Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Author: catb

  • Richard Brodeur Tee Off Fore Breast Cancer

    Richard Brodeur
    Richard Brodeur

    Former Canucks superstar goalie “King” Richard Brodeur was the headliner last week at the first annual Tee Off Fore Breast Cancer tournament at Meadow Gardens. Pink balloon archways, and a live Elvis impersonator, greeted all the North Shore golfers who made the trip east to play in support of this worthwhile cause. Organizers did a fantastic job supplying goodies and beverages at every hole and the fun didn’t stop there. A fabulous dinner, live and silent auction prizes and live entertainment ensured everyone went home feeling like a winner – despite that demoralizing 18th water hole – WOW! (more…)

  • North Vancouver Lolo Restaurant Opening

    It’s a chic and stylish corner in an up-and-coming neighbourhood and, judging from the menu, the music and the moniker, the name of the game is success. Lolo (taken from the slang for Lower Lonsdale) is billing itself as a “small plates and wine” restaurant that offers artisan cheeses, charcuterie meats and a rather plump wine list. This week they held an elegant opening party for friends and guests. Add in the live music, sidewalk patio and lounge-y feel, and this little boite may just have hit the spot.

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  • Whistler Film Fest Soiree Gala

     

    SOIRÉE! The Whistler Film Festival Society Gala & Auction was the place to be as the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver hosted some of Vancouver’s most influential Hollywood North movers and shakers. Hosted by Corner Gas star Brent Butt, the evening was filled with live music, auction items and fabulous food by new Four Season chef Oliver Beckert. Held in the first week of December, The Whistler Film Fest is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premiere film festivals in the country and, thanks to fundraisers like this, it just might be world famous some day. (more…)

  • Night at the Aquarium and Goldfish Bikinis

    A look back at last month proves that summer really did arrive in grand style. Lots of local patio parties, a chic bikini fashion show and a grand gala at the Vancouver Aquarium were all on the schedule and gave us lots to talk about.

    01 – The boys of Crave Beachside in West Van welcome VIP guests to the restaurant’s new patio during their summer party. From left: manager Brooke Parker, sous chef Mike Earland, executive chef Mook and Andrew Chalmers.

    02 – Goldfish (and Joe Fortes) owner Bud Kanke and wife Dotty celebrated with local celebs at the restaurant’s Summer Splash party and fashion show.

    03 – Anna Kosturova swimwear models were the toast of the town at the Goldfish Summer Splash fundraiser.

    04 – West Vancouver’s Deanna Palkowski, left, and swimwear fashion designer Anna Kosturova get things organized for the fashion show at Goldfish Summer Splash.

    05 – Handi restaurant manager Amar Amroke, right, welcomes Ashok Das, Consul General of India, and his wife Dr. Erika Das to their West Vancouver summer patio celebration.

    06 – C Restaurant’s executive chef Robert Clark plays with a stuffed baby beluga in honour of the birth of the real deal at the Night at the Aquarium gala.

    07 – Dr. John Nightingale, President of the Vancouver Aquarium, shows off some Olympic paraphernalia during the Night at the Aquarium gala fundraiser.

    08 – Oceanwise Sushi anyone? West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi chef Alex Kamizako, left, along with Karen and Nobu Ochi, serve up delicious sample plates at the Night at the Aquarium.

    Published in the North Shore Outlook on July 2, 2009

  • West Van Library Croquet Tournament

    It’s always been one of my favourites and this year was no exception. It was luck year 13 for the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation as they held their annual 2009 Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament down at the Ambleside Greens pitch-n-putt. Dressed in their whites, teams took to the courts to play the day away. Later, the champions took to centre court to settle the score as cocktail hour started. A beautiful dinner, provided by Glowbal catering, was then followed by a vibrant live auction with golf packages, wine packages and more up for grabs.

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  • West Vancouver Chamber Gala 2009

    A beautiful sunny night greeted business owners and community members last week as the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held their 2009 Annual Presidents Dinner and Business Excellence Award. Stunning views, superb food, silent auction items and more helped make the evening memorable for all the right reasons. (more…)

  • 22nd Annual Women’s Media Golf

    Sure, it’s all about the fun and the fairways, but when it comes time to making a kids’ dream come true, these gals go for the green. West Van’s Wendy Cocchia is the powerhouse behind The 22nd Annual Women’s Media Golf Classic and she knows firsthand how hard it can be to raise a child with special needs. The after reception party, which was held at her and husband Sergio’s Beyond Restaurant and Lounge in the Century Plaza Hotel, is always a celebration of life, but never more than this year. Dream Wishes granted this year included a trip to Disneyland for Chantal and a newly trained PADS golden lab dog for Jake – and tears of joy for everyone in attendance. (more…)

  • Jazz in the Park for Adoptive Families BC

    Live jazz, celebrity blackjack, martini and whiskey tastings and fabulous food. It was a celebration to remember this past weekend as the Adoptive Families Association of BC held their gala fundraiser in the history Stanley Park Pavilion. Fabulous auction items helped raise even more money, the most popular of which was a custom Fire in the Kitchen package cooked and served by some of the city’s most handsome firefighters. (more…)

  • Blue Water Cookbook and Red Cross Gala

    Kermit the Frog said it best – It’s not easy being green. However, thanks to some new sustainable programs (like the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program), Vancouver chefs are responding with enthusiasm. Such was the case at Blue Water Cafe last week. West Vancouver owner Jack Evrensel, along with his talented team, launched a new seafood cookbook focusing on “Spare the Ocean, Spoil the Palate”. The restaurant also played host to the Red Carpet Soiree – a toast to the 100 year celebration of the Red Cross – an organization known for its care of third world, health and sustainable recycling programs.


     

    01 – Red Carpet gala co-chairs Anita Chow, left, and Linda Low look very glamorous under the red tent awning.

    02 – Lindsay Thom, left, Erin Treloar and Renee Fischer celebrate this important date with smiles, cocktails and sustainable seafood.

    03 – West Vancouver restaurateur Jack Evrensel, who owns Blue Water, Cin Cin, West and Araxi, chats with PR Gal and former NS Outlook reporter Jennifer Maloney.

    04 – Blue Water gals Shelley McArthur and Kate MacDougall have a double reason to be proud helping promote both the Red Cross and a green way of life.

    05 – It’s a green light all the way for the food at Blue Water thanks to restaurant directory Stephan Cachard, left, and exec chef Frank Pabst.

    06 – West Vancouverite and Dundarave Fish Market owner Kim Hurford, seen here with daughter Brooke, knows all about life in, and on, the sea and came out to celebrate.

     

     

    May 23, 2009 (published May 28, 2009)

     

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet 2009

     

    It was time for cocktails, cars and catwalks at the 4th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Fashion Gala. Benefitting BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital for prostate research, the evening featured fashions by Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen as well as a fabulous martini / wine bar, four-star food by some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and more beautiful accessories than you can imagine. Va Va Vroom! (more…)

  • Vancouver Leo Awards 2009

    The Leo Awards, BC’s version of the Oscars and Emmys, took place last weekend at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Produced by the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin, celebrities from both TV and movies walked the red carpet in style before being honoured by their peers at the gala awards show and dinner. Star spotters, autograph hunters and paparazzi galore made this a real Hollywood in Vancouver moment to remember.

     

     

    Leo Awards 2009
    Leo Awards 2009

     

     

     

    01 – Tina Thorndycraft (wife of Leo Awards producer Walter Daroshin) poses with daughter Tamara, left, and friend Maggie Hope on the red carpet.

    02 – Star of Being Erica, actress Erin Karpluk, smiles for photographers with handsome actor John Cassini, of Intelligence and Robson Arms fame.

    03 – Battlestar Galactica, Smallville and Stargate are all on the resume of North Shore actor Dan Payne who attends the awards with his beautiful wife Daylon.

    04 – Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series goes to the very talented Gabrielle Rose.

    05 – Actors Ryan Robbins, left, and Tyler Labine each take home Leos for Best Guest Performance Male in a Dramatic Series and Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series, respectively.

    06 – West Vancouver’s Amanda Tapping, seen here with Leos producer Walter Daroshin, takes home the Leo for Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series.

    07 – North Shore Comedian Gary Jones gets a night off from hosting duties to enjoy the awards ceremony with Meg Cameron.

    08 – Actress Steph Song is greeted by Sonny Wong at the end of the red carpet as fans look on.


    May 9, 2009 (published May 14, 2009)

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Nite of Hope – Shoot for the Stars

    West Vancouver Police

    West Vancouver’s Capilano Golf and Country Club was decked out in pink and silver sparkle this past Tuesday night as the Nite of Hope – Shoot for the Stars Gala Dinner and Fashion Show took place. MC Vicki Gaberau joined members of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in welcoming guests who were treated to a night of fabulous food, entertainment and fashion shows featuring styles from West Vancouver’s Phoenix and Romantique boutiques. (more…)

  • Zen Sushi Oceanwise in West Vancouver

    Sushi is one of my favourites. But when you savour that melt-in-your-mouth sashimi –  it’s sometimes easy to forget about the impact it has on today’s aquaculture. So now, thanks to the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Conservation Program, we can all learn to make smarter choices. West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi is leading the way by becoming Metro Vancouver’s first Ocean Wise sushi restaurant. During a special event last week, Aquarium reps joined chef Nobu and staff to feature hand made specialities and to launch the new SeaChoice Sustainable Sushi Guide. <www.seachoice.org> Congrats to all. (more…)

  • Stand Up for Mental Health Vancouver

     

    Curing mental illness has a lot to do with overcoming the stigma that comes with it. Thanks to the good folks at Stand Up for Mental Health (SMH), they’re teaching people that laughter is the best medicine by turning patients into performers and empowering them through stand-up comedy. The self-healing, scene-stealing program is spreading like wildfire across both Canada and the U.S. and, last week, the group celebrated with a pre-show reception at Vancouver’s lavish new Shangra-La Hotel. Afterwards, it was off to the Stanley Theatre stage for the 2009 Class Debut where, as they say at SMH, everyone got a chance to crack-up together. (more…)

  • Britney Spears walks off stage in “Toxic” Vancouver, BC

    Pop princess Britney Spears walked off stage tonight in Vancouver, BC, at her GM Place concert, claiming that the air was too smoky for her to perform. The nicotine fit came only three songs into the show when an announcement was made asking everyone to butt out, literally. (See the evidence for yourself in the YouTube video below – thanks to Chris B for posting).

    Apparently, it was less about the prima donna and more about the marijuana as later reports reveal that the stage hands working above the set were apparently choking from the fumes. Spears eventually came back on some 40 minutes later to a much different crowd who were still wondering if the stunt was real or, like most of her singing, just imagined.

    The entire episode raises several issues.

    First up – It is hard to believe that her stage hands were choking from pot smoke. Have you seen the amount of smoke (and mirrors) she uses? No wonder she has to lip sync. Who can breath with all that raging fire and brimstone. If it was a real ventilation problem, they would have announced it as such, but this was different (judge for yourself from the YouTube video).

    Secondly – I know Vancouver is a pot smoking town. There were probably a fair share of legal cigarettes lit too. But as a true non-smoker (in every sense of the word), even I have survived an Ozzy Osbourne or AC/DC concert without hacking up a lung. Yes, the smell is bad, but isn’t Britney a cigarette smoker to begin with?

    Also, who exactly was in this crowd? I thought Britney was a teen dream/drag queen favourite. Judging by the colourful characters roaming the streets downtown tonight, the only dangerous substance being abused was hair glitter. The regular reefer madness crowd was safely tucked away at home in mom’s basement playing X-Box.

    Lastly – who is in charge of concerts at GM Place? Not that I think Spears doesn’t love the drama of it all, but divas of this magnitude have contracts and riders that management must uphold or else. In other words, if Britney was expecting a non-smoking stadium, then she deserves to get a non-smoking stadium. I have the expectation of a non-smoking stadium (and I also think it’s the law too), but something tells me that I’d get thrown out faster than the pot smokers if I complained to security that someone was smoking in my row at a show.

    Oh, what the heck. If millions of people can turn a blind eye to Britney pretending to be a singer, then I guess it’s only reasonable that security turn a blind eye to illegal drug use during concerts. Hey – I wonder what’s going to happen at the snowboarding event at the 2010 Olympics?

    So Britney . . . when ya coming back to Vancouver?

  • London Air Services and CBC’s Rick Mercer

    Two high profile events helped round out the last week as some high flyers and some high achievers put on the ritz to celebrate. First up, London Air Services, celebrated their 10th Anniversary with the opening of their new avation centre in YVR’s south terminal and the christening of their newest bird – an impressive Challenger 605 that is first class luxury all the way. Next, the stars were out at the Vancouver convention centre for Inclusion Works ’09 – a hiring and recruiting event hosted by the Aboriginal Human Resources Council.

     

    London Air and Rick Mercer
    London Air and Rick Mercer

     

     

     

    01 – Ready for take-off. Dressed in flight gear and uniforms, the employees of London Air Services greet VIPs at the new hangar.

     

    02 – With quiet reserve and class, Brandt Louie continues to successfully grow his London Air Services company, which just happens to be part of the H.Y Louie Co. empire that includes IGA and London Drugs.

     

    03 – GW. (Wynn) Powell, left, President and CEO of London Air, has good reason to be proud as he and John C. Scott, of Scott Construction Group, unveil the new hangar.

     

    04 – The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, is proud to be at the Inclusion Works gala. He is also known by his native name, Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl.

     

    05 – CBC funny man Rick Mercer, of Rick Mercer Report, helps liven up the evening at Inclusion Works 09 – Prime Minister jokes extra. 

     

    06 – Inuit singer Susan Aglurkark, known best for her hit song “O Siem”, meets Kelly Lendsay, President & CEO of the Aboriginal Human Resources Council.

     

    April 6, 2009 (published April 16, 2009)

     

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Athletics for Kids Boxing Gala

     

    It was time for bow ties and boxing gloves as the 7th annual Athletics for Kids (A4K) Boxing Gala was held last Friday at Hollyburn Country Club. Rock 101 FM’s Bro Jake “The Champ” Edwards had them rolling in the aisles as he helped MC the evening which included a glamorous martini reception, big steak dinner and five rounds of Olympic sanctioned boxing. Helping raise money for kids who can’t afford to play sports is the goal of these go-getters, and they continue to do so in style thanks to the many who came out in support. (more…)

  • Juno Week in Vancouver 2009

     

    The Juno Awards, Canada’s music equivalent to the Grammy’s, came to town last week and the lead up to the red carpet awards night was nothing short of spectacular. Hotel hospitality suites were filled with rock stars and celebs and just about every club in town got in the act with live bands and more. Music moguls Bruce Allen and Sam Feldman held one of the more exclusive events in town with Juno nominees getting a surprise performance from the Barenaked Ladies and VIP invites including Bryan Adams, Loverboy and Michael Buble – to name a few.

     

     

    Juno Week Parties 2009
    Juno Week Parties 2009

     

     

     

     

    01 – Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson chats with CTV News anchor Coleen Christie at the Juno opening night reception at the Commodore Ballroom. 

     

    02 – Wearing armoured vests, music super-agents Sam Feldman and Bruce Allen got lots of laughs as they dished out the flak at their Wild West party Friday night.

     

    03 – Bob Rock, left, producer of bands like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Metallica and Motley Crue, gives congrats to Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean on their Juno Hall of Fame award.

     

    04 – Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Red Robinson, left, shares the spotlight with Attorney General Wally Oppal at the Feldman/Allen party.

     

    05 – Corner Gas star and comedian Brent Butt, left, celebrates with Loverboy lead singer, and West Van resident, Mike Reno.

     

    06 – Dave Genn, formerly of the Matthew Good Band and currently of the band 54/40, cuddles with wife Tamara Taggart, who is also CTV’s pretty weather forecaster.

     

     

     


    March 30, 2009 (published April 2, 2009)

     

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Vancouver Waldorf School Festival of the Arts 2009

    The prestigious Vancouver Waldorf school (located in North Vancouver) offers a private education like no other. With emphasis on the arts, the students here get a chance to develop their talents to their full potential – often with amazing results. This past week at Centennial Theatre, friends and family helped celebrate these achievements during their annual Festival of the Arts. Congratulations to everyone involved.

     

    Waldorf School Festival 2009
    Waldorf School Festival 2009

     

    01 – Music/orchestra teacher Robin Streb, left, prepares with Grade 7 violinist Jessica Ahn and cellist Emily Powers. 

    02 – Getting ready for his lead role on stage, Hamish Campbell dons his pig wig with Grade 3 teacher Abegael Fisher-Lang.

    03 – Valhalla bound – Grade 4 students Lauren Ingram, left, Jane Harvey and Sonia Vinogradsky portray the pretty mythical Valkyrie handmaidens.

    04 – Comedian/actor Gary Jones, left, joins school director/parent and Leo Awards film producer Walter Daroshin.

    05 – Grade 6 students Jeremy Fish, left, Diego Balce and Brogan Ho dance in time as Morris dancers.

    06 – The brother and sister duo of Konrad Lasocki and Ola Lasocka stay in tune with things as part of the school orchestra.

    07 – Keeping things in order down on the farm as actors in their French play are Rhiannon Pierce as the rooster and Edward Baik as the donkey.

     


    March 17, 2009 (published March 26, 2009)

     

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Mark Madryga does the Twitterbug

    Do you believe in the power of Twitter. Witness the exchange between Global BC TV morning news anchor Lynn Colliar and Catherine Barr as it yields hilarious results when weatherman Mark Madryga performs a little Irish Jig with the help of Riverdance star Michael Flatley in honour of St. Patrick’s Day 2009. (more…)

  • Women in Film Vancouver and Confessions of a Shopaholic Handbag Event

    It was pure girl power this month for a couple of big reasons. First, the beautiful ladies at Expert Recruiters hosted a private showing of “Confessions of a Shopaholic” at the Scotiabank Theatre to launch their new designer handbag rental venture called “It’s Your Secret”. Next, the Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV) toasted their own during their gala film festival which honoured achievement among their peers. (more…)

  • Dancing with the Stars First Impressions

    Truth is, I really don’t get a chance to watch much television and when I do, I really don’t want to waste my time with so-called “Reality TV”. But being a former dancer (and dance teacher) I’ve got to admit that, after several seasons of changing the channel, “Dancing With the Stars” has actually managed to pull me into their web.

    Tonight’s big premiere episode features a new motley crew of assorted celebrities, athletes and musicians (most of whom still make you do a “who-the-heck-is-that?” before you recognize them). Some can dance – some can’t – but what the heck. Add some fun cover songs and all those sequined costumes and I can’t think of a better show to be on in the background while I sit here writing at the computer. (more…)

  • Vancouver Playhouse Wine Toast

    The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, which officially starts March 23, got an early start last week at two separate events. First, it was a six-course, 17 glass dinner at the Vancouver Club as the Grandi Marchi dinner welcomed delegates and winemakers from Italy. Next, at The Shore Club, it was the official Festival Toast which took place prior to the opening night performance of “Toronto, Mississippi”. Don’t miss the next one – tasting tickets on sale at <playhousewinefest.com>.

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  • West Van Taphouse with Chef Rob Feenie

    The big lighthouse in Park Royal’s Village is shining a light on something new thanks to some funky changes and an innovative menu designed by famed Vancouver chef Rob Feenie. Since taking over the former Steamworks location, the gang at the Cactus Club’s West Van Taphouse has reinvented the space making it unique by offering their 20/20 beer menu, entertainment and more. Last week all was revealed at a special media tasting event that proves this group has tapped into something really great.

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  • V is for Variety – Earls Yaletown Event

    V is for Variety, The Children’s Charity that is. But V is also for Vodka, Vancouver and Va-va-va-voom. At least that’s the way I’d describe the new Earls hotspot in trendy Yaletown. West Vancouver’s Fuller family has done it again by re-inventing style in the upper loft of their newest location. Designed for private parties and a more “upscale” experience, the room is nothing short of spectacular. “Vodka is at the heart of V,” explained general manager Ryan Emmerson who opened the doors with a special fundraiser for the kids earlier this month. (more…)

  • Wear Else Spring Fashions at Park Royal

    It was a Fashionista Wine and Cheese event at Park Royal’s stylish Wear Else boutique shop this month. Fashion reps from Milly and Tracy Reese clothing lines were on hand with glamorous models to show off their wares as gal pals from the North Shore got a chance to sip and sample and shop till they dropped. Bring on spring – we’re dressed and ready to go.

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  • Liberty Wines Taste of BC

    Liberty Wines, who was known for their famous annual oyster festival each January, has got a whole new look. They’ve shucked off the old shell and now are getting rave reviews for their new annual Taste of BC event at the Hyatt hotel. Lots of North Shore faces in the crowd got a chance to sip and sample from a wide range of wineries and dineries and all for a very good cause – BC Children’s Hospital.

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  • Fifty Fabulous Women at Shangri La Hotel

    Vancouver’s newest skyscraper, The Shangri-La Hotel, opened it’s doors to the public last week. The multi- million dollar marvel is sure to wow visitors and locals alike as it attracts big name celebs and chefs to its doorstep. But thanks to socialite Christy King and 50 of her fabulous lady friends, the gals got a chance to see things prior to opening night and to share in a fundraiser that goes to support kids and the United Way. (more…)

  • Virgin Radio Launch at Kits Watermark

    They’ve been called Z95, then Crave radio – but as of this month, when you turn your dial to 95.3 FM, you’ll hear the wild and wonderful sounds of Virgin Radio. Working off the brand made famous by Sir Richard Branson, the staff and management celebrated the launch of their newest image in an all-out, blushing red light / red carpet party at Kitsilano’s Watermark restaurant. Fire dancers on the beach, and some full frontal nudity, made this a night to remember. (more…)

  • Tom Cruise Car Crazy


    Actor Tom Cruise sure knows how to get attention on the talk show circuit. The 46-year old actor, who last made news for jumping on the furniture during his “Oprah” appearance, once again grabbed headlines this week as he gave talk show host Jimmy Kimmel one of the nicest Christmas gifts in town. 

    The gift exchange happened when Cruise, who was appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to talk about the Christmas Day release of his newest film “Valkyrie”, handed over the keys to a fabulous cherry red Cadillac SLR V8 adorned with a big golden bow. A surprised Kimmel then countered by giving Cruise a large tin of popcorn – which got an obvious planned laugh from the audience. (more…)