Moshe Kasher on the Internet, the Importance of Conversations and Montreal
This won’t me Moshe Kasher’s first visit to Montreal, or to Just for Laughs. The comedian, writer and actor has been performing regularly here since his first appearance at the fest in 2009. “I love Montreal,” he stated in a telephone interview, “this will be my fifth or sixth time coming to Montreal, so I […]
A Cultural Melting Pot of Great Talent: Just for Laughs’ The Ethnic Show
The Ethnic Show is described by Just for Laughs as “a cultural melting pot for comedy”. This year is its ninth edition and comedians from a variety of backgrounds are here to show their comedic mettle. Some are well-known, some less so, but one thing is for certain, you’re guaranteed a good time even if […]
Scientists Warn the Sixth Mass Extinction will be a Biological Annihilation
The sixth mass extinction will hit harder than expected, according to a collaborative study between Stanford and the University of Mexico. 32% of all vertebrate species are steadily decreasing, even if one third of them classify as low concern species. We already knew that animals and plants are going extinct 100 to 1 000 times […]
Artists Among Us: A Preview of Montreal Comic Con
If you happen to spot a Power Ranger or Sailor Scout in the days ahead, do not be alarmed. It’s simply that special time of year again, when fanboys and girls of all ages gather at the Palais de Congres for three days of celebrities, cosplay and comic books. Yes, the Montreal Comic Con is […]
Total Corporate Education: A Big Oil VP May Become the Director of Polytechnique
Philippe Tanguy, a top executive from the multinational oil corporation Total, is set to become the new director of Polytechnique, and more than a few people are concerned. The school board has recommended Tanguy for the job despite the growing pushback and it’s now up to Education minister Hélène David to give the final and […]
Gina Yashere on British Politics, Raunchy Humour and Montreal
Gina Yashere is a Just for Laughs veteran, recent contributor on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and the host of this year’s JFL British Show. FTB’s Samantha Gold speaks with her about Montreal, raunchy humour and the difference between the current British and American political situations: Brit(ish) hosted by Gina Yashere runs July 26-28. […]
Ryan Hamilton: Edgy, Boundary-Pushing Comedian
Ryan Hamilton is an exception to the rule ‘nice guys finish last’. A wickedly funny dude, obviously, he’s frequently impressed both industry insiders and layman comedy fans by winning numerous major comedy competitions including Last Comic Standing and The Great American Comedy Fest, and has been named one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch, […]
Backlogged Justice: How the Government is Working to Fix Unreasonable Judicial Delays in Criminal Cases
The liberal democratic criminal justice system is founded on the notion that people are innocent until proven guilty, no one gets imprisoned without just cause, and that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a fair and speedy trial. That said, sometimes the justice system is not so just. Sometimes you get a racist […]
Peter Pansexual: You’ll Do More Than Get By
I’ve seen Glam Gam shows before. They’re always fun and clever. They always push the envelope while making a point about sexuality and cultural norms. There is always plenty of nudity. All of that was again the case at their latest Fringe show Peter Pansexual, but there was something more. A few things more, in […]
Sasheer Zamata on Standup Versus Sketch Comedy, Montreal and More
Sasheer Zamata is a comedian, actress, writer, former Saturday Night Live cast member and the ACLU’s Celebrity Ambassador for the Women’s Rights Project. She’s also performing an OFF-JFL solo show as part of Just For Laughs this summer in Montreal. FTB’s Samantha Gold spoke with her about being a black woman in the comedy world, […]
FTB Podcast Season 4 Episode 2: Just For Laughs Special
Panelists Samantha Gold and Jerry Gabriel discuss Just for Laughs 2017 with host Jason C. McLean. Plus News Roundup, Community Calendar and Predictions! News Roundup Topics: Racial insensitivity at the St-Jean Baptiste Parade, Jeremy Corbyn at Glastonbury and Ron Howard taking over the Han Solo movie Panelists: Samantha Gold: FTB’s Legal Columnist covering Just for […]
Comfortable Distance: Personal Space, Rape Culture and a Symbolic Doppelgänger
I took a walk in the park today, there are sprawling mounds that used to be a landfill right by the lake. Today is so sunny, beautiful breeze, blissful. I was alone, my floral maxi dress blowing around (and I wasn’t wearing underwear). There was an older man walking behind me and another man […]