CTV and My Brush with Fame

CTV and My Brush with Fame

So, I’m sitting in the green room of CTV studios in Kitchener waiting to go on. The person ushering me in tells me to take a seat and before leaving points to another guest and says, “And of course you know Alan.” I nod knowingly and look at Alan, who is chatting to another CTV person. As I watch the clock tick, I listen to their discussion and desperately try to figure out where I’ve seen Alan before.

From the overheard conversation I cobble together some facts. He’s the co-author of I Believe, the 2010 Olympic theme song. Great! I read about that in the Globe that morning. I can mention this and look reasonably in the know. As to why he looks familiar? I put that down to his resemblance to Sting.

CTV person leaves, Alan and I chat. He’s very personable although tired from flying all over North America  — LA to record at the 20th Century Studios, New York, Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver — and once the Olympics are over he’s heading back to Afghanistan. He’s not bragging. It’s just his schedule.

With each passing second, I realize Alan is a Big Player. As to why he  looks familiar? He’s the front man for Glass Tiger.

And after 20 minutes of me keeping the focus on I Believe and music, Alan Frew, author of the rock classic Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone, asks me the question I’ve been dreading. “What are you here for?”

I meet a rock star who’s  part of Canadian music history, is building a career for an up-and-coming chanteuse, and entertaining troops in the Middle East. My carefully crafted 30-second, elevator speech goes out the window. My response. “I roasted some vegetables.”

Well played, Charmian.

Anyway, here’s me, Kyle Christie (no relation) and the veggies. I’ll tell you all about the ginger and garlic peeler another day.

31 Comments
  • Tara
    Posted at 09:45h, 08 February

    Hilarious! A great smile on a Monday morning 🙂

  • Lisa MacColl
    Posted at 09:49h, 08 February

    LOL! I was working on research and sent a note to Marci Ien of Canada Am. She called me back unexpectedly and the first thing that I blurted was “I loved your suit this morning…” Yep, that established me as a professional writer doing research.
    It WAS a nice suit though…

  • Dana McCauley
    Posted at 10:16h, 08 February

    Nice work on the show!

    Alan is married to a foodie, did you know that? His wife is Marcy of Marcy’s Croutons and Stuffing. Great stuff.
    .-= Dana McCauley´s last blog ..How to keep your heart healthy =-.

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 10:34h, 08 February

    Hilarious!

    Great segment. I love roast veggies this time of year. Have you tried roasting broccoli? I season it lightly in garlic-infused olive oil, salt and pepper. Delicious!
    .-= Amanda S.´s last blog ..Loblaws Gets Ocean-Friendly =-.

  • Doreen Pendgracs
    Posted at 10:38h, 08 February

    Nice work, Charmian.

    And thanks for the tip about keeping fresh ginger in the freezer! Didn’t know about that, and consequently, have had to throw out ginger that has gone bad. Didn’t know about the handy “micro-plane” tool, either! Will have to get myself one of those …

  • Katerina
    Posted at 13:24h, 08 February

    Humility is a great trait, no need to take it too far.
    .-= Katerina´s last blog ..Ham and Mushroom Lasagne Recipe =-.

  • Cheryl@5secondrule
    Posted at 14:17h, 08 February

    That was some fancy ring the host had! Seriously, you did great.

    And I loved that Glass Tiger song, “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone),” but now I’m going to have it stuck in my head all day.

    Oy.
    .-= Cheryl@5secondrule´s last blog ..Outlier =-.

  • The Diva on a Diet
    Posted at 15:35h, 08 February

    Hilarious, Charmian! Classic! Giggles aside – you were fantastic. They should give you a show of your own – you are so lovely!
    .-= The Diva on a Diet´s last blog ..Spicy Asian Beef Noodle Bowl =-.

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 15:48h, 08 February

    I’m impressed that they have a Green Room for you! But I’ve only been on City TV. Another good appearance.
    .-= Cheryl Arkison´s last blog ..Life in Perspective – Blog Aid:Haiti =-.

  • Kathe Lieber
    Posted at 16:07h, 08 February

    You were great, Charmian!

    Because I am, er, not the most dexterous person (ask Doreen about opening jam jars for me all over Europe), I keep in the fridge at all times a jar of Aki’s Ginger and Garlic Paste. Fresh, easy, and saves on the shredded fingers.

    Did you ask that guy about the “power of you and I”? Harrumph…

  • Maggie
    Posted at 17:04h, 08 February

    Short. Sweet. To the point.

  • Monique
    Posted at 17:29h, 08 February

    Hey..you’re a natural!
    .-= Monique´s last blog ..Soul Food #41~ =-.

  • Hilda
    Posted at 18:13h, 08 February

    What a great story!
    It was the perfect accompaniment to my cup of coffee on a Monday morning.

  • Misao
    Posted at 00:42h, 09 February

    Hey, you look fantastic, Charmian!!! I am very impressed how you natually talk on TV show. You definetely should have your own show.

    I would love to give it a try to your recepi. It is so exctiting that I know someone famous : )

  • Jill
    Posted at 09:46h, 09 February

    @Cheryl@5secondrule, Me too. And now it’s Tuesday, and I’m still singing it.

    Jill

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:36h, 09 February

    Glad it made you smile. I was cringing at the time, but Alan was very kind.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:37h, 09 February

    I’d have likely done the same. Consider it an ice breaker.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:38h, 09 February

    Thanks, Dana. Alan did tell me about his wife’s business and we had a great talk about food — once I manged to regain my composure.

    Is there anything food related you don’t know? I’m very impressed you knew this.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:38h, 09 February

    I’ve never roasted broccoli, but if it’s half as good as roasted cauliflower I’m going to be addicted. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:40h, 09 February

    Doreen, you will love the microplane. I use it for all sorts of things. The only thing I don’t use it for is lemon zest. I prefer my old grater for that one. But my garlic press is history!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:41h, 09 February

    Thanks, Katerina. Fortunately I managed to maintain my composure on air.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:44h, 09 February

    That song has been running through my head ever since I realized who Alan was. I hum the theme song from Hockey Night in Canada to blast out any ear worms. What tricks to you use?

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:45h, 09 February

    You’re most kind, Diva. Not sure I want a show of my own. That would mean I couldn’t work in my pajamas 🙂 But I do enjoy making guest appearances.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:47h, 09 February

    I’ve never been on City TV but you have a live audience there, don’t you? No live audience at this CTV studio. But it was nice to be able to sit in a relaxing atmosphere before going in front of the cameras.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:51h, 09 February

    Kathe, I’ve never tried the jars of mixed ginger and garlic. Very handy sounding.

    You’re right on the grammar front. When you sing along with it, just sing “power of you and ME”. I’m sure it will catch on:-)

    People using “myself” when they mean “me” is one that bugs me. Don’t get me started…

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:52h, 09 February

    Thanks Maggie. Those five minutes fly by and you don’t have time to wander off topic — which in my case is a good thing.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:52h, 09 February

    Thanks, Monique. It was fun.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:53h, 09 February

    Good to know. I’ll have to work harder to get my posts out for the breakfast crowd.

    Thanks for the kind support.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:54h, 09 February

    Hi Misao! Lovely to hear from you. If you do try one of the recipes, let me know how it turns out.

    Hope all’s well with you and your family.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 12:55h, 09 February

    Jill, what is your cure for a song that won’t shut off inside your brain? That tune has been floating in and out for days now. I found myself actively singing it as I drove down the highway yesterday.

  • Sandie Ward
    Posted at 18:57h, 18 October

    Christie….Look at you GO girl….putting it all out there…simple helpful tips for foodie-types to incorporate into their daily routine. You are like “the gal next door”…..nice easy way about you. Stay focused like a “Laser Beam”…I am working on a project/idea for a show surrounding food as well and having a blast! Best of luck and feel free to keep in touch along the way. Engage, Inspire, Indulge. Sandie Ward is THE FOOD STALKER…:)