be more proud of my son. My son has the biggest heart; I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such a great kid. So, I’d rather be in a magazine saying that I’m a great – and hot – Dad. The sexiest thing – without a doubt – is self-confidence. That’s a cliché but it’s true – it’s the walk, the look, how someone holds their Starbucks coffee (laughs). Sexiness is seen through behavior and as actors, we study human behavior. It’s not so much how a person dresses or appears. I’ve seen models who probably have less self-confidence than girls who aren’t models (or model-types). And the smile – a smile shows your personality.

V.B. The French language is also pretty sexy. Do you speak any French or know any funny or effective pick-up lines (in French or English)?

S.R. I’m pure French-Canadian, so I speak better French than I do English, though it’s pretty equal. No pick-up lines! Pick-up lines are for people who don’t have much self-confidence. When you’re prepared, it just happens…but to have a pick-up line? How does that work? It has to be truthful, pertaining to the moment…

V.B. You play Daniel on the renowned TV series Nikita, which is filmed right here in Toronto. What's it like working with celebrities like Melinda Clarke, Lyndsy Fonseca, and Shane West? Anyone you have become close friends with?

S.R. I play Maggie Q (Nikita)’s fiance. I’m not a regular on the show, but I was killed off right at the beginning, so you see me in flashbacks. Writers can change that very easily though, so I might not be dead? We’ll see…I’ve only done 3 episodes. They’re talking about bringing me back more and more in flashbacks though; I hope they do. Great cast – very talented – great directors, great crew. I love working there; the cast is very nice. I’ve been in and out of town since they shot the pilot, so I haven’t been able to go out with them. Hopefully, the more I’m on the show, the more I get to meet with them.

V.B. Faces in the Crowd (where you portray a stranger/lurker) and Hellraiser: Revelations will be released sometime next year. Have you acquired opportunities in those films to explore controversial or different personalities and storylines?

S.R. Faces in the Crowd is probably one of the best scripts I’ve ever read in a long time. Milla Jovanich’s character falls off a bridge and gets this condition where she cannot recognize other people’s faces – including her own – and sees different faces on the same identities everywhere she goes. I thought it was fiction at first – that there was no such condition where you cannot recognize your own face – but it’s true. There are little things that doctors recommend to help patients with this condition, like noting moles or other special features to distinguish people’s faces from anyone else’s faces and their identities. And there’s this killer. Because of her condition, she doesn’t know who the killer is. Every single scene had a different face (actor) for the killer, so every actor had one scene in the movie. It’s kind of confusing to follow. I can’t wait to see that movie. That’s why I did it. With Hellraisers – well, I don’t like horror movies. I don’t like the feeling of getting scared. In that particular film, the plot works with issues like dimensia. I can’t get into too many details.

V.B. Would you like to add in anything else? What are your dreams (acting or non-acting) for the new year or nearby future?

S.R. Well, I wanted to say this at the beginning. The reason why I graduated so late was because at the age of 26, my twin sister passed away. The goodness that came out of the tragedy gave me the strength to do it – to pursue acting. What if I never got the chance to live my dream again? I had the money, I got the proper training. I went from being a pipe fitter to an actor – and I did it.

GET BETTER SOON, DEMI!!!

Demi Lovato - a Disney star famous for her "Camp Rock" and "Sonny With A Chance" starring roles - checked herself into a treatment centre for "emotional and physical issues," her representatives revealed in a statement yesterday night.

The statement did not thoroughly explain the 18-year-old's issues, but claimed Lovato checked herself into a facility to help alleviate those problems.

An insider knowledgeable of the situation recently told The Associated Press that Lovato began treatment for problems including an eating disorder and self-mutilation.

Provided this opportunity of discussing the issue further - whether you're a celebrity or not - we all have stress in our lives. Some of us attempt to cope with the stress and take "control" over our lives utilizing dangerous methods, like anorexia, bulimia, drug/substance abuse, cutting, and more. If you are considering - or are already - participating in any of these behaviours, please stop immediately. Realize you have people around you that love you, and that there's always another way out. Surround yourself with positive influences and attain professional help, if needed.

If you need help NOW, please contact KIDS HELP PHONE at 1-800-668-6868 or refer to their website at http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/ - Thank you.

A "TREAT" FOR THE SHIT-TALKERS, A "TRICK" FOR THE TALKED-ABOUT: AIRING OUT TORONTO'S "DIRTY" LAUNDRY

Dear Torontonians of the Upper East side,

Spotted: A local reality TV star holding hands with a promo model/go-go dancer/stripper/undercover call girl. Looks like her drunk club promoter/ friend-with-benefits and Facebook frenemy aren't too happy about this. Guess that's why they call them "one hit" wonders. Off to the next.

You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

If this was "Gossip Girl" - or any TV show, for that matter - this excerpt could've derived from a hypothetical gossip website that was made to parody celebrity tabloids and spread supposedly harmless or humourous rumours about the elite - with room for speculation, of course. But, instead, this is an excerpt I concocted on my own, summarizing the "real" trash I read about certain Torontonians (some famous, some not) on http://www.thedirty.com/. Just in case you haven't read my previous articles mentioning (the "de-humanizing" nature of) "The Dirty," http://www.thedirty.com/ is a website that peer-pressures you into anonymously submitting "dirt" about anyone and anything - selecting from a list of cities and universities the person you would prefer to slander is from - and hiding behind an alias to attack anyone you and your friends can't admittedly "hate" to their faces. Empowering? Maybe for a little while. Guilt-free? Not so much.

Now, "The Dirty" has been offended their selves - by a Vancouver girl who warned the media about how many citizens destroy lives and reputations in their city on the infamous website. And with the vast accumulation of posts I've watched climb in the past week - about specific smaller towns set in the GTA area - I think it's about time I do the same: investigating possible suspects as the culprit for this virtual-tarnishing of Toronto's image.

Here are some direct excerpts from the "Toronto" section of the website - well, at least, the several I found especially disturbing, incriminating, and even somewhat illegal.

"(Mentions name? Illegal?) is a stripper from Toronto...When she needs to sell her body for money, she does drugs everyday of the week and can be seen at all the clubs where purple crayons are. "Nik" (the site founder/moderator), with a body like that and a horse face and her giant forehead, do you see model potential?"

"(About another girl) She finally grew up and now thinks she's the hottest shit, after she lost her virginity (personal info?). Became a bottle whore and now thinks she can control the world - and all guys with her saggy boobs. She has sex with guys so they can lend her their car, because being a manager at Bluenotes (location may reveal where she works and put her in danger) isn’t paying enough. Poor girl, doesn’t even have her license at 20. Would you?"

"(About another girl) This gold diggin’ sloot had been with her man for 4 years — practically engaged — before she decided to go to Cuba and bang three guys, including a couple purple gregrs. She comes back from Cuba and gives her BFs all the STDs (if this is true, she could be putting other men's health at risk, but this information is being sent to the wrong venue) she picked up there, only to dump him a month later..."

As you can see, visitors of http://www.thedirty.com/ take advantage of the moderator's leniencies towards what comments can be posted under each piece of "dirt." Clearly, comments that imply racial, homophobic, and prejudiced slurs should add up to enough to stall the heartless medium's undeserved success, but when these stories reveals another person's name, address, or disease - especially without their consent - legal action should most definitely be considered.

One Toronto victim did take action. Let's call her "B," a young woman who was pinpointed two weeks ago by a group of girls who simply assumed she posted about one of their friends on the website. "Even when the site owner said I had never put anyone up, they continued to harrass me and say that I was an escort and addicted to drugs - and all kinds of other horrible things. My boyfriend had it removed by spending $10,000 with a lawyer, but unfortunately, this girl and her friends won't leave me alone." "B" goes on to tell me that these girls were still publicly - and falsely - blaming her under the post that someone else wrote about their friend. She plans to file more charges, which will push the website to reveal the IP address(es) of the perpetrator(s)/girls who were making threats and posting about her. "We will move forward with criminal action for defamation of character and slander, not to mention civil suits for the lawyer fees - and more."

And why shouldn't she? "B" has the right to privacy and protection of her own identity, even if her enemies - or frenemies - do have "freedom of speech." Nasty posts online - especially on popular websites like Facebook and The Dirty, where practically "everyone" registers - can not only take away someone's good name but put their career, relationship, safety - and even life - in jeopardy. Even if you don't have a specific person as a "friend" on Facebook, google their name and link up to potentially any truth or lie - good or bad - about them. With "The Dirty," you can locate all the murmurs of the words "slut," "bitch," "ugly," "fat," "crazy" - or any other cringe-worthy noun or adjective in the English dictionary - about one person conveniently organized under one post.

However, Facebook isn't like "The Dirty" or "Perez Hilton" - in that sense anyway. Members can only see your activity if they have you as a "friend," and sometimes - as I discovered through my own witnessing and experiences - a Facebook "friend" isn't much of an (off-Facebook) friend at all.

Like when elementary school acquaintances add you simultaneously and then decide to make fun of "someone else with your name" (AKA you) on their wall post conversations. Or when people you knew all your life - and maybe didn't necessarily like - have their old "friends" creating vicious hate groups about them that are taken down a month after reporting it. And how about those ex-girlfriends, boys? The ones who shoot through psycho rampages and text-threaten female friends from YOUR cell phone, then reveal your 17-year-old mistresses on their Facebook statuses? Hey, what better way to get revenge than to post how much of a cheating a****** you are, for the whole world to see?

Except with Facebook, you may be able to identify people under their real names. With Facebook, relationship fights usually involve a tight-knit group of people who have resided in the same, small local community since they were pooping in their diapers. And once someone announces you're the village bicycle, the whole village knows...

But even when your "friend" knows that it's you bullying them online, you still continue to advertise her personal life online, doing what you wouldn't dare to do - to her face. Whether you're venting off steam and lashing out at her for your own personal issues or you're arguing about the way she has hurted you, the reasons why you're bullying her online can range from your home situation to your stress to - you, and your own insecurities. They say others put you down because they want to bring themselves up, to feel better about themselves. But, should their past be an excuse for their present or future behaviour towards you, a person possibly unrelated to their life at all?

Academia and media attempt to raise awareness about bullying online and offline - specifically in school - urging victims to come forward with their stories to teachers and principals. But, really, how much do they help? Horror stories about the school system doing nada - until the bullying results in a homicide or suicide - resurface, discouraging victims to "snitch" on the bully and thereby possibly making the situation worse. Some tell you to ignore the bullies, not giving them the ammunition or reaction they want from you. Yet, some bullies misinterpret this as a sign that you are tolerating what they're doing and then will continue to do it. Make too much noise, and they'll give people more reasons to make fun of you. Either way, you're screwed. When you're the target of a bully, you can cry or die, being kind or just as cruel back. Now, thanks to the internet - Facebook and other social networking sites - there's a hell of alot more opportunity for children, teens, and even adults to feed into their gossiping addiction. Even if the computer keeps a record of all the mean stuff the bully can be incriminated with, it can be used against the victim as well.

Spotted: A used-to-be frenemy making amends with her now-again BFF. The BFF takes some well-intended advice from her friend and dumps both her reality TV star boyfriend and drunk club promoter friend-with-benefits. Now, two beautiful, young ladies can paint the town red and shop and party 'till they drop. Ah, peace is finally restored back in girl world. Finally, a breath of fresh air.

Play nice.

Your's Truly,

V.

THE EVOLUTION AND DOWNFALL OF THE "GRENADE"

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino: "I splash water over my eyes, and then I realize - we got grenades! So, I'm gunna get them out real quick." Dictionary definition of "grenade": "A small bomb or explosive missile that is detonated by a fuse and thrown by hand or shot from a rifle or launcher." Jersey Shore definition of "grenade": "really ugly chick." How can you compare a human being's looks - which appears to represent their societal worth - to an objective bomb or missile with no feelings? I guess this isn't surprising; the world has been discriminating and ostracizing so-called "unattractive" human "grenades" for centuries, even so far as to the point that they can't live normal lives or be treated like people. Not only does someone's DNA land them in a pool of negative comments i.e. "fat", "lard," etc., but it spills into other areas of their life: career, relationships, body image. All this just because they were born the way others didn't want them to be.

Here's some proof. Unless you were born into a wealthy family and inherit some major everlasting dough, you need a job or some source of income to survive, to put food on the table and a roof over your head. And while job websites have gotten bad raps for unprofessionalism and incredibility, the numerous ads on Craigslist that might offer the slightest chance of a job for the "less qualified" asks for pictures along with resumes. Even if certain jobs require their employees to maintain well-groomed appearances while selling their products to protect their company's business reputation, looks shouldn't always precede over communication or technical skills, even if the applicant requires opportunity for more experience to move up. Obviously, some jobs that call for you to stay in the office and out of other people's eyes may not encourage that same level of personal appearance (unless it's one of those sketchy ads from a "CEO" seeking an "attractive, intelligent female to fulfill his business and personal needs" - ew). However, I've noticed while glancing across these ads, the types of companies that recommend pictures along with resumes are restaurants and sales, especially if the job descriptions fall under job titles like "shootergirl," "bartender," "waitress," and "promotional model."

Of course, any type of model needs to fit under a certain "look," but certain companies have attempted to make the "model" and "server" synonymous (i.e. the " hot model/waitress" prototype), in order to sell their products more effectively. Hooters and Moxie's render perfect examples of brands implementing girls to sell sex along with the product. Hooters is famous for their thin, busty employees in tight, white, low-cut wife beaters and unforgiving orange booty shorts. A recent story about a Hooters girl made headlines. A Hooters girl - who was a healthy and "curvy" 132 lbs - was bombarded by her manager to lose weight, which inevitably provoked her to quit. What, do 132 lbs girls not get hit on? Is there something wrong with being 132 lbs? Not at all! But, by telling her to lose weight, this is what Hooters is implying. Perhaps this respective ex-Hooters girl could not squeeze into the XS (maybe S) uniforms they provided her to wear, but hey! Kim Kardashian's butt cheeks would probably runneth under those bum-enhancing shorts shorts, and while those shorts shorts would not flatter Kim's already bootylicious derriere, I think most men would still consent to Kim's smokin' allure. And I have never once in my life seen a girl with sturdy or short legs work in an LBD at Moxie's, even if those legs boasted strong, muscular stems. Back in the day, flight attendants were expected to be female model-types not exceeding over a particular height or weight. According to these companies, anyone who is over 130 lbs or less than a C cup is considered too much of a grenade to work there.

In general, society makes anyone over a size 2, less than a D cup, or a small nose a "grenade" joke against the "hot" friend or cockblocker. These days, people - like The Situation - are calling girls who wear a size 6/8 (perhaps, Angelina) "fat" and are half-descent looking "grenades." Stereotypes assume the "grenade" must be fat, lazy, mean - much like the historical depictions of ugly, evil characters in Disney fairy tales and kids' cartoons. Most of us are - or should be - reasonable people that understand (or don't make missions) to call other girls "grenades." But what's confusing is separating superficial people who are phobic (or do not associate themselves with) "grenades" (as if they have a contagious disease) from the people who appreciate the strengths and imperfect quirks of all creation's beauty. Models like Crystal Renn and Christina Hendricks are deemed more successful now that they're fuller-figured. Crystal Renn had to learn that the hard way through an excruciating journey of battling anorexia as a model, going from a skeletal size 00 to a voluptuous size 12. And Christina Hendricks was announced to being crowned the "sexiest woman" for guys and gals alike in - where else - Esquire magazine. Yet despite all this change in model and celebrity body diversity, the media still has to catch up with their multiple airbrushed advertisements and weight loss articles, not to mention designers pretentiously turning their noses away from any models over a size 2.

Is this all intentional, or are we inclined, conditioned by society to discriminate against those of different race, sizes, or appearances? Here's something you probably don't know. Considerably "attractive" and slim women are statistically proven to acquire more job promotions and employment than their respective other (less attractive and slender) XX chromosome opponents. They say it's because of hair, makeup, and wardrobe, but does that really make all the difference? Looks may be the first thing people see to judge you on - because they can't see your amazing personality first - but how does that justify hurtful generalizations about your identity and the purpose in life you worked so diligently for? This is especially offensive, when as a woman, your beauty is perceived to exude a means of sex, prominsciuty - if you will. Something else you probably don't know: Engaging in a "relationship" with the boss has been statistically linked to promotions and hires. i.e. many bosses must have affairs with their co-workers. "Sleeping your way to the top" isn't just for escorts or porn stars anymore, especially if you feel you can only be sexy in terms of your "performance" skills (not looks) and you are desperate enough to use sex. Grey- area "companies" (dominated by men) include - but are not limited to - paid dating, go go dancing, and net modelling, which can inadvertently lure women into the moola-showering worlds of porn, escorting, and stripping. Despite the fact that women have become more independent - working outside of the home or even for themselves at home - men still hold on to the traditional double standards nominating themselves to be the "stronger" sex. And while women may think they're twisting men around their perfectly manicured fingers - along with their come-hither cleavage and leg-crossing - men are setting those sexual expectations to twist women around their - well, something else. So, really, who has the power here - the men or the women (or both)?

Or is this just the way life is? Are we doomed to the pros and cons of "grenade-ness" or "beauty" for the remainder of our existences? Nowadays, we need to look good to survive - to uphold the most promising job, family, home - it's all a competition. But, perhaps, it's a competition no one really wins in the end. To the men who crave silicone instead of human flesh - "surgically enhanced" Heidis over "curvy and fit" Penelopes, plastic 80s-present Playboy models over 50s natural Marilyn Monroe-like Playboy centerfolds, photo shopped laminate paper fantasies over untouched, mammal realities - and the women who want to aspire to be that, ending the life they're trying to save, in a material world they're striving to survive in, perhaps beauty is more pain that waxing, sweating, and tweezing. So painful that we don't even know what's real anymore.

OH, CANADA! TRIPLE THREAT KELLI "ADVISES" ON LOVE, SEX, PORN...WAIT, WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

For brown-eyed, brunette-turned-blonde Kelli, being an advice columnist/model/fill-in-the-blank is merely perceived as a way of life. Opening up visually i.e. revealing her taut 34C-22-36 hourglass silhouette in adult male publications like Hustler and Playboy - and emotionally i.e. distributing tips about touchy topics like love and sex in her own advice columns for hammerfitness.com and allthingshockey.com - has led to her recognition in her hometown Toronto's elite media i.e. the Toronto Sun and favourite hockey team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here, in our exclusive and revealing Q&A, Kelli defends laddy mags' definition of porn, potentially vacuous stereotypes about the industry, and her expertise in penning about relationships.

V. You've been modeling for majority of your life. When did you start modeling? Did you use this name as an alias to protect your childhood identity from your adult one?

K. I actually started modeling as a child. I was always encouraged and have always been a part of the modeling world. I use my real name.

V. What inspired you to start modeling? Was it always a dream, a passion of your's?

K. It was always a dream and a passion. I love making beautiful art, being creative, pushing the limits, collaborating, etc.

V. You've been nominated as finalists for both 2005 and 2006's Miss Swimsuit Canada. With that and modeling in versatile areas i.e. calendars, magazines, etc., how would you say all of these aspects of modelling are similar and/or different?

K. That is really hard to say, because there's a lot of strong similarities yet a lot of differences, as well. For example, if you are shooting a fashion theme, the poses are strong, the facial expressions are strong. It's best to be posed, not too curvy. Where as in swimsuit competitions you need to be bubbly, outgoing, playful, loud personality, curvy, etc. So, you are always somewhat of an actress playing different roles.

V. It says on your website that you don't do hardcore or softcore adult industry modelling, but that you would consider nudity - and you have appeared in Hustler, Skunk, etc. a few times. Of course, nudity doesn't always constitute as pornography, but isn't Hustler a form of porn? Please explain :)

K. Skunk has no nudity; it is a magazine about marijuana. Hustler is definitely an adult magazine with hardcore porn in it, but not every image in Hustler is pornographic. I have no problem with nudity at all, but I will not have sexual contact with another model. That is my personal choice. If a magazine like Hustler wants to publish my pics - even feature me or have me on the cover - then I am damn proud of that. There are pornographic pictures in the issues that I'm in, but none of me. Some even have no nudity. The nude images do not show sexual contact, therefore they are not pornographic.

V. You have also appeared in Playboy.com in 2008 and in UMM Magazine in 2005, 2006, and 2008. How did these magazines depict you, and how/why did UMM feature you 3 times/(almost) 3 years in a row? (Not that you shouldn't have been, but were you a "Girls Next Door" 3 times)?

K. I have been very fortunate! As for how they depicted me, I was impressed with them all!

V. There was a 3 page spread of you in Hustler for the MySpace feature. Were you on MySpace for something?

K. Hustler Magazine discovered me on MySpace.

V. Being a model, what is your take on certain modelling issues i.e. body image, drug use, prostitution? Is there anything you would like to share about your life or the industry that you want to warn people about/let people know?

K. I have no idea why prostitution is thought to have any relation to modeling. Models are models, not prostitutes. It's honestly like comparing a doctor to a cop; it makes no sense. I also don't understand this stereotype about drug use. I don't do drugs or have any friends who do - models and non-models. Drug use is as common and uncommon in the modeling industry as it is in any other general part of the world. Body image can be tough. It depends on what type of modeling it is. Fashion models need to be thin. Glamour models need to be curvy. So, there is some pressure, but I haven't experienced or witnessed any amount of harsh struggle with it - no more so than the regular world. There is pressure for other things i.e. tanning, nails, always having to look good, having a large wardrobe, etc. It is costly. Many people do not realize the cost it takes to be a successful model.

V. You wrote advice columns for allthingshockey.com and hammerfitness.com about love and sex. What life experiences about relationships have made you qualified enough to write these advice columns? What issues do you see the most - or are most memorable to you - from advice/questions people ask you? What lessons have you learned about love - from yourself, those people, etc. - by writing these advice columns?

K. I was approached to write these advice columns, because I'm a model and a writer. I'm also a columnist and a published author. As for being qualified on the topic, I've been in relationships - like everyone else - and have learned from my experiences. Men sometimes like a female perspective on relationship issues, so I was glad to help. I found a lot of the questions came down to communication, or better yet, miscommunication. It seems the opposite sex don't really understand each other, mainly because they won't talk openly with each other. The best relationships I came across were the ones where both people spoke openly about the good and bad, with respect.

V. What are your goals - non-modelling or modelling - for the nearby or far future?

K. I plan on retiring in less then a year, so that I can go back to my writing, as modeling has completely consumed my life. I just have a to-do list for my portfolio I'm currently working on and plan to finish by the summer of 2011.

V. What advice can you give to other aspiring models - or anyone -about life, the business, etc?

K. Decide what your goals and limitations are, before you walk in and then stick to them. Never compromise yourself and let anyone tell you that you can't make it. If you have a passion and a strength, pursue it. It's okay to listen to helpful criticism, so you need to take in the good and the bad. If you want to be a model, you need to be able to handle criticism and have thick skin. Deal with it. But, listen to all of the good and take that in too, so you enjoy every moment of it.