| Subject: Toronto Timeline: Who will become Miss Universe Canada? |
Author:
 Tommy
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 07:00:43 04/22/08 Tue
Posted: April 21, 2008, 9:14 PM by Barry Hertz
Arts, Timeline
National Post
Photo of Miss Universe hopeful Sahar Biniaz by Nathan Denette for National Post
As summer nears, so does the time when a panel of judges will be asked to select an attractive girl to represent Canada in the battle of cosmic supremacy known as the Miss Universe Pageant. Fifty-nine would-be Miss Universe Canadas have gathered in Toronto ahead of this weekend's pageant, and met with media at the Rosewater Supper Club yesterday afternoon.
The Post's Matthew Coutts attended, merely out of curiosity:
3:30 p.m. Rosewater's second-floor hall is nearly empty, save the fancy bottles of water and strawberries dipped in chocolate. The contestants are AWOL and so is the media, save for a Russian TV crew and a couple of photographers.
3:36 The cadre of Miss Canada hopefuls arrives, quizzically asking if they are in the right place. Soon, the tables are filled with girls dressed in cocktail dresses and designer jeans. One gown is complete with a sequined Canadian flag, either a fashion statement or a bold pledge of allegiance.
3:43 An organizer says feminist groups still have issues, but it takes more than beauty to win Miss Universe Canada. Elegance and intellect, he says. "Paris, Britney. We're the anti-that."
3:47 A brief scan through the delegate bios suggests a truth to that. There are engineering and finance students, pre-meds and multi-linguists. The number of would-be journalists also indicates a high-level of intellect.
3:51 Reasons to want the crown vary from raising awareness on a number of issues, having the freedom to travel or the ability to improve animal cruelty laws. Sharon from Toronto says her "cheesy pageant answer" is that she wants to be a role model for young women.
4:03 Reality TV has led me astray. Catfights are not as common as suggested. "You're so worried that your roommate is going to cut your dress, but it's not like that," says Jessica from Winnipeg.
4:06 I find a rare contestant who says she doesn't care if she wins. I also find a contestant who admits that looks do matter in selecting a winner.
4:12 Contestants are most concerned about the pageant's question round and freezing up when the spotlight hits them. I assure them it's not hard to speak eloquently on cue, before stuttering through a question on what it takes to win the pageant.
4:40 As the event wraps up, the organizer tells the girls the evening's schedule includes a limo ride, shopping and a choice of elegant restaurants. How similar to how my Monday night of subway rides, telling a homeless guy I don't have any change and a choice between KFC or leftovers.
4:53 The organizer, after boasting about having the whole country represented in the pageant, proudly states "oh sure," to having a Manitoban in the ranks. After a similar question about the East Coast, she silently spins through her notes.
4:56 As the girls prepare to leave, the waiter sheepishly has a photo snapped with a group of contestants. Outside, storekeepers and pedestrians pause in unison as the party floods on to the street and into a white stretch limousine.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 