Calgary-raised actor dies at 89, Saskatchewan film industry “severely” underfunded, and Winnipeg’s new 50-cent coin.
Conrad Bain, Mr. Drummond, dies at 89
Whatchu talking bout Mr. Drummond? A phrase one would hear quite often delivered in classic Gary Coleman sass, during the six-season stint of the family comedy Different Strokes. Conrad Bain, who was originally raised and trained as a classic theatre actor in Calgary, died at 89 on Monday of natural causes in his California home.
Before starting with Different Strokes, Bain worked on the TV show Maude, which aired from 1972-1978, where he acted opposite Bea Arthur, who played the title role.
Different Strokes scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWZgFG1TE0g
Scene from Little Mosque on the Prairie
There has been little lights, cameras, or action since Brad Wall’s government cancelled the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit in March of last year. Now according to a recent study by Nordicity it shows that when it comes to the film and broadcast industry across the prairies, it is “severely” underfunded.
The slump in the industry happened back in 2006 due to the recession. Manitoba and Alberta have been able to turn things around slightly due to an increase in film tax credits, but this, sadly, has not been the case for Saskatchewan. Many production companies who once called Saskatcheway their home have already packed up shop.
Collector coin unveiled at Winnipeg Art Gallery
While the penny is on the way out and may one day be a collector’s item, this 50-cent collector coin was unveiled on Tuesday at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG). The coin is said to be 99.9% gold and is a representation of and honour to Inuit art.
Inspiration for the design of the coin came from the carving Owl Shaman holding Goose. Inuk artist Joannassie Nowkawalk from Inukjuak, Quebec first carved the piece in 1962.
The Winnipeg Art Gallery takes much pride in and celebrates having the largest Inuit art collection in the world. More than 11,000 pieces make up their collection. The gallery is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012-13 and the carving that inspired the coin is part of the WAG’s Inuit Art collection.
The mint plans to produce 10,000 of these 50-cent coins that will be sold for $130 each. The word Canada both appears in English and Inuktitut.
Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2013/01/16/north-inuit-art-coin.html
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Chadd Cawson is an intern at Spectator Tribune. Follow him at: @ChaddCawson
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