It feels like a seismic shift, the death of Ellen Burka on Sept. 12. Yes, she was 95 years old, so she left us eons of spirit, of blunt observations, of tough love, of excellence, of great parties. But it’s a wonder that Miss Ellen lived to 95, especially when she faced death in concentration […]
Toller Cranston
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
About 24 years ago, Freddie Mercury died of AIDS. But he’s far from forgotten. He’s everywhere, even in television commercials for a pet mart. Playing in the background as pug-nosed, bow-legged little dogs chow down on kibbles, is one of Queen’s early hits: “You’re my best friend.” Honestly, Queen is like wallpaper, stuck firmly to […]
Toller memorial fund
A story I wrote for Skate Canada on the gala announcing the Toller Cranston Memorial Fund. It was a happening. http://skatecanada.ca/2015/07/skating-community-celebrates-tollers-artistry/
Tea for Toller
For a decade, Toller Cranston played the strawberry violin. Picasso had his Blue Period. Cranston had his Strawberry Period. Cranston always subscribed to the maxim that “If something is worth doing, it is worth overdoing.” In 1970, he walked into the home of a California coach and his psyche was ignited by her over-the […]