TGI(nothing)... It's TIFF, hunny.

Note from Esther: Remember when we said we'd be updating the blog more than usual leading up to the Toronto International Film Festival? Psych. We lied. Not on purpose, mind you, but somehow we got buried under a pile of tasks, not to mention the mountain of vitaminwater, John Frieda products, The Socializer by Elizabeth Grant Skin Care and ECCO shoe shine kits that we'll be stuffing into the Essentials Lounge gift bags.

Speaking of which... We can barely wait to see all of the brave reporters that are coming to host location, Ra Sun Spa on September 7th.

Ra Sun Spa, John Frieda, Elizabeth Grant Skin Care,ECCO and vitaminwater are all committed to making your 18 hour work days a little less painful. That, and we're all very into you.

Oh, and guess what? Up until this afternoon, I knew something you didn't know. Now the word is OUT regarding Liberty Entertainment Group's TIFF 2010 line up, and I can come back from the witness protection program. (We get it, these are extemely hot ticket events and frankly, we can't even believe we're allowed in)

Read on..

LIBERTY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP- Toronto International Film Festival 2010
-Celebrating over 10 years of partnership with TIFF

TORONTO, ON- Liberty Entertainment Group is thrilled to announce details surrounding events taking place throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, from September 9, 2010 – September 19, 2010. As proud TIFF partners for over 10 years, Liberty Entertainment Group has not only created innovative programming but has developed and maintained great relationships with the talented production companies and studios, as well as festival sponsors and supporters, which has fuelled the evolution of events year after year.

LIBERTY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP EVENTS:

TIFF 2010 Opening Gala: Thursday September 9, 2010
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex – 25 British Columbia Road

TIFF 2010 Opening Cocktail: Thursday September 9, 2010
Spice Route – 499 King Street West

Nikki Beach Toronto: Thursday September 9th – Saturday September 18th
C Lounge, located at 456 Wellington Street West

ET Canada Festival Central: Sunday September 12– Tuesday September 14
ET Canada Festival Central – 148 Cumberland Street, Toronto

ET Canada Festival Central events include:

Saturday Sept. 11th, 2010 – 9:00pm
will.i.am and ET CANADA present “DIPDIVE NIGHTS” brought to you by Blackberry

Sunday Sept. 12th, 2010 – 9:00pm
“BARNEY’S VERSION” – Entertainment One
Starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Scott Speedman, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver and Rachelle Lefevre.

Monday Sept. 13, 2010
THE SPOTLIGHT AWARDS & OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY

Tuesday Sept. 14, 2010 – 9:00pm
“GOOD NEIGHBOURS” – Alliance Films
Starring Scott Speedman, Emily Hampshire and Jay Baruchel.
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UBISOFT: SO Chic, Le Geek... Ubisoft's Toronto Studio launch is causing a frenzy among even the most fashionable. Who knew you all wanted to wear suspenders and decorated retainers? (I just discovered 'Silly Bands'- so heads up: no copy cats)

International 'It Girl' Peaches Geldof is the special guest DJ for this soiree, and you never know who else will drop in. Managing Director Jade Raymond is poised and ready to welcome guests, VIPs and our beloved media members for an evening of all out nerdery.

Got questions? We might be able to answer them: info@esthergarnickpr.com.

Not a media member but totally feeling like you work hard for the money? E-mail to win an Essentials Lounge gift bag. Skill testing question: what Canadian musician does Esther have the 'fever' for?

Have a great long weekend, for those aren't working. For those who are, it'll all be over soon.

E, J, V.

On your tweets. Get set....

Note from Esther: (GO.) It's been really hard to keep secrets from you. Chomping at the bit and foaming is not a good look for me. Thankfully, I can *finally* share what we've been up to lately, other than shopping at Cupido for baubles and treasures and applying The Socializer non-stop and surfing through the new Smythe collection online. (Seriously. Who does Jesse have to sleep with so that I can get into those jackets?)

Let's tear into it. Here we go...

TIFF 2010:

TIFF 2010- ESSENTIALS LOUNGE FOR MEDIA at RA SUN SPA, September 7th

Not a celebrity but being forced to stalk them for pay? Good for you. While celebrity gifting suites have been a fixture of the Toronto International Film Festival, never before has there been a lounge dedicated to the journalists that work tirelessly to report on festival happenings. We've got you covered,and we're going to fuss over you like it's OUR job.

EGPR and host location Ra Sun Spa are thrilled to announce the first ‘Essentials Lounge’ for Media, taking place September 7th, 2010. The one day event invites media members to come through for aesthetic services courtesy of Ra Sun Spa, hair consultations and styling courtesy of John Frieda® hair care and Canadian Creative Consultant Alain Larivée, The Socializer by Elizabeth Grant Skin Care, footwear-care by ECCO, and hydration via glacéau vitaminwater.

Detailed invitations to be sent out August 26th.



Festival Central - Liberty Entertainment Group
For over 20 years, Liberty Entertainment Group, lead by President and CEO Nick Di Donato, has been redefining Toronto’s special event and nightlife experience. As creators of such landmark establishments as the Liberty Grand, Rosewater, Spice Route, Ciao Wine Bar, C Lounge, Courthouse, Phoenix and Tattoo Rock Parlour to name a few, Liberty Entertainment Group has become recognized as one of the most successful and innovative companies in the industry.

We're on board to make sure you're in, getting the scoop and we'll be announcing their fest-fetes sooner than soon. Stay with us over the next few days. You'll be glad that you did.



ATTN NERDS: (yes, you.) Ubisoft Toronto to host launch party for new studio during Toronto International Film Festival – featuring special guest DJ, Peaches Geldof - September 12

One year after announcing plans to create a new video game development studio in Toronto, internationally renowned video game publisher and developer, Ubisoft, is excited to reveal their new Toronto home, with a ‘revenge of the nerds’themed launch event. The exclusive launch party will feature guest DJ Peaches Geldof, international ‘it girl’ and daughter of Rock & Roll legend Bob Geldof.

This exclusive event promises everything 'geek chic' and all of the inventive creativity that you know and love from Ubisoft. (Don't act like you don't get all up in the video game).

We're going to blogging more that usual in the lead up to the film festival. Feel free to ask us questions, send your feedback and correct my spelling at: info@esthergarnickpr.com

Good Lawd, we're excited!

E, J, V.

No License to Drive : But We're in Sixth Gear

Note from Esther: It's revenge of the zombies in Toronto. Suddenly everyone is rising from the dead, and grabbing their clubs, battering rams and and pitch forks... AKA back to work. July felt like a month long exercise in pulling teeth, and now our heads are spinning. Life imitates video game.

Are you still in the dark (circle zone)about The Socializer? Check out this feature that went up on TheMakeupJunkie.com, and if you do early mornings like the crew of Breakfast Television, trust me - you'll want to enter to win The Socializer gift pack via the BT Toronto website. You'll need that de-puffing, anti-aging and under eye rejuvenating super-product by Elizabeth Grant Skin Care come TIFF, HUNNY.

Let's talk more about TIFF and what we know you're going to need to survive the time of year that PR people, event planners and journalists only pretend to enjoy.

We over here at EGPR are friggen sitting on the edge of our seats, excited to announce 'The Essentials Lounge' for Media - taking place PRE-TIFF to get our journos primped primed and armed with... the essentials. We've got your eyes, eyebrows,hands, shoes, hair and hydration COV-ERED. The all day event will take place at Ra Sun Spa, September 7th.

We've got a lot of ground to cover (on foot, sadly.. read: no license) and not that much time, but we're excited nonetheless.

We'll continue to keep you posted on what we do around here. Have a great week!

E, J, V.

EGPR 5.0

Note From Esther: Amber alert - has anyone seen Kenny Macyntire, marketing specialist for Red Bull? Last seen (in physical form) around 6am in a seedy bar in St. John's NFLD a few months back. Last seen (in electronic form)in the EGPR inbox around 4pm Thursday afternoon. Authorities (aka me) are asking that you report back with tips and clues as to where he might be. We believe he's armed with energy drinks and a twitter account. He is considered even tempered.



A week in review:

We checked in with the crew at Vanguard Apparel and looks like they've got quite a selection of denim, and well, apparel. Upon his suggestion,we googled Fred Naggar, and props to the young fashion impresario who's designed and dished out trend setting apparel for quite some time. Justin Timber-who? We checked out "Robin's Jean" one of the latest lines to climb aboard the S.S. Vanguard. Lets talk more about that next week, yes?

CUPIDO: is hitting a stylish note with the Stylenotebook.com - look out for the next installment of "look at us, we've got what you want, we've got what you need" up on Monday. - Outdoor concert accessories:



Elizabeth Grant Skin Care: Well, in case you missed it, eTalk's Suzie Wall joined the likes of Blake Lively, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Lopez on The Socializer Band-wagon. Check THIS out:



AND, There's socializing and there's reinforcing. It'll be a while now, but in November Canadian Living's Editor Choice is Collagen Re-Inforce Totale Derriere from Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. Funny thing about this magical product - after receiving it in The Socializer Launch gift bag, our marketing gal about town, Kristine Okolita, mistakenly put it on her face for a week, prompting us to call her "Ass face" forever more. 'Total Derriere' - girlfriend, seriously?



Lastly, good Lawd we spend a lot of time in meetings. Essentials at Ra Sun Spa news on the horizon.. so close that we can almost drink it..

Looking at our Michael Kors and ToyWatches (Cupido's got us covered) tells us its time for a long weekend.

Enjoy the calm before the storm. We plan to.

E, J, V

Farewell Cruicks

Note from Esther: I hate The Grateful Dead - I especially hate the lyric: 'what a looong strange trip it's been'. I hate *myself* for having that in my head as I type this note. I regretfully didn't make it fo Jessi Cruickshank's farewell party last Friday, which I'm disappointed in myself for. "Farewell party??" you ask? It's true: Our favourite ginger snap is moving to LA and fondly bidding the MTV Canada family adieu.

I couldn't be happier for her. I've mentioned the early days of 'The After Show' on this blog before and the memories are about 4 years and ten miles long, but my ultimate favourite Jessi and Esther moment took place off air. I was spilling highly inappropriate trouser tales of a then flame, to Lucky Bromhead (Makeup Artist - artist = understatement) in the make up room, when Jessi stopped dead in her tracks: "Um, Esther... ____ is MY COUSIN."... I ran into a closet for 60 Mississippi's before coming out.

Bon Voyage Jessi. Even though we're sad to see you go, we knew we couldn't keep you forever.



Blame it on the Rain... Or Ame (in Japanese) that I didn't make it to the send-off soiree. The dining affair to remember was so delicious and included a complimentary Champagne pairing. Thank you for making me feel cool Ame.

I think that I'll stop talking now because we've got a boat load 'a-brewing' and I'm superstitious (even though my crew thinks I'm NUTS).

Speaking of NUTS, my Zaidspiration turned 90 yesterday, and even though he has no access to, or interest in the internet, I thought I'd wish him the happiest birthday ever.

I'll see you back here on Friday. Have a fab week!

E, J, V

We Want You To 'Like' Us

Note From Esther: While this blog is *never* a place to air grievances, I want to send our best wishes to Michael Ain, who was a key marketing team member for Pride Toronto. It was reported this week that massive lay-offs waved through as a result of this year's political bullshit, cutting sponsorship by an estimated 250K. Unfortunately, Michael was one of the many that were let go, and I can't help but say 'give. me. a break.' to Tracey Sandilands, Pride Toronto Executive Director, who in a statement announced the lay offs saying, "We do hope they will all remain part of the Pride Toronto family on a volunteer basis for the foreseeable future." Beat it Tracey...

Thank You Michael Ain for making Gay Christmas extra festive for EGPR this year. Your incredibly hard work did not go unnoticed.

On to better news:

We're excited to read Elizabeth Grant, My Life: My Story, a memoir of the woman who created a skin care and cosmetic dynasty on her back and has transcended generations. We'll be planning the book launch with the remarkable Elizabeth Grant team, April Jackson and Margot Grant, come fall. Our creative wheels are already turning.

With all the positive buzz that Elizabeth Grant Skin Care's The Socializer keeps getting, we're thrilled to be on board. EG + EG = love.

Cupido: When it comes to first ladies of fashion, Michelle Obama is definitely a trend setter. First with her sensational sleevlessness causing us all (especially us, around here) to outsource some help with our floppity arms. AND, what's a good set of arms without great accessories to adorn them? The lady Obama has been sporting ToyWatch from the Neon Collection, and guess who's got them? Our guys at Cupido. Look for that write up on thestylenotebook.com come Monday.



Ra Sun Spa: Well, we've been hinting for weeks, and we're *this close* to spilling our guts,however we can announce that Ra Sun Spa will be the host Spa location for a special media event, encouraging our hard working journo's to come in and get their essentials in order before the TIFF storm hits. You'll have to wait for our announcement of just what that entails, but we promise you'll leave primped, primed, and armed with a survival kit for the grueling schedule ahead.

OH, and thanks to Jesse AND Vanessa "V-Base" Bower, we're on Facebook: - we're not above saying that we want you to like us. We really like you, so if you're into us too, give us a 'like.'

Sidebar: Congrats MTV for the Hills After Show Finale in LA.

We close this post with the accoustic version of 'Unwritten'

Have a fantastic weekend.

E, J, V & Jonah

Single Black Tear

Note from Esther: Who saw that coming? With a genuinely tearful goodbye to the After Show still on the brain, it really is hard to believe that four years have passed since we first huddled around a monitor on the floor and drank some alcoholic swill (later replaced by Vitamin Water, due to loose lips and flavourful language on live broadcast).



Rumour has it that there are big changes ahead for MTV, and we're really excited to wish everyone at the MTV family the absolute best. It also seems that our favourite baldie and genius producer Garrett Wintrip has broken the syndication seel yet again, first with the After Show and *now* with 1 girl, 5 gays. Apparently not too taboo for our fat cousin, the U.S. of A. Way to go Garrett!

Also, a congrats in order to the Brill Communications crew for executing a FRENCH RENDEZ VOUS by Lingerie Francaise. The show and the room that housed it were hotter than Hades.



Even hotter (if possible) was chatting with the Globe and Mail's Laura Serra at the show. Guess who likes The Socializer? She does. Can't wait to read about it!

Shedoesthe...Socializer! Jen Mcneely features The Socializer today as well.

Cupido: Exclusively carried brands were sent in style to Julia McEwen at Canadian Living / Homemakers Magazine. Annnd we're IN for the October issue. (fist pumping like I've got a bump-it in my hair).

Hard to believe, but we're already talking TIFF. Ra Sun Spa will be hosting a pretty sweet day of pampering for our hard working journo's at large, to get them primed for the fest. We'll be announcing all the details in the weeks to come, and we KNOW you're gonna dig this....

FINALLY- We never thought we'd say this, but AMEN to the rain that broke the heat wave. There is some downright crazy hair up in here from the humidy this past week. Even Jonah is rolling with a J-fro.

We hope that you and your hair have a great weekend!

E, J, V & Jonah