November 10th, 2011
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I Have A Little Sugar by Lalita Krishna
Diabetes has been called the Silent Killer of the 21st century. Are some ethnic groups predisposed to this condition? This moving personal documentary takes us on a journey through the lives of four people who come to terms with their condition.
John, distanced himself from his Aboriginal roots in his 20s, and ignored his diabetes until it gnawed away at his body parts. Siva was diagnosed with Type 1 later in her life. After she got over the shock she turns it into an opportunity and becomes a volunteer educator. More »
While his friends were looking forward to getting a driving license, Julian was learning how to use an insulin pen. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12, Julian feels it cut off his wings. Williana is newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She fears the worst and finds it hard to deal with her condition given her challenges with lack of employment.
This riveting documentary uses these personal stories to explore the hard facts surrounding the “Sugar Disease” and presents some controversial research findings.
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Gordon Paynter Comedian/Discussion Moderator
Blindness is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Gord Paynter is a stand-up comic and he is different. Losing his eyesight in his early twenties as a result of diabetes, Gord thought his lifelong dream of becoming a comedian was gone forever. In truth, blindness opened his eyes to a whole new world of opportunity, humour and motivation. More »
It all began on amateur night at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. Gord’s unique style of comedy surprised the audience and triggered fits of laughter. Laughter that sparked the rediscovery of his dream. Today, Gord tours throughout North America performing as both a stand-up comic and a motivational speaker.
When not touring, Gord splits his time equally between his wife Catherine and the golf course. (Maybe not equally…) In 1999 he made international headlines when he struck a 184 yard hole-in-one at North-Ridge golf course in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario. And what did he shoot for that round? Six thousand and four.
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Lalita Krishna Director of I Have A Little Sugar
Lalita Krishna is a Toronto based filmmaker whose work has been broadcast nationally on all major networks, and featured at film festivals around the world. She specializes in documentaries about children and teens making a difference in the world. Lalita’s films span a broad spectrum of subjects, from the “extraordinary” (like Ryan Hreljac, a 6 year-old boy determined to raise money to build a well in Uganda in Ryan’s Well) to the “extreme” (a portrait of pro-wrestler Tiger Jeet Singh who is a cult figure in Japan). Lalita’s films have won many awards and are used extensively in schools. More »
She has been awarded the DreamCatcher Award for using her craft to better humanity. Lalita is the Co-chair of DOC Toronto and sits on the Board of Hot Docs, North America’s premier documentary festival. Lalita is the recipient of the Reel World 2010 Trailblazer award.
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Two Men From EarthMusical Concert
Back by Popular Demand! Two Men From Earth—the band the enraptured our October audience with their special tribute to Phil Ochs is back again this November doing a special hour-long concert in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Two Men From Earth will joined again by the Paul Armstrong on the drums.
Two Men From Earth are John Dickie (vocals/guitar/mandolin/harmonica) and Steve Hunter (piano/vocals). In 2009 they released a roots CD called “Walking To New Orleans;” unique takes on blues & boogie standards such as “Careless Love” and “It’ll Be Me,” a rockin’ Jerry Lee Lewis tune. More »
Usually playing as a duo, now and again they add a drummer, Paul Armstrong, to give the groove an extra ‘kick.’ Between them, they have worked with international stars The Neville Brothers, James Cotton and Etta James; locally with Jeff Healey, Sylvia Tyson, Willie P Bennett, Mondo Combo, The Cameo Blues Band and Jack DeKeyser.
Steve Hunter has been playing professionally since 1977; John Dickie since 1965, and he also worked in radio for 17years Q-107 & CFRB. John and Steve’s knowledge of music is impressive, ranging from folk to blues/R&B and everything in between.