Throughout my, not-so-short, lifetime, I have always endured brushes with fame and celebity—Carol Pope (Rough Trade), Geddy Lee (Rush), Katherine O'hara (SCTV), Cloris Leachman (Mary Tyler Moore Show), Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Bruce Cockburn, Brian Orser, and Katarina Witt, to name a few. Marilyn Dennis, star of Toronto's "CITYline" television show, attended my aerobics classes on a regular basis and Ann Rohmer of Toronto's "Breakfast Television" has called me personally to chat on the phone. Even Brian Gluckstein, celebrity interior designer of CITY-TV fame—who appears in the photo to the left—is someone I am proud to call "friend". So, am I becoming blasé about celebrity? You tell me!

Celine Dion

In the Fall of 1993 I was invited by a friend to attend a taping of the "Shirley" show where Celine Dion was to promote her newly released CD, "The Colour of My Love". Armed with a bouquet of flowers, I entered the studio and announced to the stage manager that the flowers I carried were intended for Ms. Dion and I should like the opportunity to present them to her. To my complete surprise, I was summoned upon during one segment to inquire as to Celine's interest in my offer of personal training services (she simply responded with some muscle poses) and to meet her on stage to present my bouquet and receive kisses from one of the world's biggest stars!

As my friends will attest, the ritual for anyone visiting my residence for the first time, is to watch this segment of the Shirley show featuring me and Celine. No pictures to show here as proof, but I do have the video if you would like to come over and see it sometime!

I now move in the circle of international-calibre superstars. Read on and you will see what I mean...

Rosie O'Donnell

Well it actually happened!!! I can now say I have met Rosie O'Donnell in the flesh. On Thursday, October 23, 1997, I went to a taping of her show in New York City. Making an appearance on the program that day were guests Ethan Hawke, Annie Potts and Salt 'n Pepa...oh, and David Evangelista—hairdresser extraordinaire—made a special appearance too!

It was truly exciting to be at an actual taping of the show. Afterwards, I hung around in the hope of pressing the flesh with Ms. O'Donnell. Needless to say my efforts were rewarded. I had brought along some gifts from "The Great White North"—namely a six pack of Upper Canada Lager and a stuffed beaver—dressed as a mountie—for her son, Parker. While engaged in conversation with someone else, she glanced my way, spotted the beer and summoned me over. I had a brief conversation with the "Queen of Nice", presented her with my wares and then floated out of the studio forever changed!

Learning from my experience with Celine, this time I was clever enough to have included a note with my return address. Less than one week after the show, I received a personalized thank you letter from Rosie herself!

Sarah, The Duchess of York

Is there anything better than royalty? If only it had been Diana, could it have been any sweeter...

My meeting with Sarah, Duchess of York, isn't really that extraordinary. "Fergie" was in town to open the new Chapters Bookstore on Bloor Street West. I lined up for two hours to meet her and have her autograph a copy of her biography. Although her scheduled appearance went way over time, the Duchess was extremely gracious and assured her handlers that she would remain and sign copies for everyone who had been waiting to see her.

When my time finally arrived to greet Sarah, I was struck by how stunning she looks in person. The memory is now just a blur, so I don't really recall what was discussed—I tend to become totally starstruck in these situations. Again, I have no photos to show as proof, however I do have an autographed copy of "My Story" that should settle any arguments.

Alanis Morrisette

During my tenure at the Bank of Montreal, mbanx was the sponsor of the Alanis Morrisette—Canadian "Thank You" tour. My good friend and co-worker, Mhairi, won an employee contest to attend Alanis' Toronto show and the opportunity to meet Ms. Morrisette in person. Guess who she chose to take along as her guest?

Our limo picked us up at the office and whisked us down to the Air Canada Centre where we attended a private mbanx reception where Alanis was to appear and present a cheque to the charitable beneficiaries of her concert. Upon her arrival Mhairi and I were introduced to Alanis and we enjoyed this opportunity for a brief chat. Alanis graciously autographed T-shirts and publicity photos for us. Pictured at left (from left to right) is Alanis, Marnie Kinsley (Chief Operating Officer, mbanx), Mhairi and me.

We soon headed down to the concert floor to take our 5th row seats for the concert...incredible to be that close to the stage. Concert was fab! Thank you India. Thank you Mhairi. Thank you Alanis.

Anne Murray

Thursday, December 23rd, 1999 was the day! The original Canadian international superstar and me...our paths finally crossed!

While earning some extra Christmas cash at the EMI Records Christmas party, I was thrilled to discover that, none other than Anne Murray, herself, was making an appearance to accept a platinum award for her latest CD, "What a Wonderful World". EMI also presented her with a platinum golf cart in honour of her 30 years with the record label.

Whilst admiring her latest acquisition, I was able to capture a moment alone with Canada's "Snowbird" and express my admiration for her. I communicated to her that I had previously held court with Alanis and Celine, and that meeting her was an absolute thrill for me. I also told Anne that I had just—the day before—purchased her new CD. She responded in typical comedic Anne Murray style, "Great...there's another one!"

Roch Voisine

Tuesday, November 5th, 2002...I'll remember it well! The best looking man in Canadian music history performed a lunch-time concert outside the HMV at First Canadian Place, just blocks from my office. Promoting his forthcoming English album entitled Higher, Roch Voisine performed 3 new songs from the album and 3 oldies-but-goodies.

Immediately following the performance Roch signed autographs for his adoring fans. It was here I found myself being one of the few men waiting in line. Surrounded by throngs of female fans, I patiently waited for my encounter with French Canada's favourite son. Some 12-13 years after first drooling over him on Musique Plus (French Canada's answer to MuchMusic), I finally had my first (and hopefully, not last) close-up encounter with Monsieur Voisine. It was definitely worth the wait and I believe I managed not to make a complete fool of myself as I chatted briefly with the man who David Foster once called, the next big superstar from Canada! Autograph in hand, I made my way back to work, all the while, basking in the afterglow...and, I am happy to report, that I still am!

I am now—desperately—seeking Shania to help complete my pathetic little life...

The Canadian Idols

From coast to coast to coast they came...15,000 strong! At a live taping of the #1 rated program in Canada, I moved in on some of the Top 8 Canadian Idol finalists! Tyler Hamilton, Jenny Gear (a.k.a. Jenny from the Rock), Gary Beals, Ryan Malcolm and Audrey de Montigny got their chance TO MEET ME and now have the distinction of appearing on my "Celebrities" page. My apologies to all the little 10-year-old girls that I may have trampled in the process :)

Here's my prediction for the Top 3 as of August 11, 2003:

1. Toya Alexis
2. Audrey de Montigny
3. Ryan Malcolm

Tune in to Canadian Idol on CTV to see if my predictions come true!
Mondays (Performance Show) 8pm, Tuesdays (Results Show) 7:30pm

Ricky Martin

Just kidding...but, can't a boy dream?