If you’re wondering why you’re looking at a nude image of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with his “Member of Parliament” in full view, you can thank Canadian artist Margaret Sutherland. Sutherland, who lives in Kingston, Ont., says her “Emperor Haute Couture” is meant as satire and based on another work of art – “Olympia” by Edouard Manet.

Sutherland’s painting depicts the prime minister in a relaxed state, laying back on a lounge and surrounded by an entourage of suits as a presumably hot Tim Hortons beverage is served precariously close to his, ahem, Timbits. A canine companion is seated next to him. CONTINUE READING…

2008 Wolf Blass Shiraz Gold Label, Barossa, Australia

Classic Australian shiraz nose of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Benchmark shiraz. Pair with grilled meats, lamb and Stephen King novels. Drink: 2012-2016.  590273  $28.95  Score: 93/100. 

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks and food pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Practise your bow! Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will be in Canada to partake in Diamond Jubilee festivities from May 20-23. Check out their itinerary according to the Canadian Press below. Note: Dragon boat races have yet to be scheduled.

Sunday:

7:45 p.m. AT — Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive in New Brunswick at Saint John Airport.

Monday:

10:30 a.m. — Arrive at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick to participate in an official arrival ceremony that includes a royal salute, an inspection of the guard of honour, a 21-gun salute and a speech by Prince Charles.

11:05 a.m. — Visit the Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur program at CFB Gagetown where the royal couple meet with military personnel enrolled in the project, which helps them start and grow their own businesses. CONTINUE READING…

The Cannes International Film Festival, which takes place on the French Riviera, was first held in 1946. Fast forward 65 years to today- and it is known as the largest international showcase of cinematic art. It is a momentous occasion for actors, directors and agents alike. Often the Cannes winners transpire as the most talked about films of the year. Yes, the movies are important. But the fashion? Well it just wouldn’t be the same without it. There is something about Cannes that attracts glamour and the glitterati, and the celebs have no qualms about pulling out all the stops when it comes to fashion. With the 2012 festival well underway, we couldn’t think of a better time to take a look at some of the most memorable Cannes dresses of all time. Click through the slideshow, now!

By Brooke Benjamin

At the 1956 fest, Brigitte Bardot gives photogs more than they bargained for when she took this dress for a spin showing off a very cool polka-dot underskirt. CONTINUE READING…

Bridal Shower, BBQ or just having a few friends over this weekend? Try one of these treats from Tenderflake to top off a great meal!

Ingredients:

1 Package Tenderflake® Mini-Tart Shells
2 oz (30 g) Cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50 mL) Smooth peanut butter
1 ½ tbsp (22 mL) Unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ tbsp (22 mL) Packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (125mL) Whipping Cream
1/2 tsp (2 mL) Vanilla
1/3 cup (75mL) Grape jelly or jam
Chocolate shavings

Method:

Prep Time 15 min
Total Time 45 min
Skill Level Basic
Serves 9 (2 tarts each)
Classification Dessert

PREHEAT oven to 375°F (190°C).
PREPARE mini-tart shells as per package directions for unfilled tart shells. Remove from oven, set aside to cool.
BEAT together cream cheese, peanut butter and butter until smooth with a hand mixer in a small bowl, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and mix well.
WHIP cream and vanilla in a separate bowl until firm. Fold into peanut butter mixture.
SPOON jelly or jam in the bottom of cooked and cooled tart shells. Spoon peanut butter mixture on top.
COVER and chill until ready to serve.
SPRINKLE mini-tarts with chocolate shavings before serving.

Serves: 6

Disco diva Donna Summer has succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 63. Although the five-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter got her start in a psychedelic rock band in the ’60s, it was the disco heydays of the ’70s where she hit her stride. In 1975, Love To Love You Baby hit No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and Summer became a regular on discotheque play lists. It was her 1978 hit, Last Dance from the film Thank God It’s Friday, in which Summer starred, that garnered her first Grammy Award and an Academy Award for its writer. Iconic nightclub hits like Hot Stuff and Bad Girls followed, cementing Summer’s star status.  CONTINUE READING…