Michelle Villagracia | Digital Producer

Author: Michelle V

  • The Story Behind Rice On My Socks

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    Michelle V
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    I’ve been toying with telling this story for several years and through those years, it went through different iterations. At one point it was going to be a poem, at another a short story. Once upon a time, it took the shape of a personal essay and then back to being a poem. From there,…

  • How this episode of Schitt’s Creek changed my life

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    Michelle V
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    Whether it’s pure escapism, a convenient time-waster, or a welcomed distraction, television means something different to everyone. But sometimes the narrative can resonate a little deeper and speak our truth in a way that was hard to express before and you just needed to see it play out on screen in order to exclaim, “Yes!…

  • Service, Trust & Empathy: My Leadership Philosophy (v. 2020)

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    Michelle V
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    Leaders serve their team; not the other way around Sometimes the word “leadership” is misleading. To lead comes the assumption that you have all the answers; that you’ve peaked and have nothing else to learn. But what you’re actually doing as a leader is signing up to serve. You serve as a resource for knowledge…

  • Anne with a Passport: How a PEI icon travelled the globe

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    Michelle V
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    Anne Shirley, a character of infinite imagination and compassion, emerged in the early 20th century and made a name for Canadian writer L.M. Montgomery. Her first novel, Anne of Green Gables, was a homegrown gem that spelled success for Montgomery throughout her lifetime, inspiring multiple sequels, spin-offs and adaptations. The latest iteration of Montgomery’s beloved tale…

  • A History of the Easy-Bake Oven

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    Michelle V
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    Baking a cake using the heat of a 100-watt incandescent light bulb with no parent giving me permission to lick the mixing spoon was empowering, even though I didn’t know what empowerment meant at the time. It was 1988 when I first got my Easy-Bake; a gift surprisingly not from my parents but from my…

  • Q&A with Ming-Na Wen

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    Michelle V
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    The last time we saw our plucky Agents they were facing some changes among their team. Ming-Na Wen, who plays the tough-as-nails Agent Melinda May, was in Toronto to discuss the return of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and how these characters will have to adapt their new realities. CTV.ca: First half of the season, Agent…

  • The stars of ‘Gotham’ discover there’s more to explore with these legacy characters

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    Michelle V
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    Ben McKenzie is taking on a role that has been depicted by the likes of Gary Oldman, Pat Hingle, Bob Hastings, and Neil Hamilton, not to mention written about by various writers since 1939. He admits he was a little anxious as he researched the character asking for source material from Geoff Johns, the Chief…

  • ‘The Flash’ speeds onto CTV with heart, humour, and heroes

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    Michelle V
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    It’s no secret that comic book movies and TV shows have been dominating our culture these last few years. It takes more than just a suit and a super ability to make your mark in the comic book movie/TV genre and the stars of the new CTV series “The Flash” are confident that their show…

  • ‘Gotham’ tells human side of super hero story, says series’ stars

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    Michelle V
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    For 75 years, Batman has been an iconic figure in pop culture. The new CTV series “Gotham” opens the door to the city before the Dark Knight donned the cape and gadgets, where the super villains we’re familiar with evolved from damaged lost souls, and where a young detective named Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) began…

  • An Ode To The Thunder Bay Persian Roll: The Sweetest Taste Of Home

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    Michelle V
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    When I went to school as a young girl in Thunder Bay, I remember clutching a loonie in my hand every Wednesday as I made my way down to the gymnateria for Persian Day, hoping to beat the rush for this sweet treat, a sweet cinnamon-bun/donut-like confection with pastel pink icing. Then as I climbed…